35-3 Deuteronomy CH 27-34

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DEUTERONOMY 27-34 (TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING)

BY
DR OHN C M!EWAN
"BOO# 3$-3%
R&'()&* +,- 2.//

WHO IS ESUS CHRIST0 Professor Simon Greenleaf was one of the most eminent lawyers of all time. His Laws of Evidence for many years were accepted by all States in the United States as the standard methodology for eval ating cases. He was teaching Law at a niversity in the United States when one of his st dents as!ed Professor Greenleaf if he wo ld apply his Laws of Evidence to eval ate an historical fig re. "hen Greenleaf agreed to the pro#ect he as!ed the st dent who was to be the s b#ect of the review. $he st dent replied that the person to be e%amined wo ld be &es s 'hrist. Professor Greenleaf agreed to nderta!e the e%amination of &es s 'hrist and as a res lt( when he had finished the review( Simon Greenleaf personally accepted the Lord &es s 'hrist as his Savio r. Professor Greenleaf then sent an open letter to all # rists in the United States saying in part ) personally have investigated one called &es s 'hrist. ) have fo nd the evidence concerning him to be historically acc rate. ) have also discovered that &es s 'hrist is more than a h man being( he is either God or nothing and having e%amined the evidence it is impossible to concl de other than he is God. Having concl ded that he is God ) have accepted him as my personal Savio r. ) rge all members of the legal profession to se the Laws of Evidence to investigate the person of the Lord &es s 'hrist and if yo find that he is wrong e%pose him as a fa!er b t if not consider him as yo r Savio r and Lord. HOW CAN I BE SAVED0 S1,'12(34 () 1'1(,15,& 637 1,, 8&85&7) 36 29& 9+814 71!&: Salvation is the most important nderta!ing in all of God*s niverse. $he salvation of sinners is never on the basis of God*s merely passing over or closing His eyes to sin. God saves sinners on a completely righteo s basis consistent with the divine holiness of His character. $his is called grace. )t relies on God so man cannot wor! for salvation neither can he deserve it. "e need to realise that the creation of this vast nmeas red niverse was far less an nderta!ing than the wor!ing o t of God*s plan to save sinners. However the acceptance of God*s salvation by the sinner is the most simple thing in all of life. +ne need not be rich( nor wise( nor ed cated. ,ge is no barrier nor the colo r of one*s s!in. $he reception of the enormo s benefits of God*s redemption is based pon the simplest of terms so that there is no one in all this wide niverse who need be t rned away. H3; *3 I 5&!38& 1 C97()2(140 $here is b t one simple step divided into three parts. -irst of all ) have to recognise that ) am a sinner ./omans 01203 41203 E5e!iel 67183 &ohn 9128:. Secondly( realising that if ) want a relationship with ,lmighty God who is perfect( and recognising that ) am not perfect( ) need to loo! to the Lord &es s 'hrist as the only Savio r .6 'orinthians 69103 6 Peter 21283 lsaiah 90143 &ohn 0164:. $hirdly( by the e%ercise of my free will ) personally receive the Lord &es s 'hrist as my Savio r( believing that He died personally for me and that He is what He claims to be in an individ al( personal and living way .&ohn 61623 01043 ,cts 641063 8162:. T9& 7&)+,2) 36 S1,'12(34 $he res lts of this are nbelievably wonderf l1 ;y sins are ta!en away .&ohn 612<:( ) possess eternal life now .6 &ohn 9166(62:( ) become a new creat re in 'hrist .2 'orinthians 916=:( $he Holy Spirit ta!es p His residence in my life .6 'orinthians 416<:( ,nd ) will never perish .&ohn 6>127?0>:. $his tr thf lly is life*s greatest transaction. $his is the goal of all people3 this is the ltimate of o r e%istence. "e invite and e%hort any reader who has not become a 'hristian by tr sting in the Lord &es s 'hrist to follow these simple instr ctions and be born again eternally into God*s family .;atthew 661273 &ohn 61623 ,cts 81623 64106:. < E'14=&,(!1, B(5,& C3,,&=& 36 W&)2&74 A+)271,(1 2..4 ? P+ @o% 640 ,rmadale "estern , stralia 4<<2 ;any other 'hristian reso rces are available freely from o r internet web site1 www.ebcwa.org.a www.newstartbibleministries.org.a for wee!ly messages. and
-or f rther information contact Ar Peter ;oses at P+ @o% 640 ,rmadale ", 4<<2 or email @rian H ggett brianh ggettBbigpond.com.a
DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

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CHAPTER 27
INTRODUCTION "e begin the final sections of the boo! with this chapter. $his chapter before s is the introd ction to the section that deals with the blessings and c rsing that ;oses wants them to read alo d as a nation. He wants them to do this well after his own death( once they stand in the land itself. )t is the faith of ;oses that is e%pressed in the things we read here. He believed that they wo ld win the land and he wanted them to stand in it and affirm the tr th that he records here and in the ne%t chapters. He wanted them to dramatically affirm the Law alo d when they arrived in the land and call pon themselves twelve great c rses if they disobey the commands of the Lord. $his first section( recorded here( is a s mmary of the blessings and c rses that will be e%panded in s bseG ent chapters .27?0>:. He reG ests them to stand pon two mo ntains and sho t alo d their amen to each of these twelve s mmary c rses( as the Levites read them alo d. $he f ller blessings and c rses teaching will also be read alo d by the two gro ps and the Levites. )t will be a final reinforcement of the doctrinal tr ths behind the forty years of ;oses teaching ministry. P,/$ 0 @lessing and ' rses for obedience or disobedience 'hapters 2= 'hapters 27?0> P,/$ 8 )ntrod ction H the eleven c rses. $he f t re blessing and # dgment of the nation foretold.
;oses farewell and death.
'hapters 06 H 00 ;oses last will and testament .his heartIs desire: for the nation he loved and served so faithf lly for so many years. His final blessing pon them is given. 'hapter 08 ;oses death and &osh a ta!es over the leadership. DEUTERONOMY 27>/-2? 27>/ A4* M3)&) ;(29 29& &,*&7) 36 I)71&, !38814*&* 29& @&3@,&A )1-(4=A #&&@ 1,, 29& !38814*8&42) ;9(!9 I !38814* -3+ 29() *1-: 2 A4* (2 )91,, 5& 34 29& *1- ;9&4 -& )91,, @1)) 3'&7 37*14 +423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29& LORD 29- G3* =('&29 29&&A 2912 293+ )91,2 )&2 29&& +@ =7&12 )234&)A 14* @,1()2&7 29&8 ;(29 @,1()2&7> 3 A4* 293+ )91,2 ;7(2& +@34 29&8 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1;A ;9&4 293+ 172 @1))&* 3'&7A 2912 293+ 81-&)2 =3 (4 +423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29& LORD 29- G3* =('&29 29&&A 1 ,14* 2912 6,3;&29 ;(29 8(,B 14* 934&-C 1) 29& LORD G3* 36 29- 6129&7) 9129 @738()&* 29&&: 4 T9&7&637& (2 )91,, 5& ;9&4 -& 5& =34& 3'&7 37*14A 2912 -& )91,, )&2 +@ 29&)& )234&)A ;9(!9 I !38814* -3+ 29() *1-A (4 83+42 E51,A 14* 293+ )91,2 @,1()2&7 29&8 ;(29 @,1()2&7: $ A4* 29&7& )91,2 293+ 5+(,* 14 1,217 +423 29& LORD 29- G3*A 14 1,217 36 )234&)> 293+ )91,2 432 ,(62 +@ 14- (734 233, +@34 29&8: ? T93+ )91,2 5+(,* 29& 1,217 36 29& LORD 29- G3* 36 ;93,& )234&)> 14* 293+ )91,2 366&7 5+742 366&7(4=) 29&7&34 +423 29& LORD 29- G3*> 7 A4* 293+ )91,2 366&7 @&1!& 366&7(4=)A 14* )91,2 &12 29&7&A 14* 7&D3(!& 5&637& 29& LORD 29G3*: E A4* 293+ )91,2 ;7(2& +@34 29& )234&) 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1; '&7- @,1(4,-: F A4* M3)&) 14* 29& @7(&)2) 29& L&'(2&) )@1B& +423 1,, I)71&,A )1-(4=A T1B& 9&&*A 14* 9&17B&4A O I)71&,C 29() *1- 293+ 172 5&!38& 29& @&3@,& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*: /. T93+ )91,2 29&7&637& 35&- 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A 14* *3 9() !38814*8&42) 14* 9() )212+2&)A ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-: // A4* M3)&) !917=&* 29& @&3@,& 29& )18& *1-A )1-(4=A /2 T9&)& )91,, )214* +@34 83+42 G&7(G(8 23 5,&)) 29& @&3@,&A ;9&4 -& 17& !38& 3'&7 37*14C S(8&34A 14* L&'(A 14* +*19A 14* I))1!917A 14* 3)&@9A 14* B&4D18(4> /3 A4* 29&)& )91,, )214* +@34 83+42 E51, 23 !+7)&C R&+5&4A G1*A 14* A)9&7A 14* H&5+,+4A D14A 14* N1@921,(: /4 A4* 29& L&'(2&) )91,, )@&1BA 14* )1- +423 1,, 29& 8&4 36 I)71&, ;(29 1 ,3+* '3(!&A /$ C+7)&* 5& 29& 814 2912 81B&29 14- =71'&4 37 83,2&4 (81=&A 14 1538(412(34 +423 29& LORDA 29& ;37B 36 29& 914*) 36 29& !7162)814A 14* @+22&29 (2 (4 1 )&!7&2 @,1!&: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, 14);&7 14* )1-A A8&4: /? C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 )&22&29 ,(=92 5- 9() 6129&7 37 9() 8329&7: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: /7 C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 7&83'&29 9() 4&(=953+7') ,14*817B: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: /E C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 81B&29 29& 5,(4* 23 ;14*&7 3+2 36 29& ;1-: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: /F C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 @&7'&72&29 29& D+*=8&42 36 29& )2714=&7A 6129&7,&))A 14* ;(*3;: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 2. C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 ,(&29 ;(29 9() 6129&7') ;(6&C 5&!1+)& 9& +4!3'&7&29 9() 6129&7') )B(72: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 2/ C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 ,(&29 ;(29 14- 8144&7 36 5&1)2: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 22 C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 ,(&29 ;(29 9() )()2&7A 29& *1+=92&7 36 9() 6129&7A 37 29& *1+=92&7 36 9() 8329&7: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 23 C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 ,(&29 ;(29 9() 8329&7 (4 ,1;: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 24 C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 )8(2&29 9() 4&(=953+7 )&!7&2,-: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 2$ C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 21B&29 7&;17* 23 ),1- 14 (443!&42 @&7)34: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: 2? C+7)&* 5& 9& 2912 !346(78&29 432 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1; 23 *3 29&8: A4* 1,, 29& @&3@,& )91,, )1-A A8&4: REFLECTIONS

V&7)&) / 3: ;oses stands with the leadership of the nation to affirm these tr ths here before s3 both national # dges and tribal leaders. ;ilitary( & dicial and Pastoral leaders are all involved( for all m st centre their own lives and wor! in these principles. ;oses will distil the doctrines he has re?covered here in Ae teronomy into simple principles that will s m p the righteo s demands of the Lord for His people. $he f t re leadership m st stand with ;oses and bind themselves by their presence beside him to the principles he will spea! alo d here as the s mmary of the heart of the Law. )f they are not bo nd to the Law( they will be bo nd to the conseG ences of disobedience. $he great speech that is the content of Ae teronomy so far( was apparently given in one day to the People of )srael. ;oses reminds them again here at the end of the day of the solemn obligation they have to hear( believe and obey all that he has said to them. $hey m st tribally( and individ ally( commit themselves to obedience. $heir leaders( by standing with ;oses as he spea!s( are binding themselves to lead in obedience to the words of God thro gh him. $his is the pict re of biblical leadership that reminds s of GodIs demands pon s all. "e are to bind o rselves together as spirit al leaders( and commit o rselves to complete obedience to the holy demands of the Lord o r God. +nly then can we lead o r people in obedience. Philippians 0160?6=. $he memorial pillar pon which the $en "ords are written will stand as a reminder to the people for many generations of their need to be obedient to the revealed "ord of God. &osh a will erect these stones in obedience to ;oses words after the defeat of the !ing of ,i. &osh a 710>?08. $he first act of national obedience ;oses demands of them as a total people is the erection of this large replica of the $en "ords .the $en 'ommandments: pon a great plastered stone cairn pon the slopes of ;o nt Ebal. $hey are to formally set p the largest stone.s: they can find there and cover the great pillar made by them with lime plaster and write pon it the $en "ords of E%od s 2>16?6=. $he nation is to be established pon these words( and all are to read them( and all are to remember the significance of their being erected at this place( for here the Lord led them after they crossed the &ordan( and had given them the victories over &ericho and ,i. $hese stone cairns will be a memorial of the miracle of their crossing of the river( altho gh they do not !now it at this point. &osh a 019?6=. $hey will be a reminder that victory comes thro gh obedience to the "ord of God. &osh a 412>. $hey will also be a reminder of the blessings and c rses that will come pon them depending on their attit de to the Law encaps lated pon these stones. $he reading of the Law of ;oses will be a central principle for all )sraelites( and it will contrib te to the literacy of this nation thro gho t history. "hile other nations nderval ed ed cation( )srael ta ght all its people to read and write from the earliest days so that all co ld read and nderstand GodIs "ord to them. /efer to the @$@ st dies( EAU',$)+E ,EA LE,/E)EG( /EJEL,$)+E( L," +- ;+SES( L," of ;+SES )E $HE EE" $ES$,;EE$( L,"S +- L)@E/$C ,EA /ESP+ES)@)L)$C. V&7)&) 4 - E: $he e%act location for the erection of this pillar is now given. )t is to be pon the slopes of ;t Ebal. ;oses will later direct that the re?reading of the entire Law is to occ r from there also. &osh a will do this and read alo d all these words again in the nat ral amphitheatre that e%ists on the slopes of that mo ntain( and in the valley between it and ;o nt Geri5im. )n this valley is the town of Shechem( where the patriarchs had lived. $he LordIs promises to the patriarchs were beginning to be f lfilled as the nation stood in this valley( and so the Hope of the Patriarch wo ld be heard read alo d in their past place of abode. )n this place a new altar is also to be b ilt of nhewn stones. Eo metal or other tool is to be sed to shape the stones( b t twelve great stones are to be chosen so that they fit together and form an altar. ;anIs wor! is not to form this altar( b t the provision of God is to be searched o t( and the stones that fit together witho t any tools of man only are to be sed. )t is a pict re of the plan and p rposes of God. God is wor!ing His p rposes o t and He has provision for all things( and the believerIs #ob is to search o t the provision of the Lord( not try to shape things in o r own strength. /efer to the @$@ st dy of G+A?PL,E +- G+A( G/,'E( G++A "+/KS. ,ll the ma#or Levitical offerings are to be offered on that new altar on that day it is set p. Levitic s 6?0. ;oses then ret rns to the s b#ect of the pillar that is set p beside the altar. $he words of the Lord pon the great pillar are to be written very plainlyLclearly so that all can see them and read them easily. Eone is to find any diffic lty in reading and nderstanding GodIs revelation. $here is great tr th here for all pastor?teachers of the "ord of God. "e are not to ma!e the words of the Lord hard to nderstand( b t ma!e them as easily nderstood as possible( so that all might !now the tr th and be saved. Haba!! ! 216?9( 68( 2 'orinthians 0162. GodIs p rpose is to have a people that are holy before Him and will serve Him( being lights in the dar!ness of the world. GodIs desire for s all( as His children( is that we might re#oice in the tr th and wal! in it with His anointed power. )saiah 4610( Haba!! ! 016=?2>( Philippians 818?60. /efer to the @$@ for the doctrinal st dy on H+LC SP)/)$ H -)LL)EG. V&7)&) F /.: )t is intrig ing that the priest and Levites note that this day tho hast become the people of God. "as it not at ;t Horeb that they became the people of GodM $hese words here are a repetition of the words recorded in Ae teronomy 24164?6<. $his may be a cl e to the answer to o r G estion. "hen the Law was given at Horeb the people were told the e%tent of the Law and they were e%pected to start to !eep it. $hey will fail to do so over the forty years of wandering( even forgetting to circ mcise the malesD &osh a 912?6>.

)t is as if the people have had forty years of apprenticeship in the Law and their d ties as members of the 'ovenant People( and only at this point( when in the land( they are reG ired to ta!e their oath of obedience to the Lord. )t is only now that they are reG ired to swear their allegiance to the Lord and accept formally the reG irement of f ll obedience to the provisions of the Law. )t is on the plains of ;oab that )srael becomes f lly the people of the Lord by their swearing of obedience to the ;osaic Law( and this will be confirmed pon ;t Ebal( so that on both sides of the &ordan the oath is ta!en. $he nation is th s f lly and finally established( and their days of wandering( .and immat rity: are over. Eow they are e%pected to f nction f lly as members of the people of God. $heir forty year training period is over( action is now reG ired to establish themselves as a nation before God. Ephesians 816=?28( 6 Peter 6168?6<( 816?9. "e have seen in 'hapter 24 the doctrines of S,LJ,$)+E( and G)-$S /E'E)JEA ,$ $HE P+)E$ +- S,LJ,$)+E. /efer to these @$@ st dies again now( for we become f ll citi5ens of the !ingdom of God and heaven itself at the point of salvation. Li!e )srael however( we m st grow into o r inheritance( and tili5e it f lly in order to live and wor! as f ll members of the !ingdom. /efer to the @$@ st dies( HE)/SH)P( ;,$U/)$C( S)GES +- ;,$U/)$C ./+;,ES 6916?69:( ",LK)EG. $here is a world of difference between a citi5en who is active and one who is inactive3 between one who is sef l to their nation and one who is criminal or constantly disobedient to its laws. "e are called to grow in the grace and the !nowledge of the Lord so that we might serve the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the $r th of the "ord of God. 2 Peter 0167. V&7)&) // /4: Eotice the tribal gro ps that are to tter the blessings3 they are the sons of &acobIs two legitimate wives. $he tribes that tter the c rses are the descendents of the conc bines of &acob3 the maids of his wives. Genesis 2<127?0>128. $hese chapters of Genesis ma!e sad reading( for &acob enters into gross se% al sin and the strife in his family res lts from the way the sons were born. &acob was wrong in what he did( b t the sons were not # dged for their fatherIs sin( for God does not do that( nless the sons follow their father in evil. $he -o r Generation ' rse only operates when each generation hates the Lord. /epentance always restores the LordIs blessing( for He is gracio s towards all who come to Him. E%od s 2>19?4( Psalms 961<( Proverbs 6>162( )saiah 6167( 88122( &eremiah 9129( E5e!iel 6716?8( 6<?28. $he Levites are to read alo d these words of ;oses and all the tribes are to sho t alo d ,men( or so be it pon s. $hey are to formally accept the conseG ences of disobedience and the rewards of obedience in the midst of the land the Lord has given them. &osh a 7102?09. V&7)&) /$ 2?: $he specific c rses relate to deliberate disobedience to the spirit of the $en 'ommandments( b t there are specific c rses for things not specifically mentioned in the $en "ords. $he people are to realise that those who brea! these f ndamental laws of freedom and grace in the Land of )srael will not be blessed there and will lose ten re to the land( # st as the 'anaanites did before them. $hey m st realise that they are not # st to obey the $en "ords( b t heed the spirit behind them also( and be obedient to all the things that are in the heart of the Lord. ' rsed here means to be bitterly # dged and condemned to the terrible( yet nat ral( conseG ences of their evil actions. $he root ancient Hebrew word for c rsed comes from an ,!!adian word that means to bind tightly( and it reflects the conseG ences of binding yo rself to gods and idols( for they bind yo to their own fate. )t means to be tied to the fate of the thing yo attach yo rself to. ,s God has # dged and will # dge all the gods and the demons behind them( # st so He will # dge all those who follow the religions of Satan. /evelation 2>16>?69. /efer again to the @$@ st dy /EL)G)+E( &UAG;EE$ H G/E,$ "H)$E $H/+EE. Let s see the c rses and note as we go how they relate to the principles behind $en "ords. 6. ,nyone ma!ing another god to place alongside the Lord and anyone worshipping any thing( place( or personality other than the Lord God is c rsed. $hey will have no spirit al blessing in the land God gives( for only those who ac!nowledge Him alone can share and en#oy His blessings. $hey are to have no secret gods hidden away in c pboards. ,ll secret practise of evil will lead to very p blic destr ction of the individ al and the nation. 2. $o ab se ones parents in any way is to bring the c rse of God pon that person. $o ignore their needs and let them s ffer is also covered by this c rse. /emember the concept of c rse3 there are nat ral conseG ences for all who ref se to hono r the third divine instit tion of the family. 0. $o ab se a neighbo r financially and steal from them is a great evil. /espect for property of others brings great # dgment pon the thieves and the nation that tolerates theft( be it individ al( corporate( or national. ;y own nation has s ffered and is still s ffering from the c rse that flows from the theft of ;aori Land in the 674>s thro gh 677>s. $he legacy of this is with s today. "e have added to this with corporate thefts( where b sinessmen have established companies( paid themselves millions from their companies( borrowed other peopleIs money( and then the company has failed. $he evil b sinessmen have !ept the money they too! from their company( b t their investors have lost their life savings. $hese things bring a c rse pon a nation and pon the people who do s ch things. S ch evils m st be set right or those who do them will die nder GodIs # dgmentD 8. $o ab se the physically v lnerable is to violate the free will of that person( and ins lt their integrity before the Lord who made them. $heir disability sho ld lead others to compassion( b t if others treat the disabled person badly( then they themselves will enter the 5one of the c rse( and they will bind themselves to the

conseG ences of lac! of compassion( and s ffer at the hands of those who lac! compassion also. Ae teronomy 27197ff( &eremiah 4122?0>( 9>107?92. $o ins lt( ab se( or ignore the needs of the poor( and se the & stice System against those who have less than yo rself will bring GodIs wrath pon yo . $he "estern nations are lining themselves p for this # dgment today. "hen individ als and corporations s e in co rt those nable to pay the e%pensive lawyers( it is a great evil3 for they !now their opponents will fold nder the financial press res pon them. $his manip lation of the Legal system to ab se those poorer than yo is to place yo rself nder the c rse of God. $o violate the se% al bo ndaries and have a se% al relationship with a parentIs partner is to bind yo r self to # dgment. Se% is not to cross a generational barrier within a family3 incest brings destr ction to any individ al and family str ct re. @estiality and all forms of pornography are great evils and are to be sh nned and avoided by all who val e the LordIs blessing pon them and their families. $he evil of all se% al sin will destroy people and lead to their personalityIs destr ction( as well as their bodyIs decay and death. $o commit incest of any form is to bring # dgment pon yo r self. ,ll siblings( even half siblings are to be o tside the bo ndary for a se% al partnership. $he mother in law of a man is to be o tside the bo ndary for se% al relationship( whether the father in law( or his wife is dead or not. Secret violence against a neighbo r is to bring the c rse of violence pon the m rderer. $o let loose the demon of anger and m rder within a society is to allow death to reign in that place. $hose who allow violence to r le will reap the rewards of violence. $he hit man who receives money to !ill another is also nder GodIs c rse. $o !ill others witho t # st ca se is to be a m rderer and that means yo are nder the c rse of God. $o fail to affirm the code of God is to live o tside the plan and p rposes of God and to be nder the c rse of God. ;an has only two options3 to serve the Lord in spirit and tr th( or #oin the great rebellion against God and His standards( and that means to side with Satan and the demons. $here is only one end to that alliance3 # dgment is that end.
9.
4. =. 7. <. 6>. 66. 62.
;any of the c rses above relate to se% al sin( and this is beca se it has been at the centre of SatanIs strategy to destroy man!ind since the beginning. $hese c rses remind s of the need to set o r g ard against se% al sins( and go thro gh each day with all o r spirit al armo r on. )t also reminds s that we need a constant mental attit de of hatred towards se% al sin of all sorts( incl ding the passive sins involved in pornography. Nechariah 012?8( & de 22?20. )t is tolerance for evil that allows its infl ence to grow over s. "e need to hate sin far more than we often doD Let s also remember the good news regarding the c rse of sin. $he Good Eews is the tr th that in 'hrist( thro gh the sacrifice of His @lood( and thro gh o r repentance and confession of o r sin( the stain of it is washed away( and we are recovered to the place of blessing. God alone can ta!e those nder the above c rses and bring them to the place of blessing. Salvation and daily sanctification are GodIs provisions for man!ind to be able to live in the place of blessing rather than nder the c rse that began in the Garden of Eden and will end at the Great "hite $hrone # dgment. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. GodIs standards are to be clearly ta ght and f lly !nown by GodIs people. $hey are also to be ta ght alo d whenever there is opport nity. 2 $imothy 812. "e are to ma!e the tr th as clear to all as it is possible to ma!e it. God wants to comm nicate with all man!ind. He wants none to be witho t e%c se before His # dgment throne. 2. "e have become the children of God( the heirs of 'hrist( the citi5ens of heaven. "e are meant to live as mat re and obedient citi5ens of the Kingdom of God. Let s be obedient to the "ord of God and follow His laws( in order that we might serve as we are called to serve. &es s words are clear3 if yo love me( !eep my commandments. &ohn 6916>. 0. "e are either bo nd to the Law of God in o r hearts( and hate the evil of the enemy( or we are bo nd to the evil of the enemy. )f we bind o rselves to evil( we will be bo nd to the # dgment that evil brings. $his f ndamental law of nat ral conseG ence sho ld be ta ght more clearly in o r ch rches and societies than it is today. $here are only two options for man!ind3 we are either for God and obedient to His "ord( or we are against Him( and nder the c rse. "e drin! from the 'UP of the Lord( or the c p of # dgmentD "e are called to hate sin and evil( and show no tolerance for it at all. "e are to sh n the company of evil men and women and flee from all iniG ity. 6 'orinthians 4167( 6 $imothy 410?66. 8. ' rsing is t rned to blessing in the beloved one who went to the 'ross for s all. /efer to the @$@ st dy of ,$+EE;EE$ H UEL);)$EA ,$+EE;EE$. $he Lords provision for s all is s fficient to deal with all o r sins and bring grace( mercy and cleansing where previo sly there was only the c rse of sin and evil pon s. DOCTRINES EDUCATION AND LEARNING 6. ;an is ta ght spirit al things by the Holy Spirit. $he Holy Spirit instr cted )srael .Eehemiah <12>:. $he Holy Spirit teaches 'hristians .&ohn 681243 64160:.

2. God calls men as teachers .6 'orinthians 621273 Ephesians 8166:. 0. He leads in establishing schools .2 $imothy 212:. 8. @elievers are commanded to learn from the Lord .Proverbs 716>3 &ames 6126:. 9. -ail re to do so can mean lac! of God*s blessing .&eremiah 4173 Proverbs 91=?60:. 4. @elievers m st apply what they learn .Proverbs 201623 &ames 6122:. =. $hose who learn will be rewarded .Proverbs 610?4:. 7. Knowledge is better than riches .Proverbs 716>?62:. <. Knowledge brings favo r with God .Proverbs 7100?09:. REVELATION God*s p rpose is that man sho ld !now Him and therefore respond to God in hono r and worship motivated by love. )n the written word we have the living word revealed. )t all centres on !nowing God( which is in t rn based on /evelation. 6. $he so rce of the !nowledge of God is God himself. H man e%periences and even religio s e%periences are not reliable in the acc rate presentation of God. $he @ible is what is s re of God*s viewpoint and information abo t God. ,ny e%perience m st be tested against the @ible. /omans 6167?02 reminds s that man is fallen and that man*s view of life is warped by the fallen state. However anyone who has lived on the earth has s fficient evidence from nat re of the e%istence of God. Even with this evidence however most men will re#ect or distort the tr th beca se they do not want to !now Him. -allen men will create his own god( which he can manip late. "hat Pa l is tal!ing abo t is general revelation( which is available to all. 2. $here is however specific revelation( which is the personal confrontation of man thro gh the prophets( teachers and pre eminently thro gh the Lord &es s 'hrist. $hose who accept general revelation will receive specific revelation. 0. )t is progressive( that thro gh the history of man God has revealed more and more abo t Himself. 8. God does not reveal Himself that people might !now Him b t for them to get into a relationship with Him. 9. -o r factors that are prereG isites to the !nowledge of God1? OaP God initiated the process. "here was the creator( God came to man in the garden. ObP God gave lang age in order that he might be able to comm nicate with fellow man and also with God. $his is an area which ca ses a lot of tro ble with the thin!ing evol tionist. OcP ;an was created in the image of God with free will( a mind that can thin!. ;an is able to thin! in a rational way. Even tho gh man is s b#ect to total depravity. $his means that yo are nable to save yo rself. However man is still fashioned in the li!eness of God and is not totally depraved in that sense. "e still have a mind( a will and a conscience even tho gh it is a violated one. OdP God gave the Holy Spirit to convict the nbeliever and convert the repentant. &ohn 6417?66 4. Pa l in ,cts 6=122?06 gave a message abo t general revelation in creation( the Lord &es s 'hrist and the @ible as well as a co ple of Gree! poets( to show the Gree!s that even their poets recognised general revelation. "hat Pa l is relying on to effect their salvation is the wor! of the Holy Spirit. He is relying on specific revelation as the first 'hristian in ,thens. Co have an n!nown God. Pa l said. He was going to show the real God thro gh the res rrection of the Lord &es s 'hrist. Some of those in the a dience believed and were saved. $here was a mi%ing of general and specific revelation as there were those who believed. Co have to meet the pagan where they are with general revelation. Co move from general to specific revelation( from where they are to where the 'ross is. $his challenges the nbeliever. General revelation does not prove anything to anyone who does not want to !now. )t is however the basis of # st condemnation of the nbeliever. )n the end all will recognise God and He will get all the glory. =. General /evelation OaP His Glory Psalm 6<16 ObP His power to wor! in creating the niverse Psalm 6<16 OcP His s premacy /omans 612> OdP His divine nat re /omans 612> OeP His providential control of nat re ,cts 6816= OfP His goodness ;atthew 9189 OgP His intelligence ,cts 6=12< OhP His living e%istence ,cts 6=127 7. /es lts of General revelation. OaP God*s grace is displayed ObP $o give weight to the case that God e%ists OcP $o # stly condemn re#ecters. LAW OF MOSES I MOSAIC LAW 6. $he whole of the ;osaic Law is given in the Pentate ch.

2. $he Law of ;oses was given in three stages1 a: $he first stage was when ;oses spo!e directly to the people having received instr ction from God at ;o nt Sinai .E%od s 2810?7:. i: $he commandments( with no provision for sacrifice or fail re. .E%od s 2>16?6=: ii: $he relationship within the nation of )srael. .E%od s 2616?20160: iii: Airections for !eeping three ann al feasts. .E%od s 20168?6<: iv: )nstr ctions as to the conG est of 'anaan. .E%od s 2012>?00: b: $he second stage was when ;oses was called p to receive the tables of stone from God .E%od s 28162?67:. i: A ring this stage ;oses also receives instr ction regarding the priesthood( tabernacle and sacrifice. .E%od s 29?06: ii: +n his ret rn however he finds that the nation has bro!en the first commandment with the man fact re of a golden calf and ;oses brea!s the stones containing the law .E%od s 02164?6<:. c: )n the third stage the second set of tablets were provided by God .E%od s 0816( 27?2<:. 0. $hree sections of the ;osaic Law1 a: ;oral code or 'ommandments( also !nown as the Aecalog e .E%od s 2>16?6=:. b: Spirit al code or +rdinance. $his is a complete 'hristology and Soteriology .Hebrews 6>16:. )t incl des the $abernacle( -easts( Holy Aays( Levitical offerings( dress and operation of the Levitical priesthood. c: Social 'ode or & dgments. )ncl des diet( sanitation( G arantine( soil conservation( ta%ation( military service( marriage( divorce etc. P nishments for non?observance were stated. 8. /ecipients of the ;osaic Law1 a: Given to )srael +ELC .E%od s 6<103 Levitic s 241843 /omans 016<3 <18: b: $he Law was EEJE/ given to the Gentiles .Ae teronomy 8173 /omans <18:. 9. $he present p rpose of the Law1 a: $o convince( by divine standard( that the nbeliever is a sinner and needs a Savio r ./omans 012>( 273 Galatians 0120(283 6 $imothy 61<(6>: b: $o comm nicate God*s grace( both in salvation and confession. c: $o provide for a nation to f nction nder God*s blessing. d: $herefore( !eeping the Law is not the way of salvation b t the way of h man freedom and prosperity nder God .Galatians 2164:. 4. $he 'h rch in relation to the Law1 a: $he 'h rch is specifically E+$ nder the Law .,cts 6919?663 /omans 41683 Galatians 216<: b: 'hrist is the end of the Law for believers ./omans 6>18: c: @elievers in the 'h rch ,ge are nder a higher law of spirit ality ./omans 712?83 Galatians 9167( 22( 203 6'orinthians 60:. =. $he Limitations of the ;osaic Law1 a: 'annot # stify .,cts 6010<3 /omans 012>( 273 Galatians 21643 Philippians 01<: b: 'annot provide Holy Spirit .Galatians 0126: c: 'annot give eternal life .Galatians 012: d: 'annot provide miracles .Galatians 019: e: 'annot solve the problem of the sinf l nat re ./omans 71=:. 7. $he designation of the ;osaic Law as the @oo! of the 'ovenant .E%od s 281=?73 0812=(273 Ae teronomy 8160? 64(20(063 71673 <1<(66(69:. a: $his boo! of the covenant is the s b#ect of .&eremiah 66: b t is not to be conf sed with the Eew 'ovenant of .&eremiah 06106?00:. b: $he prophecy of brea!ing the 'ovenant .Ae teronomy 06164?2>3 &eremiah 221=?<:. c: Eational disintegration res lts when the 'ovenant is bro!en. <. 'hrist and the Law of ;oses1 a: 'hrist was born d ring and nder the law .Galatians 818: b: He was sinless and led a perfect life nder the law .&ohn 7184( 2 'orinthians 9126: c: He ta ght the law .L !e 6>129?0=: d: ,ll +ld $estament types were f lfilled by him in his cr cifi%ion .Hebrews <166?24: incl ding the Levitical +fferings. e: He redeemed s from the c rse of the law .Galatians 0160(68: f: He mediated the better covenant of grace .Hebrews 714?60: g: $hro gh him we have the law of 'hrist .&ohn 60108( Galatians 412: h: 'hrist f lfilled the law .;atthew 916=: i: He f lfilled the moral reG irement by living a perfect life on earth d ring the incarnation. ii: He f lfilled the s bstit tionary reG irement by His death( b rial and res rrection( ascension and session. iii: He f lfilled the ethical reG irement by living according to the social code. LAW OF MOSES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

,ll of the $en 'ommandments( given in E%od s 2>( are G oted in the Eew $estament. $his indicates that the P/)E')PLES of righteo sness( obedience( respect( etc which nderlie the Law still do apply in o r lives. 6. Q$ho shalt have no other gods before me.Q .;atthew 2210=( ;ar! 6210>( L !e 6>12=: 2. Q$ho shalt not ma!e nto thee any graven image( or any li!eness of any thing that is in heaven above( or that is in the earth beneath( or that is in the water nder the earth. $ho shalt not bow down thyself to them( nor serve them1 for ) the Lord thy God am a #ealo s God( visiting the iniG ity of the fathers pon the children nto the third and fo rth generation of them that hate me3 ,nd shewing mercy nto tho sands of them that love me( and !eep my commandments.Q .,cts 6912>?2<( 26129( /omans 6167?02( 2122( 6 'orinthians 6>1=(68( Galatians 912>( 'olossians 019( 6 &ohn 9126: 0. Q$ho shalt not ta!e the name of the Lord thy God in vain3 for the Lord will not hold him g iltless that ta!eth his name in vain.Q .;atthew 62106?02( ;ar! 0127?2<( =122( L !e 6216>( 'olossians 017: 8. Q/emember the Sabbath day( to !eep it holy. Si% days shalt tho labo r( and do all thy wor!1 @ t the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God1 in it tho shalt not do any wor!( tho ( nor thy son( nor thy da ghter( thy manservant( nor thy maidservant( nor thy cattle( nor thy stranger that is within thy gates1 -or in si% days the Lord made heaven and earth( the sea( and all that in them is( and rested the seventh day1 wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day( and hallowed it.Q ./omans 6819?4( Galatians 81<?6>( 'olossians 2168?6=:. )t sho ld be noted that the Eew $estament commands freedom from any obligation to the old &ewish Sabbath. 9. QHono r thy father and thy mother1 that thy days may be long pon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.Q .;atthew 6918( 6<16<( ;ar! =16>( 6>16<( L !e 6712>( Ephesians 412( 'olossians 012>( 2 $imothy 012: 4. Q$ho shalt not !ill.Q .;atthew 9126( ;ar! 6>16<( L !e 6712>( /omans 601<( &ames 2166( 6 Peter 8169( 6&ohn 0169: =. Q$ho shalt not commit ad ltery.Q .;atthew 912=?02( 6<1<(67 ;ar! 6>166?62(6<( L !e 64167( 6712>( /omans 2122( 601<( Galatians 916<( &ames 2166: 7. Q$ho shalt not steal.Q .;atthew 6<167( ;ar! 6>16<( L !e 6712>( /omans 2126( 601<( Ephesians 8127: <. Q$ho shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbo r.Q .;atthew 6916<( ;ar! 6>16<( L !e 6712>( /omans 601<: 6>. Q$ho shalt not covet thy neighbo r*s ho se( tho shalt not covet thy neighbo r*s wife( nor his manservant( nor his maidservant( nor his o%( nor his ass( nor any thing that is thy neighbo r*s.Q .;ar! =122( L !e 62169( /omans 612>( =1=( 601<( 6 'orinthians 416>( Ephesians 910?9( 'olossians 019( 6 $imothy 010( 6 $hessalonians 219( Hebrews 6019: CHRISTIAN LIFE LAWS OF LIBERTY AND RESPONSIBILITY 6. $HE L," "H)'H "E ,/E E+$ UEAE/ ? $HE ;+S,)' L," 'hrist f lfilled the reG irements of the ;osaic Law .;atthew 916=:. a tomatically f lfil the righteo sness of the Law. )f the Holy Spirit has control over s we
2. $HE L," +- L)@E/$C $his law is directed towards oneself. @iblically spea!ing yo have the right to do certain things that will not ca se yo personally to fail the Lord in any way. .6 'orinthians 717: 0. $HE L," +- L+JE $his law ta!es other believers into consideration. )n effect this law says that beca se of yo r love for the wea!er brethren and in order not to offend or pset them yo refrain from doing certain things which yo have the liberty to do. Co refrain not beca se they are wrong in themselves b t rather yo wish to help other believers rather than hinder them. .6 'orinthians 71<: 8. $HE L," +- EFPEA)EE'C $his law concerns the nbeliever. )t is e%pedient that yo r life tells the world of 'hrist. $he standards of cond ct for the 'hristian. nbeliever has set p
$herefore yo refrain from or do certain legitimate things ? not beca se they are wrong b t beca se they may offend an nbeliever and prevent him from seeing the real iss e that 'hrist Aied -or His Sins .6 'orinthians <( 2>?20: 9. $HE L," +- SUP/E;E S,'/)-)'E $his law is directed towards God. )t involves the believer forsa!ing a completely legitimate f nction in life in order to more perfectly serve the Lord. ;issionaries often f nction nder this law when they live in primitive conditions on the mission field. $his law can also operate nder , stralian conditions. .;atthew 016?4: 4. P/)E')PLE1
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,s 'hristians we have liberty( b t total freedom for o rselves may enslave others. "e have to se o r liberty in s ch a responsible manner that it does not infringe on the liberty of others. ,s 'hristians we m st act responsibly. .Ephesians 9169: GOD PLAN OF GOD 6. )n eternity past( God designed a plan for every believer( which ta!es into acco nt every event and decision in h man history. 2. $he plan centres aro nd the person of &es s 'hrist. .6 &ohn 0120( Ephesians 618?4: 0. Entrance into the plan is based on the principle of grace. .Ephesians 217( <: where the sovereignty of God and the free will of ;an meet at the cross. God brings salvation which is complete( ;an brings his faith. 8. God*s plan was so designed so as to incl de all events and actions. .6 Peter 612: 9. Under his plan God has decreed to do some things directly and some thro gh agencies( )srael( the 'h rch. 4. "itho t interfering with h man free will in any way God has designed a plan so perfect that it incl des ca se and effect( as well as provision( preservation and f nction. =. $here are many f nctions in the Plan of God. $hey all constit te one whole comprehensive plan which is perfect( eternal and nchangeable. 7. $he plan of God is consistent with h man freedom and does not limit or coerce h man free will. Aistinction sho ld be made between what God ca ses and what God permits. God ca ses the 'ross b t permits sin. God is neither the a thor of sin nor sponsors sin. <. His plan portrays that man has free will. God never condones sin in the h man race. ;an started in perfect environment and innocence. ;an sinned of his own free will. ;an will sin in the perfect environment of the ;illenni m. 6>. Aistinction sho ld be made between the divine plans which are related to the plan of God and divine laws which reg late h man cond ct on the earth. Aivine laws occ r in time( divine plans occ r in eternity. 66. God*s plans derive from His fore!nowledge. He recognised in eternity past those things which are certain. $he fore!nowledge of God ma!es no things certain( b t only perceives in eternity past those things that are certain. 62. $here is a difference between fore!nowledge and fore ordination. -ore ordination establishes certainty b t does not provide for the certainty which is established. )t is the plan that provides. ./omans 712<( ,cts 2120( 6 Peter 612: 60. $herefore the elect are fore!nown and the fore!nown are elect. God !new in eternity past what way each free will wo ld go for each partic lar problem in life. God does not coerce h man free will b t he does !now what way each freewill will choose at any given time. ,s free will decides so God provides. 68. Since God cannot contradict his own character he plans the best for the believer. God is perfect( his plan and provisions are therefore perfect. 69. $he cross was planned in eternity past b t the h man free will of 'hrist decided for the cross at Gethsemane. .;atthew 2410<?82: God has provided salvation thro gh the cross and it is a free will decision as to whether one accepts it or not. 64. Eo plan in itself opposes h man freedom b t once a choice is made from the free will then the plan limits yo r h man freedom. ,t the same time it gives yo the freedom to love and appreciate God. God lays down the means of living the 'hristian life. GRACE 6. Grace is all that God is free to do for man on the basis of the cross. $herefore Grace is nmerited favo r from God. 2. Grace depends on the character of God therefore Grace depends on who and what God is. Grace is what God can do for man and still be tr e to his own character. 0. $he believer m st recognise the difference between legalism and grace. Legalism is man*s wor! intr ding pon the plan of God. 8. $he greatest thing God can do for the saved person is to ma!e him e%actly li!e His Son &es s 'hrist. $his is accomplished in three stages of sanctification.
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9. Positional Sanctification1 ,t Salvation every believer enters into nion with 'hrist. .Hebrews 612: &es s 'hrist is seated at the right hand of the -ather and is therefore s perior to all angels in his h manity. ,t the point of salvation we are entered into nion with 'hrist th s we are positionally higher than angels. "e are positionally seated with 'hrist at God*s right hand. 4. E%periential Sanctification1 A ring the 'hristian*s life on the earth the time spent nder the power of the Holy Spirit. A ring this time we prod ce the character of God in o r lives ? gold( silver( precio s stones. .6 'orinthians 0162?69: =. Ultimate Sanctification1 "hen the believer receives a res rrection body he loses the sin nat re and all h man good. ,t this point the believer is physically s perior to all angels. He remains in this perfect state eternally. 7. ,ll believers have tasted of Grace at least once .6 Peter 210:. $his refers to the point of Salvation at which the believer receives at least 08 things which he did not earn or deserve. .Ephesians 217( <: Aisorientation to grace is the believer*s greatest occ pational ha5ard in his 'hristian life. .Galatians 918( Hebrews 62169: <. $he divine attit de to grace is e%pressed in .)saiah 0>167( 6<: God is constantly waiting to po r o t his blessing on all believers in the 'hristian life. 6>. Grace in salvation is e%pressed in many ways. )t is always the same ? believing in &es s 'hrist .Psalm 6>017?62( /omans 0120?8( /omans 818( 912>( Ephesians 217( <: 66. $here are many ways in which the 'hristian life e%presses G/,'E1 a: Prayer .Hebrews 8164: b: S ffering .2 'orinthians 621<( 6>: c: Growth .2 Peter 0167: d: Stability .6 Peter 9162: e: Lifestyle .Hebrews 62127( 2 'orinthians 6162: f: Prod ction of Aivine Good .6 'orinthians 6916>( 2 'orinthians 416 62. Grace is the correct attit de in relation to giving. .2 'orinthians 7 R <: 60. Grace is the only means of coping with s ffering in the 'hristian life. .2 'orinthians 621=?6>: $hro gh Grace God is able to bless the believer in the midst of the press res and adversities of life. .6 Peter 614( =: 68. )mplications of grace1 a: God is perfect( his plan is perfect. b: , perfect plan can only originate from a perfect God. c: )f man co ld do anything in the plan of God the plan wo ld no longer be perfect. d: , plan is no stronger than its wea!est lin!. Grace therefore e%cl des all h man merit( all h man ability. e: Legalism( h man wor!s is the enemy of Grace. f: $he wor!s of h man righteo sness have therefore no place in the plan of God. .)saiah 4814: GOOD WOR#S 6. ,nything we can do in o r own strength .h man good: is nacceptable to God .)saiah 4814( /omans 717:. 2. +nly those things we do in the power of the Holy Spirit .divine good: are acceptable to God( since it is God Himself who prod ces the wor! in s .Ephesians 216>:. 0. "hen a believer prod ces h man good he imitates an nbeliever .Galatians 916<?26( 6 &ohn 2166( 018:. 8. "hen a believer prod ces divine good he imitates &es s 'hrist .Ephesians 916?2:. 9. H man good is1 a: )dentified as dead wor!s .Hebrews 416:. b: 'annot save man!ind .$it s 019:. c: )s condemned by God .6 'orinthians 0166?643 Ecclesiastes 62168:. d: )s the basis of indictment at the Last & dgment ./evelation 2>166?69:. e: Has no place in the plan of God .2 $imothy 61<:. f: )s destroyed at the & dgment Seat of 'hrist .6 'orinthians 0166?69:. 4. Aivine good is the basis of rewards .6 'orinthians 0166?69:. =. God is satisfied with His own wor! in fo r general areas1 a: )E S,LJ,$)+E God approves of what God has done in the form of &es s 'hrist. God the -ather is propitiated by the wor! of God the Son on the cross. $o be saved is to believe or tr st on God the Son .,cts 64106:. @elief has no h man merit( all the merit is in the wor! of &es s 'hrist. God does not approve of h man good. .)saiah 4814:. b: )E $HE 'H/)S$),E L)-E
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God approves of the wor!s( done nder the filling of the Holy Spirit. Spirit ality depends on who and what the Spirit is. $he way to the filling of the Holy Spirit is confession of sins .6 &ohn 61<:. 'onfession has no h man merit. $he Holy Spirit also provides at least one spirit al gift to each believer at salvation .6 'orinthians 6217?66:. c: )E $HE "+/A +- G+A $he word of God is inspired by the Holy Spirit .2 $imothy 01643 2 Peter 612>(26:. )t is the mind of 'hrist .6'orinthians 2164:. $he Holy Spirit ma!es the "ord of God effective in o r lives. d: )E E$E/E)$C )n eternity h man wor!s are removed .6 'orinthians 0162?69:. God provides s with a new body .6'orinthians 69196?0:. God provides s with an incorr ptible inheritance .6 Peter 610?9:. God provides everything for o r eternal f t re .6 $hessalonians 816=?67:. God approves of His provision. 7. Spirit al growth in the f ll !nowledge and application of @ible doctrine prod ces divine god in the life. Aivine good in o r lives is the prod ction of the Holy Spirit filled and led believer. Ephesians 217?6>( 'olossians 61<?6>( 2 $imothy 2126( 016=. <. ,s we prod ce m ch spirit al fr it in o r life we demonstrate before all the victory of the Holy Spirit over the enemy. 2 $hessalonians 216=. )n heaven we are rewarded for all divine good prod ction in time. 2 'orinthians 916>( <17. 6>. Spirit al prod ction of divine good( thro gh the ministries of the Holy Spirit( is contrasted to the prod ction of h man wor!s .good and evil:( the fr it of the +ld Sin Eat re. /efer H+LC SP)/)$( +LA S)E E,$U/E. 66. H man good3 even the best that man can do in his own strength( has no val e before God at all and has no place or part to play in the plan of God for the believer. 2 $imothy 61<( $it s 019. 62. H man good wor!s apart from GodIs power and direction( is the basis of manIs condemnation before the throne of God. 6 'orinthians 0166?64( /evelation 2>162?69. HOLY SPIRIT FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 6. $he Holy Spirit indwells every believer. "e are commanded to allow Him to fill .or f lly control: o r lives .Ephesians 9167:. 2. $he filling .controlling: of the Spirit can be bro!en by1 a: Grieving the Spirit .Ephesians 810>: ? sin( doing something yo sho ldn*t. b: S enching the Spirit .6 $hessalonians 916<: ? not doing something yo sho ld .li!e G enching a fire( allowing the flame to go o t:. 0. $he filling .controlling: of the Spirit can be restored by confession of sin and f ll s rrender to do the will of God .6&ohn 61<: 8. $he Spirit prod ces the very character of the 'hrist in the believer1 .Galatians 816<( 9122( 20( Ephesians 0164( 6=( Philippians 612>( 26( 2 'orinthians 010: a: $he fr it of the Spirit1 i: Galatians 9122?20 ? Love( &oy( Peace( Patience( Kindness( Goodness( -aithf lness( Gentleness( Self?control. ii: /omans 6816= ? /ighteo sness( Peace( &oy. iii: 'olossians 0162?69 ? 'ompassion( Kindness( H mility( Gentleness( Patience( -orgiveness( Love( Peace( $han!f lness. iv: 6 $hessalonians 610 ? -aith( Love( End rance( Hope. b: /e#oicing in 'hrist .Philippians 016( 818:. c: Loving one another .&ohn 69162( /omans 6216>( Ephesians 912:. d: Striving for the faith .Philippians 612=( & de 0:. e: P tting away all sin .6 'orinthians 91=( Hebrews 6216:. f: ,bstaining from all appearances of evil .6 $hessalonians 9122:. g: S bmitting to in# ries .6 'orinthians 41=:. h: S bd ing the temper .Ephesians 8124( &ames 616<:. i: Sh nning the wic!ed .2 $hessalonians 014:. #: ,bo nding in the wor!s of the Lord .6 'orinthians 69197 6 $hessalonians 816:. !: Showing a good e%ample .6 $imothy 8162( 6 Peter 2162:. l: -ollowing after that which is good .Philippians 817( 6 $imothy 4166:. m: Perfecting holiness .2 'orinthians =16( 2 $imothy 016=:. n: Hating defilement .& de 20:. o: +vercoming the world. .6 &ohn 918?9: p: ,dorning the gospel. .Philippians 612=( $it s 216>: G: -orgiving in# ries. ./omans 6212>: r: Living peaceably with all. ./omans 62167( Hebrews 62168: s: Jisiting the afflicted. .&ames 612=: t: Sympathising with others. ./omans 62169( 6 $hessalonians 9168: : Hono ring others. ./omans 6216>: v: S bmitting to a thorities. ./omans 6016?=: w: @eing content. .Philippians 8166( Hebrews 6019:
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%: "al!ing worthy of the Lord. .'olossians 616>( 6 $hessalonians 2162: y: "al!ing in the newness of life. ./omans 418: 5: "al!ing as children of light. .Ephesians 917: aa: Glorifies 'hrist in his body. .Philippians 612>( 26: bb: 'hrist is at home in his body. .Ephesians 0164(6=: cc: , lifestyle which hono rs God in the presence of men. .2 'orinthians 010: 9. $he filling of the Holy Spirit in every believer only occ rs in two dispensations1 a: 'h rch age Ephesians 9167( Galatians 9122(20 b: ;illenni m ? &oel 2127( 2< .characteri5ed by ecstatics: SALVATION 6. Salvation is the gift of God by grace thro gh faith. 2. "e cannot wor! for salvation ? we m st receive it as a gift. .Ephesians 217( <( /omans 818?9: 0. $he only means of salvation is by tr sting that &es s 'hrist died for yo r sins( was b ried and raised from the dead. He therefore paid the penalty for sin( and conG ered death. .,cts 6410>?06( &ohn 0164( 6814( 6 'orinthians 6910?8: 8. "e are saved so that we can serve God. .Ephesians 217?6>: + r good wor!s show that we have been saved. 9. Salvation incl des many other doctrines s ch as )mp tation( & stification( /edemption( Propitiation( /econciliation and Sanctification. CHRISTIAN LIFE GIFTS GIVEN AT SALVATION Listed below are the 08 things God provides for every believer at the point of salvation. 6. )n the eternal plan of God. .Sharing the destiny of 'hrist: a: -ore!nown .,cts 2120( /omans 712<( 6 Peter 612: b: Elect ./omans 7100( 'olossians 0162( 6 $hessalonians 618( $it s 616: c: Predestined ./omans 712<( 0>( Ephesians 619( 66: d: 'hosen .;atthew 22168( 6 Peter 218: e: 'alled .6 $hessalonians 9128: 2. /econciled a: @y God .2 'orinthians 9167( 6<( 'olossians 612>: b: $o God. ./omans 916>( 2 'orinthians 912>( Ephesians 2168?6=: 0. /edeemed ./omans 0128( 'olossians 6168( 6 Peter 6167: 8. 'ondemnation removed. .&ohn 0167( 9128( /omans 716: 9. Under Grace instead of # dgment3 God is satisfied with the death of His Son. ./omans 0128?24( 6 &ohn 212: 4. ,ll sins # dged by the death of 'hrist. ./omans 8129( Ephesians 61=( 6 Peter 2128: =. Aead to old life ? alive to God. a: 'r cified with 'hrist. ./omans 414( Galatians 212>: b: Aead with 'hrist. ./omans 417( 'olossians 010( 6 Peter 2128: c: @ ried with him. ./omans 418( 'olossians 2162: d: /aised with 'hrist. ./omans 418( 'olossians 016: 7. -ree from the law. a: Aead. ./omans =18: b: Aelivered. ./omans 4168( =14( 2 'orinthians 0166( Galatians 0129: <. /egenerated. .&ohn 6016>( 6 'orinthians 4166( $it s 019: a: @orn again. .&ohn 01=( 6 Peter 6120: b: 'hildren of God. .Galatians 0124: c: Sons of God. .&ohn 6162( 2 'orinthians 4167( 6 &ohn 012: d: , new creation. .2 'orinthians 916=( Galatians 4169( Ephesians 216>: 6>. ,dopted. ./omans 7169( 7120 .f t re: Ephesians 619: 66. ,cceptable to God. .Ephesians 614( 6 Peter 219: a: ;ade righteo s ./omans 0122( 6 'orinthians 610>( 2 'orinthians 9126( Philippians 01<: b: Sanctified positionally. .6 'orinthians 610>( 4166: c: Perfected forever. .Hebrews 6>168:
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d: ;ade meet .G alified: .'olossians 6162: 62. & stified .declared righteo s:. ./omans 0128( 916( 91<( 710>( 6 'orinthians 4166( $it s 01=: 60. -orgiven all trespasses. .Ephesians 61=( 8102( 'olossians 6168( 2160( 0160: 68. ;ade nigh. .Heavenly citi5enship based on reconciliation: .L !e 6>12>( Ephesians 2160( 6<: 69. Aelivered from the !ingdom of Satan. .'olossians 6160( 2169: 64. $ransferred into God*s !ingdom. .'olossians 6160: 6=. +n a sec re fo ndation. .6 'orinthians 0166( 6>18( Ephesians 212>: 67. , gift from God the -ather to 'hrist. .&ohn 6>12<( 6=12( 4( <( 66( 62( 28: 6<. Aelivered from the power of the sin nat re. ./omans 212<( 'olossians 2166: 2>. ,ppointed priests nto God. a: Holy priesthood. .6 Peter 219: b: /oyal priesthood. .6 Peter 21<( /evelation 614: 26. Under the care of God as a chosen generation and a pec liar people. .$it s 2168( 6 Peter 21<: 22. Given access to God. ./omans 912( Ephesians 2167( Hebrews 8168( 64( 6>16<( 2>: 20. "ithin the Qm ch moreQ care of God. ./omans 91<( 6>: a: +b#ects of His love. .Ephesians 218( 912: b: +b#ects of His grace. i: -or salvation. .Ephesians 217( <: ii: -or !eeping. .6 Peter 619: iii: -or service .&ohn 6=167: iv: -or instr ction .$it s 2162: c: +b#ects of His power. .Ephesians 616<( Philippians 2160: d: +b#ects of His faithf lness..Philippians 614( Hebrews 6019(4: e: +b#ects of His peace. .&ohn 6812=: f: +b#ects of His consolation. .2 $hessalonians 2164: g: +b#ects of His intercession. ./omans 7108( Hebrews =129: 28. God*s inheritance .Possession:. .Ephesians 6167: 29. @eneficiaries of an inheritance as heirs of God and #oint heirs with 'hrist. ./omans 716=( Ephesians 6168 'olossians 0128( Hebrews <169( 6 Peter 618: 24. , new position. .Ephesians 214: a: Partners with 'hrist in life. .'olossians 018: b: Partners with 'hrist in service. .6 'orinthians 61<: c: "or!ers together with God. .6 'orinthians 01<( 2 'orinthians 416: d: ;inisters of the Eew $estament. .2 'orinthians 014: e: ,mbassadors. .2 'orinthians 912>: f: Living epistles. .2 'orinthians 010: g: ;inisters of God. .2 'orinthians 418: 2=. /ecipients of eternal life. .&ohn 0169( 6>127( 2>106( 6 &ohn 9166( 62: 27. ;embers of the family and ho sehold of God. .Galatians 416>( Ephesians 216<: 2<. Light in the Lord. .Ephesians 917( 6 $hessalonians 918: 0>. United to the -ather( Son and Holy Spirit. a: )n God. .6 $hessalonians 616: of QGod in yo Q .Ephesians 814: b: )n 'hrist. .&ohn 6812> of Q'hrist in yo Q 'olossians 612=: i: , member in His body. .6 'orinthians 62160: ii: , branch in the vine. .&ohn 6919: iii: , stone in the b ilding. .Ephesians 2126( 22( 6 Peter 219: iv: , sheep in the floc!. .&ohn 6>12=?2<: v: , part of His bride. .Ephesians 9129: vi: , priest of the !ingdom of priests. .6 Peter 21<: vii: , saint of the Qnew speciesQ. .2 'orinthians 916=:
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c: )n the Spirit. ./omans 71<: of Qthe Spirit in yo Q 06. /ecipients of the ministries of the Holy Spirit. a: @orn of the Spirit. .&ohn 014: b: @apti5ed with the Spirit. .,cts 619( 6 'orinthians 62160: c: )ndwelt by the Spirit. .&ohn =10<( /omans 919( 71<( 6 'orinthians 0164( 416<( Galatians 814( 6 &ohn 0128: d: Sealed by the Spirit .2 'orinthians 6122( Ephesians 810>: e: Given spirit al gifts. .6 'orinthians 62166( 2=?06( 6016( 2: 02. Glorified. ./omans 710>: 00. 'omplete in Him. .'olossians 216>: 08. Possessors of every spirit al blessing provided in eternity past. .Ephesians 610: CHRISTIAN LIFE HEIRSHIP 6. @elievers are heirs of God and based on Sonship and nion with 'hrist ./omans 716=:. 2. Heirship demands and g arantees eternal life .$it s 01=:. 0. $he 'hristian*s inheritance is1 a: )n 'hrist .Ephesians 6166 b: )n light .'olossians 6162: c: G aranteed by the Spirit .Ephesians 6160( 68: d: )n heaven .6 Peter 618: e: )ncorr ptible .6 Peter 618: f: Everlasting .6 Peter 618: g: P re .6 Peter 618: h: -or believers only .6 Peter 619: i: Kept safe for s .6 Peter 619:. CHRISTIAN LIFE MATURITY SIGNS OF MATURITY (ROMANS /$>/-/$) 6. Helping others .v 6?0: $he mat re believer sho ld bear the infirmities of the wea! .v 63 cf. Galatians 412:. Pa l incl des himself as a believer of mat re strength. a: , mat re believer is characterised by1 i: Knowing doctrine. ii: Knowing promises. iii: Spending a ma%im m amo nt of time by the filling of the Holy Spirit. b: , wea! or immat re believer may be1 i: , new believer. ii: ,n ignorant believer who does not !now the "ord. c: , mat re believer bears the infirmities of the wea! believer by1 i: Giving information abo t the "ord .doctrine( promises( proced res:. $his may be in private conversation. ii: Giving advice based on the "ord. iii: E%ercising grace3 listening to and helping others with problems. d: $he mat re believer is not to Qplease himselfQ .v 6(2:1 i: He is not to feed his ego or brag abo t helping others. )t sho ld never be done for self?glory or self? stim lation( b t for God*s glory. ii: 'hrist as the s preme e%ample .v 0:1 He did not please Himself3 b t as a man He received more press re than we will ever have. $he +ld $estament says( Qthe reproaches of )srael .*them*: that reproached the -ather .*$hee*: fell on the Son .*;e*: on the cross.Q Pa l G otes a ;essianic Psalm .Psalm 4<1<:. 'hrist was nder ma%im m press re when He bore o r sins on the cross. 2. Knowledge of the "ord of God .v 8: a: $he +ld $estament .Qthings written aforetimeQ: was the only script re e%isting at the time /omans was written. $he canon is now completed. b: the p rpose of the "ord1 i: Learning ? doctrine God wants s to !now. ii: Patience ? faith in the long distance race. @elieving moment by moment. iii: 'omfort ? in trials and diffic lties of life. iv: Hope ? for the f t re. @elievers !now where they are going. 0. ,ttit des .v 9?4: @elievers are to see others from the divine viewpoint and be Qli!e?minded one toward anotherQ. $heir one p rpose in life( after salvation( is Qwith one mind and one mo th( glorify GodQ .v 4:. $his is only possible from the divine viewpoint. i: "e are all saved by grace. 'hrist died for s when we were His enemies ./omans 917:. ii: "e all have the same spirit al privileges and responsibilities .e%cept spirit al gifts:.
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iii: Every believer has a sinf l nat re b t have different ways of e%pressing it. iv: "e all get spirit ality the same way .filling of the Holy Spirit: and all grow the same way( by the "ord. v: God loves each believer with the same amo nt of love( whether we are in or o t of temporal fellowship. 8. -ellowship as the basis of grace .v =: a: @elievers are to receive one another as 'hrist received them. b: He received them in G/,'E to the glory of God. 9. ,bility to disting ish between )srael and the 'h rch .v 7?62: a: 'hrist was a minister nder the Law .v 7:. i: He was born( ministered( died( arose and ascended nder the dispensation of the Law. ii: $herefore all He said .e%cept ;atthew 64 and &ohn 68?6=: amplified the ;osaic Law( confirmed the fo r nconditional covenants to )srael and the f t re of )srael with Him as their King. Some principles He gave are re?stated in the Epistles as the 'hristian way of life. b: @efore the Law was given .v <: the ,brahamic and Palestinian covenants promised blessing to the &ews( that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. c: Pa l G otes .Psalm 6718<3 Ae teronomy 021803 Psalm 66=3 )saiah 6616?6>:. .&es s 'hrist as the root of Aavid and &esse( is to reign over the Gentiles too.: 4. -aith that appropriates .v 60: a: $he God of hope is to fill the believer with #oy and peace in the sphere of believing. -aith is the means. b: -aith appropriates salvation( restoration to fellowship( filling of the Holy Spirit( doctrine( promises. =. Knowing the operation of grace .v 68( 69: a: , mat re believer realises all he has is beca se of God*s grace and he operates his life on the basis of grace. b: Grace is manifested in the believer in1 i: Salvation .Ephesians 217( <: ii: Prayer .Hebrews 8164: iii: S ffering .2 'orinthians 621<: iv: /eleasing power .2 $imothy 216 v: Growth and stability .2 Peter 0167: vi: /estoration and fellowship .Hebrews 621693 6 &ohn 61<: vii: Prod cing wor!s .6 'orinthians 6916>3 2 'orinthians 4163 <1<: viii: 'hristian way of life .2 'orinthians 61623 Hebrews 62127:. CHRISTIAN LIFE WAL#ING 6. Physical wal!ing is analogo s to the faith rest life1 step by step. /omans 6819(4( Ephesians 9164?67( &ames 8160?69. 2. @eing reg larly filled with the Spirit and feeding on the "ord are similar to wal!ing. 0. ,ttac!s on believers occ r when they are ca ght off balance. /omans 60160. 8. "al!ing depicts the pattern and f nction of the believers life in time. Philippians 0167( Ephesians 816=. 9. )t can also represent a bac!sliding believer who are said to be wal!ing bac!wards. Ephesians 816=. 4. "e are all told to1 a: "al! in the spirit. Galatians 9164( 29 b: "al! in the faith. 2 'orinthians 91=( 'olossians 214( 819 c: "al! in doctrine 0 &ohn 0. d: "al! in the tr th 2 &ohn 8 =. "al!ing is a analogy for spirit ality a: "al! not after the flesh ./omans 718: b: "al!ing in Love. .Ephesians 912: c: "al!ing in newness of Life. ./omans 418: d: "al!ing worthy of o r vocation. .Ephesians 816: e: "al!ing worthy of the Lord. .'olossians 616>( 6 $hessalonians 2162: f: "al!ing honestly as in the day. ./omans 60160: g: "al!ing in good wor!s. .Ephesians 216>: h: "al!ing in light. .Ephesians 917( 6 &ohn 61=: i: "al!ing in 'hrist &es s. .'olossians 214: #: "al!ing circ mspectly. .Ephesians 9169(64: !: "al!ing as ye o ght. .6 $hessalonians 816: RELIGION
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6. Satan*s religion is a h manly acceptable one1 no sin( no # dgment( no Savio r and no Hell. Satan appears as an angel of light. .2 'orinthians 66160?6<(24: 2. ;any pastors in the ch rches are servants of Satan*s policy( !nowingly or n!nowingly. .)saiah 0>162( &eremiah 217( 2 Peter 216?6>: 0. Satan*s strategy towards nbelievers is to !eep them blinded to the gospel. .2 'orinthians 810?8( 'olossians 217( 2 $hessalonians 21<?6>: 8. Satan*s strategy towards believers is1? a: $o conf se by false teaching. .;atthew =169( /omans 64167: b: $o appeal to pride. .2 'orinthians 6>162: c: $o promote idolatry. .Haba!! ! 2167(6<: d: $o promote legalism. .6 $imothy 61=?7: 9. Satan*s policy calls for co nterfeit faith1? a: 'o nterfeit gospel. .2 'orinthians 6610?8: b: 'o nterfeit pastors. .2 'orinthians 66160?69: c: 'o nterfeit comm nion. .6 'orinthians 6>16<?26: d: 'o nterfeit doctrine. .2 $imothy 816: e: 'o nterfeit righteo sness. .;atthew 6<164?27: f: 'o nterfeit way of life. .;atthew 20: g: 'o nterfeit power. .2 $hessalonians 217?6>: h: 'o nterfeit gods. .2 $hessalonians 210?8: UDGEMENT GREAT WHITE THRONE 6. $he # dgement of the Great "hite $hrone is the last # dgement. ./evelation 2>166( 69: 2. +nly the nsaved are # dged at the last # dgement as there is no # dgement for 'hristians. ./omans 716: 0. $he last # dgement occ rs at the end of the ;illenni m. ./evelation 2>1=?69: 8. $he nsaved are # dged according to their wor!s from the @oo!s of "or!s ./evelation 2>162: 9. $he # dgement is to show that the H man wor!s of man cannot satisfy the # stice of God. God is totally fair and shows that he is only satisfied by Q$he Good "or!Q. $he death of 'hrist on the 'ross. 4. Having shown the nsaved they have failed to satisfy the holiness of God( the condemned are cast into the La!e of -ire. ./evelation 2>169: CUP 6. $he content of the c p or vessel forms the basis for every @iblical analogy. 2. Aivine discipline of a nation. .)saiah 9616=( &eremiah 29169?67:. )n these passages the nation drin!s the goblet of God*s wrath. , nation is disciplined for rebellion. 0. @lessing from God. .Psalm 2019: Qmy c p r nneth overQ $he c p was always f ll for the widow and Eli#ah. 8. Salvation .Psalm 664160:. )n the c p of salvation free will is involved( faith drin!s( disbelief re#ects. 9. Sins of the world. &es s 'hrist sed his own free will when he went to the cross and bore the sins of the world. ,s he dran! them God the -ather po red o t his wrath on &es s. .6 Peter 2128( 2 'orinthians 9126( ;atthew 2>122( 2410<(82: 4. , remembrance of the cross in the 'h rch ,ge. .6 'orinthians 66129?2=: the Lord*s $able. =. Satanic Aoctrine which people willingly receive. .6 'orinthians 6>126: 7. ,nti Semitism .Nechariah 6212: God disciplines the &ews himself. Ao not get in God*s way. <. $he religio s system of the beast. ./evelation 681<?66( /evelation 6710: SALVATION ATONEMENT> UNLIMITED ATONEMENT 6. Aefinition1 a: $he totally effective wor! of 'hrist on the cross to pay the penalty of sin on behalf of man!ind. b: ,tonement as a no n means reconciliation after enmity and incl des reparation made for wrong or in# ry. c: $he verb has several related meanings s ch as to be at one( to be in accordance( to ma!e reparation or amends( to ma!e p for errors or deficiencies( to reconcile. d: )n the +ld $estament( the tr e meaning of atonement is related to the Hebrew verb Qto pass over( to coverQ ? it is also the word for *pitch* sed to seal Eoah*s ,r!. 2. )n +ld $estament times( animal sacrifices were sed to cover sin. a: God forgave and restored where sin was covered by the blood of animal sacrifices. b: However( the tr e basis for atonement was not fo nd in these animal sacrifices. $his is why the sacrifices needed to be repeated time and time again. c: ,nimal sacrifices were sed as a cover for sin ntil the tr e sacrifice( &es s 'hrist( co ld be offered on the cross. d: ,tonement in the +ld $estament refers to the se of animal sacrifices to pict re the saving wor! of 'hrist. e: $he two concepts of atonement .+ld and Eew $estament: are bro ght together in /omans 0120?24: 0. ,tonement is nlimited
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a: "hen &es s 'hrist was # dged on the cross for sins he paid for the sins of the entire h man race( not # st the elect. ./omans 914( 2 'orinthians 9168?69( 6 $imothy 214( 816>( 2 Peter 216( 6 &ohn 212: b: QLimited ,tonementQ( the concept that 'hrist died for believers only is incorrect. 8. Unlimited ,tonement eliminates sin in the nbelievers* indictment at the Last & dgment. a: "hen 'hrist died on the cross( He was # dged for all sins of the h man race. b: $herefore the iss e in salvation is not sin( b t faith in 'hrist. People choose either to accept the wor! of 'hrist .&ohn 0167(04:( or their own QgoodQ wor!s to gain the approval of God. c: $herefore( h man good will be the basis of the nbelievers* indictment at the Last & dgment. ./evelation 2>162:
CHAPTER 2E
INTRODUCTION 'hapter twenty seven was the introd ction to the ne%t fo r chapters( where ;oses e%po nds pon the conseG ences of obedience and disobedience to the words of the Law he has given. ;any of the things he will say in these chapters are prophetic. He foretells the history of )srael with a frightening acc racy and notes things that will happen as far o t as =>? =6 ,A. Personally ) feel a shiver p my spine as ) read these ne%t chapters( for they are reminder that this man ;oses is a prophet of the highest order and his words are the acc rate recording of history in advance. $hey are a powerf l reminder that the Lord God we serve is the master of all the details of history. ;oses point to the people is that spirit al blessing awaits all who follow the Lord in spirit and in tr th( b t the conseG ences of persistent disobedience are simply too awf l to contemplate. $he words of the ne%t chapters b ild pon his previo s writings in E%od s 2012>?00( and Levitic s 2416ff. @oth these boo!s may have been written early in the wilderness wanderings and been the basis for the teaching ;oses did thro gh that period. DEUTERONOMY 2E>/-/4 2E>/ A4* (2 )91,, !38& 23 @1))A (6 293+ )91,2 9&17B&4 *(,(=&42,- +423 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A 23 35)&7'& 14* 23 *3 1,, 9() !38814*8&42) ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-A 2912 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(,, )&2 29&& 34 9(=9 153'& 1,, 412(34) 36 29& &1729> 2 A4* 1,, 29&)& 5,&))(4=) )91,, !38& 34 29&&A 14* 3'&721B& 29&&A (6 293+ )91,2 9&17B&4 +423 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*: 3 B,&))&* )91,2 293+ 5& (4 29& !(2-A 14* 5,&))&* )91,2 293+ 5& (4 29& 6(&,*: 4 B,&))&* )91,, 5& 29& 67+(2 36 29- 53*-A 14* 29& 67+(2 36 29- =73+4*A 14* 29& 67+(2 36 29- !122,&A 29& (4!7&1)& 36 29- B(4&A 14* 29& 6,3!B) 36 29- )9&&@: $ B,&))&* )91,, 5& 29- 51)B&2 14* 29- )237&: ? B,&))&* )91,2 293+ 5& ;9&4 293+ !38&)2 (4A 14* 5,&))&* )91,2 293+ 5& ;9&4 293+ =3&)2 3+2: 7 T9& LORD )91,, !1+)& 29(4& &4&8(&) 2912 7()& +@ 1=1(4)2 29&& 23 5& )8(22&4 5&637& 29- 61!&> 29&- )91,, !38& 3+2 1=1(4)2 29&& 34& ;1-A 14* 6,&& 5&637& 29&& )&'&4 ;1-): E T9& LORD )91,, !38814* 29& 5,&))(4= +@34 29&& (4 29- )237&93+)&)A 14* (4 1,, 2912 293+ )&22&)2 29(4& 914* +423C 14* 9& )91,, 5,&)) 29&& (4 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29& LORD 29- G3* =('&29 29&&: F T9& LORD )91,, &)215,()9 29&& 14 93,- @&3@,& +423 9(8)&,6A 1) 9& 9129 );374 +423 29&&A (6 293+ )91,2 B&&@ 29& !38814*8&42) 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A 14* ;1,B (4 9() ;1-): /. A4* 1,, @&3@,& 36 29& &1729 )91,, )&& 2912 293+ 172 !1,,&* 5- 29& 418& 36 29& LORDC 14* 29&- )91,, 5& 1671(* 36 29&&: // A4* 29& LORD )91,, 81B& 29&& @,&42&3+) (4 =33*)A (4 29& 67+(2 36 29- 53*-A 14* (4 29& 67+(2 36 29- !122,&A 14* (4 29& 67+(2 36 29- =73+4*A (4 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29& LORD );17& +423 29- 6129&7) 23 =('& 29&&: /2 T9& LORD )91,, 3@&4 +423 29&& 9() =33* 27&1)+7&A 29& 9&1'&4 23 =('& 29& 71(4 +423 29- ,14* (4 9() )&1)34A 14* 23 5,&)) 1,, 29& ;37B 36 29(4& 914*> 14* 293+ )91,2 ,&4* +423 814- 412(34)A 14* 293+ )91,2 432 53773;: /3 A4* 29& LORD )91,, 81B& 29&& 29& 9&1*A 14* 432 29& 21(,C 14* 293+ )91,2 5& 153'& 34,-A 14* 293+ )91,2 432 5& 5&4&129C (6 2912 293+ 9&17B&4 +423 29& !38814*8&42) 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-A 23 35)&7'& 14* 23 *3 29&8> /4 A4* 293+ )91,2 432 =3 1)(*& 6738 14- 36 29& ;37*) ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-A 23 29& 7(=92 914*A 37 23 29& ,&62A 23 =3 162&7 329&7 =3*) 23 )&7'& 29&8: REFLECTIONS V&7)& /: ;oses will repeat this principle three times in the first part of this address( in verse 6( verse <( and verses 60?68. $he word translated diligently here means to wor! with foc sed energy( enth siasm( speed and concentration. )t is a word for passion in application( and it is wholehearted energy that ;oses is calling the people to in their obedience of GodIs "ord. People are to hear with foc sed energy and enth siasm( and then apply what they hear with fanatical concentration on getting their obedience right before God. $he res lts of obedience are great. $hey will become a people above all others( for they will tr ly become the people of God before the nations of the world and be the light bearers for God amongst the nations. $his was the destiny of )srael( and thro gh fail re and disaster( they did their #ob and bro ght man!ind to the place where the ;essiah came. /efer to the @$@ st dy A)SPEES,$)+ES H )S/,EL( L)GH$. V&7)&) 2 4: $he Lord desires to bless His people. + r response o ght to be to bless the name of the Lord and praise Him. Psalms 2<166( 4=16?=( 6>016?2( 6>816( 09( 669162?67( Hebrews 4168. $he blessings are described as if they are a great ts nami wave that b ilds moment m behind the obedient person( to overflow them( and carry them f rther forward. $he concept of the LordIs blessing is not that it is a passive reward received( b t that it is a dynamic
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force which lifts the obedient person heavenward and gives them the e%citement of f rther( and even more glorio s service. GodIs rewards are not the silver and gold of earthly !ings( which men se to f lfil their earthly l sts. GodIs blessing is a wave of power for greater service with increased #oy in the midst of adversities. $he best analogy is that of s rfing. $he greatest reward for the good s rfer is a better wave than heLshe has ridden ever before. $he #oy heLshe feels as they ride this great wave is the reward that is spo!en of here. )t is not silver and gold that can be stolen( b t #oy and satisfaction that abide forever. ;atthew 416<?26. V&7)&) $ ?: @etween verses three and si% the word for blessing is sed si% times. )n the town and in the fields there will be blessing. )n every sphere of economic and social life there will be blessing. Psalms 62616?7( 62716?9( 688162?69. $hese blessings will find their ma%im m f lfilment in the ;illennial Kingdom blessings for )srael with the Lord &es s 'hrist as their King. )saiah 49126?20( Nechariah 710?9( ;alachi 019?62. /efer to the @$@ st dy of A)SPEES,$)+ES H ;)LLEEE),L K)EGA+;. $he blessing of the Lord will be over their own child bearing( so that they will have many children alive to fill the land He has given them. $hey will en#oy good economic prosperity( with many cattle and sheep to fill their past res. $he diseases that decimated pop lations of men and animals will be controlled( and the n mbers of people and animals will increase. $heir crops will prosper witho t the plant diseases and the rains will not fail for them if they follow the LordIs instr ctions. His hedge will be aro nd them to protect them from weather( disease( and enemies. )f they fail to follow the Lord( then the hedge of protection will be removed. &ob 616>( )saiah 919( E5e!iel 6016?=. $he role of the prophet of the Lord is to b ild the hedge of protection aro nd the people of the Lord by teaching them tr th and enco raging them to wal! in the Lord. ;oses has done this for )srael( and every tr e prophet will contin e to do so. Ae teronomy 0216?8( 0012=?2<. $hey will have blessing as they leave their homes and agric lt ral properties( and they will be blessed as they ret rn to them. $here will be peace and safety in the land and they will be able to travel witho t fear and wor! witho t loo!ing over their sho lder every moment. "hen an enemy arises( as many will do in the devilIs world( they will be beaten well before they attac! )srael. $he Lord will fight for them as He has done thro gh their wilderness wanderings. )f an enemy attac!s from one direction( then they will flee from )srael in seven directions. ,ll these things will be tr e( if and only if( they obey the voice of the Lord their God. $hey are e%pected to be militarily prepared( and stand armed ready to fight( b t only in the LordIs name and nder His orders. Eehemiah 818?2>. V&7)&) 7 /4: "hatever the people set their hands to( .once they have rightly set their hearts towards God:( then they will prosper in their plans and actions. Proverbs 016?7. )f they b ild storeho ses to hold their grain( then( thro gh their obedience to the LordIs Law( their storeho ses will be filled. $heir b siness vent res will prosper( as long as they !eep the Law of the Lord. )f they forget that they are simply men( standing before eternity( and the # dgment of the Lord( then they will discover that it is a dangero s thing to fall into GodIs # dgmentD L !e 62164?27( Hebrews 62127? 2<( &ames 916?7( 2 Peter 016>?64. Earthly prosperity is a drop in the b c!et of time( and lasts for a moment. )f we forget that we are creat res of space and time in an eternal and infinite conte%t we lose o r perspective pon o r place in the niverse. "e are li!e the grass of the fields( here today and gone tomorrow( b t if we serve the Lord in spirit and in tr th we will en#oy blessings in o r service thro gh time( and rewards that will last forever. "e m st recognise who we are as creat res within a creation( and enter into the correct relationship to the Lord o r God. Psalms <>12?4( 62( 6>016>?6=. /efer to the @$@ st dy of AES$)EC +- @EL)EJE/S( E$E/E,L L)-E( P/+SPE/)$C +- $HE 'HU/'H ,GE @EL)EJE/( and /E",/AS ,EA '/+"ES. $he people of the Lord are always e%pected to be a holy people. Holiness is the concept that means set apart for the service and glory of God. )t means to be devoted to the service and hono r and glory of God alone( not distracted by the things of this world. Ephesians 616( 8?9( 2=. $he opposite concept to H+L)EESS .theologically this is referred to as SP)/)$U,L)$C: is "+/LAL)EESS. /efer to these st dies in the @$@. "e are not to be preocc pied with things in o r time here pon the earth( b t with the service of the living God. )f a thief can steal it( r st can destroy it( or a moth can eat it( then it sho ld not be a thing we have any more than a passing tho ght towards. ;atthew 416<?08. "e are to be people of heaven pon the earth and the things of earth are to be of no acco nt for s. + r earthly goods are to be simply items to se to the glory of the Lord. 6 'orinthians 0164?6=( Ephesians 610?8( 912=( 6 $imothy 217( 6 Peter 6169?64( & de 2>. $he )sraelites are to receive the land of promise and inherit towns they have not b ilt( and they m st remember that all the things they receive are gifts from God( and are not to be become ob#ects of any significance in themselves. $he significance of the things of this world is in their relation to God who gave them to s. $he val e of things to the believer is to be in accordance with their val e for the ministry the Lord has called s to e%ercise while here pon the earth. "e call land /eal Estate( and yet an earthG a!e or flood shows s # st how nstable all land is. "e sed to spea! of the gold standard for money( and yet the fl ct ating val e of gold and silver has made any relationship of those commodities to o r money of no significance whatsoever.
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,ll commodities have val e only as they are needed3 their val e is relative to the needs of the people who are val ing them at that time. , diamond nec!lace is of no val e when people have no food or water( and a million dollar nec!lace will be given for a glass of water in s ch a time to allow a person to live for another day. "hat val e then are the diamondsM Li!e all things diamonds have val e only as the people at that time val e them. "ith s ch a fact before s( let s heed the words of the Lord. $he words of ;oses and of &es s are to be obeyed( and the Lord reminds s that the Gentiles . nbelievers: see! earthly prosperity as if it matters( b t we who follow Him are to have better priorities. /efer to the @$@ st dy P/)+/)$)ES( $H)EK)EG @)@L)',LLC. ,s the people of )srael stand firm to the standards of the Lord their God the pagan nations aro nd them will fear them and respect them( for they will see that God is with them. $hey will have sec rity as a res lt of their firm faith( and they will have impact pon the nations aro nd them. $heir sec rity will be directly related to their faith and obedience. $heir national infl ence on others will be directly related to their spirit ality. $hese principles have not changed. $he ch rch today has power( and the individ al believer has impact in their comm nity( in direct relationship to their wal!ing in the "ord in the filling of the Holy Spirit. ,s we are obedient( so we are powerf l and safe in o r wal! with the Lord in the midst of this otherwise dangero s world. )f the people of )srael wo ld be obedient the promise of God was for the rains to fall and the crops to be blessed. )f they wo ld stand by His Law and be holy before Him( then the LordIs promise to them was that they wo ld be the ban!ers of their area and wo ld not be the borrowers from others. )f they paid their spirit al debt of obedience to the Lord they wo ld be in financial debt to no men. )f they obeyed the Lord they co ld be a leader amongst the nations3 they wo ld be the head( not the tail. $hey wo ld be on top of the heap( never nder the heel of any conG eror. ,ll this was their destiny( if they obeyed the Lord( b t the opposite res lt wo ld event ate if they failed to obey the Lord their God. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. "e are the light bearers for this dar! world. $his is o r tas!ing before the Lord and it reG ires obedience to the "ord of the Lord( for the "ord contains o r orders for service. Let s be teachers and followers of the "ord of the Lord. 2. How passionate is o r desire for holiness before the LordM How passionate and wholehearted are we in o r foc s pon obedience to the Lord o r GodM "e are to be diligent regarding spirit al things( not distracted by the temporary things of this present world. Ao we love this present world( or do we love the Lord o r God and see! His path thro gh this present worldM Ao we see the things of this world as things to se for God( or are we attached to the temporary things of timeM 0. /ewards in time from the Lord are not things to be selfishly en#oyed3 they will always be things that enable greater service( greater #oy( and greater impact for the wor! of the Lord. God see!s to move s along His path for o r life with #oy and power( and for that to grow thro gh the passage of time for s. Let s see! the rising wave of blessing( thro gh the filling and power of the Holy Spirit. Let s stand against the false teaching of the so called prosperity gospel( for it is not a tr e gospel at all. Galatians 614?<. $he nbelievers see! comfort and wealth in this present world3 o r call is to see! the LordIs path thro gh this world. Let s see! the LordIs path( not the broad way of wealth( power and final destr ction. 8. +bedience to the Lord delivers power and p rpose on o r path thro gh this life. God b ilds His protective hedge aro nd s as we are obedient to Him. $here is no sec rity in this life apart from the path that the Lord calls s to wal!. Eo matter how dangero s the path of God appears to be( it is the only safe place to be. Let s wal! this path in spirit and in tr th( for here alone we are safe in an otherwise dangero s world. "e will die here( and yet we can rela% abo t the how and when of death( only as we wal! with God. Let s learn from )sraelIs e%perience and wal! with God. DOCTRINES DISPENSATIONS DISPENSATION OF THE EWS OR ISRAEL 6. Script re1 Genesis 62 ?,cts. 2. Limits1 ,braham to Second ,dvent. 0. Aivided into $hree Sections a: $he Patriarchs ? ,braham ? ;oses. b: $he Law. ;oses ? Pentecost. c: $he $rib lation ? /apt re ? 2nd ,dvent. 8. 'haracteristics a: Length of ,ge ? appro%imately 2(>>> years. b: ;eans of salvation ? faith in 'hrist .&ames 2120: c: "ritten Script re ? +ld $estament completed 829 @' d: Evangelists ? $he &ews
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e: -o r Unconditional 'ovenants1? i: ,brahamic .Genesis 6216?0: ii: Aavidic .2 Sam el =17?64: iii: Palestinian .Genesis 69167?26: iv: Eew. .&eremiah 06106?08: $hese are f lfilled at the Second ,dvent( when &es s( the ;essiah ret rns to earth to reign as King. f: Specific discipline for fail re to comply with Aivine Airection incl de1? i: "here a foreign co ntry r les the &ews .e.g. /ome from 4> @'. to => ,A.: ii: "here the &ews are removed from the land .e.g. @abylonian captivity 974 to 964 @': g: ;a#or # dgments ? @abylonian captivity. h: ,t death believers ? Paradise .,braham*s @osom: .L !e 6416<?06 i: ,t death nbelievers ? $orments .L !e 6416<?06: #: Priesthood ? Levitical .E%od s 27?2<: !: $he Law ? given to ;oses .E%od s 6<?28: l: Holy Spirit ? assisted a selected few believers ? eg Gideon( Aavid( Samson. m: Environment ? sinf l. n: Satan ? in heaven and on earth. o: /ebellion ? )dolatry( re#ection of the Law of God. p: ;any lang ages ?.Genesis 661<: G: ;any races of people .Genesis 661<: r: Spirit ality ? resting in the promise of God. .Hebrews 6617?8>: 9. $he &ewish ,ge is interr pted at the cr cifi%ion of &es s 'hrist .Aaniel <124a:. )nstead of accepting their ;essiah( the &ews re#ected and cr cified Him. God therefore has temporarily set the &ews aside and ordained the 'h rch as His ambassadors on earth /omans 6616=? 29. "hen the 'h rch is removed from the earth .!nown as the /apt re:( God will re?instit te the &ews as His ambassadors. $his will last for a period of seven years .Aaniel <124b?2=:( !nown as the $rib lation( d ring which time the &ews will repent and call pon their ;essiah. $he Lord &es s 'hrist will then come bac! to earth at the Second ,dvent to regather )srael and establish His !ingdom on earth. LIGHT 6. God is light and in Him there is no dar!ness at all. .6 &ohn 619: 2. $he Lord is the visible manifestation of that light. .&ohn 618( 7162( 62184: 0. $he Lord*s coming as the Light of the "orld was prophesied. .)saiah 8<14: 8. $he light was seen in the dar!ness of the world. .;atthew 8164( L !e 2102: 9. $he Lord bro ght light and immortality thro gh the gospel. .2 $imothy 616>: 4. @elievers are said to be light bearers. .;atthew 9168?64( &ohn 62104: =. "e are said to be the children of the light. .&ohn 661<?6>( Ephesians 917( 6 $hessalonians 919( 6 Peter 21<: 7. Light is necessary for man*s e%istence on the earth. .Ecclesiastes 661=3 &eremiah 06109: <. Aivine g idance of )srael was provided by God thro gh light. .E%od s 6812>: 6>. @ible doctrine in the so l is portrayed by light. .Psalm 66<( 6>9(60>: 66. $he gospel is called light. .2 'orinthians 810( 83 2 $imothy 616>: 62. Salvation brings the believer o t of dar!ness into light # st as the planet Earth was bro ght o t of dar!ness into light by God. .L !e 61=<3 6 Peter 21<:. 60. Satan is the distorter( the angel of light. .2 'orinthians 66168: 68. Satan*s strategy is to o tshine the tr e light with his own false gospel. .2 'orinthians 810?4: DISPENSATIONS DISPENSATION OF THE MILLENNIAL #INGDOM 6. General Script re1 ;any +ld $estament passages( /evelation 2> 2. Limits1 Second ,dvent to Great "hite $hrone & dgment 0. 'haracteristics1 a: Length of ,ge ? 6(>>> years. b: ;eans of Salvation ? -aith in 'hrist. c: Script re ? the person of 'hrist. d: Evangelists ? the person of 'hrist. e: ;a#or & dgments i: @aptism of -ire .;atthew 0162( 28104?86: ii: Last & dgment ./evelation 2>166?69: iii: Aestr ction of Universe .2 Peter 01=?60: f: Aeath e%tremely rare in the ;illenni m. E%tended life span. .)saiah 4912>: g: ,t death( nbelievers ? $orments. h: Priesthood ? 'hrist.
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i: $he Law ? no Law( &es s 'hrist has f lfilled the law. .;atthew 916=: #: Holy Spirit ? niversal indwelling of the believer. .&oel 2127?2<: !: Environment ? perfect .)saiah 6616?<: l: Satan ? chained in the abyss ntil the end of the ;illenni m ./evelation 2>12?0: m: /ebellion ? nbelievers at the end of the ,ge. ./evelation 2>1=?<: n: Spirit ality ? filling of the Holy Spirit .&oel 2127(2<: o: Eo h man religion ? Satan bo nd ? no infl ence on the earth. .)saiah 210( &ohn 7188 cf. /ev 2>16?0: p: )srael ?restored .)saiah 0910?6>: G: Universal peace .Psalm 841<( Hosea 2167( ;icah 810: r: Perfect government with 'hrist as King .)saiah 6616?9( Nechariah 681<: s: Universal prosperity .Psalm =21=: t: Universal !nowledge of God. .)saiah 661<: : /adical changes in nat re ? restored to perfection as in the Garden of Eden i: ;an!ind loosened from the bondage of sin. ./omans 716<?22: ii: Sin has no adverse effect on nat re .Genesis 016=?67 cf. )saiah 0916?2(=: iii: ,nimals will lose their ferocity .)saiah 6614?7( 49129: v: ;illenni m ? begins with believers only. CHRISTIAN LIFE DESTINY OF BELIEVERS 6. He who believes in &es s 'hrist has eternal life now .6 &ohn 9166?60:. He will never die .&ohn 66129(24( &ohn 7196: 2. @elievers are said to Qfall asleepQ at their death .6 $hessalonians 8168:. $he so l departs to be conscio sly present with 'hrist( b t the body QsleepsQ in the grave ntil the res rrection .2 'orinthians 914?7: 0. "hen 'hrist comes at the /apt re( the bodies of those in 'hrist shall be raised from the dead .6 $hessalonians 8164( 6 'orinthians 6912>?20: 8. + r physical bodies will be replaced by immortal bodies .2 'orinthians 916?8: ? conformed to the body of 'hrist .Philippians 012>?26: 9. "e shall be li!e him .6 &ohn 012: seeing His glory and reflecting it in o rselves .'olossians 018( &ohn 6=122:. 4. "e will be rewarded beca se of wor!s of faith .L !e 6<162?6<: which will vary in proportion to o r faithf lness in serving God .;atthew 412>( 6 'orinthians 0166?69: =. )n the ;illennial Kingdom( we shall reign with 'hrist as priests of God and 'hrist ./evelation 2>14:. 7. $o the overcomer .6 &ohn 918?9: 'hrist will give to eat of the tree of life ./evelation 21=: and shall not be h rt by the second death ? the la!e of fire ./evelation 2166:. He will be given a thority to r le over nations ./evelation 2.24?2=: &es s will ac!nowledge the believer before God ./evelation 018?9: who will be made a pillar in the temple of God. ./evelation 0162: and will be seated with 'hrist in His own throne. ./evelation 0126: <. God will wipe away all tears from his eyes3 sorrow( crying( pain( and death shall be no more ./evelation 2618: 6>. "e shall !now all things perfectly .6 'orinthians 60162: 66. "e will receive an incorr ptible inheritance. .6 Peter 610?9: !ept by o r all powerf l God in heaven. CHRISTIAN LIFE ETERNAL LIFE 6. AE-)E)$)+E1 Life belonging to the ages .Gree! word aionios:. $his is the life of the believer who had a beginning in time b t whose life will contin e thro gh the other side of death into the infinite f t re. 2. ;an!ind were created for eternity. God*s p rpose was to create a being to en#oy fellowship with forever. 2 Peter 01 <. 0. $he iss e for entry into eternal life is faith in 'hrist. $he choice for man is clearly stated in &ohn 0104( 9128( ,cts 60184( Galatians 417( ;atthew 2914. 8. $hose who are serio s abo t life and concerned abo t death as! abo t it. ;atthew 6018>?80( 6<164( ;ar! 6>16=( L !e 6>129( 67167. 9. $he Lord*s words provide the answer to the G estions abo t eternal life. &ohn 4147( /omans 912>( 26( /omans 4122( 20. )t is the Lord who gives eternal life( &ohn 910<( 8>( 6219>. 4. $he Lord gives eternal life to those who believe on him( &ohn 6>127( 6=12(
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$he door to fellowship and all that goes with it is opened by faith in him as Savio r. &ohn 0169(64( ,cts 60187( &ohn 418>( 8=. $o Eat His -lesh and Arin! His @lood is graphic lang age to pict re his wor! and o r need to appropriate it for o rselves. &ohn 4198( 8168. =. "hile it may only be f lly !nown in heaven the believer may grasp a glimpse of eternal life here and now by way of anticipation and relationship. Knowing God is a glimpse of eternal life now( &ohn 6=10( and fellowship with him is the #oy of every believer now and forever. 6 &ohn 616?8( 916>?62( 2>( 6 $imothy 4162( 6<. 7. Eternal life is received in f ll at the res rrectionLrapt re when we all receive o r new bodies from the Lord. /ewards are received then to en#oy with the Lord forever. "e are all rged to live each day with the eternal life perspective in mind( thin!ing of o r place with the Lord forever. ;atthew 6<12<( 0>( ;ar! 6>12<?06( &ohn 62129( &ohn 8104( /omans 214(=. <. Eternal Life is the believers hope( associated with the /apt re and /es rrection( and sho ld be on o r mind thro gh each day( as it sets s apart from the nbelievers who have no s ch hope. Philippians 012>( 26( $it s 612( 2160( 01=( 6 $hessalonians 216<( 8160( 6 Peter 610( 6>. $he ass rance of eternal life is gro nded in the promise of God given thro gh 'hrist. 6 &ohn 2128(29( 6 &ohn 9160? 69. CHRISTIAN LIFE PROSPERITY OF THE CHURCH AGE BELIEVER 6. Eearly every letter of Pa l opens with the prayer greeting( QGrace mercy and peace to yo all from God....Q i.e. Gods love in action( nmerited favo r and blessing in all areas of life and peace. Eirene T prosperity( a rela%ed mental attit de( rest in so l( no strife. 2. QPeace of God which passes all nderstanding shall !eep yo r hearts and minds thro gh 'hrist &es sQ Philippians 81=. Peace of mind T greatest prosperity of allD $his is what the wealthy crave for and the lac! of it is why they often s icide D 0. )srael loo!ed to blessing in time as the !ey thing. -or them( powerLmoneyLstat s T sign of spirit al blessingD $his is not necessarily so for o r age of history. $here is no direct promise to 'hristians that spirit ality T monetary wealth. $he principle of ;atthew 4106 ?08 applies to s. P t God first and do not worry abo t f t re( i.e. apply doctrine and get to wor!. .Lord will not see yo short( 6 'orinthians 6>160( yo will never be p shed beyond what yo are able( with doctrine( to stand:. )n )srael to be in poverty T # dgement( b t this is not so for the 'hristian( Philippians 8166( Q)n whatever state ) find myself there ) am content.Q 8. 'hristian mat rity T spirit ally minded U Peace and Prosperity( c.f. carnally minded T death. /omans 714. $o be carnally minded T concerned for things that decayD T living deathD "e are to be concerned for things of eternal conseG ence T liberated. 9. Eot having o r eyes on earthly treas res. ;atthew 4126 ? for where yo r tho ghts are T there yo r so l rests and livesD S estion for yo ( "here does yo r so l live todayM $ rn to &ames 916?4 ./ead:. E@1 &ames is writing to believers with n# st b siness practises. $ rn to L !e 62164?26 ./ead:. $he warning is clear( don*t be the richest man in the cemeteryD 4. + r treas re is hidden in earthen vessels T doctrine in the so lD 2 'orinthians 814R= =. /iches T Gods word. 'olossians 0169R64. $he res lt of this T others blessed and comforted. 7. Prosperity for believer T fr it of Spirit in the So l. Galatians 9122( Ephesians 610. Love( #oy( peace( long s ffering( gentleness( goodness( faith(..... <. $he overflow of this spirit al stat s may be physical and monetary prosperity. )t is bona fide for mat re believer to pray for moneyD 0 &ohn 2 Q) wish that yo may prosper and be in health( even as yo r so l prospers.Q $his is a good prayer T that a persons wealth !eeps s with their spirit al reso rces to cope with itD S ch a believer will se their wealth to hono r God. )f this physical prosperity is part of Gods will for s( then we can rela% with it( for can only give as we prosperD 6 'orinthians 6412 sho ld $he point in these verses is that God po rs when we have the spirit al capacity to cope and se it. /ead 6$imothy 414?62 CHRISTIAN LIFE REWARDS AND CROWNS 6. /ewards and Salvation are caref lly separated in the script res. Salvation is a free gift from God( rewards are for meritorio s service in the power of the Spirit.
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2. Salvation ? a free gift to the lost. .Ephesians 217?<( /omans 4120( &ohn 816>: ? an everlasting possession. .&ohn 0104( &ohn 9128( &ohn 418=: 0. /ewards ? to the saved who faithf lly wor! for the Lord. .6 'orinthians <128( 29( /evelation 22162: ? distrib ted at the & dgment Seat of 'hrist .6 'orinthians 0166?69( 2 'orinthians 916>( /omans 6816>:( which ta!es place after the /apt re of the 'h rch ./evelation 6<1=(7:. 8. /ewards are often pict red in the form of crowns1? a: $he incorr ptible crown ? for faithf lness in e%ercising self control. .6 'orinthians <128?2=: b: $he crown of glory ? for faithf lness in s ffering. .6 Peter 918: c: $he crown of life ? for faithf lness nder trial. .&ames 6162( /evelation 216>: d: $he crown of righteo sness ? for faithf l testimony. .2 $imothy 817: e: $he crown of re#oicing ? for faithf l service. .6 $hessalonians 216<( 2>( Philippians 816:
9. /ewards come after yo have entered into the Plan of God thro gh regeneration
4. /ewards are based on the se of divine operating assets incl ding the filling of the Holy Spirit =. Co can lose rewards b t never salvation .6 'orinthians 0168?69( 2 $imothy 2162(60: CHRISTIAN LIFE SPIRITUALITY 6. ,ll 'hristians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. "hen we allow Him to control o r lives( we are said to be Qfilled with the SpiritQ or Qwal!ing in the SpiritQ. 2. $he filling of the Holy Spirit can be lost by a: Grieving the Spirit ? by sin b: S enching the Spirit ? by not s bmitting to His leading c: $his is called being carnal( or controlled by the flesh( the old sin nat re. 0. $he filling of the Holy Spirit can be regained by a: confessing sin .6 &ohn 61<: b: s rrendering yo r life to God ./omans 6216?2: c: $his is called being spirit al( or controlled by the Holy Spirit. 8. +nly the Holy Spirit in s can prod ce good wor!s acceptable to God ? anything in o r own strength is nacceptable ./omans 717?<( 6 'orinthians 016>?69: 9. $he spirit al believer a: )mitates God. .Ephesians 916( 6 &ohn 01<: b: $o glorify 'hrist. .&ohn =10<( &ohn 64168: c: - lfils the Law. ./omans 712?8( /omans 6017: 4. )n the @ible the h man race is divided in three 'ategories1? a: Eat ral ;an ? , person born physically alive( b t not regenerated. He may be highly sophisticated( civilised( gentle and !ind( b t is completely ignorant of any spirit al phenomena. .6 'orinthians 2168: EG ivalent to the cold person in the ch rch in Laodicea. b: 'arnal ;an ? , person regenerated or born again b t living his life nder the power of his old sin nat re. Prolonged activity in this area prod ces a 'hristian who is still a baby. .6 'orinthians 016?8:. EG ivalent to the l !ewarm person in the ch rch of Laodicea. c: Spirit al ;an ? , person regenerated and living generally in the power of the Holy Spirit. He discerns the difference between the things of God and man. .6 'orinthians 2166?60: He has fellowship with God in his daily life. .Ephesians 9167?2>: EG ivalent to the hot person in the ch rch of Laodicea. =. 'arnality a: $he believer possesses an +ld Sin Eat re after salvation .6&ohn 617( /omans =168(69:. b: $he +ld Sin Eat re is desperately wic!ed .&eremiah 6=1<:. c: $he believer nder the control of the +ld Sin Eat re is called carnal .6'orinthians 016?0( /omans =168:. d: $he +ld Sin Eat re fr strates bona fide prod ction in the life of the believer ./omans =169:. e: $he +ld Sin Eat re is acG ired at the point of physical birth .Psalm 9619:. f: "e are therefore considered spirit ally dead at the point of physical birth ./omans 9162:. g: $he +ld Sin Eat re has several facets1 areas of wea!ness prod ces sins( areas of strength prod ces h man good. )t has trends towards asceticism or lascivio sness. )n many cases asceticism is considered to be spirit ality. h: $he +ld Sin Eat re is not fo nd in the res rrection body. WORLDLINESS 6. "orldliness means to follow the beliefs and philosophy of man rather than that of God
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2. "orldliness is the opposite to Godliness3 it is thin!ingLdoing in opposition to God*s revealed word. $it s 2166?68. 0. ,ll people are faced with the constant choice of following God*s way or the world*s. /omans 9162( 016<( 6 'orinthians 6126( Ephesians 2162( &ames 612=( 2 Peter 618( 212>. 8. Satan is the Qprince of this worldQ( and has power to deceive those who are negative to God*s plans. &ohn 62106( 6810>( 64166( 6 'orinthians 818( 6 Peter 917(<. 9. "e m st not love the world( 6 &ohn 2169?6=. 4. "e m st hate all the world stands for( in tho ght and in deed. 6 'orinthians 91<?60( 6610>?02( Galatians 4168( &ames 612=( &ames 818( 2 Peter 610(8( 6 'orinthians 0167( 6<. =. "e m st not ret rn to o r old behavio r patterns. Ephesians 216?=. 7. $his evil world system and the prince of this world will be condemned. ;atthew 671=( &ohn 62106( 64166( 6 'orinthians 412( 2 Peter 01=( 2 Peter 216ff. CHRISTIAN LIFE PRIORITIES 6. $he -irst Person ? &es s 'hrist has ltimate priority ? 'olossians 6164?67 2. $he -irst Possessions ? $he !ingdom of God( the greatest gift ? ;atthew 4100 0. $he -irst +ffering ? the giving of oneself ? 2 'orinthians 719 8. $he -irst Aenial ? the denial of self ? ;atthew =19 9. $he -irst Aiscipline ? the discipline of prayer ? 6 $imothy 216?8 4. $he -irst 'ommandment ? to love God s premely ? ;atthew 2210=?07 =. $he -irst E%c se ? too b sy to have time for God ? ;atthew 7126?22 CHRISTIAN LIFE THIN#ING BIBLICALLY 6. "e m st thin! with Holy Spirit filled discernment. /efer SP)/)$U,L)$C. 2. + r discernment is determined by the amo nt of GodIs "ord we have read( nderstood and applied into o r lives. 'olossians 61<?66. /efer E@'", 'A or website for detailed st dy 'olossians 6. 0. + r h man )S is of no significance in thin!ing biblically( for the Holy Spirit will teach s as we see! to learn and are obedient to what we learn. 6 'orinthians 616<? 2164. /efer E@'", 'A or website for detailed st dy of 6 'orinthians 6. 8. $o thin! biblically we m st apply what we !now. &ames 6126?29. /efer E@'", 'A or website for detailed st dy of &ames 6. $here is no s ch thing as !nowledge that remains napplied( for s ch !nowledge is simply self deception. DEUTERONOMY 2E>/$-44 /$ B+2 (2 )91,, !38& 23 @1))A (6 293+ ;(,2 432 9&17B&4 +423 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A 23 35)&7'& 23 *3 1,, 9() !38814*8&42) 14* 9() )212+2&) ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-C 2912 1,, 29&)& !+7)&) )91,, !38& +@34 29&&A 14* 3'&721B& 29&&> /? C+7)&* )91,2 293+ 5& (4 29& !(2-A 14* !+7)&* )91,2 293+ 5& (4 29& 6(&,*: /7 C+7)&* )91,, 5& 29- 51)B&2 14* 29- )237&: /E C+7)&* )91,, 5& 29& 67+(2 36 29- 53*-A 14* 29& 67+(2 36 29- ,14*A 29& (4!7&1)& 36 29B(4&A 14* 29& 6,3!B) 36 29- )9&&@: /F C+7)&* )91,2 293+ 5& ;9&4 293+ !38&)2 (4A 14* !+7)&* )91,2 293+ 5& ;9&4 293+ =3&)2 3+2: 2. T9& LORD )91,, )&4* +@34 29&& !+7)(4=A '&J12(34A 14* 7&5+B&A (4 1,, 2912 293+ )&22&)2 29(4& 914* +423 637 23 *3A +42(, 293+ 5& *&)273-&*A 14* +42(, 293+ @&7()9 K+(!B,-C 5&!1+)& 36 29& ;(!B&*4&)) 36 29*3(4=)A ;9&7&5- 293+ 91)2 637)1B&4 8&: 2/ T9& LORD )91,, 81B& 29& @&)2(,&4!& !,&1'& +423 29&&A +42(, 9& 91'& !34)+8&* 29&& 6738 366 29& ,14*A ;9(29&7 293+ =3&)2 23 @3))&)) (2: 22 T9& LORD )91,, )8(2& 29&& ;(29 1 !34)+8@2(34A 14* ;(29 1 6&'&7A 14* ;(29 14 (46,18812(34A 14* ;(29 14 &J27&8& 5+74(4=A 14* ;(29 29& );37*A 14* ;(29 5,1)2(4=A 14* ;(29 8(,*&;C 14* 29&- )91,, @+7)+& 29&& +42(, 293+ @&7()9: 23 A4* 29- 9&1'&4 2912 () 3'&7 299&1* )91,, 5& 571))A 14* 29& &1729 2912 () +4*&7 29&& )91,, 5& (734: 24 T9& LORD )91,, 81B& 29& 71(4 36 29- ,14* @3;*&7 14* *+)2> 6738 9&1'&4 )91,, (2 !38& *3;4 +@34 29&&A +42(, 293+ 5& *&)273-&*: 2$ T9& LORD )91,, !1+)& 29&& 23 5& )8(22&4 5&637& 29(4& &4&8(&)> 293+ )91,2 =3 3+2 34& ;1- 1=1(4)2 29&8A 14* 6,&& )&'&4 ;1-) 5&637& 29&8> 14* )91,2 5& 7&83'&* (423 1,, 29& B(4=*38) 36 29& &1729: 2? A4* 29- !17!1)& )91,, 5& 8&12 +423 1,, 63;,) 36 29& 1(7A 14* +423 29& 5&1)2) 36 29& &1729A 14* 43 814 )91,, 671- 29&8 1;1-: 27 T9& LORD ;(,, )8(2& 29&& ;(29 29& 532!9 36 E=-@2A 14* ;(29 29& &8&73*)A 14* ;(29 29& )!15A 14* ;(29 29& (2!9A ;9&7&36 293+ !14)2 432 5& 9&1,&*:2E T9& LORD )91,, )8(2& 29&& ;(29 81*4&))A 14* 5,(4*4&))A 14* 1)234()98&42 36 9&172> 2F A4* 293+ )91,2 =73@& 12 4334*1-A 1) 29& 5,(4* =73@&29 (4 *17B4&))A 14* 293+ )91,2 432 @73)@&7 (4 29- ;1-)> 14* 293+ )91,2 5& 34,- 3@@7&))&* 14* )@3(,&* &'&7837&A 14* 43 814 )91,, )1'& 29&&: 3. T93+ )91,2 5&27329 1 ;(6&A 14* 14329&7 814 )91,, ,(& ;(29 9&7> 293+ )91,2 5+(,* 14 93+)&A 14* 293+ )91,2 432 *;&,, 29&7&(4> 293+ )91,2 @,142 1 '(4&-17*A 14* )91,2 432 =129&7 29& =71@&) 29&7&36: 3/ T9(4& 3J )91,, 5& ),1(4 5&637& 29(4& &-&)A 14* 293+ )91,2 432 &12 29&7&36> 29(4& 1)) )91,, 5& '(3,&42,- 21B&4 1;1- 6738 5&637& 29- 61!&A 14* )91,, 432 5& 7&)237&* 23 29&&> 29- )9&&@ )91,, 5& =('&4 +423 29(4& &4&8(&)A 14* 293+ )91,2 91'& 434& 23 7&)!+& 29&8: 32 T9- )34) 14* 29- *1+=92&7) )91,, 5& =('&4 +423 14329&7 @&3@,&A 14* 29(4& &-&) )91,, ,33BA 14* 61(, ;(29 ,34=(4= 637 29&8 1,, 29& *1- ,34=C 14* 29&7& )91,, 5& 43 8(=92 (4 29(4& 914*: 33 T9& 67+(2 36 29- ,14*A 14* 1,, 29- ,153+7)A )91,, 1 412(34 ;9(!9 293+ B43;&)2 432 &12 +@C 14* 293+ )91,2 5& 34,- 3@@7&))&* 14* !7+)9&* 1,;1-> 34 S3 2912 293+ )91,2 5& 81* 637 29& )(=92 36 29(4& &-&) ;9(!9 293+ )91,2 )&&: 3$ T9& LORD )91,, )8(2& 29&& (4 29& B4&&)A 14* (4 29& ,&=)A ;(29 1 )37& 532!9 2912 !14432 5& 9&1,&*A 6738 29& )3,& 36 29- 6332 +423 29& 23@ 36 29- 9&1*: 3? T9& LORD )91,, 57(4= 29&&A
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14* 29- B(4= ;9(!9 293+ )91,2 )&2 3'&7 29&&A +423 1 412(34 ;9(!9 4&(29&7 293+ 437 29- 6129&7) 91'& B43;4C 14* 29&7& )91,2 293+ )&7'& 329&7 =3*)A ;33* 14* )234&: 37 A4* 293+ )91,2 5&!38& 14 1)234()98&42A 1 @73'&75A 14* 1 5-;37*A 1834= 1,, 412(34) ;9(29&7 29& LORD )91,, ,&1* 29&&: 3E T93+ )91,2 !177- 8+!9 )&&* 3+2 (423 29& 6(&,*A 14* )91,2 =129&7 5+2 ,(22,& (4C 637 29& ,3!+)2 )91,, !34)+8& (2: 3F T93+ )91,2 @,142 '(4&-17*)A 14* *7&)) 29&8A 5+2 )91,2 4&(29&7 *7(4B 36 29& ;(4&A 437 =129&7 29& =71@&)C 637 29& ;378) )91,, &12 29&8: 4. T93+ )91,2 91'& 3,('& 27&&) 2973+=93+2 1,, 29- !31)2)A 5+2 293+ )91,2 432 143(42 29-)&,6 ;(29 29& 3(,C 637 29(4& 3,('& )91,, !1)2 9() 67+(2: 4/ T93+ )91,2 5&=&2 )34) 14* *1+=92&7)A 5+2 293+ )91,2 432 &4D3- 29&8C 637 29&- )91,, =3 (423 !1@2('(2-: 42 A,, 2927&&) 14* 67+(2 36 29- ,14* )91,, 29& ,3!+)2 !34)+8&: 43 T9& )2714=&7 2912 () ;(29(4 29&& )91,, =&2 +@ 153'& 29&& '&7- 9(=9C 14* 293+ )91,2 !38& *3;4 '&7- ,3;: 44 H& )91,, ,&4* 23 29&&A 14* 293+ )91,2 432 ,&4* 23 9(8> 9& )91,, 5& 29& 9&1*A 14* 293+ )91,2 5& 29& 21(,: REFLECTIONS V&7)& /$: )f the people heed the words of the Lord thro gh ;oses they will have blessings in their land and in their lives( b t if they deliberately ignore( or disobey the words of God then they will s ffer the conseG ences of their evil decisions. )f they hear( believe and obey they will be blessed( b t if they ignore( fail to believe( and fail to obey the words of the Lord( then the Vc rse will fall pon them. Eow remember o r previo s e%planation of the theology behind the word c rse. )t is the nat ral conseG ence of binding yo rself to evil. $o bind yo r self to the enemy is to share his fate. $o bind yo r self to rebellion is to be treated as a rebel. Eote the lang age of ;oses at the end of this verse( for he describes the way the Lord will bring His c rse pon those who thin! they !now better than their creator. $he nat ral conseG ences of re#ection of the creatorIs words will come pon them as s rely as a nat ral law will wor! o t in time after any action. )f a stone is dropped( then it will fall( and if man disobeys the creator of the heavens and the earth( then they will receive His # dgment. $he # dgment will not tend to be a bolt of lightning from the heavens( for the Lord rarely needs to wor! that way. $he wave of conseG ences will overta!e them( even tho gh for a time they may thin! they have got away with their disobedience. ;oses words here remind s that # dgment does not fall instantly in some case. ,t times the nat ral conseG ences of a decision b ild p grad ally and then overwhelm. Let me se two ecological e%amples that ill strate manIs ignoring of the laws behind the creation( and foolishly thin!ing they !now better than their creator. ;any people are baffled and s rprised by the poll tion that !ills a once bea tif l la!e( yet it is the res lt of years of careless release of to%ins by the s rro nding settlements. $he people are shoc!ed and saddened when the la!e dies and they are disg sted when it stin!s in their nostrils( b t their own evil( or wilf l ignorance( has created the mess. $he second e%ample is seen in many places when men foolishly c t down the trees that cover hills and !eep their soils intact. $he res lt of removing the forest from the hills is land slips( m d slides( and disastro s floods that often !ill many people. -oolish men then say it was an act of God( and yet it sho ld be described as an evil of manD "hen we ignore the way the creator has made s( and made the world( we destroy o rselves and o r world. $he @ible teaches that evil menIs destr ction of the world will sadly contin e( and all the wor! of fallen men will not t rn this aro nd. $he final years of life pon this planet before the LordIs ret rn( will be characterised by world wide poll tion( and the very near total destr ction of the environment. $he f t re is graphically portrayed by script re( and the pict re is not a pleasant one( for it is a satanic policy to destroy this world before the Lord ret rns. Satan will E+$ be s ccessf l in his plan( and the Lord will ret rn and clean p this world and r le here for a tho sand years in perfect environment( before time is swallowed p in eternity. $he vials of # dgment described in revelation 64 are the ltimate # dgment of the Lord pon man as a res lt of their ignoring of the words of script re. /ead the E@'", 'ommentary on this chapter of /evelation and be enco raged( rather than worrying abo t climate change or poll tion. $he Lord alone can properly clean p this world and HE will do so. Until He ret rns however we are to be obedient to His words and not personally be poll ters of this world( for that is SatanIs policy( not God*s. "e are not to be poll ters of the mind with pornography( poll ters of the body with dr gs and alcohol( or poll ters of the planet with waste prod cts. "e are to be holy( and that means we are to be clean( moral( and good. Philippians 814?<. Having said that we are not to be poll ters( for that is Satanic policy( let me also challenge yo that we are not to #oin the environmental political bandwagon either. Satan has two thr sts in o r present age in the environmental area. $hese parallel his policy in moral areas3 for he enco rages both licence and asceticism( for all nbalanced action destabili5es people. Poll tion directly destroys the ecology( and creates economic hardship( death and health impacts( b t( from SatanIs perspective( it increases the level of despair that will ma!e nsaved men loo! for a powerf l political deliverer. $he second environmental policies of the enemy are designed to destabili5e economies and political str ct res f rther by two main means. He can ban!r pt economies by trying to clean p the mess he has made at great costs and with great corr ption. $hese policy initiatives are also designed to destabili5e local pop lations thro gh fear and direct economic costs( as well as feeding the greed for power of the politicians involved( and the greed for money amongst the corr pt officials who r n them. $he p rpose of both his environment policies centres in his desire to destroy the environment before the LordIs ret rn( and to se that destr ction of the environment to bring h man despair to a high level. He can se this despair thro gh the res ltant desire of nsaved man to elect and approve the r lership of his false savio r3 the ,nti?'hrist(
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whose banner will be that he alone can clean p the world( if given the power to do so. Greed is the hallmar! sign of satanic activity here as in every aspect of life( # st as the -r it of the Holy Spirit is the hallmar! sign of the activity of the Holy Spirit. /efer to the @$@ st dies on ,S'E$)')S;( ,E$)?'H/)S$( 'H/)S$ H /E$U/E +- +U/ L+/A( K)EGA+; H ;)LLEEE),L K)EGA+;( EJ)L( "+/LA. V&7)&) /? /F: $hese verses r n the parallel co rse to verses 0 H 4. -or all the blessings described that flow from obedience in verses 0?4( there are corresponding negative conseG ences that flow from disobedience. )n the city limits and in the co ntryside they will e%perience the conseG ences of the removal of GodIs blessing from them. $here will be insec rity in the streets of the city( and fear and danger in the open co ntry side. )nstead of many healthy births of children and animals( the birthing process and the health of the yo ng will be affected by the evil behavio rs of their parents( and the general health and vitality of the pop lation will decline. "e see this principle wor!ing o t in todayIs world. $here is a decline in fertility in the co ntries where se% al promisc ity has been rampant. ;any women and men are baffled by their inability to have children( or that their children are born wea!( sic!ly or deformed( and yet their own earlier evil se% al behavio rs have set p the conseG ences that destroy their children( or their ability to have them. V&7)&) 2. 2?: $here will come to all who violate the Law of God( c rsing( ve%ation and reb !e. $heir wic!ed actions will reap the whirlwind of the nat ral conseG ences of their own wic!edness. $hey have bo nd themselves to the conseG ences of their evil actions and so they will e%perience the fr stration and madness of being nable to control the conseG ences that flow from their evil. $he reb !e of the Lord comes as they face the flow on effects of their evil( and they realise they cannot stop the conseG ences from flowing over them. $he final res lt is their absol te destr ction as an individ al( a family( a comm nity( and possibly as a nation. )srael only s rvives as a remnant on two occasions in their history( as a res lt of ignoring the words of the Lord here. )n 974 @' the nation was red ced to nder 9>>> people .far smaller than the E%od s generationD: from a pop lation nder Solomon that may have n mbered 6(>>>(>>> or more. /efer to the @$@ doctrinal st dy of /E;E,E$. Aisease processes will cleave to them .bind themselves into the pop lation:. $hey will not be able to sha!e off disease and disaster( no matter what their politicians or doctors do to try to stop the slide. $hey will not stop the slide beca se they will not ret rn to the Lord in spirit and in tr th with all their heart foc sed pon Him. Aisease( nat ral disaster( and destr ction thro gh warfare will plag e them. "hen the enemy attac! the Lord will not stand with them( for they have re#ected Him. $hey may( in their false confidence go o t to fight against their enemies( b t they will flee seven ways before them. $hey will have no moral( military( or physical strength to stand against the enemies who will rise against them. $hey have re#ected their so rce of strength( and Satan( who see!s their death as a people( will ta!e the opport nity they deliver to him( and he will bring his most violent servants against them to destroy them. $he ,ssyrians( the @abylonians and the /omans were the most violent and destr ctive of the peoples of the ancient world( and the Ea5is of Germany the most evil men the world has seen since those ancient days. $hese people were able to destroy )srael beca se )srael had forsa!en their God and His Holy "ord. $he conseG ences of the re#ection as a nation of their fo ndational revelation led to their destr ction again and again( # st as the Lord( thro gh ;oses( had told them it wo ld. $o be b ried witho t prayer and mo rning of loved ones was a bad eno gh thing( b t to have ones body lie on an open field and be eaten by wild animals was a horrible tho ght for the )sraelite peoples. $o be nmo rned by loved ones was to be forgotten( and yet the horror behind ;oses words is worse than this. "hat he describes is the lac! of f nerals( beca se all who wo ld have held them are either also dead( or captives being carried away into slavery. )t is total national disaster that is in view here. $he res lt of religio s apostasy( is the loss of the will to fight( and the loss of divine protection( that alone g arantees s rvival and final victory. "hen yo wal! away from God( yo wal! away from yo r only hope. V&7)&) 27 2F: $he spread of diseases that are resistant to medical treatment was a ma#or sign of # dgment. $he mastery of man over disease is a hallmar! sign of c lt ral stability and control. )n places where the health care is good( the political sit ation is strong and the economy stable. $he first signs of decay in a nation are often seen in the health statistics of that nation. Aecline in p blic health mirrors moral and political decline in standards away from the honesty and integrity that is at the heart of godly government. $he diseases mentioned here were the plag es of the ancient world( and were inc rable by the physicians of the time. $he ltimate decay of health was seen when a man s ffered one disease that left ntreated created one or more other diseases. ;any were left blind by diseases that spread steadily to that point. $he physical blindness e%perienced by the person s ffering from the second stage of an infection became the vis al image of the spirit al state of the person and their nation. $he conseG ences of their nresolved sin have ca ght p with them. $hey chose spirit al dar!ness( and now they wal! in physical dar!ness. /efer to the @$@ st dy A,C +- "/,$H. V&7)&) 3. 34: $he contin ation of property and relationship is the e%pectation of prospero s people. "hen people are in a safe co ntry and have good economic conditions they believe they will pass everything on to the ne%t generation. $his e%pectation is correct if each generation wal!s with the Lord( b t it is in error if each generation falls short of the standards of God( whether it is by ignoring them or deliberately disobeying them.
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$he ltimate disgrace and shame for any family was to lose their posterity to others3 for their children to be carried off as slaves( or !illed before fathering the ne%t generation. $o lose then all their property was a f rther disgrace( and to lose it witho t hope of ret rn to it was ltimate # dgment. $heir blessing was tied to their name being passed on in their tribe( and for the land to still be in the hands of the family of those who received it from ;oses or &osh a. ,ll they wor!ed for was to en#oy this blessing( b t to en#oy it they had to remember it was from the Lord and there were spirit al laws that wo ld !eep it in their hands( and spirit al laws that wo ld g arantee they wo ld lose it. "hat is described in these verses is the horror of the res lts of military defeat and invasion. $o see ones own children carried into slavery in a foreign land never to ret rn was an ache that few recovered from. $o have a grave to visit where yo r children lie is bad eno gh( b t to !now they are slaves in another place is a worse horror still. $he psychological res lts of invasion are described in their star! horror. $he res lt for most was a debilitating depression of spirit that few recovered from. $hey will be mentally cr shed by the b rden of their sorrow. /emember( all these things will come pon them only beca se they have failed to obey the Lord their God. $here is some depression that res lts from genetic origins( and some from sit ations well beyond the control of the person. )n s ch cases compassion is the response of all who !now the facts. )n this case however( while there is great compassion for the s ffering( the people have bro ght the s ffering pon themselves. $he door to recovery is spirit al( not psychological in this case3 they m st repent of their evil. $heir madness res lts from their sin and it m st be dealt with( or the madness will deepen. /efer to the @$@ st dy )S/,EL H E,$)+E,L A)J)EE A)S')PL)EE. V&7)&) 3$ 3F: "hen people s ffer from specific mineral and vitamin deficiency in their diet( they will develop awf l s!in diseases. $hese can occ r d e to either obesity or starvation( lac! of e%ercise( inadeG ate p re fl ids( or simple !ey mineralLvitamin deficiencies in an otherwise adeG ate diet. Even before an invasion or siege( some will s ffer from these diseases. $hey will s ffer beca se of inadeG ate diets in a land that has stopped growing the right balance of crops for health( and has grown crops only for the #aded tastes of corr pt people( or as cash crops for sale to others( b t ignores the balance in diet that is needed for the local peopleIs health. ;oses especially mentions the planting of many vineyards. Jerse 0<. $hey were !een on the cash crop of wine( and they wo ld drin! too m ch of it( and they wo ld lose their minds and their nationhood as a res lt. $he worms wo ld eat their grapes and their bodies as a res lt. /efer to the @$@ st dy A/)EK)EG ,L'+H+L. Poor people starve or fall sic! with vitamin deficiencies in s ch sit ations. $he rich and corr pt r lers often ate sweet and tasty things b t did not e%ercise( or drin! eno gh water. $he res lt for both gro ps.rich and poor: is s!in and other disease from maln trition. $hese s!in diseases are often c red by s pplementation to the diet( increased clean fl ids( and e%ercise alone. ,ll the c rative elements will be navailable to them in the time of national catastrophe( and things li!e the famine that accompanies an invasion will lead to all these things in the besieged city. $he s ffering of a besieged pop lation in the ancient world was often e%treme( as the mineral and vitamin deficiencies led to lowered imm nity and the o t brea! of typh s and other diseases that !illed the ma#ority well before the enemy bro!e in. ,ll these things will happen to )srael when she t rns away from the Lord. Psalm 44167( &eremiah 9129. ;oses tells them that the s rvivors from those days will be sent into captivity( and there they will become a proverb amongst the pagan nations of what happens when yo t rn away from yo r God. ;ore died of the res lts of the many sieges than died by enemy action. $he Lord( thro gh &eremiah( warned the people again of the reality of this( sing words drawn from this chapter( reminding the people( if they did not repent( they wo ld be # dged. &eremiah 916ff( 68162?67( 6916?8( 6418?=( 261=?6>( 2817?6>( 2=17?69. ,s yo read these passages yo will note that the people had many false prophets who were saying all wo ld be well for them( and that God was tolerant and wo ld overloo! their sins. $he Lord reminds His people( He does not ever overloo! sinD Sin m st be dealt with by confession and tr e life change. /efer to the @$@ st dy '+E-ESS)+E ,EA /EPEE$,E'E. $hey will contin e to serve other gods in that foreign place( and will contin e to be # dged ntil they repent and ret rn to the Lord alone. $hese words will be terribly f lfilled in the days of the fall of Samaria in =2> @'( and then again the three falls of &er salem( in 4>9( 9<=( and finally 974 @'. $he people will s ffer terribly( and as noted above( only a remnant of the people s rvive. /epentance will come to the e%iles by the rivers of @abylon nder the ministry of E5e!iel( who will draw pon the earlier wor! of )saiah .thro gh the ,ssyrian crisis of =29 H =>> @':( and that of Aaniel .in the @abylonian palace at the time of E5e!iel:( and the words of &eremiah .amongst the other gro p of e%iles in Egypt:. God will ens re that they have the words of a n mber of prophetic voices to recall them to tr th and safety again( and the people will be restored to their land in 909 @'. "hen they ret rn they will give themselves over to obedience to these words of ;oses( and the Law will be the central pillar of their restored nation. )dolatry will be ended for )srael by that terrible e%perience. Eehemiah 716 H <10. V&7)&) 4. 44: $he second ma#or cash crop will be their olive groves( which ;oses identifies will spread thro gh all the land of )srael. $hey will have nearly one tho sand years of time in the land( from aro nd 689> @' when they arrive ntil 974 when they are dispossessed by the @abylonians. )n that time they will plant many great olive groves( b t the trees will cast their fr it pon the gro nd where it will spoil. $hey were not sing the olive oil for food( b t for
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body oils3 for l % ry se. $heir l % ry life style will end beca se they did not give glory to the Lord and serve Him as they were meant to. $heir sons and da ghters were to be a #oy to them( b t they will be a grief( for the s rvivors amongst them will go into captivity. $he total destr ction of the land beca se of their disobedience will be accomplished by pestilence as well as war and famine. $he loc sts will eat the remaining crops in the fields. $he strangers within their borders will no longer be s bservient to them( b t will be more powerf l than they are and will lord it over them. )nstead of )sraelites r ling over )srael( they will be told what to do by those who are aliens amongst them. $hey will lose the r lership of their land to strangers. God has given them rights( b t they will be lost d e to their disobedience to His Law. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. 'ash crops are not wrong in themselves( b t they become an evil when the res lt of growing them means the local people face maln trition. $his has become a problem in o r own corr pt world today. $hese people val ed the money they co ld ma!e from the land ahead of the need to feed their people properly. $he wealthy and the poor both s ffered( either from want( or e%cess of the wrong food. ,lcoholism and gl ttony are evils before the Lord( and He will # dge those who thin! they can ignore His r les for health( with the very diseases that these evil behavio rs ca se. ,lcoholism and gl ttony are not diseases( they are evil behavio rs( and are to be addressed as s ch. ,ll addictive behavio rs are evil ad# stments to inner problems that only obedience to the Lord can remedy. 2. ,ll that )srael had( they held by the grace and favo r of the Lord their God. $hey received gracio s gifts from the Lord( b t they were to be sed for ministry and were to be given than!s over daily. $he only way to se a gift of God is GodIs way. $hey re#ected GodIs direction( and so they wo ld fail to receive GodIs protection. 0. )f we ignore the Laws of God regarding nat re and nat ral forces( we will reap the whirlwind G ite literally. ;an has seen the foolishness of ignoring ecology over the last fifty years. -amine has been created by menIs foolishness and disobedience. $here is still( as ) write this in 2>>7( plenty of food in the world to feed everybody( b t wastage and corr pt systems mean that many are malno rished( while others grow obese. @oth obesity and maln trition are indications of # dgment pon a nation. "hen either of these health iss es is present in a nation there is something wrong spirit ally with that nation. Greed is at the so rce of both problems( and this is the mar! of the enemyIs presence. "e need to be more tho ghtf l abo t what is happening in o r world and be alert to the signs of enemy activity and as believers stand against the enemyIs teaching and infl ence. 8. Poll tion is a sign of evil. )t is ca sed by evil and stems from satanic thin!ing based pon the greed and selfishness of a few with no regard to conseG ences. Eo believer o ght to be a poll ter of the environment. "e cannot clean p this world( and we are not called to do this( for the Lord alone has the power to achieve the res lt. Satan will s cceed in destroying the ecology( b t the Lord will remedy things on His ret rn. Until then we are to stand against the evil of selfish men who desire to poll te the world God made( b t o r main foc s is to save those we can from the cess pool we sometimes find o rselves in. & de 22?20. 9. @elievers are to remember that SatanIs main thr st since the 'ross has been to blind men to the tr th of the ,tonement. His desire has been to blind men to the Gospel( obsc re the tr th( and b ild despair amongst the lost so that they are readied by their false philosophies to accept his ,nti?'hrist. He ses poll tion to increase despondency and then ses the ecology movement to increase faith in the nbelievers that they can solve the problems if they have eno gh power. @y his twin philosophy he will achieve his res lts3 the ,nti?'hrist will sec re the ma#ority of governmentIs approval for total power in the Great $rib lation. "e are not to worry abo t this( b t foc s pon o r role( which is to resc e as many as possibly from the cesspool Satan has made of this world. Let s preach the Gospel message with power and clarity. DOCTRINES ASCETICISM 6. ,ll things are good( for God created all things. Genesis 6106. $he fall means that nat re no longer obeys God( b t it has not become evil( merely fallen. Genesis 016=?6<( 712>?22( <16?0. 2. ,ll prod ce is now good for believers to eat. Eo food or drin! is banned for believers. ,cts 6>1<?64. $he mind is evil( b t the things of this world are simply morally ne tral3 they become things of evil in the hands of evil men. 0. Aealing with sin is the iss e for believers( not trying to be morally p re by stopping eating vario s foods. Philippians 0160?68( 6 &ohn 61<. 8. "e are able to worship and serve the Lord in freedom. )f one day is to be treated as special that is fine for the person to do as nto the Lord( b t he desires all days to be days of service. /omans 6819?=. 9. "e are responsible to the Lord for o r own tender consciences3 which are the res lt of o r bac!gro nds( not the teaching of script re. /omans 6816>?2>. "e are free to adopt any practice that helps s serve the Lord and maintain holiness( b t not to s perimpose it on others( nor consider o r choice ma!es s more spirit al than others.
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ANTI-CHRIST WORLD RULER 6. S'/)P$U/E ? Aaniel =17(26?243 7120?293 <124(2=3 66104?893 2 $hessalonians 216?623 /evelation 6016?673 6=164(6=3 6<16<(2>. 2. @)+G/,PHC $he ,ntichrist is the world r ler who will emerge as a violently anti?God despot( who will emerge after the removal of God*s ch rch. He comes from the gentile nations .the sea: in the last times. His power base will be a ten nation empire closely related to the old /oman Empire !nown as the /evived /oman Empire. $he ,ntichrist is very clever and infiltrates by means of a peace campaign. He is( however( very h ngry for power and once he wrests power from his s b#ects( he destroys the apostate religio s system which has been wor!ing closely with him ntil then. He ma!es a covenant with )srael( allowing them to sacrifice in the temple( b t event ally sets himself p to be worshipped as God in the temple. His reign of almost seven years d ration becomes increasingly and openly anti?God( involving signs and wonders. He has a close relationship with the false prophet( the leader of )srael at that time. ,t the end of his empire he moves on &er salem( which is being held by believers. &es s 'hrist ret rns at the second advent to deliver those in &er salem and capt re the ,ntichrist and false prophet( throwing them into the la!e of fire. 0. EJ,LU,$)+E a: $he ,ntichrist arises o t of the Gentile nations with the final empire of ten nations ./evelation 6016:. b: $he seven heads are seven mo ntains which spea!s of /ome ./evelation 6=1<:. c: $here are seven !ings1 five are fallen( one is( and one is to come ./evelation 6=16>:. $hese are empires ? the five that are fallen are Egypt( ,ssyria( 'haldea( Persia and Greece. $he one in e%istence in <4 ,A .when &ohn wrote /evelation: was /ome( and the one to come is the /evived /oman Empire. d: $he ten horns are ten f t re !ingdoms which receive power for a short time. ./evelation 6=162:. e: He r les empires ./evelation 60123 cf. Aaniel =18?4:. f: His power is from Satan ./evelation 60123 cf. /evelation 2>12:. g: Satan gives ,ntichrist the world empire ./evelation 6012:. h: Satanic worship is a !ey part of ,ntichrist*s regime ./evelation 6018(7:. i: He is a great orator. He is anti?God and has power for 0 6L2 years ./evelation 6019:. #: His empire becomes a world empire ./evelation 601=:. !: $he dictator of Palestine who is demon possessed .Qthe false prophetQ: promotes him ./evelation 60166:. l: Great wonders and miracles are a feat re of this empire ./evelation 60160:. m: , stat e of the ,ntichrist is constr cted. )t has the ability to spea!. "orship of it is comp lsory on the pain of death ./evelation 60168(69:. n: $he ,ntichrist controls the world economy by mar!ing members of the h man race on the forehead or on the right hand ./evelation 60164(6=3 cf. /evelation 681<?6 6:. o: His n mber is 444( a n mber which represents Qperfect manQ or Qperfect sinQ ./evelation 60167:. p: He will not be revealed ntil the restrainer is removed .2 $hessalonians 210?=: G: $he ,ntichrist*s r le feat res power( signs and lying wonders from Satan himself .2 $hessalonians 21<:. r: He deceives the nbeliever .2 $hessalonians 216>?62:. s: $he ,ntichrist is destroyed and thrown into the la!e of fire at the second advent ./evelation 6<16<(2>:. 8. P/)E')PLES a: Satan is the r ler of this world .&ohn 64166:. b: "orld domination and internationalism is Satanic in origin .Genesis 6614?<:. c: ;iracles( signs and lying wonders are strategies employed by Satan to deceive .&ohn 7188:. d: Economic control of the individ al enslaves that individ al .Proverbs 221=:. e: Ultimately vast power creates the del sion that the person in control is God .Genesis 0193 )saiah 68160(68:. f: $he antichrist will not be revealed ntil after the /apt re of the 'h rch when the Holy Spirit who restrains him .and indwells all 'hristians: will be removed from the world .2 $hessalonians 210?=: g: , few years of power is not worth an eternity of s ffering. h: Event ally man m st acco nt to &es s 'hrist as his # dge if he does not accept &es s 'hrist as Savio r ./evelation 2>162?69:. i: ,t a point( people become so hardened to God that God gives them over to their own del sions .2 $hessalonians 2166( /omans 6127:. #: $he ,ntichrist is a person( not to be conf sed with the many antichrists of .6 &ohn 2167: or the Qspirit of antichristQ of .6 &ohn 810: 9. )n the $rib lation there will be a co nterfeit trinity with Satan .father:( the ,ntichrist .son: and -alse Prophet .spirit:. 4. Eames given to the ,ntichrist1? a: $he seed of Satan .Genesis 0169: b: $he little horn .Aaniel =17: c: $he !ing of fierce co ntenance .Aaniel 7120: d: $he prince that shall come .Aaniel <124: e: $he desolater .Aaniel <12=: f: $he wilf l !ing .Aaniel 66104: g: $he man of sin .2 $hessalonians 210: h: $he son of perdition .2 $hessalonians 210:
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i: $he lawless one .2 $hessalonians 217: #: $he ,ntichrist .6 &ohn 2122: !: $he beast ./evelation 661=: =. 'haracteristics a: He is called the seed of Satan .Genesis 0169:. & st as &es s 'hrist had a s pernat ral birth being born of a virgin( it may be that there will be something s pernat ral abo t the birth of the ,ntichrist. )t is li!ely that Satan will impregnate a h man woman and th s be the father of the ,ntichrist in a similar way to the angelic infiltration of .Genesis 412: b: )n .Aaniel <124: he is said to be of the people who destroyed the $emple. $he /oman Empire destroyed the $emple in => ,A. $he ,ntichrist may therefore be of /oman origin. c: $he identity of the man of sin will not be clear ntil the start of the $rib lation( altho gh he may be fairly prominent in politics prior to that period. He will not be revealed ntil after the /apt re of the 'h rch when the Holy Spirit who restrains him .and indwells all 'hristians: will be removed from the world .2 $hessalonians 210?=:. )n the middle of the $rib lation( he sets himself in the $emple calling himself God .v8?7:. d: )n .Aaniel <12=: the start of the $rib lation is mar!ed by the signing of a seven year covenant between the ,ntichrist and the nation of )srael. "hen )srael signs the covenant( God iss es a decree of destr ction against the whole earth .)saiah 27168?22: ? the # dgments of the boo! of /evelation. $he ,ntichrist is shown as the rider on the white horse of ./evelation 416: who brings the promise of .false: peace. e: $he rise of the ,ntichrist to power1? i: )n .Aaniel 7120?29: he is seen as a s!ilf l leader( involved in the occ lt power .v20:( will war against the &ews .v28:( and will rise to power thro gh deceit .v29:. ii: )n .Aaniel 66104?0<: he shall do what he wants( claiming to be God and e%alting himself .v04:( he will rep diate all religio s practices from his ancestors .v0=:. He however will hono r a god whom his ancestors did not !now .v07: who assists him to power .v0<:( this god being Satan. He will accept the offer of the !ingdoms of the world which o r Lord ref sed in the wilderness. iii: )n .2 $hessalonians 217?<: we are told that his coming is according to the energising of Satan accompanied by miracles( signs and wonders. iv: A ring the first half of the $rib lation( he gains political control of the ten gro ps that ma!e p a +ne "orld Government. $his incl des the removal of three of the ten leaders .Aaniel =120?28( /evelation 6=162?6=: v: He also destroys the +ne "orld 'h rch .Q;ystery @abylonQ: that has operated in the first half of the $rib lation ./evelation 6=19(64.: )n ./evelation 66: he is able to !ill the two witnesses who have been ca sing him ma#or problems. $hey however will be res rrected m ch to his dismay. f: $he death and res rrection of the ,ntichrist. )n Aaniel 6618>?89 he !ills the Kings of the Eorth( So th and East( and in verse 89 he will come to his end and none shall help him. However in ./evelation 6010: he receives a fatal wo nd b t the fatal wo nd is healed. $his s ggests that the ,ntichrist dies and is res rrected by the power of Satan. $his miracle deceives the world that the ,ntichrist is God and the world now worships him. CHRIST RETURN OF OUR LORD $his is the hope of the ch rch from the day it was anno nced at his ascension ? ,cts 616>(66( and recalled at every comm nion service( where the believers too! the c p with the words( Q ntil he comesQ ? 6 'orinthians 66124. $his was the foc s and confidence .hope: of the early ch rch( the Lord is risen and he is coming again. $he great tr th of the Lord*s coming and all it will mean for man!ind and the earth brings Pa l to the point of praise filled worship towards the Lord( and he QsingsQ a do%ology to the glory of God H 6$imothy 4160?64. $he Lord is referred to as the1 6. @lessed and only potentate. $he Lord is perfectly happyLblessed as he is in control of the niverse and his plan is wor!ing o t. He is the real r ler of the world and this will one day be seen by all. 2. King of !ings( emphasises that he is r ler over all men who have ever r led the earth as !ings. 0. Lord of lords( indicates his victory over the angels( so that he is recognised by all as s preme r ler. Every !nee will bow to him. )saiah 89120( /omans 68166( Philippians 216>. 8. "ho only has immortality. He alone has by nat re and deed tr e immortality( in that as God he has always been in e%istence and as man he has defeated sin and death thro gh the cross and res rrection( and it is in his power and beca se of his position that we have everlasting life .we had a beginning b t we will li!e him( have no end:. 9. Awelling in the light. Light was the clothing of ,dam and Eve before the fall and is the clothing of the res rrected Lord. He lives in the p rity and radiance of napproachable light. $his made the elders of &ohn*s vision in /evelation sin! to their !nees and sing praises. /evelation 810?66. "e do not have the right QvisionQ of the Lord today in many ch rches3 we see him only as he was on earth( not as he is in heaven now. $he phrase of Pa l directs $imothy to loo! p and get a clear view of the Lord as he is in glory and so worship and serve him more appropriately.
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4. "ho no man has seen or can see. $his is a conf sing passage for the Lord has been seen in his res rrection body and visions of his glory have been given to &ohn and Pa l at least. "hat does Pa l meanM He means that we see only the Lord in res rrection body since the cross( b t not in his f ll glory as God( for that wo ld completely and literally Qblow s awayQ. Even &ohn who was granted s ch a great series of visions that he recorded for s in /evelation( says( Qno man has seen God at any timeQ( 6 &ohn 8162( &ohn 4184. ;aybe we will see him f lly as he is( in heaven when we have o r res rrection bodies. 6 'orinthians 60162. =. $o him belong all hono r and power everlasting. $he only one f lly deserving hono r or reverence is the Lord and he is the only one with tr e power that lasts forever. Pa l ends this do%ology with the QamenQ( or Qso be itQ. )t is the way of saying( Q) believe it( it is soQ( and we m st all say amen to the above points( or we will contin e worshipping an inadeG ate view of the Lord. Ao we serve the Lord with an acc rate pict re in o r minds of how he is todayM )t is easy to be slac! when we thin! of him only as the one who wal!ed the lanes of )srael( b t consider the visions of &ohn and bow down before him as he sits or stands in radiant light the all powerf l King of !ings and Lord of lords( the tr e r ler of the niverse in his f ll power. $he Lord*s coming for the ch rch( terminates the ch rch age and opens the door to the Great $rib lation and then for his final victory over sin and death and the establishment of his !ingdom. #INGDOM MILLENNIAL #INGDOM 6. Q$hy will be done on earth( Q will be f lfilled in the ;illenni m. .;atthew 416>: 2. $he Kingdom is the ;illenni m( the first 6(>>> years of &es s* eternal reign. )t will be after the second advent( on the old earth. ./evelation 2>18?4: a: Promised .2 Sam el =17?6=( Psalm 7<12>?00: b: Prophesied .)saiah 216?9( 2166( 62( 09( 99( 94( 42166: c: Presented .;atthew( ;ar!( L !e : )srael( not the ch rch: d: Postponed Epistles of Eew $estament .for ch rch age: e: Proclaimed ./evelation 6>: .,ngelic herald: ./evelation 6616?6 8: .H man heralds: f: Plagiari5ed ./evelation 60: g: Perfected ./evelation 66169?6<: 0. )ss es relating to the Kingdom a: $he 'haracter of God ? will He !eep His word to )sraelM Ces. &es s 'hrist will reign. b: Unconditional 'ovenant ? will He !eep 'ovenantM Ces. ,brahamic( Palestinian( Aavidic( Eew ? all f lfilled in the ;illenni m. c: Aispersion of )srael ? will He recover them againM Ces. ,t the second advent. d: ,dvent ? will He ret rn to earth at the worst period in historyM Ces. ,t the end of the $rib lation. e: ;illennial ? $he Kingdom of &es s 'hrist is eternal( why the emphasis on the first 6(>>> yearsM &es s will do what Satan has been trying to do for 4(>>> years3 He will create perfect environment in an instant( as a demonstration to prove that perfect environment is not the answer3 regeneration is. 8. Principles from ;icah 816?7 a: $he Kingdom will be s preme. .;icah 816: b: $he Kingdom will be niversal. .;icah 812: c: $he Kingdom will be peacef l. .;icah 810: d: $he Kingdom will sec re niversal prosperity. .;icah 818?9: e: $he nation of )srael r led by the Lord for the Kingdom. .;icah 814?7: EVIL 6. AE-)E)$)+E1 Evil is Satan*s policy in opposition to God*s doctrine. Evil is therefore a collection of beliefs and practises that bac! p Satan*s viewpoint rather than GodIs. 2. Evil is not necessarily bad( it is simply a policy that will ta!e yo away from the path that God prepared for yo . 0. -alse religion may be very moral and even ascetic .and therefore loo! QholyQ:( b t if it is leading people away from God*s revealed will it is evil. 8. +ften evil can masG erade as QgoodQ. People who believe that their Qgood wor!sQ can satisfy God*s holy demands are deceived by evil doctrine. /omans =16<(2>( 9. +nly GodIs "ord( @ible Aoctrine can help the believer disting ish between tr e good and evil( Hebrews 0160(68.
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4. +nly a so l sat rated in GodIs "ord is tr ly protected from the s btlety of Satan*s policy of evil. Proverbs 216>?68( 01=( 6<120. =. +nly applied !nowledge of God*s "ord negates and ne tralises evil. Psalms 9819( /omans 62126( )saiah 89. 7. $he iss e for the believer is the daily choice to accept God*s "ord and therefore protect oneself against evil. God watches for o r choices. Proverbs 66167(6<( 2210( 2816?8( Ephesians 9164( 2 $hessalonians 012(0. <. $he company of evil people will distort the thin!ing of the believer and conf se hisLher witness. )saiah 912>( 6 'orinthians 69120. 6>. $here is no evil in God at all. Psalm 918( 6 &ohn 619( 818. 66. God # dges evil and will condemn it to the la!e of fire for ever at the final # dgement. Psalm 08164( )saiah 60166( /evelation 2>166ff 62. )n spite of evil still e%isting in the world d e to Satan*s on?going presence thro gho t the 'h rch ,ge( the Lord is still on the throne( and his hand is on all things. 60. Satan only does things by QpermissionQ and we are in the Lord*s hands and so are( in 'hrist( safe. &ob 614?62( Proverbs 6410( 8( )saiah 891 4( =. WORLD 6. "orld nder control of Satan1 a: r ler of this world .&ohn 621063 6810>3 64166: b: god of this world .2 'orinthians 818: c: he deceives the world ./evelation 621<:. d: Satan is filling the world with his propaganda .6 $imothy 816:. 2. &es s 'hrist created earth .Genesis 6163 )saiah 89167:. He gave control to original man!ind .Genesis 6127: b t man lost it at the fall .Genesis 014:. 0. Sin and spirit al death are the basis of Satan*s r le over this world. $herefore( God so loved the world that He gave a Savio r .&ohn 0164:( hence 'hrist as a title in this connection. 'hrist is the light of the world .&ohn 71623 <19:. 8. $herefore 'hrist is the savio r of the world .&ohn 016=3 81823 6 &ohn 8168:. $he Savio r who gave His life for the* world .&ohn 4100:3 hence 'hrist has a title in this connection. 'hrist is the light of the world .&ohn 71623 <19:. 9. $herefore 'hrist has overcome the world .&ohn 64100:( so that the believer can overcome the world .6 &ohn 918(9:. 4. 'onseG ently believers in 'hrist m st not love the world .6 &ohn 2169(64:. Eor m st believers conform to the world ./omans 6212:. "orldliness is what yo thin!( which may be demonstrated by what yo do. =. "orld control by Satan will stop at the Second ,dvent. However( believers will contin e forever .6 &ohn 216=:. 7. ,lso( the "ord of God abides forever .6 Peter 6120(29:( and is designed to overcome the r ler of this world .6&ohn 2168:. $herefore( not conforming to the world and overcoming the world are accomplished thro gh @ible doctrine( by which God has made foolish the wisdom of the world .6 'orinthians 612>3 016<:. <. )t is therefore of greatest importance that the believer*s attit de is based on the "ord of God .Philippians 2193 2$imothy 61=3 )saiah 2410(83 Philippians 81=3 2 'orinthians 6>18(93 6 'orinthians 21643 2 'orinthians 619(4(7:. 6>. @ac!sliding is characterised as friendship with the world .&ames 818:. REMNANT $he following steps to be ta!en when choosing to be among the remnant1 6. ;a!e a clear nderstanding of GodIs "ord the priority ? 6 $imothy 610?4( 814?64 2. Aevelop power in intercessory prayer which is e%emplified in the ministry of Eli#ah ? 6 $imothy 216?9 0. Stir p( develop and e%ercise yo r spirit al gift ? 2 $imothy 614?=( 60(68( 2169 8. P rs e p rification and sanctification ? 2 $imothy 216<?22 9. Prepare for and e%pect persec tion. 2 $imothy 016>?62 4. Aevelop end rance( spirit ally( mentally and physically ? 2 $imothy 216?0( 819 =. Live e%pectantly in the light of eternity ? 2 $imothy 817 DAY OF WRATH
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Nephaniah 6169 $hat day is a day of wrath( a day of tro ble and distress( a day of wasteness and desolation( a day of dar!ness and gloominess( a day of clo ds and thic! dar!ness 6. , day of GodIs wrath is described in fo r word pairs1 a: $ro ble and distress in the lives of people. b: "asteness and desolation implying destr ction of the landscape. c: Aar!ness and gloominess as in blindness and hopelessness. d: 'lo ds and thic! dar!ness( symbolic of the condition when light is hidden. 2. Each pair having their spirit al co nterparts when people have t rned away from God and are reaping the conseG ences of sinf l lives. 0. )t will be the lot of those in a soon coming age pon whom God will send strong del sionWbeca se they received not the love of the tr th( that they might be saved cf. 2 $hessalonians 216>(66. ISRAEL NATIONAL DIVINE DISCIPLINE 6. Levitic s 24 states the five cycles of discipline )f the people in the nation do not want to do things in GodIs way God will hit them in five cycles of increasing discipline ntil He completely destroys the nation. 2. -irst cycle ? v 68?6= ? sic!ness( depression( economic problems( people losing their strength of character( lac! of power in the nation. 0. Second cycle ?v 67?2> ? this is an intensified form of the first cycle with recession t rning into depression( they become even less enth siastic. 8. $hird cycle ? v 26?22 ? the sit ation f rther intensifies( psychological problems in the nation m ltiply( people behave li!e animals( the wild animals are prowling on the streets both physically and symbolically. )t was not safe to go o t. Here yo have a brea!down in a nation with psychiatric problems and criminal problems. 9. -o rth cycle ? v 20 ? 24 ? this is the invasion of yo r land with defeat with all the things that go with it( with food rationing( with privation. 4. -ifth cycle ? v 2=?0< ? this shows nation collapse and the removal of the nation from the land. =. $he parallel passage in Ae teronomy 27 indicates that God deals with the nation that re#ects his "ord in a systematic way. DRIN#ING ALCOHOL 6. Ar n!enness is always condemned as a sin in the @ible. .Proverbs 2>16( 2012>( )saiah 9166?22( 271=( 7( /omans 60160( 6 'orinthians 9166( Ephesians 9167: 2. Arin!ing of alcoholic beverages is to be avoided in certain positions of leadership. .a: Kings .r lers( government leaders: .Proverbs 0618( 9: .b: Pastors .6 $imothy 010( $it s 61=: .c: Aeacons .6 $imothy 017: 0. Arin!ing of alcoholic beverages proved disastro s for certain persons .a: Eoah .Genesis <126: .b: Eabal .6 Sam el 29104(0=: .c: Ephraim .)saiah 2716: .d: Lot .Genesis 6<102?4: 8. Arin!ing of alcoholic beverages is condoned in certain areas. -or e%ample1? for medicinal reasons( or where c stomary with meals( moderate amo nts of alcoholic beverages are permissible .Proverbs 0614?=( 6 $imothy 9120: Eormal co gh mi%t re for instance contains a significant amo nt of alcohol. 9. )t is possible that the water which &es s 'hrist t rned into wine was an alcoholic beverage .&ohn 216 ?66:. $his passage neither condemns nor condones drin!ing of alcoholic beverages b t was the se of a miracle to foc s attention on the person of &es s 'hrist as the God?;an?Savio r. "ine prod ces #oy in the heart. .& dges <160( Psalm 6>8169: 4. ,lcoholism forms a part of the pattern of national disaster .&oel 618?4( )saiah 27:. )t leads to economic depression and enco rages military invasion. &eremiah 60162?6= =. ,dverse effects of e%cessive drin!ing of alcoholic beverages1?
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.a: Leads to imp lsive( ab sive and irresponsible behavio r( vehicle accidents. .b: 'a ses paralysis of the eyes ."ernic!e*s disease:( t nnel vision. .c: Aestroys brain tiss e. .d: Prod ces cirrhosis of the liver( .e: /es lts in deliri m tremens .A.$.*s: which ca se conf sion( an%iety( terror and del sions. ,lcoholism is dr g addiction which involves destr ction of the so l. .Galatians 912>?2 6 7. )mportance of abstinence from alcoholic beverages in yo th cannot be over emphasised. <. 'onditions nder which ind lgence in alcoholic beverage sho ld be avoided from a believer*s viewpoint. .a: ,pplication of the law of love ? towards believers. .b: Law of e%pediency ? towards nbelievers1 sed when drin!ing becomes a false iss e in presenting the gospel. .c: Law of s preme sacrifice ? towards God1 applicable when drin!ing hinders a specific ministry. ,pplication ? )n , stralia probably alcohol sho ld be avoided beca se of ma#or problems( vehicle accidents( social problems. )n Greece however( a glass of wine with a meal wo ld be e%pected and re#ection by a 'hristian co ld ca se a false iss e. 6>. Arin!ing is related to degeneracy. "ine and dr n!enness are sed in the Script re to represent the entire principle of s blimation involved in re#ecting God*s way. .&eremiah 60162?6=: CHRISTIAN LIFE CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS 6. -orgiveness is by the death of 'hrist .;atthew 24127( /evelation 619:. 2. Aivine forgiveness is to all who believe in 'hrist .,cts 6>180( ,cts 64106:. 0. $he penalty of sin was paid by 'hrist on the cross .Hebrews <122( 2 'orinthians 9126:. 8. "hen a believer sins his fellowship with God is disr pted. God forgives these sins pon confession and cleanses from the n!nown sins in the believer*s life as well as !nown sins. .6 &ohn 61 <: 9. &es s 'hrist is o r propitiation .) &ohn 216(2 :. 4. )n h man forgiveness we are told to forgive others even as God has forgiven s .Ephesians 8102:. $his can only be accomplished by the filling of the Holy Spirit .Ephesians 9167( Galatians 9122(20:. =. Steps towards restoration of fellowship1 OaP E%amine yo rself for gen ineness of motivation O2 'orinthians 6819P. ObP ,ct on what yo see O/omans 81=?7P. OcP Aeal with any sin by confession O6 &ohn 61<( Psalm 44167P. OdP -orget the sin which yo have confessed. Ao not proceed into a pattern of g ilt. OPhilippians 0160?68( Psalm 6>016>? 62P OeP /es me yo r active spirit al wal!. ,void areas where yo might be tempted by the sin which so easily besets s. OHebrews 62162?60P OfP @e reconciled to others once yo have been reconciled to God O&ames 9164P. OgP Get moving and grow p O2 Peter 216=?67P. DEUTERONOMY 2E>4$-$? 4$ M37&3'&7 1,, 29&)& !+7)&) )91,, !38& +@34 29&&A 14* )91,, @+7)+& 29&&A 14* 3'&721B& 29&&A 2(,, 293+ 5& *&)273-&*C 5&!1+)& 293+ 9&17B&4&*)2 432 +423 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A 23 B&&@ 9() !38814*8&42) 14* 9() )212+2&) ;9(!9 9& !38814*&* 29&&> 4? A4* 29&- )91,, 5& +@34 29&& 637 1 )(=4 14* 637 1 ;34*&7A 14* +@34 29- )&&* 637 &'&7: 47 B&!1+)& 293+ )&7'&*)2 432 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(29 D3-6+,4&))A 14* ;(29 =,1*4&)) 36 9&172A 637 29& 15+4*14!& 36 1,, 29(4=)C 4E T9&7&637& )91,2 293+ )&7'& 29(4& &4&8(&) ;9(!9 29& LORD )91,, )&4* 1=1(4)2 29&&A (4 9+4=&7A 14* (4 29(7)2A 14* (4 41B&*4&))A 14* (4 ;142 36 1,, 29(4=)> 14* 9& )91,, @+2 1 -3B& 36 (734 +@34 29- 4&!BA +42(, 9& 91'& *&)273-&* 29&&: 4F T9& LORD )91,, 57(4= 1 412(34 1=1(4)2 29&& 6738 617A 6738 29& &4* 36 29& &1729A 1) );(62 1) 29& &1=,& 6,(&29C 1 412(34 ;93)& 234=+& 293+ )91,2 432 +4*&7)214*C $. A 412(34 36 6(&7!& !3+42&414!&A ;9(!9 )91,, 432 7&=17* 29& @&7)34 36 29& 3,*A 437 )9&; 61'3+7 23 29& -3+4=> $/ A4* 9& )91,, &12 29& 67+(2 36 29- !122,&A 14* 29& 67+(2 36 29- ,14*A +42(, 293+ 5& *&)273-&*> ;9(!9 1,)3 )91,, 432 ,&1'& 29&& &(29&7 !374A ;(4&A 37 3(,A 37 29& (4!7&1)& 36 29- B(4&A 37 6,3!B) 36 29- )9&&@A +42(, 9& 91'& *&)273-&* 29&&: $2 A4* 9& )91,, 5&)(&=& 29&& (4 1,, 29- =12&)A +42(, 29- 9(=9 14* 6&4!&* ;1,,) !38& *3;4A ;9&7&(4 293+ 27+)2&*)2A 2973+=93+2 1,, 29- ,14*> 14* 9& )91,, 5&)(&=& 29&& (4 1,, 29- =12&) 2973+=93+2 1,, 29- ,14*A ;9(!9 29& LORD 29G3* 9129 =('&4 29&&: $3 A4* 293+ )91,2 &12 29& 67+(2 36 29(4& 3;4 53*-A 29& 6,&)9 36 29- )34) 14* 36 29*1+=92&7)A ;9(!9 29& LORD 29- G3* 9129 =('&4 29&&A (4 29& )(&=&A 14* (4 29& )271(24&))A ;9&7&;(29 29(4& &4&8(&) )91,, *()27&)) 29&&> $4 S3 2912 29& 814 2912 () 2&4*&7 1834= -3+A 14* '&7- *&,(!12&A 9() &-& )91,, 5& &'(, 23;17* 9() 57329&7A 14* 23;17* 29& ;(6& 36 9() 53)38A 14* 23;17* 29& 7&84142 36 9() !9(,*7&4 ;9(!9 9& )91,, ,&1'&> $$
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S3 2912 9& ;(,, 432 =('& 23 14- 36 29&8 36 29& 6,&)9 36 9() !9(,*7&4 ;938 9& )91,, &12> 5&!1+)& 9& 9129 4329(4= ,&62 9(8 (4 29& )(&=&A 14* (4 29& )271(24&))A ;9&7&;(29 29(4& &4&8(&) )91,, *()27&)) 29&& (4 1,, 29- =12&): $? T9& 2&4*&7 14* *&,(!12& ;3814 1834= -3+A ;9(!9 ;3+,* 432 1*'&42+7& 23 )&2 29& )3,& 36 9&7 6332 +@34 29& =73+4* 637 *&,(!12&4&)) 14* 2&4*&74&))A 9&7 &-& )91,, 5& &'(, 23;17* 29& 9+)514* 36 9&7 53)38A 14* 23;17* 9&7 )34A 14* 23;17* 9&7 *1+=92&7L: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) 4$ 4?: $hese verses ma!e it clear that the -ive 'ycles of Aiscipline for the nation )srael are to be signs of the LordIs displeas re pon this people for all their days pon the earth. Even in the 26 st cent ry these things are to be signs of national discipline for )srael. Eow some theologians have applied these as signs of general national discipline pon all people gro ps. ,s a st dent of world history ) wo ld agree with those who see in the -ive 'ycles a general set of signs of national decay( for they certainly do appear to be present as any nation goes down into the d st of history. Even tho gh they are specific signs pon the covenant people and may be best seen in their history( we will find all these indicators of GodIs displeas re present when any nation( that was once great thro gh its spirit al stat s( begins to decline and fall. $he decline and fall of nations begins when they t rn away from GodIs "ord and laws( and ref se to be corrected by holiness( b t rather wal! f rther into ngodliness. Eotice the powerf l b ilding p of the discipline pon the people thro gh the words ;oses ses. $he # dgments will come pon them witho t warning. $hey will p rs e them3 they cannot be avoided by flight to other places. $hey will overta!e them as they flee. $here is no escape from the # dgment of God. $his was seen clearly in the days of &eremiah( when one gro p flees down to Egypt to avoid the @abylonian # dgment in 974. $hey tho ght they have escaped the action of God( b t they have only delayed it for Eeb chadne55ar invades Egypt and conG ers it within 68 years. Unless they repent( and t rn their lives aro nd( the disobedient people of the Lord will be destroyed. ,s GodIs people they have to wal! GodIs way( or leave this earth( for their destiny is to live as God intended( not as they wish. +nce we become the children of the Lord( the same principle applies to s. )f we fail to advance along the path of the Lord( then we will be removed from this life. "e are here to serve( and those who persistently fail to serve and bear fr it will be event ally .after a time of grace to change their stance: pr ned from the vine in # dgment. &ohn 6916?7. /efer to the @$@ st dy S)E H S)E UE$+ AE,$H. V&7)&) 47 4E: $he warning contained in verses 89?84 occ r after only three of the cyclesLstages of national discipline have been described. Jerses 8=?87 introd ce the -o rth 'ycleLstage of national discipline. $his is the terrible stage of invasion by a pagan power and the capt ring of the )sraelite fortresses one by one and the !illing or enslavement of their people. Eotice the reasons for the fall of their fortresses are given immediately3 beca se they do not serve the Lord their God( with #oy( gladness and whole?heartedness. Lac! of gen ine worship demonstrates that the hearts of a people are not right towards the Lord( indeed they show that their hearts have been given to another. $his remains a sign of danger in any gro p today. "hen any person finds it hard to pray( to worship in song( to st dy GodIs "ord( or give of their goods and time( then that person has a shadow between them and the Lord their God. )t may be the shadow of great sadness thro gh grief( and if it is s ch( then in time it will pass( as they !eep on G ietly praising the Lord( b t if it is d e to sin( then it will deepen over time. $hose nable to pray to the Lord( to read His "ord( and give of their s bstance to the Lord( are people who either do not !now the Lord( or have drifted away from the Lord. $he -r it of the Holy Spirit incl des the ability to worship with Holy Spirit power( even in the midst of grief based depression. )saiah 4610. "hen worship is missing( then the Spirit of the Living God is hindered in some way from wor!ing amongst the dead people. )f we are not wal!ing in the Spirit( then we are wal!ing in the flesh( or with the enemy( and either way we are wal!ing into tro ble. "hen worship of a people grows cold( that gro p is to be very concerned abo t what their coldness means. "e are told to e%amine o rselves( and we need to do this and deal with whatever the ca ses of coldness are revealed( for we stand in peril in any place where worship does not e%ist with power. Psalms 2412( 6 'orinthians 66127( 2 'orinthians 6019( /evelation 216?=( 0168?22. /efer to the @$@ st dies( @,'KSL)A)EG( -/U)$ +- $HE SP)/)$( S)ES ,G,)ES$ $HE H+LC SP)/)$( "+/SH)P. "e are here pon the earth in the midst of the ,ngelic 'onflict. Satan is cond cting an nceasing war against man!ind and there is no place for ne trality pon this earth. ;any reading of the discipline of the Lord thin! the Lord is nfair( and that man sho ld be given the Vright to opt o t of the spirit al battle aro nd them. Some will even say( "hy become a believer( if it means yo become the eye of a stormM Ee trality is not possible in the spirit al war that rages aro nd s given the reason for the creation of man!ind relates directly to o r being made a little lower than the angels to prove something to the devil himself. + r very creation is designed to prove the devil wrong in his rebellion against the Lord God( and so no man or woman pon the earth can opt o t of the battlefield( for the entire earth is the battlefield for the so ls of man!ind. "e cannot be at peace within nless we are rightly oriented to the tr th abo t o r place in the creation. )f there is a war going on( then we need to !now the tr th abo t it and respond accordingly. GodIs message is( $here is war( and victory
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is only in a living relationship with the Lord &es s 'hristD $his is a message of love( beca se love tells the tr thD Satan lies( and will contin e to do so to deceive man into rela%ing so he can be destroyed more thoro ghly. +ne of SatanIs main attac!s pon man!ind is thro gh religio sLspirit al movements that preach a false message of calm and detachment from the strife of this world. Satan wants men and women to foolishly try to step aside from the real spirit al strife aro nd them( for then they are in his camp. )naction in the spirit al war is victory for Satan. "hen people believe they can meditate and calm their spirit( and draw aside from the strife of the world and find peace( they have simple fo nd peace in s rrender to the enemy. $he enemy of man!ind delights in that( for they will be bo nd to him forever in s ch a state( b t it will not be peacef l in the end. /evelation 2>160ff. /efer to the @$@ st dies( ,EGEL)' '+E-L)'$( S,$,ES S$/,$EGC( /EL)G)+E. V&7)&) 4F $.: $he fo r great destroyers of the &ewish State in past history have had the Eagle for their emblem of war. $he ,ssyrians had the eagle as their army emblem( and they bro ght the fifth cycle of discipline and destroyed the Eorthern Kingdom of )srael in =2> @'( and bro ght the fo rth cycle of discipline to the So thern Kingdom of & dah. $he So thern Kingdom only s rvived beca se of the revival led by )saiah. $he ne%t great power to be sed to bring discipline was the Eeo?@abylonian Empire of Eeb chadne55ar. @abylon sed the eagle also as its symbol of power( with the winged lion as the symbol of their royal power. )n 4>9 and 9<= Eeb chadne55ar administered the fo rth cycle of discipline to & dah( b t even tho gh &eremiah preached in the city( the people failed to respond as they had nder )saiah one h ndred years before. $he fifth cycle came in 974 when the city and temple was destroyed and the remnant of the s rvivors carried away into captivity in @abylon. $he /omans( who had the eagle as their ,rmy emblem( bro ght the fo rth cycle of discipline to the land of )srael in the years before 'hristIs birth. Pompey the Great conG ered the lands of Syria and )srael( and & li s 'aesar entered both regions firmly into the Empire. )t was a client !ingdom( nder the family of Herod( b t became a f lly /oman area of administration d ring the time of the ,postles. $he entire ministry of the Lord and the birth of the ch rch occ r d ring the fo rth cycle of discipline. &ohn the @aptist clearly preached this( and the reality of the words of ;oses having come tr e for the people of that day moved many to repentance. L !e 01=?<. $he /omans were sed in 4=?=> ,A to bring in the second historic administration of the fifth cycle of discipline to national )srael with the second destr ction of the city and temple. $he Ea5i terror from 6<04 H 6<89 was cond cted by men who wore the eagle also as their emblem pon their niforms and banners. Each of the nations that administered the fo rth and fifth cycles of discipline have been strange people to the &ewish nation( and they have been br tal to a terrible e%tent( witho t pity towards the yo ng or the old. $he worst of evils in this area was not nder the Ea5i terror( for the ma#ority of &ews act ally s rvived that terror( whereas nder the ,ssyrian and @abylonian the ma#ority were !illed. $he words of ;oses remind s that these historic events( with their awf l h man carnage are the res lt of the national sin of the &ewish people as far as God is concerned. $his is not o r perspective( it is God*s thro gh ;oses here. "hen the &ewish people face disasters at this magnit de( the LordIs "ord commands them to loo! within( not o tside for the reasons. $he last great evil d ring "orld "ar )) has moved history itself( and seen the establishment of a &ewish State again( and will sher in the last stage of world history. $he fo r great holoca st periods are t rning points of world history( b t the last great holoca st period is still to come( and the eagle again will be the symbol of the evil men who la nch the final assa lt pon GodIs people. 6. ,ssyria =29 ? =>6 @'. 2. @abylon 4>9 H 974 @'. 0. /ome 4= H =6 ,A. 8. Ea5i Germany 6<82 H 6<89. 9. /evived /oman Empire date ncertain H near f t re H as they are bac! in their land. V&7)&) $/ $3: $he invaders of each army that entered the land wo ld sei5e all livestoc! they fo nd and se them for mil!( meat and s!ins. $hey wo ld treat all the property of the )sraelites as their own and steal all things they co ld. ;oses tells the people bl ntly that if their disobedience to the clear revelation of the Lord leads to s ch an event( then it will be terrible indeed( and they cannot blame God or acc se Him of being nfair( for this is the -+U/$H stage of discipline( and they co ld have repented at any earlier point( and even then they may find grace and mercy if they admit their sin. $he terrible things described here will occ r again in the days of the ne%t great period of attac! pon )srael d ring the Great $rib lation period. )n those dar!est days the nation will finally admit their error regarding &es s of Ea5areth and accept that He was indeed the ;essiah. Nechariah 6216> H 601<. ,t that time one third of the people will be saved alive from the final assa lt pon )srael by their enemies. /efer to the @$@ st dies ,E$)?SE;)$)S;( ,E$)?'H/)S$( G/E,$ $/)@UL,$)+E PE/)+A. $he most horrific thing abo t this prophetic word of ;oses is the words in verse 90( that the people will even resort to cannibalism to s rvive. E%tra?@iblical records of the final siege of 977?974 @' are lost( b t the acco nt of the final siege of &er salem .4=?=> ,A: e%ists in the wor! of &oseph s( and tells the story of s ch things. $he words of &oseph s are chilling to read in light of
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these words of ;oses here from 69>> years before the events that occ r on the streets( and in the besieged ho ses of &er salem. Eotice ;oses words( .from the Lord:( that the Lord will allow these things to come to pass. God accepts responsibility for these things as the one who allows this to occ r( b t the ca sative agency is the free will of the people who persist in their evil rebellion against the tr th. )f the people cry o t and say( "hy has the Lord let this happen to sM( then the answer is to be read alo d in those days from these verses. $he Lord H,S )EAEEA allowed these things( beca se of the hard heartedness of the people( who have ref sed to accept the tr th and wal! in it. "e are free to re#ect the Lord and His will for s( b t we are not free to re#ect or G estion the conseG ences of s ch foolishness. )f we wal! in evil the conseG ences of it will( beyond a certain point( flow over s witho t being able to be stopped. /efer to the @$@ st dy( GU)A,E'E H $HE ")LL +- G+A. V&7)&) $4 $?: $he man described in these verses is not tender and delicate in o r terms today. $he words sed here mean effeminate and pleas re loving. $he reference is to those who have partied and lived for sens al and se% al pleas res of all sorts. $hese are the people who moc!ed &eremiah( who believed they were above morality and co ld worship the pagan gods as well as go into the temple of Solomon. $hey were the immoral r lers and playboys of the day. $hese men have lived for self centred pleas res and so see other people simply as people to be sed for their own pleas re. S ch people will rape others witho t a tho ght for the rights of the other person( and se% ally ab se their own children( beca se they see all life as their playthings. Even the women will loo! with evil pon their own children and their h sbands. $hey will even coo! and eat the after?birth of their new born( and then devo r the child in secret .Jerse 9=:. $hese people have tho ght evil so long that they will stop at nothing in order to live a day longer that they might practise evil again. Proverbs 2014?7( &eremiah 91=?6<( 2610?6>. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. $he horror of the two great sieges of &er salem will be relived again in a f t re day( b t this third time the people will transform the # dgment into victory by confession of their national sin and their acceptance of their ;essiah. $here is hope in the dar!ness of these verses( b t it is a sad hope. So many die thro gh history in the cl tches of satanic deceptionD $he LordIs will for s is blessing( b t manIs own will is too often set on evil. Let s preach with honesty( deep concern for the lost( and clarity of speech that those who are held by satanic blindness might be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit thro gh hearing the tr th of the "ord of God. 2. ,s a man thin!s in his heart over time( # st so he will become in character. Let s hear( and apply this tr th( as we deal with o r own mental attit de sins. Let s preach abo t the danger of leaving evil within the life( and let s be !nown as fanatics if necessary( b t let s try( with all o r strength. $o stop men and women falling to the place we have read of here in these verses. 0. Let s be alert to the signs of national discipline in o r own nations. "e are called to be the watchmen for o r nations and preach the tr th to the people in order that they might receive the best the Lord has for them( not the destr ction that will always come pon those who re#ect GodIs way for them. $here is no escape from the conseG ences of persistently wrongf l actionsD 8. Let s be alert towards those who #oin o r fellowships b t appear nable to worship or pray alo d. Let s be caref l of s ch people( for those who cannot worshipLpray are( either spirit ally yo ng and still learning( or they are agents of the enemy. ,ll who !now the Lord can po r their heart o t towards Him( even if in pain in prayers of ang ish. @e caref l of those who give no evidence of intimacy with the Lord. 9. $here is no ne trality in the ,ngelic 'onflict. "e are either for the Lord or against Him. $he prophetic words of ;oses here are fearf lly acc rate and remind s that the Lord !nows the end from the beginning. "e are standing with the Lord( and He is already the victor. Let s embrace His victory and stand firmly in His $r th. )n the midst of diffic lt times we are to remember the acc racy of his prophetic words( and we are to stand for the tr th( for the LordIs will is being wor!ed o t pon this earth inspite of all SatanIs attempts to destroy it. DOCTRINES SIN SIN UNTO DEATH 6. $here is a sin nto death .6 &ohn 9164( 6=( 6 'orinthians 66106(02: 2. $he sin nto death is the physical death of a believer( where ltimate discipline is administered to the 'hristian d e to nconfessed sin of a serio s nat re. 0. 'onfession of sin nder the concept of ) &ohn 61< is the way to forgiveness. 8. E%amples of sin nto death1? .a:$he 'orinthian Pervert ? .6 'orinthians 9:
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.b: $he 'orinthians who habit ally came to the Lord*s $able in an nworthy manner. .6 'orinthians 6612=?02: .c: ;oses .Ae teronomy 02187?92: .d: ,chan .&osh a =164?24: .e: ,nanias and Sapphira .,cts 91 6 ?6 6: 9. "hilst there is a sin nto death there is no condemnation to them in 'hrist &es s ? all believers ./omans 716:. 4. $he effect of the sin nto death is to red ce the time which a believer can spend on earth acc m lating good of eternal worth. $he gold( silver and precio s stones of ) 'orinthians 0166?69. CHRISTIAN LIFE BAC#SLIDING AND RECOVERY 6. Aefinition ? falling from the standard of living that the Lord calls s to and living at a lower level of belief( behavio r( and emotion. Living in a state of embarrassment at the gospel( thin!ing as an nbeliever wo ld. 2. $he Lord !nows who are his( we don*t. 2 $imothy 216<. , bac!slider is o t of fellowship( and may resemble an nbeliever in every way yet still be saved. $hey are li!e the prodigal son. L !e 6910ff. $hese people are different .altho gh they appear to be the same: to religio s nbelievers. 2 Peter 216 ?22( & de 8 ?60( 67( 6<( 22. 0. $he Lord desires these people to be restored. ;atthew 67162 ?68( L !e 6910 ?02. )n the +ld $estament this message is also clear. Hosea 8168?6<( 661=( 7( 6816?8( &eremiah 216<( 014( 7( 66( 62( 68( 22( 914( 719( 681=(&eremiah 06122( 8<18. 8.@elievers who are Qoffended* at the "ord have failed to grow spirit ally &ohn 4146 ?40( ;atthew 6614( 6 'orinthians 6>1 60( ;atthew 60126( ;ar! 816=( &ohn 6416( ;atthew 281<( 6>. 9. $he disciples all were offended at the Lord at his death. ;atthew 24106( 00?09( cf. 4=?=9. 4. -alling from grace is another way of e%pressing bac!sliding. 'olossians 6120( Galatians 918( 2 Peter 016=. )t means to fall from a place where yo stand for grace and adopt an inferior way of living the 'hristian way of life( li!e legalism. =. God disciplines the bac!slider( b t their eternal sec rity is sec re. Hebrews 6219 ?60( 64( 6=( 6 'orinthians 0162?69( 6 Peter 618( 9( 2 $imothy 2166? 60( &ohn 6162( Ephesians 6160. 7. $he Lord is able to !eep s from falling( altho gh we can wal! away from his provision by following o r pride rather than his tr th. & de 28. 6 'orinthians 6>166 ?68( 6 $imothy 014( =. <. ,t the end of the ch rch age the Lord prophesied that there wo ld be a time of almost total bac!sliding on the part of the organised ch rch.2 $hessalonians 210( 6 $imothy 816? 4( 2 $imothy 810( 8. 6>. $he Lord warns all bac!sliders very directly in /evelation 2 1 9. Eo fr it for too long T sin nto deathD &ohn 6916?9. 66. @ac!sliding and /ecovery Seven Steps Aownwards a. $rifling with Sin /omans 60168 b. Cielding to Sin /omans 4160 c. Habit ally Serving Sin 2 Peter 217 d. ,bandoning + rselves to Sin Ephesians 816< e. @eing ,bandoned by God to Sin /omans 6128(24(27 f. Enco raging +thers to Sin /omans 6102 g. E%periencing Hell on Earth &ames 014( 6 $imothy 914 Seven Steps Upwards a. /esisting Sin in o r ,ttit des &ames 81= b. +vercoming Sin by -aith in 'hrist Galatians 9164 c. Habit ally being Jictorio s over Sin /omans 4168( 6 &ohn 918?9 d. Entering into the Secret of a Jictorio s Life Hid with 'hrist in God /omans 710=( 2 'orinthians 2168( 'olossians 016?0 e. @eing $a!en by God into Aeeper -ellowship 6 $imothy 6162( 6 'orinthians 812 f. Aelivering +thers from Sin. & de 22?20 g. E%periencing Heaven on Earth & de 28?29( Philippians 814?= CHRISTIAN LIFE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 6. $he filling of the Holy Spirit prod ces fr it in the life .love( #oy( peace( long s ffering( gentleness( goodness( faith( mee!ness( temperance:. .Galatians 9122?20: Eote that Qfr itQ is sing lar ? all the characters are prod ced at the same time in the filling of the Holy Spirit. 2. $he -r it of the Spirit is also listed as follows1?
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/omans 6816= ? /ighteo sness( Peace( &oy 'olossians 0162?69 ? 'ompassion( Kindness( H mility( Gentleness( Patience( -orgiveness( Love( Peace( $han!f lness 6$hessalonians 610 ? -aith( Love( End rance( Hope 2. )n principle( it is the imitation of God .Ephesians 916:. $he reason we are left on the earth after salvation is to prod ce fr it. .&ohn 69164( Philippians 816=: 0. "e prod ce fr it by hearing the word .;ar! 812>?27: and applying it to o r lives. .Hebrews 812: 8. -ail re to grow and prod ce fr it means divine discipline even to the point of the believer*s early depart re from this life. .L !e 6014?< &ohn 6912: 9. /ewards in eternity are distrib ted on the basis of faithf l prod ction. .6 'orinthians 016>?69( 2 'orinthians 916>: 4. -r it is not to be conf sed with spirit al gifts. $hese are listed in ./omans 6214?73 69167?6<3 6'orinthians 6217(6>3 6'orinthians 62127?0>3 Ephesians 816: and other places. =. +ne can !now 'hristians by their fr it .;atthew =164?2>3 L !e 4180?893 6&ohn 016> R 663 &ohn 6917: especially by their love .&ohn 60109: b t not by their gifts( as Satan can imitate them .2$hessalonians 21<:. 7. $hree nat ral fr its represent some of the facets of the fr it of the Spirit1 ,pples ? love( Grapes ? &oy( Pomegranates ? Peace. <. )n Galatians 91 22?20 the fr it of the Spirit is divided into three sections OaP Love( &oy and Peace towards God3 ObP Patience( Goodness and Kindness towards others3 OcP -aithf lness( Gentleness and Self?control towards oneself. HOLY SPIRIT SINS AGAINST THE SPIRIT 6. /ES)S$)EG $HE H+LC SP)/)$ .Unbelievers only: .,cts =196( &ohn 6417?66: $his is hardening to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit. 2. @L,SPHE;C ,G,)ES$ $HE H+LC SP)/)$ .Unbelievers only: .;atthew 62106: $he p rpose of the Holy Spirit was to reveal the person of &es s 'hrist. $he Pharisees re#ected this by claiming He was demon possessed. 0. LC)EG $+ $HE H+LC SP)/)$ .@elievers only: .,cts 916?0: , sin of false motivation. ? ,nanias and Sapphira. 8. G/)EJ)EG $HE H+LC SP)/)$ .@elievers only: .Ephesians 810>: ,ny sin which the believer commits. 9. SUEE'H)EG $HE H+LC SP)/)$ .@elievers only: .6 $hessalonians 916<: , believer who is not allowing the Holy Spirit to e%ert His f ll infl ence. 4. UEP,/A+E,@LE S)E .;atthew 62122?02: a: /e#ection of &es s 'hrist as God and Savio r is the only sin which cannot be forgiven. $his nbelief is shown in ;atthew 62128( denying the person and power of &es s. b: )t is impossible for a believer to commit the npardonable sin. .)saiah 6167( )saiah 88122( 6 &ohn 61=: CHURCH WORSHIP AND PRAISE 6. $he Hebrew word sed in worship is QSho!oQ ? to bow down. 2. $he Gree! words are as follows1? a: pros! eo ? prostrate yo rself. .6 'orinthians 6819: b: sebomai ? lac! of arrogance. .;atthew 691<: c: seba5omai ? stand in awe. ./omans 6129: d: e sebeo ? act with devotion. .,cts 6=120: 0. "orship is the attit de of the believer when he approaches God in awe( fear and respect. .6 'hronicles 2<12>( ;atthew 22126( /omans 6016=: 8. "e sho ld never be cas al or flippant with God. .&ohn 60160( Hebrew 6>16<?26: 9. "orship is an e%pression of bible doctrine that a believer has in him and is applying. ,ll e%pression of doctrine is worship. .Eehemiah 714?6>( <10: 4. "e m st worship the Lord in spirit( controlled by the Spirit( and in tr th( reflecting doctrine acc rately. .&ohn 8120?28:
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=. )t is therefore of critical importance that we worship in accordance with biblical doctrines. $his is especially important in singing as beca se of pleasant m sic it is easy to forget or ignore the meaning of the words being s ng. 7. People worshipped the Lord &es s 'hrist. .;atthew 2166( <107: <. People who do not worship God will worship demons. .Ae teronomy 716<?2>( 66164( 0>16=?2>( /omans 6129: 6>. ,ll will event ally bow before &es s 'hrist and ac!nowledge Him as Lord( either for blessing or before they are # dged eternally. .)saiah 89120( /omans 68166( Philippians 216>: 66. )n eternity there will be perfect worship as there will be perfect !nowledge of doctrine. ./evelation 817?66: 62. "orship begins at salvation. .;ar! 916?6>( 67?2>: 60. "orship e%presses a believers concentration on his Lord. .Psalms 2<( 44( <4 ( &ohn 6216?66: 68. $he song of worship. .6 'hronicles 641=?04: 69. "e worship thro gh1? a: /eading God*s "ord. .'olossians 8164( 6 $hessalonians 912=( 6 $imothy 8160: b: St dying God*s "ord. .2 $imothy 2169( 0169: c: $eaching God*s "ord. .,cts 2182( 41=( 62128( 67127( 6 $imothy 814( 2 $imothy 6160( 212: d: Preaching God*s "ord. .2 $imothy 812: e: $he sacrifice of o r praise. .Hebrews 60169: f: $he sacrifice of o r good wor!s. .Hebrews 60164: g: $he sacrifice of o r bodies. ./omans 6216: h: $he sacrifice of o r s bstance. .Philippians 8167: i: $he receiving of His Son. .&ohn 6166?62: #: $he !eeping of the +rdinances. .6 'orinthians 6612: !: $hro gh the singing of Psalms( Hymns and Spirit al Songs. .Ephesians 916<( 'olossians 0164( &ames 9160: l: Prayers( )ntercessions( S pplications and $han!sgiving. .,cts 2182( Ephesians 4167( Philippians 814( 'olossians 812( 6 $hessalonians 916=( 6 $imothy 216?2( 7: 64. Praise a: Praise and than!sgiving are lin!ed in worship. .6 'hronicles 2010>: b: "hen they praised the Lord at the dedication of Solomon*s $emple the glory of the Lord filled the ho se of God. .2 'hronicles 9160(68: c: Praise always glorifies God. .Psalm 9>1206 d: "hen Pa l and Silas praised God by singing hymns in prison God acted for them. .,cts 64129: e: $he &ews were delivered when they sang praises to the Lord. .2 'hronicles 2>126(22: f: Praise is important in missionary wor!. .Psalm <4: g: Praise is a feat re of the Godly home. .Psalm 667169: h: &es s 'hrist praises God in the midst of the 'h rch .Hebrews 2162: ANGELS ANGELIC CONFLICT 6. $here is an angelic conflict and it is intimately related to o r presence in this world. 2. E$E/E)$C P,S$ OaP )nitially God created angels. ,t creation we are told that there was nity as all the angels sang in nison. ObP Satan as L cifer with the title Son of the ;orning was the head of the angels. )saiah 68. E5e!iel 27162?69 OcP )t is noted that the Lord &es s 'hrist is now called Son of the ;orning in 2 Peter 6 showing that the Lord replaced Satan as a res lt of His victory at the 'ross. 0. -,LL +- S,$,E OaP Satan became pro d and attempted a co p dIetat against God in )saiah 68162?6= ObP "hen Satan fell he too! one third of the angels with him. /evelation 621<. OcP $he angels who e%ist forever therefore fall into two permanent gro ps .i: Elect ,ngels who remained faithf l to God .6 $imothy 9126: .ii: -allen angels who chose to follow Satan who fall into two categories1? .6: )mprisoned ones who were made inoperative at the time of the -lood .& de 4( 2 Peter 218: .2: Aemons who are c rrently operative .6 'orinthians 6>12>(26( ;ar! 916?2>: OdP $here is therefore a spirit al warfare between elect and fallen angels( which affects the h man race. .Ephesians( 4162( /evelation 62: 8. SEE$EE'E +E $HE -,LLEE ,EGELS OaP )n eternity past Satan and the fallen angels were # dged and sentenced to the La!e of -ire ? ;atthew 28396
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ObP )t wo ld appear that Satan appealed against his sentence and said Qhow can a God of Love sentence any of his creat res to the la!e of fireMQ OcP $he answer is in the character of God who is H+LC as well as L+JE. His holiness can only # dge sin and rebellion. OdP $he la!e of fire therefore was not created for man. ;an ends p in the la!e of fire d e to his own negative attit de towards God. 9. ;,EIS /+LE )E $HE ,EGEL)' '+E-L)'$ OaP $his sentence which was given before man e%isted has not yet e%ec ted and will not be so ntil the end of the ;illenni m in /evelation 2>16>. ObP $here m st be a long lapse of time before the sentence is e%ec ted with this period being ta!en p with the whole of h man history. $herefore the p rpose of the e%istence of the h man race and its relation to God can only be e%plained as a testimony to the angels. OcP $hro gh the creation of man God provides a clear legal witness to Satan and his angels of their sin. $he whole of h man history is to prove certain points to the angels. $hings can happen in yo r life as a believer in the Lord &es s 'hrist and these can only be e%plained as a testimony to the angels. 4. -,LL +- ;,E ,EA J)'$+/C +- $HE G+A ;,E OaP ;an starts off lower than the angels. Hebrews 21< tells s that &es s 'hrist made Himself a little lower than the angels. ObP ,ltho gh ,dam failed to be victorio s the Lord &es s 'hrist replaces ,dam in history and won the battle in His h manity. 6 'orinthians 69122 tells s that in ,dam all die( in 'hrist shall all be made alive. OcP , new form of creat re # dges come into e%istence and will # dge the angels 6 'orinthians 416?0 =. S);)L,/)$)ES @E$"EEE ,EGELS ,EA ;,E OaP ,ngels and man!ind have a n mber of parallels with h man free will being tested in e%actly the same way as angelic free will. ObP ,ngels began in innocence and f ll obedience to God .&ob 071= E5e!iel 27168?69: ;an began in innocence .Genesis 2129: ,ngels sinned ? rebellion of Satan .)saiah 68162?68: ;an sinned ? rebellion of ,dam .Genesis 016?=: ,ngels are divided into two categories ? elect or fallen. ;an is divided into two categories ? believers and nbelievers. .&ohn 0104: 7. ,A,; ,EA -/EE")LL OaP God created ,dam and Eve( to show Satan that man!ind( created lower than angels .Hebrews 214?=:( wo ld choose to obey God. ;an!ind therefore( by a choice of freewill( wo ld decide whether to obey God and be blessed( or to disobey God and be # dged .the same choice that Satan had:. ObP , test was instit ted for man*s freewill ? obedience to God or disobedience. .Genesis 2164?6=:. ,dam ? and therefore all man!ind ? sinned and thereby rebelled against God. ,ll of man!ind( therefore( is in the same condition of sinf l rebellion as Satan. OcP However( God instit ted another test of freewill for man!ind ? will they choose to ret rn to God thro gh &es s 'hrist( or will they choose to contin e in sin and rebellion .&ohn 0164( 2 Peter 01<:. OdP ,nyone who chooses to ret rn to God will be saved3 anyone who chooses to remain in rebellion to God will be # dged in the la!e of fire( the same fate as Satan .;atthew 29186: OeP $herefore( by the wor! of 'hrist on the cross( and man*s freewill faith in 'hrist( God has vindicated His love to save and His # stice to # dge. <. /ES+LU$)+E +- $HE ,EGEL)' '+E-L)'$ Stage 6 ? Salvation ? by faith( man is saved and made positionally s perior to angels .Hebrews 214?=: Stage 2 ? 'hristian "al! ? by faith( the believer overcomes Satan .Ephesians 416>?6=: Stage 0 ? Eternity ?in 'hrist( the believer will # dge Satan and his fallen angels .Hebrews 217( 6 'orinthians 410: 6>. $HE 'L+UA +- ")$EESSES ,ngels watch the h man race. .6 'orinthians 81<( Ephesians 016>( 6 $imothy 9126( 6 Peter 6162:. Elect angels re#oice every time someone is saved .L !e 6916>: 66. $H/EE @,S)' SUES$)+ES $he angelic conflict answers three basic G estions1? OaP "hy manM )nside man is a so l with mentality and freewill which when lin!ed together resolves the angelic conflict( .'olossians 2168?69( Hebrews 2:. $he cross is the real victory in the angelic conflict. ObP "hy sinM Sin resolves stage 6 of the plan of God .see paragraph <:. ,t the cross sin was # dged and the barrier between man and God was removed so that man*s relationship with God depends on his free will. Every time a person accepts 'hrist( elect angels re#oice. )n the garden man was innocent and all he had to do was stay away from one tree. Eow man is g ilty he has to come to a tree .the cross:. .Genesis 216=( 6 Peter 2128:. OcP "hy s fferingM S ffering resolves the iss e in Stage 2. S ffering involves the promise principle. .6 Peter 61=?7( /omans 912?8:. S ffering is designed for blessing and is a f rther blow to Satan. )t is to demonstrate the love of God in a way that cannot be done in eternity as in eternity there is no more sorrow( pain or death. ./evelation 2618: 62. S$,GES )E $HE '+E-L)'$ OSEE S,$,E)' ,$$,'K +E $HE PL,E +- G+AP
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OaP -rom the fall of man to the ascension of 'hrist the line of 'hrist and &es s 'hrist himself were the target of attac!. +nce the ascension was a fact in history Satan was nable to attac! the line of the Savio r. ObP $he res rrection( ascension and session of the Lord &es s 'hrist ca sed intensification in the angelic conflict. OcP +nce 'hrist is glorified at the right hand of the -ather the angelic conflict becomes intensified in the 'h rch age. OdP Every 'h rch ,ge believer is now a target and beca se of this every believer has had special provisions made for him1 .i: )ndwelling of the Holy Spirit .&ohn 6816=: .ii: )ndwelling of &es s 'hrist .&ohn 68120: .iii: 'ompleted canon of Script re .6 'orinthians 6016>: 60. P/+G/ESS)+E $+ $HE L,KE +- -)/E $his e%plains the actions of the Lord &es s 'hrist from the time he sat down at the right hand of the -ather ntil the Last & dgment. Psalm 66>16 says $he Lord OGod the -atherP said to my Lord OGod the SonP( Sit tho at my right hand ntil ) ma!e thine enemies thy footstool. OaP $he first stage H )ns rgency warfare H Pentecost H /apt re A ring this time He calls o t the personnel who will replace the angelic co ncil members who have been condemned 6'orinthians 817( 416?0( 2 $imothy 2162( /evelation 0126 $he angelic co ncil comprises God and all the angels as seen in 6 Kings 2216<?20 and 2 'hronicles 67167?20 ObP $he second Stage H /apt re to Second ,dvent ? 'onfrontation A ring this time the new members of the angelic co ncil are eval ated in relation to their divine and h man good( rewarded O6 'orinthians 0166?69P( they lose their old sin nat re and have a res rrection body. $he rebellio s members( Satan and his followers are cast o t of heaven /evelation 6218 OcP $he third stage H Second ,dvent H Jictory Stage 'hrist casts Satan and the fallen angels into hell for a tho sand years and rightf lly asserts His a thority. OdP $he fo rth stage H $he Last & dgment. $he La!e of -ire was created for Satan and his angels ;atthew 29186 Satan is cast into the La!e of -ire with the demons and the nbelievers. Unbelievers #oin them in the La!e of -ire beca se they have not accepted &es s 'hrist as Lord and Savio r. $he old creation is destroyed and a new heavens and a new earth provided by God. ,t that point all !nees shall bow and the promise of ma!ing His enemies His footstool will have been f lfilled. 68. $HE @EL)EJE/S ,EA /ESUL$ +- $HE ,EGEL)' '+E-L)'$ $he res lt of the angelic conflict1 Stage 6 ? Salvation ? saved man!ind is positionally s perior to angels3 Stage 2 ? 'hristian "al! ? thro gh s ffering the believer develops his faith towards 'hrist to s ch an e%tent that he thereby shows the fallen angels the certainty of their doom3 Stage 0 ? Heaven ? )n eternity the believer in his res rrection body will be physically s perior to angels. 69. '+E'LUS)+E $hro gh the fall of man Satan obtained control of the world tho gh not necessarily control of man!ind. "hat ma!es it possible for man to live in the Aevil*s world and not be nder his controlM ? free will. @y sing $he "ord of God yo can ma!e decisions that are completely against Satan and his concepts. Satan is the r ler of this world. .2 'orinthians 818( &ohn 62106( 6810>( 64166( Ephesians 212: However we have the @ible ? the mind of 'hrist .6 'orinthians 2164: "e sho ld !now it and se it. ANGELS SATANMS STRATEGY 6. @elievers are warned against him and his tactics. .Ephesians 812=( 4166?60( &ames 81=( 6 Peter 917: 2. "e m st be ready and alert. .2 'orinthians 2166: 0. Satan is a deceiver and a co nterfeiter. He ses deception ? not obvio sly wrong or sinf l ? b t very s btle changes to the tr th .Genesis 016:. /emember( a co nterfeit loo!s li!e the original. 8. Satan is described as an Qangel of lightQ ? often seeming attractive and QgoodQ. .2 'orinthians 66168: 9. His tactics a: $owards nbelievers1 i: $o blind them regarding the gospel. .2 'orinthians 810( 8( 2 $hessalonians 21<( 6>: b: $owards believers1 i: Satan see!s to hinder o r growth and witness. .6 Peter 917: ii: Satan will mislead into false doctrine and legalism. .6 $imothy 9168?69: iii: He pers ades believers to ignore the will of God thro gh disobedience .Genesis 216=( &ames 81=?7: iv: Satan often attac!s o r ass rance of salvation so that we do bt God. v: "orry .6 Peter 9( =?<: vi: -ear of death. .Hebrews 2168?69: vii: He acc ses believers of sin both to God and to the believer . sing g ilt:. ./evelation 621<?6>( &ob 614?66 viii: He ta!es o r foc s off 'hrist by getting eyes on self .6 'orinthians 616>?66:( on people .6 'orinthians 6162:( on things .Hebrews 6019?4:
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i%: "hen we don*t allow the Holy Spirit to control o r lives( we open o rselves p to Satanic attac!. .6 'orinthians =19( 2 'orinthians 2166( 6 $imothy 9168?69: %: $he Lord will allow Satan to attac! a believer as discipline for nconfessed sin. .6 $imothy 612> cf. 2 'orinthians 621=: %i: Satan cannot indwell or possess a believer( only beg ile them. .Galatians 016: c: $owards the world in general1 i: $he "orld ? Satan tries to deceive the nations. ./evelation 2>1=6 >: RELIGION See page 64 ANTI SEMITISM 6. God*s promise to ,braham ? whoever blesses the &ews( God will bless3 whoever c rses the &ews( God will c rse .Genesis 6216?0:. 2. History shows a correlation between the rise and fall of Empires and their treatment of the &ews. a: ,nti?Semitic ? Spanish Empire 64th cent ry( / ssian Empire 6<th ? 2>th cent ry( Ea5i Germany 2>th 'ent ry. b: Pro?Semitic ? @ritain in 6<th cent ry( United States of ,merica in 2>th. 0. $he concept of )srael a: /acial &ew ? one who is descended from ,braham( )saac and &acob. b: /eligio s &ew ? one who practices & daism. c: /egenerate &ew ? born again( now part of the body of 'hrist ./omans <14?7: ANTI-CHRIST WORLD RULER See page 2< DISPENSATIONS GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD 6. $he $rib lation is act ally the last seven years of the ,ge of )srael 2. General Script re ./evelation 8?6<: 0. Limits1 /apt re to Second ,dvent 8. 'haracteristics1 a: Length of ,ge ? = years. .Aaniel <12=: b: ;eans of Salvation ? faith in 'hrist. c: Script re ? completed 'anon. d: Evangelists ? 688(>>> &ewish evangelists ./evelation =:. ,lso angelic evangelists ./evelation 6814?=: e: ;a#or # dgments ? a s ccession of # dgments pon the nbelieving world .;atthew 28126: f: ,t death believers ? Heaven ./evelation 69162: g: ,t death nbelievers ? $orments( Hades. h: Priesthood ? specialised priesthood ? &ews. i: $he Law ? no Law .;atthew 916=: #: Holy Spirit ? assists believers b t does not indwell. !: Environment ? sinf l ? ,ntichrist and Satan r le the whole world. l: Satan ? in Heaven or on earth for first 0 6L2 years3 cast down to earth for second 0 6L2 years ./evelation 621<: m: /ebellion ? ,rmageddon( one world political and religio s system n: Spirit ality? resting in the promises of God. o: $hree sets of & dgments ? seals ./evelation 4:( tr mpets ./evelation 7:( # dgments ./evelation 69(64: TRIBULATION IN MATTHEW 24 $he second half of the $rib lation or Great $rib lation is portrayed in .;atthew 28: 6. )t commences with the erection of the abomination of desolation( the stat e of the ,ntichrist being erected in the $emple in &er salem. .v 69: 2. @elievers in &er salem are told to flee to the mo ntains of ,mmon( Edom and ;oab .v 64?2>: 0. )t will be a time of ma%im m terror and press re with many false 'hrists( signs and wonders. $hey are not to be led astray as believers as they !now that when the Lord ret rns He will be seen by all. .v 26?24: 8. $he ne%t item seen is the smiting of the armies by the Lord &es s 'hrist as He ret rns. .v 2=?27: 9. $he glorio s appearing of the Lord &es s 'hrist( visible to all( and the gathering of )srael from the fo r corners of the earth to the land now occ rs. .v 2<?06:
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4. $he fig tree prophecy shows that with the emergence of )srael and many other nations we are the generation that will see the Second 'oming of 'hrist. .v 02?09: =. $he passage concl des with a warning to be prepared for the ret rn of the Lord in glory. .v 04?96: GOD DIVINE GUIDANCE THE WILL OF GOD 6. $hree categories of will in history a: Aivine will .sovereignty: b: ,ngelic will. c: H man will. 2. ;ain areas of the will of God .6 &ohn 0120: a: -or the nbeliever ? salvation .2 Peter 01<: b: -or the believer ? spirit ality .Ephesians 9167: 0. 'hrist has free will .;atthew 24182( Hebrews 6>1=( <: a: Eo free will in man!ind wo ld imply no free will in 'hrist. b: $he basic principles of divine g idance however is based on the fact that man possesses free will to choose for or against God. 8. $ype of will of God as related to the h man race .e.g. @alaam: a: Airective .E mbers 22162: ?what God directs. b: Permissive .E mbers 2212>: ? "hat God allows c: +verr ling .E mbers 20: ? "hen God overr les 9. Principles of G idance a: Knowledge of biblical principles in the believer .Psalm 0217( Proverbs 016?4( )saiah 97166( /omans 6212: b: S rrender and filling of the Holy Spirit ./omans 4160( /omans 6216?2( Ephesians 916=?67( 6 &ohn 61<: c: Growth ? to eat meat and not rely on mil! .6 'orinthians 016?8: 4. 'ategories of the will of God a: Jiewpoint will of God ? "hat does He want me to thin!M b: +perational will of God ? "hat does He want me to doM c: Geographical will of God ? "here does He want me to beM =. ,n e%ample of the will of God .,cts 66: ? the G idance of Peter a: G idance thro gh prayer .vs 9: b: G idance thro gh the mind .vs 4: c: G idance thro gh the word .vs =?6>: d: G idance thro gh providential circ mstances .vs 66: e: G idance thro gh the filling of the Spirit .vs 62: f: G idance thro gh fellowship and comparison of data .vs 60?69: g: G idance thro gh remembering Script re .vs 64: DEUTERONOMY 2E>$7-?E $7 A4* 23;17* 9&7 -3+4= 34& 2912 !38&29 3+2 6738 5&2;&&4 9&7 6&&2A 14* 23;17* 9&7 !9(,*7&4 ;9(!9 )9& )91,, 5&17> 637 )9& )91,, &12 29&8 637 ;142 36 1,, 29(4=) )&!7&2,- (4 29& )(&=& 14* )271(24&))A ;9&7&;(29 29(4& &4&8)91,, *()27&)) 29&& (4 29- =12&): $E I6 293+ ;(,2 432 35)&7'& 23 *3 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1; 2912 17& ;7(22&4 (4 29() 533BA 2912 293+ 81-&)2 6&17 29() =,37(3+) 14* 6&176+, 418&A THE LORD THY GODC $F T9&4 29& LORD ;(,, 81B& 29- @,1=+&) ;34*&76+,A 14* 29& @,1=+&) 36 29- )&&*A &'&4 =7&12 @,1=+&)A 14* 36 ,34= !342(4+14!&A 14* )37& )(!B4&))&)A 14* 36 ,34= !342(4+14!&: ?. M37&3'&7 9& ;(,, 57(4= +@34 29&& 1,, 29& *()&1)&) 36 E=-@2A ;9(!9 293+ ;1)2 1671(* 36C 14* 29&- )91,, !,&1'& +423 29&&: ?/ A,)3 &'&7- )(!B4&))A 14* &'&7- @,1=+&A ;9(!9 () 432 ;7(22&4 (4 29& 533B 36 29() ,1;A 29&8 ;(,, 29& LORD 57(4= +@34 29&&A +42(, 293+ 5& *&)273-&*: ?2 A4* -& )91,, 5& ,&62 6&; (4 4+85&7A ;9&7&1) -& ;&7& 1) 29& )217) 36 9&1'&4 637 8+,2(2+*&C 5&!1+)& 293+ ;3+,*&)2 432 35&- 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*: ?3 A4* (2 )91,, !38& 23 @1))A 2912 1) 29& LORD 7&D3(!&* 3'&7 -3+ 23 *3 -3+ =33*A 14* 23 8+,2(@,- -3+C )3 29& LORD ;(,, 7&D3(!& 3'&7 -3+ 23 *&)273- -3+A 14* 23 57(4= -3+ 23 43+=92C 14* -& )91,, 5& @,+!B&* 6738 366 29& ,14* ;9(29&7 293+ =3&)2 23 @3))&)) (2: ?4 A4* 29& LORD )91,, )!122&7 29&& 1834= 1,, @&3@,&A 6738 29& 34& &4* 36 29& &1729 &'&4 +423 29& 329&7C 14* 29&7& 293+ )91,2 )&7'& 329&7 =3*)A ;9(!9 4&(29&7 293+ 437 29- 6129&7) 91'& B43;4A &'&4 ;33* 14* )234&: ?$ A4* 1834= 29&)& 412(34) )91,2 293+ 6(4* 43 &1)&A 4&(29&7 )91,, 29& )3,& 36 29- 6332 91'& 7&)2> 5+2 29& LORD )91,, =('& 29&& 29&7& 1 27&85,(4= 9&172A 14* 61(,(4= 36 &-&)A 14* )3773; 36 8(4*> ?? A4* 29- ,(6& )91,, 914= (4 *3+52 5&637& 29&&C 14* 293+ )91,2 6&17 *1- 14* 4(=92A 14* )91,2 91'& 434& 1))+714!& 36 29- ,(6&> ?7 I4 29& 8374(4= 293+ )91,2 )1-A W3+,* G3* (2 ;&7& &'&4N 14* 12 &'&4 293+ )91,2 )1-A W3+,* G3* (2 ;&7& 8374(4=N 637 29& 6&17 36 29(4& 9&172 ;9&7&;(29 293+ )91,2 6&17A 14* 637 29& )(=92 36 29(4& &-&) ;9(!9 293+ )91,2 )&&: ?E A4* 29& LORD )91,, 57(4= 29&& (423 E=-@2 1=1(4 ;(29 )9(@)A 5- 29& ;1- ;9&7&36 I )@1B& +423 29&&A T93+ )91,2 )&& (2 43 837& 1=1(4> 14* 29&7& -& )91,, 5& )3,* +423 -3+7 &4&8(&) 637 534*8&4 14* 534*;38&4A 14* 43 814 )91,, 5+- -3+:
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REFLECTIONS V&7)& $7: $he nat re of the sieges that will lead to the collapse of the city and nation will be e%treme( even for the ancient world. $he starvation and disease within the gates will lead to madness for many well before the enemy brea! in to !ill and enslave the s rvivors. ,fter both ta!ings of the city the victors had to encamp the s rvivors and feed them for many wee!s before they were even fit to be sold as slaves. $he cannibalism of the sieges were moderate evils to some others that occ rred( that the prophet casts a cloa! over to spare s all the horror of the tho ghts of them. $here is no limit to the depths that Satan will lead men and women into if they give themselves over to him( rather than serve the Lord. $here are only the two options3 we either serve the Lord or the enemy. V&7)&) $E $F: ;an!ind will be in fear one way or the other pon this earth3 godly fear or terror based fear. $o comprehend and tr ly see the tr th abo t eternity and infinity yo will stand in fear before the heavens( for yo will nderstand yo r finit de and bow yo r head before the niverse( or its creator. $his is a p rifying fear( for it leads to h mility and finally to relationship with the creator. )n the @ible it is called the fear of the Lord. $o fail to stand in fear before the great n!nown of the niverse is to demonstrate yo have no brain at allD ;any people choose not to thin! abo t the tr th of their state as creat res before their creator( and so they open themselves to the second fear. $his second fear is the g t wrenching fear of those who are doomed in the fallen city and face the terrible conseG ences of their past decision ma!ing. $here is no hope then( for the only one who can provide hope is the creator whose r lership over them they have re#ected. )f they do not ac!nowledge the Lord their God as the r ler over all( then they will face the # dgment of the one to whom they owe their allegiance. V&7)&) ?. ?/: $he res lt of a siege is that amongst the starving pop lation vitamin and mineral deficiencies create awf l s!in( g m( and other )mm ne collapse associated diseases that are li!e plag es. $he things li!e this( that the people feared as slaves in Egypt will be the thing they have to face again if they wal! away from the Lord. $he lives of slaves were not good( as few received adeG ate n trition and most died yo ng of maln trition related diseases( # st as those in a besieged city wo ld. "hen people have prosperity they can have optimal n trition and good health( b t as people wal! away from God their health will s ffer( beca se the self centred behavio rs that Satan enco rages are always destr ctive of physical as well as mental health. $he things that they escaped from as slaves in Egypt will appear again( and they will not sha!e them off( b t they will cons me their bodies ntil they die. God is not being mean and heartless as He allows these things to come pon them( for these things are the nat ral conseG ence of re#ection of the divine plan for man!ind. V&7)&) ?2 ?4: $hey will be red ced to small n mbers3 even less than the n mbers of the E%od s generation. $his wo ld occ r d ring the first e%ec tion of the fifth cycle of discipline 4>9?974. -rom a total pop lation of several million in the =0>s the n mbers of &ewish people fall to aro nd 9>>>. 'aptives heading into @abylon n mber 8(4>> .&eremiah 9210>: and nearly all are slaves. $he reason for their decline in n mbers is clear3 they wo ld not obey the words of the Lord their God. $hey will be scattered to the most distant places from )srael. $his dispersion reached its ltimate point only in the 6<9>s when &ewish people served in ,ntarctica. &ewish people today certainly worship all the material world( # st as the Gentiles do. +bedience is the only pathway to blessing for GodIs people. God will re#oice over His people either to lift them p or cast them down. How is this possibleM God re#oices in o r spirit al growth( and if we obey He can re#oice over s in blessing( b t if we ref se to obey and grow( then the only way the Lord can t rn that aro nd is by discipline. He re#oices over this path only beca se it will lead to blessing event ally( when the people ret rn to the path of obedience. $he Lord will be victorio s( and He will re#oice in His victory over sin( the only G estion is whether we are re#oicingD Hebrews 6216?69. /efer to the E@'", 'ommentary on this passage and read that thro gh. /efer also to the @$@ st dy A)J)EE A)S')PL)EE. V&7)&) ?$ ??: )n every place the &ewish people go thro gh their long dispersion .from => ,A thro gh ntil the establishment of the modern State of )srael in 6<8<: they have fo nd the insec rity that ;oses spea!s of here. $hey have felt the sting of waves of persec tion and the constant threat of deportation. ;any nations have opened their doors and then closed them to the &ewish people. $hey have had no ease for nearly two tho sand years of wandering. $here has been fear and sorrow at times. $here has been no ass rance of life and health in most places. )t is of note that those nations that have opened their doors and allowed the &ewish people rest( have themselves prospered. ,mericaIs great prosperity today is( ) believe( d e to their positive treatment of the &ewish people. V&7)&) ?7 ?E: -ear will r le their days of wandering. $hey will long for day when it is night( and long for the shadow of dar!ness when it is daylight. $hey will have no inner peace beca se they have wal!ed away from the paths of God( and re#ected the words of His prophets. $hey will see the most awf l sights imaginable as they s ffer. $he sights of the great siege of 4=?=> were indeed awf l to behold( and the horrors of the holoca st of 6<82?6<89 were nimaginable in inh manity before that time. $he ret rn to Egypt occ rred in =>?=6 ,A after the fall of &er salem. S rvivors were sent bac! to Egypt in ships to the slave mar!ets of ,le%andria( b t few were bo ght beca se there were so many slaves after that war. $he price of slaves collapsed and many were simply !illed in Egypt when no b yers came forward.
47

;oses acc racy in this prophetic word sho ld be a fearf l thing to modern )srael3 its relationship to this second and last instit tion of the fifth cycle of national discipline( and the fact that it begins forty years after the Lord &es s is !illed is the evidence that they will event ally see proves &es s was the ;essiah. Nechariah 6216>ff. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. &ISh a Ha ;Ishiach H &es s .is: the ;essiahD $he evidence of ;oses and history is concl sive and will be heard finally in the awf l days of the Great $rib lation period and a third of the nation of )srael will be saved and enter the ;illenni m. Let s preach the tr th abo t &es s to &ewish people in G iet confidence that they will see it soon. Nechariah ass res s that they will Nechariah 6216>ff. 2. $here are only two options for life pon this created world3 we serve the creator( or we serve the great rebellion against Him. Let s proclaim the tr th with power( that all men might stand before the LordIs throne witho t e%c se for their foolishness. DOCTRINE CHRISTIAN LIFE DIVINE DISCIPLINE 6. Aivine discipline is the res lt of a believer disobeying the will of God. 2. God disciplines all tr e children. $hose who are not tr e children do not !now discipline. .Hebrews 62173 6 Peter 91<? 6>:. 0. God*s discipline of believers is shown in a: +ld $estament .Proverbs 0166(62:3 b: Eew $estament .Hebrews 6210?603 /evelation 016<:. 8. ,ttit des towards God*s discipline .Hebrews 6210?69:. a: $hin! lightly of it .v 9:. b: -aint or become disheartened .v 9:. c: End re discipline .v =:. d: Learn and benefit from discipline. .v 66:. 9. $he effect of God*s discipline a: Aiscipline blesses the believer .Psalm <8162: b: Lives are changed .Hebrews 62166: c: )t is for a limited time. .6 Peter 614(=: d: )t is for the believer*s benefit .Hebrews 6216>: 4. $he believer who ref ses to repent may be disciplined to the e%tent of death .6 'orinthians 6610>?06( 6 &ohn 9164: =. Aivine discipline never implies a loss of salvation. Galatians 0124( 2 $imothy 2166?60. NOTES
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CHAPTER 2F
DEUTERONOMY 2F>/-2F 2F>/ T9&)& 17& 29& ;37*) 36 29& !3'&4142A ;9(!9 29& LORD !38814*&* M3)&) 23 81B& ;(29 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, (4 29& ,14* 36 M315A 5&)(*& 29& !3'&4142 ;9(!9 9& 81*& ;(29 29&8 (4 H37&5: 2 A4* M3)&) !1,,&* +423 1,, I)71&,A 14* )1(* +423 29&8A Y& 91'& )&&4 1,, 2912 29& LORD *(* 5&637& -3+7 &-&) (4 29& ,14* 36 E=-@2 +423 P917139A 14* +423 1,, 9() )&7'142)A 14* +423 1,, 9() ,14*C 3 T9& =7&12 2&8@212(34) ;9(!9 29(4& &-&) 91'& )&&4A 29& )(=4)A 14* 293)& =7&12 8(71!,&)> 4 Y&2 29& LORD 9129 432 =('&4 -3+ 14 9&172 23 @&7!&('&A 14* &-&) 23 )&&A 14* &17) 23 9&17A +423 29() *1-: $ A4* I 91'& ,&* -3+ 6372- -&17) (4 29& ;(,*&74&))> -3+7 !,329&) 17& 432 ;1J&4 3,* +@34 -3+A 14* 29- )93& () 432 ;1J&4 3,* +@34 29- 6332: ? Y& 91'& 432 &12&4 57&1*A 4&(29&7 91'& -& *7+4B ;(4& 37 )2734= *7(4B> 2912 -& 8(=92 B43; 2912 I 18 29& LORD -3+7 G3*: 7 A4* ;9&4 -& !18& +423 29() @,1!&A S(934 29& B(4= 36 H&)9534A 14* O= 29& B(4= 36 B1)914A !18& 3+2 1=1(4)2 +) +423 5122,&A 14* ;& )832& 29&8> E A4* ;& 233B 29&(7 ,14*A 14* =1'& (2 637 14 (49&7(214!& +423 29& R&+5&4(2&)A 14* 23 29& G1*(2&)A 14* 23 29& 91,6 27(5& 36 M141))&9: F #&&@ 29&7&637& 29& ;37*) 36 29() !3'&4142A 14* *3 29&8A 2912 -& 81- @73)@&7 (4 1,, 2912 -& *3: /. Y& )214* 29() *1- 1,, 36 -3+ 5&637& 29& LORD -3+7 G3*C -3+7 !1@21(4) 36 -3+7 27(5&)A -3+7 &,*&7)A 14* -3+7 366(!&7)A ;(29 1,, 29& 8&4 36 I)71&,A // Y3+7 ,(22,& 34&)A -3+7 ;('&)A 14* 29- )2714=&7 2912 () (4 29- !18@A 6738 29& 9&;&7 36 29- ;33* +423 29& *71;&7 36 29- ;12&7> /2 T912 293+ )93+,*&)2 &42&7 (423 !3'&4142 ;(29 29& LORD 29- G3*A 14* (423 9() 3129A ;9(!9 29& LORD 29- G3* 81B&29 ;(29 29&& 29() *1-> /3 T912 9& 81- &)215,()9 29&& 23 *1- 637 1 @&3@,& +423 9(8)&,6A 14* 2912 9& 81- 5& +423 29&& 1 G3*A 1) 9& 9129 )1(* +423 29&&A 14* 1) 9& 9129 );374 +423 29- 6129&7)A 23 A571918A 23 I)11!A 14* 23 1!35: /4 N&(29&7 ;(29 -3+ 34,- *3 I 81B& 29() !3'&4142 14* 29() 3129C /$ B+2 ;(29 9(8 2912 )214*&29 9&7& ;(29 +) 29() *1- 5&637& 29& LORD 3+7 G3*A 14* 1,)3 ;(29 9(8 2912 () 432 9&7& ;(29 +) 29() *1-> /? (F37 -& B43; 93; ;& 91'& *;&,2 (4 29& ,14* 36 E=-@2C 14* 93; ;& !18& 2973+=9 29& 412(34) ;9(!9 -& @1))&* 5-C /7 A4* -& 91'& )&&4 29&(7 1538(412(34)A 14* 29&(7 (*3,)A ;33* 14* )234&A )(,'&7 14* =3,*A ;9(!9 ;&7& 1834= 29&8>) /E L&)2 29&7& )93+,* 5& 1834= -3+ 814A 37 ;3814A 37 618(,-A 37 27(5&A ;93)& 9&172 2+74&29 1;1- 29() *1- 6738 29& LORD 3+7 G3*A 23 =3 14* )&7'& 29& =3*) 36 29&)& 412(34)C ,&)2 29&7& )93+,* 5& 1834= -3+ 1 7332 2912 5&17&29 =1,, 14* ;378;33*C /F A4* (2 !38& 23 @1))A ;9&4 9& 9&17&29 29& ;37*) 36 29() !+7)&A 2912 9& 5,&)) 9(8)&,6 (4 9() 9&172A )1-(4=A I )91,, 91'& @&1!&A 293+=9 I ;1,B (4 29& (81=(412(34 36 8(4& 9&172A 23 1** *7+4B&44&)) 23 29(7)2: 2. T9& LORD ;(,, 432 )@17& 9(8A 5+2 29&4 29& 14=&7 36 29& LORD 14* 9() D&1,3+)- )91,, )83B& 1=1(4)2 2912 814A 14* 1,, 29& !+7)&) 2912 17& ;7(22&4 (4 29() 533B )91,, ,(& +@34 9(8A 14* 29& LORD )91,, 5,32 3+2 9() 418& 6738 +4*&7 9&1'&4: 2/ A4* 29& LORD )91,, )&@1712& 9(8 +423 &'(, 3+2 36 1,, 29& 27(5&) 36 I)71&,A 1!!37*(4= 23 1,, 29& !+7)&) 36 29& !3'&4142 2912 17& ;7(22&4 (4 29() 533B 36 29& ,1;> 22 S3 2912 29& =&4&712(34 23 !38& 36 -3+7 !9(,*7&4 2912 )91,, 7()& +@ 162&7 -3+A 14* 29& )2714=&7 2912 )91,, !38& 6738 1 617 ,14*A )91,, )1-A ;9&4 29&- )&& 29& @,1=+&) 36 2912 ,14*A 14* 29& )(!B4&))&) ;9(!9 29& LORD 9129 ,1(* +@34 (2C 23 A4* 2912 29& ;93,& ,14* 29&7&36 () 57(8)234&A 14* )1,2A 14* 5+74(4=A 2912 (2 () 432 )3;4A 437 5&17&29A 437 14- =71)) =73;&29 29&7&(4A ,(B& 29& 3'&72973; 36 S3*38A 14* G3837719A A*819A 14* H&53(8A ;9(!9 29& LORD 3'&7297&; (4 9() 14=&7A 14* (4 9() ;7129> 24 E'&4 1,, 412(34) )91,, )1-A W9&7&637& 9129 29& LORD *34& 29+) +423 29() ,14*0 ;912 8&14&29 29& 9&12 36 29() =7&12 14=&70 2$ T9&4 8&4 )91,, )1-A B&!1+)& 29&- 91'& 637)1B&4 29& !3'&4142 36 29& LORD G3* 36 29&(7 6129&7)A ;9(!9 9& 81*& ;(29 29&8 ;9&4 9& 573+=92 29&8 63729 3+2 36 29& ,14* 36 E=-@2> 2? F37 29&- ;&42 14* )&7'&* 329&7 =3*)A 14* ;37)9(@@&* 29&8A =3*) ;938 29&- B4&; 432A 14* ;938 9& 91* 432 =('&4 +423 29&8> 27 A4* 29& 14=&7 36 29& LORD ;1) B(4*,&* 1=1(4)2 29() ,14*A 23 57(4= +@34 (2 1,, 29& !+7)&) 2912 17& ;7(22&4 (4 29() 533B> 2E A4* 29& LORD 7332&* 29&8 3+2 36 29&(7 ,14* (4 14=&7A 14* (4 ;7129A 14* (4 =7&12 (4*(=412(34A 14* !1)2 29&8 (423 14329&7 ,14*A 1) (2 () 29() *1-: 2F T9& )&!7&2 29(4=) 5&,34= +423 29& LORD 3+7 G3*> 5+2 293)& 29(4=) ;9(!9 17& 7&'&1,&* 5&,34= +423 +) 14* 23 3+7 !9(,*7&4 637 &'&7A 2912 ;& 81- *3 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1;: REFLECTIONS $his chapter and the ne%t are additions to the Law as it was received at ;t Horeb( and ;oses is told clearly that this is the way these instr ctions are to be received by the people. $hey have eG al standing to the words received at Horeb and are to be considered as a part of the Law of God. $hese words( thro gh the ne%t two chapters are the ro nding off of the LordIs words to His people now that they are ready to move into the land. $his is another piece of evidence that the a thorship here is that of ;oses. Had a later a thor written these five boo!s they wo ld have not needed to ma!e additions at this point. $hey wo ld simply repeat the principles from E%od s 2>ff( and there wo ld have been no need to add these things( for they wo ld have written in all they needed into the initial record of the Law from the time at Horeb. )t is the presence of this sort of addition that rings tr e for this being the record of the speech given on the plain of ;oab. )t is the evidence of seG ential revelation.
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$here are things that after forty years of application of the initial law will need to be clarified and added to. $here are also things that can only be added in at this point( beca se only as they advance towards the land will they even thin! of some application iss es( and be ready to apply them. V&7)&) / 2: $he words of the writer here indicate that this chapter has ;oses as its a thor( b t li!ely &osh a as the act al writer. $hey are caref l to note that the words here came to ;oses directly from the Lord in the same way as those at ;t Horeb. $he words of ;oses then directly tie the events of recent days bac! with the events of forty years before as the )sraelites left Egypt. ,ll those over fifty will have good memory of these events that they observed as children. )n the speech ;oses connects all the acts of God to deliver them the land( and ma!es them a contin o s seG ence. He is teaching them the principle of progressive revelation here( binding together all that has occ rred as a single organic entity. /efer to the @$@ st dy of @)@LE H )ESP)/,$)+E( /EJEL,$)+E. V&7)&) 3 $: ;oses now mentions the vario s categories of evidences of the LordIs teaching wor! pon the people thro gh these forty years. $he first category of the wor!s of God they had seen was the temptations or better testing of the Lord. $hese acts of God were testing sit ations that p t spirit al press re pon people to see whether they wo ld do the right thing and obey the Lord( or whether they wo ld rebel against GodIs will. $he Egyptians were also tested thro gh Pharaoh( and that nation was # dged beca se they preferred their own gods to the tr e God over all. E%od s 012>ff. $he Lord told ;oses that He wo ld bring the children of )srael o t of Egypt and bring them into the land of 'anaan( and all the testing sit ations in the forty years of wandering were designed by God to test the faith of the people in that promise. E%od s 0169?67. $he testing sit ations the Lord sed were many and varied1 6. 2. 0. 8. 9. 4. =. 7. $oo m ch water at the Cam S f .Sea of /eeds:. E%od s 6816?67. $he wrong sort of water at ;arah( then the sweet waters at Elim. E%od s 69120?2=. Eo solid food in the "ilderness of Sin( and the provision of the G ail and the manna. E%od s 6416?67. Eo water at /ephidim( and the provision of water from the smitten roc!. E%od s 6=16?=. Keeping ;oses p the mo ntain and in the delay testing the faith and obedience of the people( who failed and made the Golden calf. E%od s 0216ff. $he entire wilderness march was a forty year daily test to collect the manna. +n their arrival at Kadesh @arnea they faced the test H to advance into the land and sei5e it( b t failed. E mbers 6016 H 68107. +n their ret rn to Kadesh @arnea after forty years wandering they faced another no water test( and ;oses himself failed terribly then. E mbers 2>12?60.
,ll these testing sit ations were sent by the Lord to stretch and refine their faith( not to brea! them down and ca se grief. ,ll things come to s to b ild s p( never cast s down. Everything that happens to the believer is designed to be ed cation( if we are listening to the teacher( who is the Holy Spirit. /omans 7127( 6 'orinthians 6>166?60. /efer to the @$@ st dies( H+LC SP)/)$ H $E,'HE/( ;)E)S$/C )E $HE +LA $ES$,;EE$( ;)E)S$/C )E $HE EE" $ES$,;EE$( 'H/)S$),E L)-E H S$,@)L)$C( $E;P$,$)+E( G+A H -,)$H-ULEESS +- G+A. )n addition to the testing sit ations there were n mero s times when the Lord specifically showed His glory( and thro gh mirac lo s signs gave proof that He was indeed the creator God. ,t ;t Horeb there were n mero s signs of GodIs power( with the clo d of presence( the pillar of fire( th nder and lightning. E%od s 6<167. $here were occasions for the direct # dgment of God pon rebels( as with Eadab and ,bih in Levitic s 6>. $hen also the rebels who opposed ;oses and ,aron( Korah( Aathan and ,biram were # dged by the Lord. E mbers 6416ff. $hese # dgments pon both gro ps were direct( spectac lar and mirac lo s. $he ne%t great miracles after this speech will be the crossing of the &ordan /iver and the collapse of the walls of &ericho 81<?67( 416?64. ,ll God did thro gh the years had a p rpose( and that p rpose was to foc s His peopleIs mind pon His plan for them. ;iracles are not wor!ed by God to impress men( or be ob#ects of interest in themselves( b t to bring believers to tr st more and achieve more as they wal! in stronger and stronger faith. $he words of ;oses in verse 8 are strange words( b t they reflect an important reality regarding the first and second generation( for they did not see the tr th abo t the wor!s of God( and they do bted the one who did s ch great deeds. $he first generation failed to enter the land at Kadesh @arnea( and the second will fail to sei5e all the land. "hy did they not see( and hear( and believe( and obeyM Some interpret this verse to mean God stopped them hearing. $his cannot be tr e( for God is not n# st. $hese people co ld have believed GodIs "ord and obeyed. $hey were sadly li!e Pharaoh( with hardened hearts. $he phrase hardening of the heart( refers to the process that went on inside Pharaoh. God certainly hardened his heart3 by that is meant( the Lord forced pharaoh to reveal e%actly what he really wanted to do. $he more the pharaoh saw of GodIs power and plan the less he feared the Lord( and the more he hated the Lord. $he # dgments he received did not soften him and bring him to repentance( for he didnIt want to change his life( his religion( or his decisions. He was arrogant( pro d and st bborn( and the more facts placed before him the more he resented the tr th. God forced him to reveal his deepest desires3 this is what hardening his heart involved. )saiah 419?6>( 401=?6<. God did not give the )sraelites more faith and power beca se they did not f lly e%ercise the power and faith they hadD
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$he same process( as within Pharaoh( went on within the hearts of the E%od s Generation. $hey had been slaves for many years and many resented any form of leadership or orders received( and the bitterness they felt was at times e%pressed to ;oses directly. E%od s 2160?68. $he rebellions( noted above against ;oses and ,aron( are testimony to the resentment that many had towards any r lers. $hey desired freedom from all r lership( even that appointed by God. $hey( li!e pharaoh( were filled with pride( believing they co ld lead themselves( when they were nfit to do so. $heir pride blinded them to the tr th and so they failed when the final tests came( for they had not seen the tr th behind each of the mirac lo s deliverances of the Lord. $he present generation before ;oses is also acc sed of not learning eno gh to really wal! with GodIs power into the land of promise. ;oses challenge to them is to f lly believe in the power( and person( and plan( behind all the things they have seen. +nly then will they be able to really sei5e the land from the 'anaanites. ;oses fears abo t these people will prove correct3 they will fail to sei5e all the land. ;oses rges them to loo! down at their feet and see their old sandals that they have worn for years and have not worn o t( their feet that have not developed any of the diseases associated with the heat( and their clothing that has not rotted all these years. $hey have the evidence of GodIs preservation pon their feet and bac!s and yet they will not be certain of the power of God in their heartsD V&7)&) ? F: $hey have been fed the manna of the Lord thro gho t the #o rney. $he manna will last ntil they enter the land proper( for then they are e%pected to provide their own food by their own labo r. $hey received it for forty years( and one rebellion was against it( for the people desired G ail again( rather than GodIs plain provision. E%od s 64106?09( E mbers 6616?6>( Ae teronomy 710?67( &osh a 916>?62. Eotice certain things in ;oses speech here( as well as in the passages thro gh the forty years abo t the LordIs provision. $he Lord provides a perfect food( with all minerals and vitamins within it( so that none of the diseases associated with maln trition occ r. $he food is plain and bland in taste( not spicy or interesting. $hey are challenged to be content with their rations and see them as f el for the LordIs wor! and their concentration is to be pon the Lord( not what is on their plate. Philippians 8166?60( 6 $imothy 414?6>. $hey are not provided wine thro gh the years of wandering( nor do they ma!e any( and they are reminded that their sobriety was a benefit to them. $hey are called to eat simply and n tritio sly with their foc s pon what the food is to achieve .their health and wellbeing: not delight or preocc pation in the food itself. $hey are not to live for the details of life( b t in obedience to the creator of all life. -ood is a detail of life( not an end in life. "hen people start to be preocc pied with details they lose perspective on the p rpose the Lord has for them pon the earth. "e are to g ard o rselves against ma#oring on the minor details of life and missing o r tas! before the Lord. Psalms 68616?8( Proverbs 2016?7. $hey faced the enemies of God in the 'anaanite coalition of +g and Sihon when they entered the East @an! of &ordan and the Lord defeated these s perior enemy forces for them. E mbers 26126?09( Ae teronomy 016?6=. $hey had to fight( b t the Lord went before them and the enemy was ta!en. $his is to be the pattern for all their conG ests. $hey are to receive the LordIs orders and advance into the land. ,ll who stand against them or come o t in battle array against them are to be attac!ed with confidence( and they are to be s re that all enemies of the Lord will be defeated as they wal! with the Lord in obedience. )t is their faith in the LordIs plan and power( and their obedience to the LordIs "ord that will deliver them the land and give them sec re possession of it. V&7)&) /. /$: Everyone who stands before ;oses this day as he spea!s is incl ded in the covenant of God with the people. -rom the princes of the tribes( down to the slaves that they own who c t their fire wood and draw their water from the wells. ,ll are within the promises received from the Lord. ,ll who stand with )srael and have faith in )sraelIs God are within the 5one where blessing will be received. ,ll are challenged to formally bind themselves to the Lord with an oath of obedience this day. ,s they hear the words of ;oses they are to accept them as the words of God and they are to embrace them and wal! the rest of their lives with faith in them. )f they do this they will receive the blessing of the land and all that this land will provide. $he ama5ing thing abo t the history of this time is the opport nity the )sraelites had at this time to sei5e and hold the land. )t was one of the few times when the great powers were not interested in the land of 'anaan. "e have the ,marna Letters from Egypt with 'anaanite princes as!ing for help from Hebrew attac! b t the pharaohs were distracted by other things. $he land was open for a period of aro nd a h ndred years and they co ld have do bled or tripled their pop lation d ring that time and filled the land. ,ll they are as!ed to do is enter in faith and obedience to the commands of the Lord their God and they co ld have had total victory. $hey had to get their eyes off the strength of the enemy and see their wea!ness( which was( God was not with them( He was with )srael. $heir stability is based pon the promises of God to them and to their ancestors who are b ried in the land. $he covenant made that day on the plains of ;oab not only goes bac! to ;t Horeb( b t goes bac! to ,brahamIs tent and forward to the ;illennial Kingdom. ,ll the people of the past stand with )srael this day( b t also all their descendents stand with them. $hey do not # st depend pon the things that have been said to them( and the miracles that have happened to them. $hey also stand with the ass rance of all that was done for( and said to the patriarchs. $here is historic certainty here from the past( and it stretches into the f t re. $he LordIs plan will be f lfilled( and the f t re is sec re as they see the past has been when they loo! bac!.
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$he challenge to the people of that day( and to o rselves today( is to see present tro bles in the same way we see the past when we loo! bac!. ,s we loo! bac! we see the LordIs deliverance of s( and as we loo! forward we are to e%press the faith in the Lord that the past sho ld prod ce within s. Pa l weaves this principle into the verses in 6 'orinthians 6>16?60. V&7)&) /? /E: $he hatred of the pagan gods and all they stood for is what drives ;oses words here. He wants the people to hate paganism( and see the powers that stand behind the gods and goddesses for what they are( demonic forces driven by malice towards man!ind. He wants them to hate evil and avoid all contact with it and poll tion by it. $he longer ) live( and the more ) see( the more ) believe( that we do not hate evil eno gh. "e do not see the evil malice of Satan towards s and the s btle strategies he has to destroy s by compromise with pagan religions. /efer to the @$@ st dies again on EJ)L( /EL)G)+E( S,$,EIS S$/,$EGC ,EA $,'$)'S( ;EE$,L ,$$)$UAE. $he mental attit des of any people gro p are the !ey to nderstanding their strength or wea!ness. ,s the )sraelites advanced towards the land( they passed thro gh the Sinai( and Eegev civili5ations of the ,morites( and saw other ;idianite people gro ps in ,rabia. $hey saw at first hand the worship of pagan gods and goddesses and they saw what s ch worship did for s ch people. $hey had been sed ced by the apparently clean and dignified pagan worship of Egypt and b ilt the Golden 'alf in the desert themselves. E%od s 02. $hey had fallen into idolatry again and again( and it wo ld remain a deep temptation for them ntil after their time of captivity in @abylon a tho sand years later. $hey didnIt hate the idol worship they saw eno gh( and they remained tolerant of it( and they had a part of their heart that desired the simple worship of the hearth gods of the pagans. )t was homely and pleasant and seemed harmless. )t is the sed ctive power of evil that is its satanically designed path to infl ence( and the broad way that leads to a peopleIs destr ction. $he to%ic wormwood plant was the image of pagan religion3 it was poisono s and wo ld !ill over time all who dran! from its poll ted spring. ;atthew =160?68( Hebrews 0162?64( 62169?6=. V&7)&) /F 2/: $he rebellio s man will !eep on believing he is alright( even tho gh the words of # dgment are read o t against all who do these evil things. , person who is determined to follow after the evil of their own heart will en#oy their habits and feel at peace within. $hey will hear the c rses of Ae teronomy 2=?27 and believe that they apply to other people b t not to them. $his is the deception of satanic religion3 that GodIs # dgment will not fall pon yo ( b t only pon the nasty peopleD Satan delights in the narcissistic mind. $hose who share this mental attit de with Satan believe they are entitled to good things( and that they are special and so the r les that apply to ordinary and boring people do not apply to them. $hey can hear the Law read alo d b t never feel it applies to them( b t only to those they consider pathetic people who really need it. $he evil man will believe he is fine before God( and that he doesnIt have to follow the r les of the rest of the people. He will see no problem with dr n!enness( nor any other immoral behavio r. "e are reminded here that while alcohol is not forbidden by script re( its se is to be strictly controlled( and that dr n!enness is a sin not a disease. $he genetic tendency to ,lcoholism is a wea!ness of the +ld Sin Eat re that some people inherit( b t to open oneself to that wea!ness is sin. +bedience to the "ord of God means all sinf l tendencies are resisted( and to fail to resist them is to be # dged for disobedience to the "ord and will of God. /efer to the @$@ st dies( A/)EK)EG ,L'+H+L( +LA S)E E,$U/E. $he phrase imagination of the heart in verse 6< bears closer st dy. $he feelings we have at times abo t things are not necessarily a g ide to anything at all. $here is an int ition that is correct at times( and conscience that can be a good g ide to life at times( b t there are then feelings that are simply that( # st feelings of no significance. $o give magical power to o r feelings is to open o rselves to deception. "e are always to correct and ed cate o r feelings( int itions and conscience( by the "ord of God( for only then are we s re they are giving right g idance. /efer to the @$@ st dy S+UL ,EA HU;,E SP)/)$( S+L+;+E?PLE,SU/E. $hose who thin! they are special will find they are not( and that the Lord will deal with them and remove them from the tribes of )srael and all the c rses named in this boo! will come pon them. $here is no escape from the # stice of the living God. ;atthew 29106?84( Hebrews 6>106( 62127?2<. V&7)&) 22 24: $he # dgment of the fo rth and fifth cycles of discipline are so great that even pagan nations will see them and !now that the Lord alone co ld do this. "hen the final a%e falls pon the land it will be li!e that which fell pon Sodom and Gomorrah and the reason will be that the )sraelites have become li!e the 'anaanites. & dgment falls pon them only beca se they have copied the evil people they inherited the land from. &eremiah 2214?<( Lamentations 2169?6=( 8162?60. $hey will see when &er salem falls that the Lords anger was hot indeed. $he anger of the Lord is against the sin and evil of His people when they have no reason to follow sin and evil. $he LordIs anger is however always directed to a godly p rpose( and it is for the remnant to be saved and restored pon repentance. E5e!iel 68122?20. /efer to the @$@ st dy '+E-ESS)+E ,EA /ES$+/,$)+E( /E;E,E$. V&7)&) 2$ 2F: $he pagans who see the destroyed land will see the tr th immediately. $hey will recognise that destr ction is come pon )srael beca se they forsoo! their God and followed after the gods of their enemies. GodIs anger was !indled against them e%actly as He said it wo ld be if they forsoo! His words and way. E%od s 2>16?9. Eow read verse 27 caref lly and note the last phrase( as it is this day. )s this prophetic or descriptiveM $he liberals arg e that these words were not written by ;oses at all( indeed by no?one before 909 @' when the E%iles ret rned from @abylon
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and reflected pon their mythic history. ) re#ect this viewpoint. "hile E5ra certainly edits the ;osaic Law and preserves it in its final form he is not the a thor of it. $hese words are a contin ation of ;oses prophetic words( as we have seen in Ae teronomy 27147. ,s we saw above( these words in chapter 27 were only f lfilled in =6 ,A( b t no?one arg es that Ae teronomy was written thenD "hy arg e that these words in chapter 2< were written in the 90>sM $he only reason is that nbelievers have diffic lties in accepting prophetic words. Let s embrace these words of ;oses and draw strength from the tr th of his prophetic words. God has the history of man in His hands( and we are in His handsD Ae teronomy 0012=?2<( &ohn 6>12=?0>. "hat is revealed by the Lord is for o r hearing( o r belief( and o r application. ,ll that is revealed is for s to apply. $here are many things we do not !now( and what has not been revealed we are not to spec late pon( for they are the secrets of God. "hat we do not !now this side of eternity we are to accept( and rest pon the certainties of the character of God. "e are to concentrate pon what we do !now and ma!e s re we do all we are ordered to do( not sit aro nd arg ing abo t what we cannot !now now. 'olossians 214?6>. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. God gives s a heart to believe as we e%press o r faith in Him. ,s faith is e%ercised( faith grows. "e begin the process of growth nder press re with worship to banish heaviness .)saiah 4610:( and we b ild power by faith in action( as we obey the "ord of God as we hear it. Let s hear the "ord of the Lord today and advance in obedience of it in daily life and ministry. 2. GodIs provision for s will be adeG ate( b t plain. "e are not to see! the dainties of this world or we r n the danger that destroyed SolomonIs life( his posterity( and his witness. Let s a dit o rselves often lest we fall into the error of the E%od s generation and of Solomon and centre o r lives aro nd the details of life rather than its p rposeD 0. GodIs provision and GodIs timing is perfect. )f we are in a diffic lt or what appears impossible sit ation( b t we are s re the Lord has led s here( then we have the same challenge the Lord gives these people. "e are to tr st in the holy and loving character of the Lord o r God( and obey the "ord of God( and wait for the deliverance of the Lord. "e are to do all we are called to do while we wait for the Lord to act to deliver s( and we are to wait in a spirit of worship and praise. 8. Let s g ard o rselves against idolatry of all forms( and let s remember that tolerance for paganism has limits. "e live in free societies now and it is the right of all people to select their own path thro gh life( b t we are to be s re that no paganism is given p blicity that may draw the foolish to it. $hese things are great evils and m st be seen as s ch and hated with all o r might. 9. Sin is sin and m st be repented of( and evil is the foolish deception of the enemy( and it m st be fled from. Let s confess o r sins and deal with the tendency of the mind to evil. Let s apply all we !now and not waste time spec lating pon what we cannot or do not !nowD DOCTRINES BIBLE INSPIRATION 6. $he principle of inspiration is fo nd in .2 $imothy 0164: Q,ll Script re is God breathedQ. G!. $HE+ PEEUS$+S. $he Holy Spirit comm nicated to the h man a thors God*s complete plan .2 Sam el 2012( 0( )saiah 9<126( &eremiah 61<( ;atthew 22182( 80( ;ar! 62104( ,cts 8128( 29( 27129: $he h man a thors of Script re so wrote that in spite of their personalities( they were able to comm nicate God*s plan with perfect acc racy in the lang age they wrote. 2. $he origin of Script re is beyond h man viewpoint. .2 Peter 612>( 26: 0. $he @ible is the mind of 'hrist. .6 'orinthians 2164: $herefore it is the absol te standard for believers. .Psalm 60712: 8. Precanon revelation from God occ rred thro gh the Holy Spirit. $here was no written script re ntil the time of ;oses. .2 Sam el 2012( E5e!iel 212( 710( 6616( 28( ;icah 017( Hebrews 01=: 9. -o r categories of +ld $estament revelation1 a: $he spo!en word ? th s saith the Lord. .)saiah 41<( 6>( ,cts 27129: b: Areams. .E mbers 6214( Genesis 69162( 0616>?60( 06128( Aaniel 6>1<: ? whilst asleep. c: Jisions. .)saiah 616( 416( 6 Kings 2216<: ? whilst awa!e. d: ,ngelic teaching. .Ae teronomy 0012( ,cts =190( Galatians 016<( Psalm 4716=: 4. $he e%tent of revelation1 a: $he n!nown past ? the @ible portrays past historical details n!nown to man apart from revelation. .Genesis 6?66:. $he acc racy of these historical facts is g aranteed by inspiration. e.g. 'reation( Eoah*s -lood.
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b: ,ncient history ? whilst the @ible is not a te%t boo! of history( all historical citations are acc rate. c: +b#ective law ? the +ld $estament contains many laws for both individ als and national life. $hese laws e%press perfectly the mind of God to those people to whom they are addressed. d: Some portions of the @ible contain direct G otations from God. $he doctrine of inspiration g arantees that s ch G otations are properly recorded e%actly as God desired. e: God ses the emotions( trials and tri mphs of certain believers to declare His grace in devotional literat re li!e the Psalms( Song of Solomon f: )nspiration e%tends to the recording of falsehoods # st as they were ttered. Satan Genesis 018 g: )nspiration g arantees the acc racy of all recorded prophecies. REVELATION See page = HOLY SPIRIT TEACHER 6. He is the Spirit of "isdom. .)saiah 6612( 8>160?68: 2. He reveals the things of God. .6 'orinthians 6>160: 0. He reveals the things of 'hrist. .&ohn 64168: 8. He g ides into all tr th. .&ohn 68124( 64160: 9. He enables ministers to teach. .6 'orinthians 6217: 4. He teaches the saints to answer persec tors. .;ar! 60166( L !e 62162: =. He directs in the way of godliness. .)saiah 0>126( E5e!iel 0412=: 7. He brings the words of 'hrist to remembrance. .&ohn 68124: HOLY SPIRIT MINISTRY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT 6. )n the +ld $estament( the Holy Spirit did not indwell all believers( since 'hrist was not yet glorified .&ohn =10<:. )nstead( He only came pon some +ld $estament saints to perform special f nctions. a: &+SEPH( a believer who was a prime minister. .Genesis 86107: b: @elievers who were artisans occ pied in the constr ction of the $abernacle. .E%od s 2710( 0610: c: @elievers involved in administration. .E mbers 6616=( 29: d: , believer who was both a political and military leader ? &+SHU, .E mbers 2=167: e: 'ertain & dges1 +$HE)EL .& dges 01<( 6>: G)AE+E .& dges 4108: &EPH$H,H .& dges 6612<: S,;S+E .& dges 60128( 29( 6819?4( 69168: f: Kings of )srael .6 Sam el 6>1<( 6>( 64160: g: A,E)EL .Aaniel 817( 9166( 410: h: Post e%ilic r lers .Nechariah 810( 62?68: 2. @elievers in )srael co ld be disciplined by the removal of the Spirit1 a: S,UL .6 Sam el 64168: b: A,J)A .Psalm 96166: 0. , believer co ld obtain the Holy Spirit by reG est( b t not as an indwelling presence. .2 Kings 21<( 6>( L !e 66160: 8. &es s gave the Holy Spirit witho t reG est to the disciples # st before the ascension. P rpose1 $o s stain them for the ten day interim before the 'h rch ,ge wo ld begin. .&ohn 2>122: HOLY SPIRIT MINISTRY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 6. $+ $HE UE@EL)EJE/ a: /ES$/,)E)EG .2 $hessalonians 21=: )f nbelievers were nrestrained in the 'h rch ,ge the one world system which Satan is trying to establish wo ld come. ,fter the rapt re of the 'h rch it will come. b: '+EJ)'$)EG .&ohn 641=?66: i: Sin ? the barrier which remains in nbelief. ii: /ighteo sness ? God is totally righteo s( man is only relatively righteo s and needs God*s righteo sness for salvation. iii: & dgment ? Satan and all nbelievers are # dged. c: /EGEEE/,$)+E .&ohn 019: ;an witho t the spirit cannot nderstand spirit al things. $he Gospel is spirit al( the Holy Spirit ma!es the gospel a reality to the nbeliever when one believes and is Qborn againQ or regenerated. .6 'orinthians 2168: 2. $+ $HE @EL)EJE/ ,$ S,LJ,$)+E a: /egeneration .&ohn 016?64( $it s 019: b: @aptism .,cts 619( 6 'orinthians 62160( Ephesians 819: "e are bapti5ed into nion with &es s 'hrist and become part of the body of 'hrist. $his is not to be conf sed with the -illing of the Holy Spirit. c: )ndwelling ./omans 71<( 6 'orinthians 416<( 2>: -rom salvation on the believer is indwelt by the Spirit. d: Sealing .2 'orinthians 6122( Ephesians 6160( 810>:. $his ministry relates to yo r f t re with God( the g arantee of eternal sec rity.
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e: Aistrib tion of spirit al gifts .6 'orinthians 62166: Each believer receives a spirit al gift at the point of salvation in order to f nction in the body of 'hrist. 0. $+ $HE @EL)EJE/ ,-$E/ S,LJ,$)+E .Spirit ality: $he ;inistry of the Holy Spirit after salvation is the means by which we live the 'hristian life ordained by God .Ephesians 216>( 9167: a: $he -illing of the Holy Spirit .spirit ality thro gh confession of sin and s rrender of the life:. .6 &ohn 61< Ephesians 9167: b: $he character of &es s 'hrist is prod ced by the believer when he is filled with the Spirit. .Galatians 816<( 9122( 20: c: Glorification of 'hrist .&ohn =10<( 64168( 6 'orinthians 416<( 2>: d: - lfilment of the Law. ./omans 712?8: CHRISTIAN LIFE STABILITY 6. God is able to !eep s and bless s .Ephesians 012>( Hebrews =129:. 2. Stability comes when we !now God3 when we have grown p in his "ord. ;at rity brings with it stability .2Peter 0167( 2$imothy 6162:. 0. $he alternative to a stable life of faith is to be tossed abo t by every press re3 this occ rs when there is no doctrinal application in the life .&ames 614( Ephesians 8168( /evelation 017:. 8. @elievers need stability to stand fast against the wiles of Satan who is a danger to those with no doctrine1 "e are told to1 a: Stand fast in the word 6'orinthians 64160. b: Stand fast in o r liberty Galatians 916 cf. /omans 6816ff( 71<?60. c: Stand fast in one spirit .no pettiness: Philippians 612=. d: Stand fast in the Lord .in fellowship: Philippians 816. e: Stand fast in doctrine 2 $hessalonians 219( 64(6=. 9. Strength and stability comes in a close relationship with the Lord. @y faith we stand1 2 'orinthians 6128( Psalm 9<16=( 421=( 68816. 4. God has s preme power at His fingertips for s. )saiah 9<16. =. + r faith sho ld stand sec re in this power( for we are !ept by it in all things( therefore we sho ld be confident. 6'orinthians 219( 6Peter 619( &ohn 64100. 7. God is able to ma!e s stand thro gh the wor! of the Holy Spirit pon the word in o r lives. /omans 6818( & de 28. <. Strength and stability come from the impact of the Holy SpiritIs wor! pon the word in o r life as we believe and apply it( e.g. Sarah Hebrews 66166( Pa l 2 'orinthians 6217?6>. 6>. Profile of the stable believer nder press re 2 Peter 610?64. TEMPTATION 6. $he best case e%ample of temptation is the temptation of o r Lord and Savio r &es s 'hrist( for in this case we see the best techniG es and tools to deal with this Satanic attac!. ;atthew 810ff. 2. "e are constantly being tempted to wal! away from the plan of God for o r lives3 into sin( evil( or distractions that are neither bad nor good( # st things that will !eep s from the path the Lord wants s to wal!. 0. ,s nbelievers SatanIs temptations foc s on !eeping s away from the Gospel message( so we never hear the tr th( beca se we are too b sy with other things. +nce we are believers( Satan !nows he cannot stop s reaching heaven( b t he can rob s of rewards and ministry. /efer /E",/AS. 8. &es s faced his first temptation was physical3 the desire to meet a physical need o tside of the plan of God for him. ;atthew 810?8. $he test is to tr st the -ather for provision of the basics of life within his plan for his life( rather than inappropriately se power. @elievers are often tempted to se the wrong means to do the right thing. "e are to se the right means to achieve godly ends( and wal! only in obedience to the "ord of God in all things. 9. $he second temptation centred in the distortion of the script res. ;atthew 819?=. Satan G otes Psalms <6166?62( b t does so o t of conte%t. )t is never right to deliberately p t yo rself in danger # st to claim a promise of script re( for s ch promises only operate within the LordIs will( not ) areas yo have placed yo rself at a whimD /efer GU)A,E'E H $HE ")LL +- G+A. &es s responds to the temptation with the appropriate se of script re G oting Ae teronomy 4164( 6=18. 4. $he third temptation was to short c t the -atherIs plan by gaining power and a thority another way than God ordained. ;atthew 817?6>. +nce again( we see that all temptation centres in the plan of God and the Satanic strategy to get yo
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away from the plan any way he can. Satan has always as!ed( "hy waitM H have it nowD )mpatience is always a ma#or distraction from tr th. $he plan calls for patience( and an attit de of faith and tr st. Satan wor!s with instant satisfaction( which is( of co rse( no satisfaction at all. /efer P,$)EE'E( PL,E +- G+A. GOD FAITHFULNESS OF GOD 6. God*s faithf lness is based on his nchangeability ? Hebrews 6017 2. God*s faithf lness is renewed Qevery dayQ ? Lamentations 0126?28 0. His promises are s re. ? Hebrews 6>120 8. $he faithf lness of 'hrist contin es even when we are nfaithf l. ? 2 $imothy 2160 9. 'hrist is a faithf l and mercif l high priest ? Hebrews 216= 4. God is faithf l to forgive sins ? 6 &ohn 61< =. God is faithf l to !eep s saved ? 2 $imothy 2160 7. God is faithf l to deliver s thro gh temptation ? 6 'orinthians 6>160 <. God is faithf l to !eep His promises to s ? Hebrews 6>120 6>. God is faithf l to s in s ffering ? 6 Peter 816< 66. God is faithf l in f lfilling His plan for s ? ) $hessalonians 9128 62. God is faithf l to strengthen s ? 2 $hessalonians 010 60. God is the faithf l partner of o r nion with 'hrist ? 6 'orinthians 61< 68. 'hrist is a faithf l and mercif l high priest ? Hebrews 216= 69. &es s 'hrist is synonymo s with faithf lness ? /evelation 6<166 EVIL See page 02 RELIGION See page 64 ANGELS SATANMS STRATEGY AND TACTICS S$/,$EGC "hilst God is trying to call o t personnel for the angelic co ncil Satan is trying to conf se and blind minds as to what GodIs plan is. He does this by deceit. He tries to !eep the gospel from the nbeliever and to !eep doctrine from the believer so that they will not grow. His other strategy is to try and eliminate )srael by pogroms and anti?Semitism. )t is said that 'hrist will gather the &ews not Nionism as is happening at the moment. )f he co ld destroy all the &ews which he cannot he will destroy the Plan of God. $,'$)'S $hese are the techniG es sed by Satan to try and achieve his strategy. His main tactic is implied in &ohn 7188 where he is seen as the father of lies. $here is no tr th in Satan. He is a liar and has been from the beginning. $he only tr th is 'hrist the "ord. ,ny one who deliberately distorts the tr th is wor!ing for Satan. /e#ection of 'hristianity is a re#ection of the tr th. @y application all religions are therefore false. 'hristians as a whole have failed to move o t into all the areas of life and therefore have not claimed leadership in these areas and they have been forfeited to the nbeliever. S ch areas as literat re( history( philosophy( m sic( science and the li!e. $he 'hristian sho ld be a conG eror ideologically and not militarily. A ring this time Satan tries to ca se conflicts s ch as creation vers s evol tion( relativism vers s absol te val es( internationalism vers s nationalism. )n the international area he ca ses war and strife. Satan tries to conf se the believer. )n /omans 414?66 the @ible says that the sin nat re shall not have dominion over yo . "e are told to resist the devil and he will flee from yo . Sometimes when we resist it does not wor! beca se the temptation is from yo r sin nat re. Co need to apply relevant Script res to yo r sit ation. Satan will try and mislead yo in the area of divine g idance. Satan can set p sit ations that will lead yo o t of the geographical will of God which can even e%tend to martyrdom. Co need to do things in the LordIs timing. Satan also perverts Script re as seen in L !e 8166 with the temptation of the Lord &es s 'hrist where he misG otes Psalm <616>(66 "hen people wrote the Script res they did not sit aro nd with a blan! mind. $hey sed their minds and were led by the Holy Spirit as to what to write. "hen they had visions or dreams their minds were not t rned off. "hen confronted by the Lord &es s 'hrist Pa l spo!e to Him( He sed his mentality. )n 2 'orinthians 66 ministers can act as messengers from Satan. Part of the Satanic attac! is to get people to loo! inwardly rather than at their position at the right hand of the -ather. "ith the case of s ffering and sic!ness its so rce is sometimes diffic lt to determine as it can be the p rpose of God or it can be an attac! of Satan. $his is hard to discern.
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+ften the more spectac lar manifestations is the method st dying and applying the "ord. sed to distract one from more important things s ch as
"ith regards to the "ord we have the teaching of false doctrine s ch as saying that 'hrist did not act ally die on the 'ross( that He was not tr ly h man nor divine. )n relation to the gospel we have the pict re in the parable of the Sower and the Seed of the bird coming down and ta!ing away the seed that is sown. )n regard to worship he will moc! God thro gh senseless words. ;atthew 64 tells of 'hrist commanding Peter to get behind him as Peter is enth siastic b t has wrong concepts which &es s saw as Satanic in origin as they did not conform to the "ord of God. )n ,cts 9 Satan filled the heart of ,nanias and Sapphira. He wor!s in the children of disobedience. Later on we will loo! at the strategies and tactics of the ch rch. Spiritism and +cc ltism is something that the 'hristian sho ld not dabble in. )n Ae teronomy 671< the &ews were told not to see! g idance from spiritism or occ ltism. $he main attac!s on the ch rch nowadays is not thro gh c lts b t thro gh spiritism and eastern religions and dr gs. $his is an attempt to brea! down the mentality of the so l. @y these means yo are opening the person p to demonic forces. CHRISTIAN LIFE MENTAL ATTITUDE 6. Aefinition1 ,ttit de or ;ental attit de is the state of mind where the mind is set on a co rse of action on the basis of the whole f nction and thin!ing of the so l. 2. Every believer faces the inner conflict of divine vers s h man viewpoint. $hese two attit des are at war in h manity in h man history from the time of the fall. .)saiah 991=?<: 0. "e are commanded to have divine viewpoint in o r so ls not the viewpoint of Satan .worldliness: ? 2 'orinthians 61=( 6>19 .via Aoctrine in the So l:. 0. ,ttit de determines both the life and character of a person ? what yo thin! is what yo are .Proverbs 201=: 8. ,s 'hristians we are commanded to have o r thin!ing in t ne with the mind of 'hrist. Gods plan for o r lives calls for a new attit de in o r so ls( a new viewpoint( witho t any h man viewpoint or mental attit de sin .6'orinthians 2164( 2 'orinthians 6>18?9 /omans 6212( Philippians 219( 2 $imothy 61=: 9. -ellowship within a ch rch is based on believers all being in t ne with what the @ible teaches. Philippians 212. 4. Knowledge of the @ible .the mind of 'hrist( 6 'orinthians 2164: and control by the Holy Spirit renews the mind of the believer( giving divine viewpoint. ./omans 6212: =. $he right mental attit de prod ces #oy .Philippians 212:( confidence .2 'orinthians 916(4(7:( stability .)saiah 2410?8( Philippians 81=( 2 $hessalonians 212:( tr e giving .2 'orinthians <1=:( love .6 'orinthians 6019: 7. H man viewpoint is called worldliness. ./omans 6212( 'olossians 012: <. Evil is what yo thin! as yo are following SatanIs policy. ;atthew <18( Galatians 410. ;ental attit de sins prod ce self ind ced misery. .Proverbs 69160: 6>. "itho t clear thin!ing there is conflict in the mind of the believer. )saiah 9914?<( &ames 61=?7. 66. $r e stability of 'haracter comes only this way. Philippians 81=( 2 $hessalonians 212. 62. Giving is a mental attit de. 2 'orinthians <1=. Love is a mental attit de. 6 'orinthians 601 Ae teronomy 419(6>162. 60. "orldliness is a mental attit de1 )t is all non?grace thin!ing i.e. ,nti Gods Plan( 'olossians 012. 68. 'onfidence in service and living generally flows from having QAivine JiewpointQ which has other advantages s ch as OaP Stability in life ? &ames 617 ObP Prosperity of so l ? Philippians 81= OcP Giving to the Lord ? 2 'orinthians <1= OdP Spirit al rather than worldly ? /omans 6212( 'olossians 012 OeP P rity rather than evil ? ;atthew <18 OfP Eo arrogance ? Galatians 416?9. OgP )nner bea ty ? 6 $imothy 21<(6>(69. DRIN#ING ALCOHOL See page 08 SIN OLD SIN NATURE 6. "e are born with a nat re( inherited from ,dam( which is against God and prone to sin .Ephesians 216( /omans 9162:.
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2. $he old sin nat re is perpet ated in the h man race by physical birth .Psalm 9619( 6 $imothy 2160( 68:. 0. "e are therefore considered spirit ally dead at the point of physical birth ./omans 9162:. 8. Eames for the old sin nat re1 a: -lesh ? Galatians 9164 b: +ld ;an ? Ephesians 8122( 'olossians 01< c: 'arnal ? /omans =168 d: Sin ? /omans 9162 e: Heart ? &eremiah 6=1< f: ;ember ? 'olossians 019. 9. $he believer contin es to have an old sin nat re after salvation .6 &ohn 617( 6 'orinthians 016:. 4. $he believer nder the control of the old sin nat re is called carnal ./omans =168( 6 'orinthians 016?0:. =. $he old sin nat re fr strates tr e prod ction of the 'hristian life ./omans =169:. 7. $he old sin nat re has two tendencies ./omans 414: a: ,rea of wea!ness ? p shes s towards lawlessness and sins .Hebrews 6216: b: ,rea of strength ? p shes s towards asceticism and self?righteo sness .)saiah 4814:. <. $he old sin nat re is not fo nd in the res rrection body .6 'orinthians 69194( Philippians 0126( 6 $hessalonians 9120:. 6>. Jictory over the old sin nat re is by achieved by considering yo r old life dead( s rrendering to God( confessing sin and relying pon the filling of the Spirit ./omans 414(66( 'olossians 01<?6>:. SOUL AND HUMAN SPIRIT 6. $he real person is in the so l .Genesis 21=:( the body is merely a ho se for the so l .2 'orinthians 916?8:. 2. $he so l and the spirit are separate .Hebrews 8162:. 0. )n creation( ,dam received so l and spirit .Genesis 21=:. 8. )t is the so l that is saved( not the body ./omans 9162( Psalm 6<1=( 08122( ;ar! 7104(0=( Hebrews 6>10<( 6Peter 61<:. 9. $he nbeliever has body and so l only .6 'orinthians 2168:. a: $he nbeliever does not have an activated spirit .6 'orinthians 2168( & de 6<:. b: $he Holy Spirit acts as the regenerator of the h man spirit .Genesis 410( &ohn 6417?66( 6 'orinthians 2168?64:. c: ,t the point of salvation the h man spirit is activated. 4. $he believer has body( so l and spirit .6 $hessalonians 9120:. a: $he believer has an activated spirit .6 $hessalonians 9120:. b: $he h man spirit deals with spirit al nderstanding. c: He nderstands spirit al phenomena .6 'orinthians 2168:. d: $he believer grows in grace and !nowledge .Ephesians 0164?6<:. =. 'haracteristics of the So l a: Aeals with h man nderstanding. b: Self awareness .Genesis 09167( 6 Kings 6=126: ? either foc s on 'hrist( or on self .either pride or self?pity:. c: $hin!ing .L !e 6216<: ? either divine viewpoint( or h man viewpoint. d: -reewill .,cts 0120: ? either obedient to God*s will( or self will. e: Emotions .Song of Solomon 61=( L !e 6216<( 2 Peter 217: ? either controlled( or pleasing self. f: 'onscience .,cts 28164( /omans 2169( <16(2: ? either God*s standards( or .either lawlessness or self?righteo sness:. g: Sin nat re .Levitic s 916( Psalm 9712?9( E5e!iel 6718( ;atthew 6916<: ? either controlled( or in control. h: Aeparts from body at death .&ob 2=17( Psalm 6416>( 2 'orinthians 917:. i: ,rea of love .6 Sam el 6716:. #: ,rea of misery .Psalm 410( 6>4169( 66<129(27(76:. SOLOMON PLEASURE 6. S'/)P$U/E Proverbs( Ecclesiastes. 2. @)+G/,PHC Solomon was the yo ngest son of Aavid and @athsheba .6 'hronicles 019:. Ed cated nder Eathan the prophet he was only loo!ed pon as heir to the throne after the death of ,bsalom. Solomon was anointed King at the age of 2> in 6>69 @' .6 Kings 610<:. Aavid died soon afterwards. Solomon was fab lo sly rich( the wealth having been acc m lated over
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many years by Aavid .6 'hronicles 2<12ff.:. He was a merchant as well as a monarch .2 'hronicles 7(<:. $rading in many items( his navy( assisted by the $yrians( e%panded his area of commerce. $he visit of the S een of Sheba was one of the res lts of his widespread trade .6 Kings 6>:. Solomon was a great b ilder( b ilding the $emple at &er salem .6 Kings 4: as well as reinforcing the walls of the city. He also b ilt fortifications across the land. Under Solomon tho gh( heathen shrines began to be erected. ,s a res lt the !ingdom was split with ten tribes forming )srael .or Samaria: and the two tribes remaining as & dah1 the split occ rring in the time of his sons .6 Kings 66106?09:. He established a harem on a lavish scale and made great display of his wealth. He contin ed in areas of worldly philosophy( which is reflected in his p rs it of pleas re in Ecclesiastes. He was also the a thor of Song of Solomon .or 'anticles: and Proverbs. Solomon died and was b ried at &er salem .6 Kings 66180:. )n the Eew $estament the only reference is to the fact that the h mblest wor! of God as a lily was not eG alled by all of Solomon*s glory. 0. EJ,LU,$)+E a: Solomon is seen as the a thor of the boo! of Ecclesiastes and the King over )srael .Ecclesiastes 6162:. b: He gives himself over to m ch st dy and was able to say that with few e%ceptions he nderstood all !nowledge of his time .Ecclesiastes 6160?6=:. c: "ith increased !nowledge came an increased appreciation of discontent .Ecclesiastes 6167:. d: Solomon tries to find contentment in la ghter .Ecclesiastes 216?2:. e: He becomes a wine e%pert .Ecclesiastes 210:. f: Solomon b ilt magnificent b ildings and gro nds .Ecclesiastes 218?4:. g: He had many servants and s rro nded himself with m sicians and singers .Ecclesiastes 21=(7:. h: Solomon acc m lated wealth and possessions .Ecclesiastes 21<?6 6:. i: He remembered he needed to provide for children who wo ld follow him( b t recognised that they might t rn o t to be foolish .Ecclesiastes 2167(6<:. #: Solomon recognises God*s timing in all things b t as time progresses( he rationalises and event ally do bts as to whether God e%ists .Ecclesiastes 0:. !: He acc m lates riches b t this only gives lac! of sleep( whilst the labo rer sleeps well. /iches ca se worry abo t losing his wealth .Ecclesiastes 916>?64:. l: Solomon see!s a good rep tation rather than being light hearted .Ecclesiastes =16?69:. m: He now e%amines morality as a so rce of contentment b t concl des that a life of Qeat( drin! and be merryQ is all that yo can ma!e of life .Ecclesiastes 71<?69:. n: Solomon warns of wasting yo r life in the p rs it of pleas re and that the tr e so rce of contentment is application of the word of God to yo r life .Ecclesiastes 62:. 8. P/)E')PLES a: Ed cation does not provide pleas re .6 'orinthians 0167?263 Proverbs 01=:. b: 'omedy and la ghter do not bring contentment .Proverbs 68160:. c: "ine is a moc!er .Proverbs 2>16:. d: Great b ildings bring no lasting #oy .Aaniel 810>(06:. e: L % ry is not a so rce of happiness .Proverbs 6916=:. f: ; sic plays on the emotions b t the satisfaction it brings is fleeting. g: "ealth and possessions do not provide sec rity .Proverbs 6618:. h: Co can provide for yo r children b t they can be a great disappointment .Proverbs 6=12:. i: Position and morality is not a so rce of permanent happiness. #: +ld age can be either a time of great pleas re or the most miserable time of yo r life. !: $he only so rce of tr e pleas re is obeying God and His "ord .Psalm 612: CHRISTIAN LIFE CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS See page 09 REMNANT See page 00 NOTES
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CHAPTER 3.
INTRODUCTION ;oses concern is h ndreds of years in advance of the date he gives this message to the people( as well as to the days he spea!s. $his is what the liberal critic cannot nderstand( for they have no nderstanding or comprehension of prophetic words. ;oses saw the f t re with the same clarity he saw his own day. He sees the days of the falls of &er salem and feels the pain that the Lord felt as he loo!ed at the city many cent ries later. ;atthew 2012=?06( L !e 60106?09. $his is not a problem to the Lord( for this is how He spea!s to His prophets( b t it is a problem to the liberal who does not believe God spea!s at allD $he gift of prophecy is not a pleasant thing( it means the man or woman so called act ally sees and feels the pain of those to whom their message spea!s. ;oses felt the pain of the destr ction of &er salem long before his people even saw the city and several h ndred years before they controlled it. )n this chapter G+A SPE,KS and we are challenged to hear and obey( # st as the people who heard this first were challenged. $his chapter also spea!s of repentance( forgiveness and restoration( and reminds s that there is hope for all who are in a relationship with the Lord. Eo sin separates s from the love of the Lord if we repent and come bac! to Him. /omans 7109?0<. )srael was restored from her dispersal in 974 @'( and she will be from the greater dispersal that began in => ,A. Nechariah 6216? ? 68126. /efer to the @$@ st dy of P/+PHE'C( P/+;)SES. DEUTERONOMY 3.>/-2. 3.>/ A4* (2 )91,, !38& 23 @1))A ;9&4 1,, 29&)& 29(4=) 17& !38& +@34 29&&A 29& 5,&))(4= 14* 29& !+7)&A ;9(!9 I 91'& )&2 5&637& 29&&A 14* 293+ )91,2 !1,, 29&8 23 8(4* 1834= 1,, 29& 412(34)A ;9(29&7 29& LORD 29- G3* 9129 *7('&4 29&&A 2 A4* )91,2 7&2+74 +423 29& LORD 29- G3*A 14* )91,2 35&- 9() '3(!& 1!!37*(4= 23 1,, 2912 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-A 293+ 14* 29- !9(,*7&4A ;(29 1,, 29(4& 9&172A 14* ;(29 1,, 29- )3+,C 3 T912 29&4 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(,, 2+74 29- !1@2('(2-A 14* 91'& !38@1))(34 +@34 29&&A 14* ;(,, 7&2+74 14* =129&7 29&& 6738 1,, 29& 412(34)A ;9(29&7 29& LORD 29- G3* 9129 )!122&7&* 29&&: 4 I6 14- 36 29(4& 5& *7('&4 3+2 +423 29& 3+283)2 @172) 36 9&1'&4A 6738 29&4!& ;(,, 29& LORD 29- G3* =129&7 29&&A 14* 6738 29&4!& ;(,, 9& 6&2!9 29&&> $ A4* 29& LORD 29G3* ;(,, 57(4= 29&& (423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29- 6129&7) @3))&))&*A 14* 293+ )91,2 @3))&)) (2C 14* 9& ;(,, *3 29&& =33*A 14* 8+,2(@,- 29&& 153'& 29- 6129&7): ? A4* 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(,, !(7!+8!()& 29(4& 9&172A 14* 29& 9&172 36 29- )&&*A 23 ,3'& 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(29 1,, 29(4& 9&172A 14* ;(29 1,, 29- )3+,A 2912 293+ 81-&)2 ,('&: 7 A4* 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(,, @+2 1,, 29&)& !+7)&) +@34 29(4& &4&8(&)A 14* 34 29&8 2912 912& 29&&A ;9(!9 @&7)&!+2&* 29&&: E A4* 293+ )91,2 7&2+74 14* 35&- 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORDA 14* *3 1,, 9() !38814*8&42) ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-: F A4* 29& LORD 29- G3* ;(,, 81B& 29&& @,&42&3+) (4 &'&7- ;37B 36 29(4& 914*A (4 29& 67+(2 36 29- 53*-A 14* (4 29& 67+(2 36 29- !122,&A 14* (4 29& 67+(2 36 29- ,14*A 637 =33*> 637 29& LORD ;(,, 1=1(4 7&D3(!& 3'&7 29&& 637 =33*A 1) 9& 7&D3(!&* 3'&7 29- 6129&7)> /. I6 293+ )91,2 9&17B&4 +423 29& '3(!& 36 29& LORD 29- G3*A 23 B&&@ 9() !38814*8&42) 14* 9() )212+2&) ;9(!9 17& ;7(22&4 (4 29() 533B 36 29& ,1;A 14* (6 293+ 2+74 +423 29& LORD 29G3* ;(29 1,, 29(4& 9&172A 14* ;(29 1,, 29- )3+,: // F37 29() !38814*8&42 ;9(!9 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1-A (2 () 432 9(**&4 6738 29&&A 4&(29&7 () (2 617 366: /2 I2 () 432 (4 9&1'&4A 2912 293+ )93+,*&)2 )1-A W93 )91,, =3 +@ 637 +) 23 9&1'&4A 14* 57(4= (2 +423 +)A 2912 ;& 81- 9&17 (2A 14* *3 (20 /3 N&(29&7 () (2 5&-34* 29& )&1A 2912 293+ )93+,*&)2 )1-A W93 )91,, =3 3'&7 29& )&1 637 +)A 14* 57(4= (2 +423 +)A 2912 ;& 81- 9&17 (2A 14* *3 (20 /4 B+2 29& ;37* () '&7- 4(=9 +423 29&&A (4 29- 83+29A 14* (4 29- 9&172A 2912 293+ 81-&)2 *3 (2: /$ S&&A I 91'& )&2 5&637& 29&& 29() *1- ,(6& 14* =33*A 14* *&129 14* &'(,C /? I4 2912 I !38814* 29&& 29() *1- 23 ,3'& 29& LORD 29- G3*A 23 ;1,B (4 9() ;1-)A 14* 23 B&&@ 9() !38814*8&42) 14* 9() )212+2&) 14* 9() D+*=8&42)A 2912 293+ 81-&)2 ,('& 14* 8+,2(@,-> 14* 29& LORD 29- G3* )91,, 5,&)) 29&& (4 29& ,14* ;9(29&7 293+ =3&)2 23 @3))&)) (2: /7 B+2 (6 29(4& 9&172 2+74 1;1-A )3 2912 293+ ;(,2 432 9&17A 5+2 )91,2 5& *71;4 1;1-A 14* ;37)9(@ 329&7 =3*)A 14* )&7'& 29&8C /E I *&43+4!& +423 -3+ 29() *1-A 2912 -& )91,, )+7&,- @&7()9A 14* 2912 -& )91,, 432 @73,34= -3+7 *1-) +@34 29& ,14*A ;9(29&7 293+ @1))&)2 3'&7 37*14 23 =3 23 @3))&)) (2: /F I !1,, 9&1'&4 14* &1729 23 7&!37* 29() *1- 1=1(4)2 -3+A 2912 I 91'& )&2 5&637& -3+ ,(6& 14* *&129A 5,&))(4= 14* !+7)(4=> 29&7&637& !933)& ,(6&A 2912 5329 293+ 14* 29- )&&* 81- ,('&> 2. T912 293+ 81-&)2 ,3'& 29& LORD 29- G3*A 14* 2912 293+ 81-&)2 35&- 9() '3(!&A 14* 2912 293+ 81-&)2 !,&1'& +423 9(8> 637 9& () 29- ,(6&A 14* 29& ,&4=29 36 29- *1-)> 2912 293+ 81-&)2 *;&,, (4 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29& LORD );17& +423 29- 6129&7)A 23 A571918A 23 I)11!A 14* 23 1!35A 23 =('& 29&8: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) / 3: $he words of ;oses here are beyond acceptance for the liberal who will not accept that God spea!s to man. $o those of s who are believers in the tr e God( these words ma!es sense. $he Lord spea!s to man(
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and He spea!s with precision abo t the f t re( beca se He !nows the f t re. $here is no problem whatsoever with the words of ;oses here( for the Lord showed ;oses what wo ld happen a tho sand years later( and then in a f rther =>> years( when the people wo ld be scattered amongst the Gentiles. )t is clear to ;oses that the Lord wo ld drive the people to a strange co ntry and they wo ld s ffer there as they had s ffered in Egypt. He also saw their repentance in @abylon and the restoration of the Lord to the land of the generation that repented. ;oses saw with sadness their pain( b t he saw with gladness their restoration to their Golden ,ge. He saw with sadness their tragedy in => ,A and its aftermath( b t God gave him a glimpse of the ;illennial Kingdom. ;oses dies witho t despair for what will happen to his disobedient nation( for he sees there is hope in the f t re of )srael( b t it will come to pass when there is repentance. ;oses thin!s here of their second dispersal( from which they have not yet f lly ret rned even in 2>66. )n the days of E5e!iel( Aaniel and &eremiah( the &ewish people were scattered amongst the @abylonian Empire alone( whereas nder the /oman dispersal they are scattered amongst most of the nations of the earth. $here are few co ntries where yo cannot find a synagog e. )t is this chapter that they are to remember when they loo! p finally and see! the LordIs path bac! to fellowship with Him. $hey are to first recogni5e that the Lord has driven them into these places. $hey are not victims of bad l c!( or even satanic malice( altho gh this latter thing is tr e. $he only reason the enemy has been able to po r his malice pon them is that the Lord has allowed it( d e to their total re#ection of His plan and p rpose for them. )nstead of serving the Lord thro gh the simplicity of the ;osaic Law they have smothered the tr th of God with their traditions. ;atthew 6916?62. $hey have b ilt s ch a hedge aro nd the Law that they can no longer see it. $his hedge m st come down( and it will come down in a night( and they will see that they !illed their ;essiah and they have been ins lting the Lord thro gh the years with their traditions( and in one day they will cast aside their traditions and embrace ;oses words again. Nechariah 6216>ff. $he promise is for a f ll and complete re?gathering of )srael to their land to inherit its ;osaic borders. $his is not even part way to being f lfilled. $he f t re for those in the land now is described in Nechariah 62 and it is not a pleasant one( for two thirds of those in the land d ring the Great $rib lation will die there before the LordIs ret rn. $he good news of that day is the total repentance of the one third that will recognise the Lord as the ;essiah( for they are then !ept and delivered into the ;illennial Kingdom. ;ost &ewish people will remain o tside the land ntil the Lord Himself recalls them from all nations. +nly then will they ret rn with than!sgiving .and safety: as people who f lly( whole heartedly recogni5e and ac!nowledge Him as their Lord and King. )saiah 9416?7( Hosea 018?9( 9169 H 410( 6816?<( &oel 2162?68( /omans 6616?2<( 2 'orinthians 0160?67( Ephesians 4128. /ead thro gh all the verses at the end of the sentence above( for they ta!e yo thro gh a n mber of passages relating to the ret rn of the &ewish people to their land( and tell yo what will nfold for them there( and in the nations where most will remain ntil the Lord calls. $he LordIs compassion remains pon )srael even thro gh ntil these last days. $here is no hatred of God towards the &ewish people and all who hate them are nder GodIs # dgment. Eations have been sed to discipline them thro gh history( b t all who went too far were themselves destroyed. $he @abylonians showed no mercy pon the &ewish people when they invaded the land in 9<= and 974 @'. $hey did not pity the child( the poor( the aged or the sic!( and so their fate will be in accordance with their lac! of mercy. Psalms 60=1=?<( )saiah 6016? 22( 6816?2=( &eremiah 261=?6>. $he city of &er salem will be destroyed twice beca se the very &ewish people showed no mercy and compassion to one anotherD &eremiah 60162?2=( E5e!iel 919?6=( =18?<( <10?66. $he Lord # dges people in direct proportion to the # dgments the people themselves dish o t to others. $he most recent e%ample of this was Germany( which was pillaged and dismembered as a res lt of their evil treatment of the &ewish people. $hey showed no mercy to the &ewish people and the / ssian armies showed no mercy to them. Psalms 6>4180? 87( 62416?4( )saiah 9417( &eremiah 2<16>?68 .this passage covers their first ret rn from the deportations of 4>9?974:( &eremiah 061=ff( 0212=?86( .this covers their second ret rn from the present dispersion:. $hen read( Lamentations 0122? 28( E5e!iel 08166?06( 0417?04( /omans 66120?06. /ead these passages slowly and be convinced of the prophetic facts3 the Lord will restore His people )srael to their land and they will worship there nder His protection and !ingship ntil the end of time itself. V&7)&) 4 $: $he promise here wo ld have made no sense whatsoever ntil the 6<=>s when men too! to the heavens and went to the moon. "hat the prophet is saying refers to this very thing( for it can mean nothing else. )t was a nonsensical thing to say at the time( and the hearers m st have felt ;oses was sing the most e%treme hyperbole here. Even if a &ewish person is on a space mission when the Great $rib lation brea!s o t and they remain in space ntil the LordIs ret rn( they will be bro ght bac! from where?ever they are to worship in the land of )srael. )saiah 6616>? 64. $he promise is both for restoration of nationhood and prosperity in the land. $hey will grow and prosper there and their n mbers will be well beyond those of the greatest time of the nation )srael of olden times. ;oses directly spea!s to a f t re generation here( rather than to his own generation. $hey will grow in n mbers beyond the greatest n mbers of their ancestors. ,t their greatest point of power and infl ence the world pop lation of &ewish people was aro nd 62 million( and already it is bac! beyond those n mbers today. A ring the Holoca st 4=X of E ropean &ews were !illed3 aro nd 4(>>>(>>> died. A ring the Great $rib lation period the same proportion of people will be !illed3 of those in the land it will be c t to a third of the n mbers who enter that time( b t will grow to the greatest ever n mber in the ;illennial Kingdom.
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V&7)&) ? 7: $here will be a spirit al awa!ening in those days li!e a circ mcision of the hearts of all &ewish people. $hey will be spirit ally transformed at this time and will enter the ;illennial Kingdom as whole hearted believers in the ;essiah. &eremiah 816?0( <120?24( 02104?88( E5e!iel 6616<?29( 04128?0>. "hen the Lord ret rns to deliver the remnant of His people there will be terrible signs in the heavens3 signs of the total world changing events that are nfolding. &oel 216>?02( 016?2>( ,mos 8162 H 9168( <1<?69( Nechariah 6216>ff( /evelation 6<166?26. $he ;illennial Kingdom will be bro ght in with incredible carnage world wide as Satan tries to destroy everything before the Lord arrives( b t he will fail to do so and the Lord will r le from &er salem. V&7)&) E /.: ,t that terrible time( after s ch great s ffering as the Great $rib lation will nfold over them( the remnant of the people will finally get it right and worship the Lord as they sho ld have from earliest days. ;oses sees that there will be wholehearted obedience finally to the Law he gave( b t it wo ld be many millennia in the f t re from his day. He rges these people before him to obey( b t it is with a realisation that they will not get it. He still spea!s to them strongly so that they are witho t e%c se before the Lord. ,t times we have to stand( li!e ;oses( before people who will not be obedient to the words we spea!. "hatever o r congregations say or do( we m st be faithf l to the revelation we have received( and preach the tr th f lly and completely( in order that those who hear s might have no e%c se. ;y call to ministry made this principle clear to me on the day the Lord laid me aside for His service. /ead the verses of my call below and see the powerf l words the Lord sed to show me the importance of standing li!e ;oses does this day on the plains of ;oab. ;y call to ministry 67 -ebr ary 6<=4 &E/E;),H 6167?6< ENEK)EL 010?4 ,;+S =162?64 ;,$$HE" 6917?< .)S,),H 2<160:
$he Lord f rther enco raged me with verses in my st dy thro gh that life changing year( in places li!e the following. )saiah 9>1=?<( &eremiah 614?7( E5e!iel 210?4( 016( 0016?=( /omans 710>?08( 6 $imothy 212. "e are to stand for the tr th and spea! it boldly( and we are not to concern o rselves abo t the negative volition or behavio rs of the people we spea! to. "e are responsible to the Lord for o r message not to the people. "e are to loo! to the LordIs "ell done( not to the approval of any men or women( for it is before the Lord alone we stand for eternal reward. 2 $imothy 816?7. /efer to the @$@ st dies below( /E",/AS ,EA '/+"ES( P/+SPE/)$C +- $HE 'HU/'H ,GE @EL)EJE/( )S/,EL( SESUEE'E +- EEA $);E EJEE$S( ;)LLEEE),L K)EGA+;. $he great blessings here of earthly prosperity belong to the &ewish people in the land with the Lord as their !ing in the ;illennial Kingdom. )t is wrong for the present believers of the 'h rch ,ge to steal these promises from )srael( as if they belong to them( for they do notD $he prosperity of the 'h rch ,ge believer is to be fo nd in the spirit al area( whereas the &ewish people will inherit both the physical and spirit al blessings of the LordIs people in the day the Lord r les form &er salem. $he false teachers of today preach a so called prosperity gospel( and it is a stolen gospel( for its promises are for )srael not the 'h rch today. Let s !eep clear the distinctions the script res ma!e between )srael and the 'h rch. God has not cast off his people( and all that is said in script re concerning them will be f lfilled. $he thing we can be really s re of is that as the promises made already have been f lfilled( # st so will all the others be3 literally and f lly. /efer to the @$@ st dy 'HU/'H ,EA )S/,EL. V&7)&) // /4: $he s bseG ent generations of /abbis and scribes after the glory days of E5ra( wo ld ma!e the commands of ;oses hard to find( b t when ;oses spea!s on the plains of ;oab his words were right there before them in tr th and clarity. He ma!es it clear that all who ma!e his words diffic lt in later times are nder # dgment( and his words will # dge themD L !e 6412<?06( &ohn 9189?8=( =168?29( ,cts =196?4>. $hey didnIt have to fly to the moon( nor travel to far co ntries to get this revelation( for it was right there before them( and they needed to hear it( believe it and apply it within their hearts and do what it commanded them to do. /omans 710?66( 64129?2=. GodIs p rpose for revelation is always that man might respond and obey the words they hear. )f there is no practical and spirit al o tp t to a word from the Lord( then it is not a word from the LordD &ames 616<?29( 2168?24. V&7)&) /$ 2.: $here are only two roads for man to wal!3 the road of obedience to the Lord and the road of rebellion against the Lord. ;atthew =160?68. ;oses point to )srael( from the beginning of his ministry to these last days before s has been consistent. He has confronted them with the tr th abo t God and His holy demands pon His covenant people. $here are either( life and death( good and evil( blessing or c rsing3 there is no middle gro nd for those wanting to compromise in this life. $here is no middle gro nd between Satan and God. $hey m st ma!e their minds p( and either love the Lord their God or hate Him. )f they love Him then they m st hear His words and obey them( for there is no other way to show that yo love b t by obedience. )f they decide to t rn away and worship other gods and ignore the holy demands of God then they m st confront the fact of # dgment( and accept the righteo sness and # stice of it. Even if they are drawn away by strong temptations( they are still responsible( for they co ld have resisted. $hey m st set their heart to obey so that no temptation can move them. 6 'orinthians 6>160. Some generations will allow themselves to be drawn away from the tr th and serve error( and they are to !now with certainty that they will perish in their sins and fail to receive any good things from the Lord.
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;oses calls the heavens and the earth to bear record to the fair warning he has given the people. $he entire created niverse bears witness against them if they wal! away from the Lord their God. $hey are rged to 'H++SE L)-E b t ;oses recognises their free will in this( and that every generation m st ma!e this choice( and depending on what they do( they will inherit the blessings of the Lord or His # dgment. $he closeness of the relationship that people have with the Lord is in direct proportion to their blessing in this life and the ne%t. ;oses rges the people to draw closer to the Lord than they have ever tho ght necessary. $hey are to love the Lord with all their strength and all their heart. )f He is their love and light( then He will be their life and blessing. Psalms 2=16( 0>16?9( 041<( 0=10?7( 4417?6>( &ohn 6814( ,cts 6=129?06( Galatians 212>?26( 'olossians 016?60. , transformed life is the evidence of the presence of a relationship with the Lord. )f a person is not transformed in their behavio rs( then they have not met the Lord in a saving way( for He transforms all He meets. $hey may change slowly over time( b t they really changeD "e are !nown by o r family li!eness( and we are all to resemble the Lord in o r attit des and actions. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. "e are called to be transformed people who bear the li!eness of the Lord before the people of this world. "e show o r love of the Lord by o r obedience to His words. &ohn 6918?6=. ,nything short of obedience to the Lord is not showing love for the LordD 2. "e confront the tr th of the prophetic words of the LordIs servants here. ;oses was a mighty prophet and his words here go thro gh all time. He was given a glimpse of the entire history of )srael3 he saw their pain and their victory in their ;essiah. Let s re#oice in the prophetic words of the Lord regarding the history of )srael here pon the earth. Let s preach the tr th with foc sed energy and let s always consider the impact of o r words pon )srael( for the Lord will lift them p one day again( and we have the responsibility to sow seed of tr th now that will bear fr it later. 0. )srael b ilt a hedge aro nd the Law of ;oses( and while they !idded themselves that this was to protect the Law and ens re it was !ept( it created a legalistic rather than a living system of Law. God wants living law written into the hearts of the people who claim they love Him. Let s love and serve the Lord wholeheartedly( and wal! in His grace and power( not in any man made systems that will distort the tr th. 8. $here is an end for )srael and it is written firmly in the "ord of God3 they will be ta!en p again and they will inherit all the land that was promised to their fathers. $he Lord will ret rn to this world( to # dge it and then to r le over it in person. $his is the hope of the +ld $estament and the Eew( and is the promise aro nd which the 'omm nion $able centres. 6 'orinthians 66124. /efer to the @$@ st dy '+;;UE)+E. DOCTRINES PROPHECY 6. $he gift of prophecy and the office of the prophet are disting ished in Script re. )n the +ld $estament there were those who had the office of prophet( and served in an official capacity within the worship system of )srael b t there were also those who at times were given the gift of prophecy to give a special prophecy even tho ght they were not f ll time prophets. Eli#ah was a man with the office and the gift( where?as Aavid had the gift at times b t not the office. 2. $he roles of the person with the office of prophet were many and varied1 OaP. ? ,aron was a preacher E%od s =16 ObP ? )n Eehemiah*s time the prophet?preacher had a role to e%egete the "ord of God clearly so that the people wo ld !now the tr th. Eehemiah 41=( Hosea 419( OcP ? ,s revivalists they were to call people to repentance. & dges 41=?62( Nechariah =1=?62. OdP ? $hey were to oppose apostasy so that those who were li!ely to be misled by a false teacher wo ld have no e%c se. 6 Kings 67104?0<( 8>( 2 'hronicles 29169 E5e!iel 219( 2 Kings 2>166. OeP ? $hey were enco ragers of the people. E5ra 912. OfP ? $hey were sometimes songLworship leaders for the people. 6 Sam el 6>19. OgP ?$hey led in prayer at worship. 2 'hronicles 0212>. OhP ? $hey were the advisers to the !ings and they were associated with coronations. 6 Sam el 6>16( 6 Kings 66127( 2<( 2 Kings <16?4( 2 'hronicles 6219( 2 'hronicles 6214( 6912?=. OiP ? $hey were spirit al advisers or seers for the !ings3 they QsawQ the immediate f t re and so were able to advise the !ings of the right decisions. 6 Sam el <1<( 2 Sam el 28166( 6 'hronicles 261<( 2812<( 2 'hronicles 6<12( 00167( 2 Kings 6=160( )saiah 2<16>( O#P ? $hey were fore?tellers of significant f t re events. 2 Sam el =19?64( ,mos <166( )saiah <14(=( )saiah 90( E5e!iel 08122ff( ;icah 912( Aaniel <124( Nechariah 6017( &oel( Nechariah 68( and many more. O!P ? God intended them to be the shepherds and vine?dressers of the nation. ,s s ch they were to be the type of 'hrist( who is referred to in the +ld $estament as Qthe great prophetQ. Ae teronomy 67169?6<( Nechariah 6019(4( ;atthew 26166( L !e =164( 7167?2>( 2816<(20?24( &ohn =18>(86. 0. $he ;ethodology of the prophets. $here was no QsetQ form la for the prophets to follow( b t certain things were established as QtestsQ for the people to be s re the prophet was gen ine. OaP ? $he prophet had to have a spirit al life witness that was li!e ;oses. Ae teronomy 0816>?62.
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ObP ? God spo!e to the prophets by dreams and visions. God spo!e to ;oses face to face b t he was an e%ception. E mbers 6214?=. OcP. ? $he prophet had to be totally confident of his message( as he was # dged by God if there was any falsehood in it. 6 Kings 22160(68( 2 Kings 917. OdP ? $here were to be no secret prophecies( everything was to be open and clear( so that all the people might be warned of God. &eremiah 20129?2<. OeP ? $he prophet had to be specific in his message and had to be obeyed literally. 2 Kings 916>?6<( note especially verse 60. 8. $here were always false prophets3 in fact the great prophets of the +ld $estament were always o tn mbered by false prophets in their own day. &eremiah 217( E5e!iel 6016?20. + r Lord warned s that there will always be false prophets abo t. ;atthew =169?20. Eote $he Lord*s "ords here in that the personal wal! of the prophet is to be paid attention to1? Eo spirit al fr it in their life T no tr th in their words. God allows the false prophets to operate witho t immediate # dgement pon them( so that believers are always presented with an obedience test( to see whether we will obey the Script res or follow o r own l sts to # dgement. -alse prophets will abo nd at times of poor @ible teaching. "eeds only grow in poorly cared for soil. Hosea 819(4( <1=(7. 9. $ests that believers m st apply when confronting a person claiming the gift of prophecy. OaP ? $he words of the prophet will never contradict the "ord of God. &eremiah 20100?04( 2 Peter 216?0( 6 'orinthians 68102. ObP ? $he prophet will never call people away from gen ine worship of God. Ae teronomy 6016?9. OcP ? $he prophet will always be specific and the prophecy will be able to be tested. Ae teronomy 671 2> ? 22( &eremiah 271 <. OdP ? ,ny prophet who as!ed for money was to be treated as false. &eremiah 716>. OeP ? ,ny prophet who was a dr n!ard was to be treated as false. ;icah 2166. OfP ? ,ny nconfessed sin of envy( #ealo sy( strife( etc in their life( they were falseD &eremiah 201 66. OgP ? )f they were fo nd only in gro ps they were probably false( as God*s prophets were men alone. 6 Kings 2219?7( 67122. OhP ? Aoes the prophecy accord with Script re .this is more than # st not contradict:M 6 'orinthians 6810=(07( 2 Kings 2012. PROMISES 6. -/+; G+A*S J)E"P+)E$ "hen a person promises yo something the promise is only as strong as the character of the person ma!ing the promise. $he character of God is perfect therefore His promises are totally reliable. a: Unchangeable ? , promise in the @ible is the same for s in the 2>th 'ent ry as it was to Pa l. b: ,ll?!nowing ? God !nows all o r problems so there is always a promise or doctrine to cater for o r diffic lties. c: Love ? God will provide for His children. d: $r th ? ,ll the promises are totally tr e. 2. -/+; ;,E*S J)E"P+)E$ a: "e m st !now the promises. b: "e m st believe the promises. c: "e m st want to tr st in God. 0. $HE/E ,/E ,@+U$ =(>>> P/+;)SES $H,$ AE,L ")$H $HE 'H/)S$),E +E E,/$H 8. $CP)',L P/+;)SES -+/ J,/)+US S$,GES )E $HE 'H/)S$),E L)-E a: Stage 6 ? Salvation .&ohn 01643 ,cts 64106: b: Stage 2 ? 'hristian on earth .6 &ohn 61<3 /omans 71273 6 Peter 91=: c: Stage 0 ? @elievers in Heaven .6 Peter 610?93 /evelation 2618: 9. -+/ $HE 'H/)S$),E +E E,/$H ? H+" A+ "E ;,KE $HE; "+/KM a: "e m st be a believer in &es s 'hrist. b: $a!e every promise to mean what it says. c: 'onfess all yo r !nown sins sing the promise in .6 &ohn 61<: d: )f a promise says to do something( do it .i.e. pray( believe( confess etc.: e: "ait for answers( the Lord will answer in His time. f: Keep a promise noteboo!( learn the promises. 4. GEEE/,L S'/)P$U/E +E $HE P/+;)SES +- G+A .Hebrews 01= ? 8166: a: $he geographical areas in which the E%od s generation fo nd themselves can represent stages in the 'hristian. i: Egypt ? nbelief. ii: /ed Sea crossing ? salvation by faith .i.e. leaving Egypt: iii: "ilderness ? the carnal and immat re 'hristian life claiming only some promises and failing reg larly.
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iv: &ordan crossing ? f ll realisation of God*s favo r by faith. v: Promised land ? the mat re 'hristian resting in God and only failing occasionally. b: $he a thor of Hebrews in .'hapter 01=(6<: e%horts the &ews at &er salem and s not to fall into the same traps as the E%od s generation in nbelief. c: S estions ,nd ,nswers on Hebrews .'hapter 8: refers to the 'hristian on earth. Jerse 61 "hat happens if we fail to claim a promiseM ? "e lac! peace of mind. Jerse 21 "hat characteristic of God does this verse highlightM ? Unchangeable. How are the promises made activeM ? @y being mi%ed with faith. Jerse 01 "hich came first( man or the promises of GodM ? $he promises( God is all?!nowing. Jerse 81 "hy did God restM ? @eca se He had provided all things necessary for man. Jerses 9 R 41 "ill any s cceed in this areaM ? Ces( some will. Jerse =1 ,re the promises still available todayM ? Ces. "hat m st we doM ? ,ccept God*s provision. "hat m st we not doM ? Harden o r hearts. Jerse 71 &es s in some translations is( in fact( &osh a. Jerse <1 $o whom are the promises availableM ? @elievers only. Jerse 6>1 "hat choice have we as a 'hristianM ? H man wor!s or God*s wor!s and provision. Jerse 661 "hat is the great trapM ? Unbelief. "e sho ld actively p rs e the promises of God. =. ;,&+/ P/+;)SES Learn to claim these when1 a: )n diffic lties ./omans 7127: b: Co have sinned .6 &ohn 61<: c: Co are worried .6 Peter 91=: d: Co have been wronged .6 $hessalonians 9167: e: Prayer .;atthew =1=: f: Co are lonely .Hebrews 6019: g: Co have do bts .Philippians 8160: h: $he @ible .Hebrews 8162: i: Co cannot sleep .Psalm 817: #: Co are nhappy .Psalm 68=10: !: Co are tempted to retaliate ./omans 6216=(6<: l: Co are in danger .Psalm 2018: CHRISTIAN LIFE REWARDS AND CROWNS See page 20 CHRISTIAN LIFE PROSPERITY OF THE CHURCH AGE BELIEVER See page 20 ISRAEL 6. )srael has a f t re which was promised to ,braham. .Genesis 6216?0: 2. )srael*s f t re is based on regeneration. ./omans <14?68: 0. )srael*s f t re is related to the land of Palestine. .Genesis 69167( E mbers 0816?62( Ae teronomy 0>16?<: 8. )srael has a King forever ? the Son of Aavid( the Lord &es s 'hrist in the ;illenni m. .2 Sam el =17?64( Psalm 7<12>? 0=: 9. $he promises were confirmed to &eremiah in the Eew 'ovenant .&eremiah 06106ff( Hebrews 717?60: 4. )srael*s f t re begins as a nation at the Second ,dvent of 'hrist. .Nechariah 6816?<: =. )srael*s f t re is g aranteed( even tho gh the nation is now in dispersion nder the discipline of God. .)saiah 9124?0>( 68?6?0( 6>12>?20( 66166?64( Nechariah 6>14?62: 7. )srael had a p rpose a: $o witness to the holiness of the one tr e God. .Ae teronomy 418( )saiah 8016>(62: b: $o ill strate to the nations the blessings derived from serving the one tr e God. .Ae teronomy 00124?2<( 6 'hronicles 6=12>?26( Psalm 688169: c: $o receive( record and broadcast the Script res. .Ae teronomy 819?7( /omans 016?2: d: $o receive and proclaim the promised ;essiah. .Genesis 0169( 6210( 2 Sam el =162?64( )saiah =168( <14: <. $he nation )srael is now in dispersion nder the discipline of God. $he 'h rch has replaced the mission of )srael d ring the 'h rch ,ge. ./omans 66: "hen the 'h rch is removed in the /apt re( )srael will again ta!e p its p rpose d ring the $rib lation ./evelation =18?7: PROPHECY SEOUENCE OF END TIME EVENTS
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6. Eote1 Some of the events in the $rib lation may occ r in a slightly different seG ence. 2. 'HU/'H ,GE a: /apt re of the 'h rch .6 'orinthians 69196?97( 6 $hessalonians 8160?67:. b: & dgment Seat of 'hrist .believers only ? p rpose is rewards: .6 'orinthians 0162?69:. 0. $/)@UL,$)+E .first 0 6L2 years: a: /evival of /oman Empire( $en Eation 'onfederacy .Aaniel =1=( 28( /evelation 6016( 6=10( 62( 60:. b: /ise of ;iddle East Aictator .Aaniel =17( /evelation 6016?7:. c: $emple reb ilt in &er salem d: Seven seals # dgments ./evelation 416ff: and seven tr mpets # dgments ./evelation 71=ff:. e: $wo witnesses preach from &er salem ntil !illed. f: Peace treaty with )srael .Aaniel <12=:. g: "orld ch rch established ./evelation 6=16?69:. h: / ssia attac!s )srael abo t fo r years before the second coming of 'hrist .E5e!iel 07( 0<:. 8. G/E,$ $/)@UL,$)+E .second 0 6L2 years: a: Peace treaty with )srael bro!en b: ,ntichrist sets p ,bomination of Aesolation and demands worship .;atthew 28169(26:. c: "orld government( world economic system( world religion begins .Aaniel =120( /evelation 6019?7( 6=164( 6=:. d: Seven bowl # dgments ./evelation 6412ff:. e: ;artyrdom of many $rib lation Saints and &ews ./evelation =1<?6=( 60169:. f: 'atastrophic divine # dgments po red o t on the earth ./evelation 416=:. g: "orld war brea!s o t in ;iddle East3 battle of ,rmageddon .Aaniel 6618>?89( /evelation <160?26( 64162?64:. 9. SE'+EA ,AJEE$ +- 'H/)S$ a: Second coming of 'hrist .;atthew 2812=?06( /evelation 6<166:. b: $rib lation s rviving believers proceed into the ;illenni m .;atthew 0162:. c: Unbelievers cast off the earth .E5e!iel 2>100?07( ;atthew 0(62( 29106?84( & de 68( 69( /evelation 6<169?26( 2>16?8:. d: Satan bo nd ./evelation 2>16?0:. e: /es rrection of +ld $estament saints and $rib lation martyrs ./evelation 2>18:. 4. ;)LLEEE)U; a: ;illennial Kingdom begins ./evelation 2>19( 4:. b: 'hrist reigns on earth for 6(>>> years in perfect environment and peace ./evelation 2>18?4:. c: Satan released at the end of the ;illenni m ./evelation 2>1=?<:. d: /ebellion of Gog and ;agog at the end of the ;illenni m ./evelation 2>1=?6>:. e: /es rrection of all nbelievers ./evelation 2>19a:. f: Great "hite $hrone & dgment . nbelievers only ? p rpose is # dgment: ./evelation 2>166?69:. =. E$E/E)$C a: Eew heaven( new earth( new &er salem ./evelation 26( 22:. b: @elievers blessed forever with 'hrist ./evelation 26 ? 2219:. c: Unbelievers p nished forever with Satan .;atthew 29186:. #INGDOM MILLENNIAL #INGDOM See page 02 CHURCH AND ISRAEL $he 'h rch is different to )srael. 6. $he &ews started with ,braham .Genesis 6216?0:. $he 'h rch started at Pentecost. .,cts 23 Galatians 0124?27: 2. )srael was promised blessings on earth. .Ae teronomy 2716?68: $he 'h rch is promised blessings in heavenly places. .Ephesians 6103 Hebrews 016: 0. )srael*s relationship to God was based on a 'ovenant. .Genesis 6=1=(7: $he 'h rch*s relationship to God is based on new birth. .&ohn 6162(603 6 Peter 6120: 8. )srael*s prophecy is mainly in the +ld $estament. Prophecy of the 'h rch is only in the Eew $estament. 9. )srael worshipped at &er salem. .Psalm 62216?8: $he 'h rch worships where two or three are gathered together in 'hrist*s name. .;atthew 6712>: 4. )srael lived nder the law. .E5e!iel 2>16>?62: $he 'h rch is nder grace .&ohn 616=3 /omans 4168:. =. )srael*s destiny is with Palestine. .)saiah 4>167?26: $he 'h rch will be removed from the earth. .6 $hessalonians 8160?67:
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7. 'hrist is King and ;essiah to )srael. 'hrist is Head and @ridegroom to the 'h rch. <. )srael contained &ews only. $he 'h rch is made p of both &ews and Gentiles. PSALMS $/ FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION $he way bac! to f ll comm nion with and service for God is shown in Psalm 96. 9616 Have mercy pon me( + God( according to thy loving?!indness1 according nto the m ltit de of thy tender mercies blot o t my transgressions. ? /ecognition of sin and the ability thro gh grace of God to cleanse. 9612 "ash me thoro ghly from mine iniG ity( and cleanse me from my sin ? $hat sin is thoro ghly # dged before God and f ll cleansing is available. 9610 -or ) ac!nowledge my transgressions1 and my sin is ever before me. ? "e m st admit o r sin to God .6 &ohn 61<: 9618 ,gainst thee( thee only( have ) sinned( and done this evil in thy sight1 that tho mightest be # stified when tho spea!est( and be clear when tho # dgest. ? ,c!nowledgement that the sin is against God alone. 9619 @ehold( ) was shapen in iniG ity3 and in sin did my mother conceive me. ? /ecognising that we have inherited a sin nat re from ,dam. 9614 @ehold( tho desirest tr th in the inward parts1 and in the hidden part tho shalt ma!e me to !now wisdom. ? $he place of blessing is where one is free from sin. 961= P rge me with hyssop( and ) shall be clean1 wash me( and ) shall be whiter than snow ? -orgiveness and cleansing is thro gh the blood sacrifice. 9617 ;a!e me to hear #oy and gladness3 that the bones which tho hast bro!en may re#oice. 961< Hide thy face from my sins( and blot o t all mine iniG ities. 9616> 'reate in me a clean heart( + God3 and renew a right spirit within me ? $he cleansing is complete. .v =?6>: .&ohn 6018?6>( Ephesians 9124( 6 &ohn 61<: 96166 'ast me not away from thy presence3 and ta!e not thy holy spirit from me. ? $hat as part of discipline the Holy Spirit co ld be ta!en away in the +ld $estament. $his is not the case in the present age( the 'h rch ,ge as the Holy Spirit indwells all believers forever. .&ohn 68164: 96162 /estore nto me the #oy of thy salvation3 and phold me with thy free spirit. ? /estoration means renewal of #oy. 96160 $hen will ) teach transgressors thy ways3 and sinners shall be converted nto thee. ? +nce we are cleansed we are to teach others who are sinners and evangelise the nsaved 96168 Aeliver me from bloodg iltiness( + God( tho righteo sness. God of my salvation1 and my tong e shall sing alo d of thy
96169 + Lord( open tho my lips3 and my mo th shall shew forth thy praise. ? $r e worship comes from a restored life. 96164 -or tho desirest not sacrifice3 else wo ld ) give it1 tho delightest not in b rnt offering. 9616= $he sacrifices of God are a bro!en spirit1 a bro!en and a contrite heart( + God( tho wilt not despise. ? God desires obedience not rit als. .v 64?6=: 96167 Ao good in thy good pleas re nto Nion1 b ild tho the walls of &er salem. 9616< $hen shalt tho be pleased with the sacrifices of righteo sness( with b rnt offering and whole b rnt offering1 then shall they offer b lloc!s pon thine altar. ? "e then have f ll fellowship with God. .v 67?6<: CHURCH COMMUNION> THE LORD'S SUPPER 6. $here are three s ppers which man is invited to1? a: $he gospel s pper .L !e 68169?28: b: ;arriage s pper of the Lamb ./evelation. 6<1=?<: c: Lord*s s pper .6 'orinthians. 66120?2<: 2. $hose who accept the gospel s pper will event ally appear at the wedding s pper and in the meantime( whilst on earth( sho ld parta!e of the Lord*s S pper.
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0. ,t the Lord*s S pper the believer meditates on1? a: $he death of &es s 'hrist as his personal Savio r. b: $he risen Lord who ma!es intercession for him. c: $he coming Lord who will ret rn for His ch rch and set p His reign on the earth. 8. $he Lord*s S pper is derived from the Passover meal .E%od s. 6216?66( 6 'orinthians. 66120?02:. 'hrist o r Passover is sacrificed for s .6 'orinthians. 91=: 9. $he bread represents the body of 'hrist which was bro!en for s when He bore o r sins on the cross .6 'orinthians 66128: $he wine represents the blood of 'hrist which is the g arantee of o r salvation. -or witho t the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. .6 'orinthians. 66129: 4. $he Lord*s $able is prepared for believers in the presence of their enemies .Psalm 2019: =. $he believer m st be in fellowship to discern the meaning of the Lord*s S pper .6 'orinthians 6612<:. $his is accomplished by self # dgment .6 'orinthians 66106( 6 &ohn 61<: 7. Parta!ing of the Lord*s S pper witho t fellowship with the Lord can res lt in sic!ness or death. .6 'orinthians 6610>: NOTES
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CHAPTER 3/
INTRODUCTION ;oses is now 62> years old and he is abo t to die. ;oses is not worried abo t himself. He recognises that God has the details regarding his death in His hands # st as He has had his life. Psalms 4712>( 664169. $here is a replacement ready to ta!e over the reigns of leadership( which is &osh a. ;oses is not important as their leader now( for he has r n his co rse( and he can leave the stage of life( b t the messages that ;oses is still preaching are all important. &ohn 012=?0>( 2 $imothy 814?7. $o greedily hold onto each day when health is failing( and we have f lfilled o r p rpose pon the earth( is nbecoming of the believer. ;oses sets s a good e%ample here3 for he is ready to lay aside his body and be with the Lord. $he @ible does not s pport e thanasia( b t neither does it s pport abnormally prolonging life by medical means when the body and so l are ready to depart this life. $his life is temporary( a vapo r( and clinging to it is a sign that there is not the correct attit de toward it. &ames 8160?6=. )t is the contents of the bottle of drin! not the container which is important( and so it sho ld be with people. + r earthly life is to be a drin! offering( po red o t with enth siasm to o r Lord. 2 $imothy 814. "e sho ld !eep o r eyes on the wor! we are to do in service to the Lord( not the detail of this short life. )n o r relationships with others( we are to concentrate pon what messages the Lord has for s thro gh His servants( not be foc sed pon the vessels. "e are all His vessels in ministry. "e are all challenged to have a healthy attit de towards o r body( and towards the length of o r earthly life. "e are to see that the length of o r life is in the LordIs hands and that we will not die a day too soon nless we commit the Sin Unto Aeath( and even then( we can rela% in the LordIs hands( as ;oses does here. "e are tas!ed with !eeping the body fit( clean and well( as if it is the temple of the Holy Spirit of God( for it is( b t the day will come when we need to lay it aside. Aeath is to be a simple( laying aside of the body( and if we have reached the end of the life co rse set for s( this sho ld be a rela%ed end for s. 6 'orinthians 0164?6=( 416<. /efer to the @$@ st dies( AE,$H( S)E UE$+ AE,$H. ;oses will say in this section that( he cannot go o t or come in( as he sed to. He is an old man and worn o t and now finds all wor! and movement diffic lt. He will se his last bit of strength to get p onto the mo ntain( to see the Promised Land and die. He is content with this( for he !nows the Lord was right in # dging him for stri!ing the roc! in the wilderness of Sin. E mbers 2>1=?60. ;oses has accepted that he is to die before entering the land( and seeing the words he has spo!en here read alo d above the town of Shechem. $he mo ntain he climbs is as good a hill to die pon as Geri5im or Ebal there. Ae teronomy 2=16?60. ,t this point in his life and health( it does not tro ble ;oses that he has had his life shortened by a few wee!s. $he Lord has been gracio s in His # dgment pon him and he accepts the sentence and will go o t re#oicing in his service( !nowing he is forgiven for his sin. He is ready to move thro gh the easy barrier of death and enter the presence of the one he has served so long. He has the e%perience of Stephen many years later( and death is no concern for this man. ,cts =199?4>. ,ll the way thro gh this passage ;oses will remind the people that the Lord is the one who will do the wor! for them to inherit the land and win the victories there. God will do the wor!( and the challenge for the people is to wal! with Him. &es s said follow me( and that remains the order today and always. &es s is still saying to s all today( ) am doing the wor!( yo follow me( wal! with me and obey me. "e m st !eep on remembering the !ey doctrines of the character of God( and spirit ality by grace. /efer to the @$@ st dies( 'H,/,'$E/ +- G+A( G/,'E( S,E'$)-)',$)+E( SP)/)$U,L)$C( and ",LK)EG. $he people in the land were hopelessly degenerate( with the only people with faith in the tr e God being the family of /ahab in &ericho( and the Gibeonites. "e have a strong comment in this chapter on the # stice of God. ,s we have seen before these 'anaanite people gro ps are to be destroyed. /emember as yo go thro gh this section that # dgment is GodIs strange wor!3 it is not His preferred choice regarding man!ind. )saiah 27126. God is going to deal with this degenerate people( the 'anaanites. $he deliverance of /ahab and the Gibeonites will be very similar to the # dgment time pon Sodom and Gomorrah when Lot was delivered from their midst. $he deliverance of the few believers from the midst of the 'anaanites is a reminder
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that GodIs # dgment is s rgical and the deaths of so many were clearly a necessity. "e are challenged in this chapter( as in earlier ones to leave the # stice of these things in the LordIs hands and bring o r G estions abo t it to Him. $he strong G estions that the events of the ne%t chapters will raise need to be sat with and meditated pon( for the death of so many evil people is a serio s matter( and the Lord moves against these people only after 89> years of grace has elapsed. Genesis 69164. Sit with these hard things for a while and meditate pon the character of God as yo thin! of the deaths of this entire people gro p. Co will find that there are crises in yo r own life that will raise G estions( and yo will as!( "hy did this happen to meM "e m st remember that God does all things with the complete !nowledge of all the facts. )n time we only see some things( and we need to sit with iss es a lot longer than o r impatience lets s( and we need to delay decisions( and not # mp to concl sions abo t the # stice of God on the basis of inadeG ate information. +nce we start seeing the problems that we have in the light of God*s character o r G estions will start to fall into the right place( and that is the place of meditation in the light of facts that will help s arrive at biblical concl sions. God can be tr sted. "hat He says He will do( and if He # dges( then it was for a reason that demanded action( and it was after grace and mercy had r n their co rse. He will # dge all the evil ones pon this earth event ally( and He will !eep yo contin ally. He will not fail yo nor forsa!e yo if yo wal! with Him. He says that He is with s even to the end of this world .or age:. ;atthew 27167?2>( Hebrews 6019. @E +- G++A '+U/,GE )n verse 4 ;oses says to the people( @e strong and of good co rage. $hey have a new leader( b t they have the same God to g ide him. &osh a is # st an ordinary man who becomes of significance spirit ally beca se of doing what God wanted him to do. ,ll of s are to draw strength from &osh a( for this is the way the Lord will ma!e s all notable for Him and His service. &osh a ta!es God serio sly and stands for Him. &osh a is on the #ob already as ;oses spea!s( and he is obedient. , lot of people want to be great( b t the path to godly greatness is the path of h mility and obedience. )f yo have the deep desire in the spirit to be a @ible School teacher or a pastor there is not one thing in yo r way. Aevote yo r time to Him( and st dy( pray and serve in all the areas of service the Lord brings yo r way. "hatever door needs to open the Lord will open3 # st !eep moving forward as the Lord moves yo . $he Lord ses ordinary people who commit themselves to Him. ;oses says to s all( as he said to &osh a( that when we get scared or depressed we are to # st !eep on remembering that the Lord is with s( loo! bac! at the reality of the doctrine of the character of God( and remember that o r God can be tr sted. Loo! at yo r problems( and at times yo r depression( in the light of the promises of God( and decide to tr st Him. Co sho ld then say ,men by getting p and getting moving. )saiah 4610( Hebrews 62162. God wants to have people with lives that are hono ring to Him. God wants s to as! Him to strengthen s 1) we do something rather than # st as! Him to enable s to do something. + r simple obedience b ilds spirit al power. $he simple act the Lord reG ires is worship and praise( for in that we strengthen o rselves to do more for Him. )n &osh a we have an e%ample of an ordinary man who was made e%traordinary by simple obedience. He !ept on tr sting the Lord( and did not sit in his tent and mope. $oo many 'hristians sit on the premises rather than standing on the promises. &osh a contin es to have over?whelming problems( b t he contin es to worship his way thro gh them( and so sho ld we. KE+"LEAGE +- $HE @)@LE , great deal was demanded of the &ewish people in relationship to the words of ;oses( for they were seen as fo ndational for their national life. )n later years by the age of fo rteen every &ewish male was e%pected to !now the !ey areas of the $orah by heart. @y age 26 they were e%pected to !now the whole $orah by heart( however it was not only important to hear it and be able to recite it( b t be obedient to it( as stated in verse 62. "e have had the Eavigators gro p for many years that follows this early tradition( and teaches people to memorise script re. Some 'hristians today learn by heart whole boo!s of the @ible( which is e%cellent( provided they apply it to their life. S ch a thing sho ld not be # st a memory feat. Co can have people memorising Script re while their life is falling apart beca se they wonIt pa se long eno gh to apply what they hear their lips repeating. "e need to learn abo t Him and reverence Him( and then do what He wants s to do. Ao not be a forgetf l hearer of the "ord ? &ames 6122?2=. "e m st not ma!e the learning of script re into a vain repetition. ;atthew 41=. $he challenge is not to master the script res( b t to let the words contained there master sD "e sho ld be caref l not to b ry the "ord of God in a lot of G estions. )n &ohn 8( the Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar tried to disc ss theology( b t she did this in order to distract herself from the real iss e she needed to address. $he Lord bro ght her bac! on trac! by foc sing on her problem3 which was the ncontrolled sin in her life. She was a sinner in need of a Savio r( and any other iss e was a satanic time waster. ;any people have sin in their life and do not want to face it. "e m st remember the enemy see!s to distract man!ind from the tr th abo t their need of a savio r. )f he s cceeds in doing this the nsaved man drops into hell witho t ever facing the tr th abo t their state. ;oses doesnIt want anything to come between the people and the reality of their spirit al needs. ,s the LordIs pastors today( we sho ld not allow anything to happen that will distract people from the tr th abo t their need for a Savio r. $his
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means that at the end of each ch rch service we m st be caref l not to spoil what the Holy Spirit has done thro gh the "ord by any actions we or others do. Let s be s re that o r fear of the Lord shows itself in obedience and tho ghtf lness. ,nother two great e%amples of men li!e ;oses and &osh a( are Eehemiah and E5ra. E5ra and Eehemiah( d ring the reb ilding of &er salem( read the law and had Scribes mingling with the crowd as!ing people whether they nderstood it. Eehemiah 716ff. Eothing m st be allowed to come between the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and the person pon whom the Spirit is wor!ing( and everything m st be done to assist people to nderstand what they hear. )f yo are teaching God*s "ord yo m st be especially sensitive to what the Lord is doing amongst His people thro gh the anointed words being spo!en. Ao not e%pect the process to be free from attac! by the enemy here. Let the Lord have His way with yo and the people3 be obedient( prayerf l as yo spea!( and tho ghtf l. C+U/ ;)E)S$/C $he Lord tells ;oses he is going to die and that the people will t rn to other gods .verse 68?67:. $his is a sad message for ;oses to hear( b t he has already preached to the people the message that will deliver them when they remember it. ;oses had done his #ob b t the people are going to fail( doing what ;oses had warned them not to. +ften the people who yo love and agonise over are going to fall. ,ll we can do as the LordIs servant is to be ass red we have done o r wor! as well as it was possible to do the wor!( so that the people we have ta ght are witho t e%c se. "e all need to wal! in the power and direction of the Holy Spirit otherwise we are going to get disill sioned at times( and perhaps even have a brea!down. Sadly many servants of the Lord fall down in mental and physical health thro gh lac! of nderstanding of the things we are going to be reading of here in these last chapters of Ae teronomy. Co may feel in the midst of yo r ministry that yo are wasting yo r breath at times. Eow we can always do a better #ob( b t we cannot worry o r selves sic! over that3 b t do all we can. "e are called to wal! in the Spirit( and serve in His power( and so when we fall short( we confess that slac!ness( and then throw o rselves into spirit filled service again. "e m st be ministers of the "ord in Holy Spirit power. $his is o r call and it is regarding this that we will be held to acco ntD "e m st all do o r #ob as nto the Lord and irrespective of the visible res lts we m st leave the final res lt of o r wor! in the Lord*s hands. God has a plan that is as perfect as His character is perfect. "hen yo !now yo have not done what yo were called to do as well as it co ld have been done( then yo are to confess yo r sin( and yo tell Him in the power of the Spirit yo are going to do better. $hen yo get moving( and say ,men with spirit filled activity. /emember( yo do not have to feel a certain way to teach the "ord( yo # st need to deal with any nconfessed sin and preach the prepared message in the Holy SpiritIs power( not yo r own. , lot of people spend a lot of time praying themselves into what they thin! are spirit al feelings. )f yo are not feeling well physically( or mentally yo are tired or depressed( it co ld be for any n mber of reasons. $o chec! yo rself o t in this matter( yo apply 6 'orinthians 66127( and 2 'orinthians 6019. Co chec! yo r life for sin( deal with any yo find( and pray for His strength( then ignore any feelings and # st open yo r heart to the people and yo r life to the Holy Spirit. Co then open GodIs Holy "ord and teach it in the power that will come to one with that attit de. Let yo r teaching be a sweet smelling offering to the Lord. God does not want s to r n on o r emotions otherwise if we feel a certain way we will do nothing. Loo! at the 'ross and see what the Lord did for yo . ,s yo advance in obedience into yo r area of service pray this prayer3 Lord strengthen me as ) go and serve yo here. Co do not wait aro nd and try to get the right feeling( for the feeling may have nothing to do with the spirit al battle that is raging aro nd yo . -eelings are ca sed by all manner of spirit ally irrelevant things. "hen yo let feelings g ide yo ( what yo are saying is that yo r feelings are more important than the children or people yo are tal!ing to. Co r feelings may be related to the ,ngelic 'onflict that is raging aro nd yo ( in that yo may be feeling the depression of the people before yo as they sit nder the b rden of their sins. ,t times we will feel the feelings of others( and this is a good thing( for in it we b ild empathy towards their pain. "e are not meant to sit with this for long however( for we are called to help heal their pain thro gh the proclaiming of the tr th to them. Co r call as the pastor is not to sit with that depression( b t rather to blow it away with worship and preaching of the tr th( for in this yo gain victory in the ,ngelic 'onflict. )f we have grief for a death( then that feeling is to be sat with and grieved thro gh( b t other feelings are to be blown away G ic!ly by worship( and replaced by doctrines that can be rested pon. Learn what the feelings may be teaching yo ( b t do not linger with them too long( for yo are called to action not emotionD )f the Lord wants yo to do something( then do it in obedience to Him( and pray as yo move. )n Proverbs we are told to commit o r ways to the Lord and He will direct o r paths. Proverbs 016?6>. $he Lord says( that He will show s where to wal!( and we are to get wal!ing. "e are not to moan abo t o r Vwo nded spirit( b t # st get moving and be obedient. Eo soldier complains abo t a slight wo nd when the army is called to attac!( he simply binds his wo nd tightly and throws himself forward with his comrades. @e a soldierD
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;oses and &osh a got depressed at times when they faced great griefs( b t they claimed promises and doctrines and !ept moving forward in obedience to the plan. "e are challenged to stand li!e these great men( for they are o r e%amples of what the Lord e%pects of s. Ao not worry abo t depression feelings or the other signs of e%ha stion and tiredness if yo have done yo r #ob( for these things will drop away if the #ob is done and it can be re#oiced in. "e are to be people who praise God for what has been done( not people who sit aro nd tal!ing abo t o r feelings. "e are to do things nder the LordIs g idance and leave the o tcome with the Lord. E5e!iel 210?7( 016>?2>. ,t times we may wor! to the point of e%ha stion( and feel sad( despondent( and worn o t( b t if the tas! is complete we are called to re#oice as a tired b t victorio s army re#oices. + r #ob is to warn the people of GodIs tr th and the danger their sin places them in. $he watchman of the ancient world was not responsible for the city*s fall if he had blown the warning tr mpet( b t if he failed to act when he sho ld have he was held responsible for the s ffering his inaction created. $each the "ord whether yo are apparently heard or not( whether yo feel li!e it or yo do not. Ao not preach at people3 spea! words of the heart directly to them. Give yo r message to those who need to hear it as nto the Lord. "e will see ;oses* song also in this section before s. )n chapter 00 ;oses blesses )srael before his death and in the following chapter his death is reported. $he boo! of &osh a and the entry into the land commences at this point. $he great man will be dead. Has anything changed ? no. God is on the throne. $he message to these people and to o rselves is the same3 give than!s to the Lord for the great man and then advance with God*s chosen replacement into the ne%t phase of GodIs plan. "e m st hono r God with o r obedience. )t is important to hono r the people who lead s( b t it is more important to hono r God. "e do both by obeying the "ord preached to s( and passing it on with all o r strength to the ne%t generation. DEUTERONOMY 3/>/-/$ 3/>/ A4* M3)&) ;&42 14* )@1B& 29&)& ;37*) +423 1,, I)71&,: 2 A4* 9& )1(* +423 29&8A I 18 14 9+4*7&* 14* 2;&42- -&17) 3,* 29() *1-C I !14 43 837& =3 3+2 14* !38& (4> 1,)3 29& LORD 9129 )1(* +423 8&A T93+ )91,2 432 =3 3'&7 29() 37*14: 3 T9& LORD 29- G3*A 9& ;(,, =3 3'&7 5&637& 29&&A 14* 9& ;(,, *&)273- 29&)& 412(34) 6738 5&637& 29&&A 14* 293+ )91,2 @3))&)) 29&8> 14* 3)9+1A 9& )91,, =3 3'&7 5&637& 29&&A 1) 29& LORD 9129 )1(*: 4 A4* 29& LORD )91,, *3 +423 29&8 1) 9& *(* 23 S(934 14* 23 O=A B(4=) 36 29& A837(2&)A 14* +423 29& ,14* 36 29&8A ;938 9& *&)273-&*: $ A4* 29& LORD )91,, =('& 29&8 +@ 5&637& -3+7 61!&A 2912 -& 81- *3 +423 29&8 1!!37*(4= +423 1,, 29& !38814*8&42) ;9(!9 I 91'& !38814*&* -3+: ? B& )2734= 14* 36 1 =33* !3+71=&A 6&17 432A 437 5& 1671(* 36 29&8> 637 29& LORD 29- G3*A 9& (2 () 2912 *329 =3 ;(29 29&&C 9& ;(,, 432 61(, 29&&A 437 637)1B& 29&&: 7 A4* M3)&) !1,,&* +423 3)9+1A 14* )1(* +423 9(8 (4 29& )(=92 36 1,, I)71&,A B& )2734= 14* 36 1 =33* !3+71=&> 637 293+ 8+)2 =3 ;(29 29() @&3@,& +423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 29& LORD 9129 );374 +423 29&(7 6129&7) 23 =('& 29&8C 14* 293+ )91,2 !1+)& 29&8 23 (49&7(2 (2: E A4* 29& LORDA 9& (2 () 2912 *329 =3 5&637& 29&&C 9& ;(,, 5& ;(29 29&&A 9& ;(,, 432 61(, 29&&A 4&(29&7 637)1B& 29&&> 6&17 432A 4&(29&7 5& *()81-&*: F A4* M3)&) ;732& 29() ,1;A 14* *&,('&7&* (2 +423 29& @7(&)2) 29& )34) 36 L&'(A ;9(!9 517& 29& 17B 36 29& !3'&4142 36 29& LORDA 14* +423 1,, 29& &,*&7) 36 I)71&,: /. A4* M3)&) !38814*&* 29&8A )1-(4=A A2 29& &4* 36 &'&7- )&'&4 -&17)A (4 29& )3,&84(2- 36 29& -&17 36 7&,&1)&A (4 29& 6&1)2 36 215&741!,&)A // W9&4 1,, I)71&, () !38& 23 1@@&17 5&637& 29& LORD 29- G3* (4 29& @,1!& ;9(!9 9& )91,, !933)&A 293+ )91,2 7&1* 29() ,1; 5&637& 1,, I)71&, (4 29&(7 9&17(4=: /2 G129&7 29& @&3@,& 23=&29&7A 8&4 14* ;38&4A 14* !9(,*7&4A 14* 29- )2714=&7 2912 () ;(29(4 29- =12&)A 2912 29&- 81- 9&17A 14* 2912 29&- 81- ,&174A 14* 6&17 29& LORD -3+7 G3*A 14* 35)&7'& 23 *3 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1;> /3 A4* 2912 29&(7 !9(,*7&4A ;9(!9 91'& 432 B43;4 14- 29(4=A 81- 9&17A 14* ,&174 23 6&17 29& LORD -3+7 G3*A 1) ,34= 1) -& ,('& (4 29& ,14* ;9(29&7 -& =3 3'&7 37*14 23 @3))&)) (2: /4 A4* 29& LORD )1(* +423 M3)&)A B&93,*A 29- *1-) 1@@731!9 2912 293+ 8+)2 *(&> !1,, 3)9+1A 14* @7&)&42 -3+7)&,'&) (4 29& 215&741!,& 36 29& !34=7&=12(34A 2912 I 81- =('& 9(8 1 !917=&: A4* M3)&) 14* 3)9+1 ;&42A 14* @7&)&42&* 29&8)&,'&) (4 29& 215&741!,& 36 29& !34=7&=12(34: /$ A4* 29& LORD 1@@&17&* (4 29& 215&741!,& (4 1 @(,,17 36 1 !,3+*> 14* 29& @(,,17 36 29& !,3+* )233* 3'&7 29& *337 36 29& 215&741!,&: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) / 3: $his begins a new speech( possibly on the same day as the others( recorded previo sly( or possibly on another day( we are not told. He reminds the people of his great age and the frailty of his body now. He no longer has the mobility and strength of earlier years. -rom these words it appears that he has deteriorated G ite G ic!ly in the last months( and he !nows this is the final wee! of his life. ;en who are in to ch with their bodies and spirits feel this int itively. He !nows his wor! is done and that &osh a is the real leader of the people now in all b t name only. $he new generation is ready to ta!e over from him( and there are other leaders of the tribes ready to follow on from &osh a( who is himself eighty at this point. ;oses reminds the people that the Lord has told him that he is not to go over the &ordan /iver. He has accepted the Lord r ling( that he will die on this side of the river d e to his great sin in stri!ing the roc! when he was told to spea! to it alone. His absence from the people will not hinder their victory( and it is not to hinder their advance. $hey are to boldly go where the Lord leads3 they donIt need ;oses now. &osh a is the new leader( b t the Lord will give them the victory( and they are to tr st in God( not men. V&7)&) 4 ?: $heir ass rance for the f t re is to be b ilt pon the certainties of the past. $he way the Lord dealt with Sihon and +g is the way He will deal with the 'anaanites they face now. ,s God has done( so He will contin e
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to do. $hey are to e%press their faith in action and obedience. $he enemy will be given into their hands and they are to e%ec te them in accordance with the commands of the Lord in the Law they have received. $hey are to stand in the tr th and obey all that God has directed. Eote the orders here1 they are to? 6. @e strong in their faith that what God has said( He will do. 2. @e of good co rage and demonstrate that in battle as they attac! their enemies. 0. /e#ect fear as an option( and deal with any fears that come p by claiming the tr th. 8. $hey are not to fear their enemies( b t fear not obeying the Lord their God. 9. /emember that God is with them and will not forsa!e them. 4. /emember that God does not have a power problem3 he will not r n o t of assets for them to draw pon. $hey have sec rity in their God. /efer to the @$@ st dy on -,)$H. V&7)&) 7 E: &osh a has already been set aside as the replacement leader by p blic anointing. E mbers 2=167?20. $his is not his consecration here( b t the p blic repetition of the promises associated with his anointing. )t is the p blic instr cting of &osh a so that he might be the mentor for the people in all the si% characteristics that the people have been challenged to ma!e their own. He is to model each of these si% behavio rs every day in his p blic leadership role. ,ll leaders are to be mentors( and those that do not have the right characteristics for leadership are not to be appointed( whatever the needs of the ch rch. 6 $imothy 016?64( $it s 61=?64. $he wrong leadership will always create far more problems than no leadershipD "e are always to wait pon the Lord in any sit ation of do bt. /efer to the st dies on leadership characteristics in the @$@ st dies 'HU/'H H AE,'+ES( P,S$+/SLELAE/S( also to the E@'", Leadership ;an al. &osh a has the E%ec tive +fficer role( b t it is directly nder the Lord( for it is the Lord who will deliver the land to the people. &osh a is to e%ec te the plan and enter the land in obedience to the LordIs commands and be the active ca se to inherit the promises made to the patriarchs and to ;oses. He is to lead and lead from the front. He is to step o t in faith and model the obedience he reG ires from the rest. $his is the tas! of leadership3 it is the tas! of setting the biblical e%ample of the faith yo are as!ing the people to e%press. &osh a is to enco rage the people with each of the si% commands above( and by his own faith and demeano r mentor tr e faith to the people. People will not be dismayed if they see that their leaders are filled with hope in their f t re( thro gh confidence in their God. V&7)&) F /3: $he words that had been written to this point were then to be passed G ite formally over to the Levites who carried the ,r!. .;oses will tell s later( verse 22( that he also added in the song that will form the ne%t chapter before handing over the final copy of the boo! for placing in the ,r!:. $hese men were tas!ed with !eeping the words of ;oses in the $orah safe and sec re as they !ept the ,r!. $hey were to g ard the copy of the Law they received and they were to ens re it was read every seven years( in its entirety( in the Sabbatical Cear gathering of the -east of $abernacles( so that all the people heard it all. $hey were also tas!ed with ma!ing copies of the ;osaic code that were needed as the paper started to wear on the wor!ing copies of the Law that the & dges were reG ired to refer to. $his gro p became the g ardians of the "ord of God and the editors later of the script res who gathered all the boo!s and !ept them safe in dangero s times. $he Levites( or &osh a( will complete the story beyond this point and write p the boo!s of &osh a and record the content that becomes the boo! of & dges over the ne%t 8>> years. $he ne%t chapters with the Song of ;oses will also be left with the Levites( altho gh it is clear from later writings that &osh a has a copy also. $his is why my belief is that the Levites were the scribes and wrote copies of the Law of ;oses( and may even have delivered additional copies to the princes( or principal # dges of each tribe also( especially given the widely dispersed gro ps( from the borders of ;oab( and the Golan( and from Aan to @eer Sheba. $he p rpose of teaching the Law is also given here. $he p rpose of teaching the Law is that the people might obey it f lly and so be blessed in the land into which they are to enter. $he people need to learn to fear the Lord or they will fear their enemies. $hey m st wal! in obedience to the Lord or they will have reason to fear their enemies( for they will be defeated by themD Li!e all believers of all ages( the principle remains tr e3 we wal! in victory when we wal! with the Lord( and we wal! into defeat whenever we wal! away from the Lord. V&7)&) /4 /$: $he day draws near for ;oses to die and the Lord tells him to formally and p blicly pass over to &osh a the care of the people. $his is the third ceremony and is the final one for passing over the reins of power to &osh a as the new r ler. $he right place for the formal hand?over is the tabernacle door. $his is the thresh hold of the Holy Place where the Lord will meet them both in visible form in the pillar of clo d. $his occ rs( and the two men stand before the LordIs presence with the clo d above their heads. ,t that point the Lord will give ;oses the blessing of Aying Grace( even tho gh he is dying the Sin Unto death for his disobedience. $he Lord has been gracio s to him( and he is only dying a few wee!s or months early( and he will be able to rest in ,brahamIs bosom with God. /efer to the @$@ st dy AC)EG G/,'E. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS
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6. $here is a time to live and a time to die( and the Lord controls the time frames. "e are not to interfere with this by s icide( or foolish and dangero s actions that lead to o r premat re death. "e are not to be pre?occ pied with death( b t with living and serving the Lord ntil the day comes to die. "e are to leave o r lives and o r death in the hands of the one who went to the 'ross for s. 2. Leadership is to foc s pon the plan( and the a thor of the plan( not themselves. @iblical leadership loo!s to the Lord and does not ever magnify itself. @iblical leadership is self effacing not ever narcissistic. 'hrist li!eness is demanded of the biblical leader( and others is the foc s( not o r selves. Let s lead as these great men led( with o r eyes heavenward for the well done of the Lord alone. 0. $here is no place for fear in the LordIs service( other than the holy fear of the Lord. "e are to advance in whatever tas! we are given with co rage and a fi%ed p rpose. $he LordIs will only is to be done and His glory alone to be so ght. Let s be sing lar in o r foc s and so bring the glory to the LordIs name that is His desire for o r service. Let s deal with fear( depression( sadness and despair by praise and worship and then replace the negative emotions by active service and f rther praise in its completion. Let s p t emotion where it belongs( and never be g ided by it for any action whatsoever. "e are called to do what is right( not what feels e%pedient. DOCTRINES DEATH 6. )n essence( death means QseparationQ. 2. $ypes of death1 a: Physical death ? is the separation of the so l from the body .Genesis 09167:. b: Spirit al death ? is separation from God( having no relationship with God .Ephesians 216(62( Genesis 216=(017: c: $he second death ? this is the Great "hite $hrone # dgment followed by the la!e of fire for nbelievers ? separation from the presence of God( p nished forever ./evelation 2>162?69( 2617: d: Positional death ? 'hristians are identified with &es s 'hrist in His death .separation from sin: and in His res rrection .living in righteo sness: /omans 410?68 'olossians 2162?68 e: Se% al death ? inability to procreate ./omans 816=?26( Hebrews 66166?62: f: +perational death ? faith witho t wor!s is non operational .&ames 2124: g: $emporal death ? a carnal believer( o t of fellowship with God ./omans 714?7(60( Ephesians 9168( 6 $imothy 914( &ames 6169( /evelation 016: 0. /easons for death1 a: $he wor! is finished. .&ohn 6<10> cf. L !e 20184( 2 $imothy 81=: b: -or the glory of God ? martyrdom .&ohn 2616<( ,cts =199?4>: c: $he sin nto death ? e%treme discipline for believers with hardened hearts against God .6 &ohn 9164: d: S icide ? s perimposing yo r will over God*s will for yo r life .6 Sam el 0618( ;atthew 2=19 e: $he niG e death of 'hrist ? committing His own spirit to the -ather .L !e 20184: SIN SIN UNTO DEATH See page 07 GOD CHARACTER OF GOD 6. "hilst God is three persons all three persons have e%actly the same essence or character1 a: S+JE/E)GE$C $he -ather .Ephesians 6166( cf. )saiah 8>17( ;atthew 416>( Hebrews 6>1=( <: $he Son .&ohn 9126( /evelation 6<164: $he Spirit .6 'orinthians 62166( cf. Hebrews 218: b: /)GH$E+USEESS $he -ather .&ohn 6=129: $he Son .L !e 6109( Hebrews =124( 2 'orinthians 9126: $he Spirit $he Holy Spirit c: &US$)'E $he -ather .&ob 0=120( cf. 710: $he Son .,cts 0168( &ohn 9122( /evelation 6<166 $he Spirit .Eehemiah <12>: d: L+JE $he -ather .&ohn 0164: $he Son .Ephesians 9129( 6 &ohn 0164: $he Spirit .&ohn 641=?66( 6 'orinthians 216>: e: E$E/E,L L)-E
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$he -ather .&ohn 9124: $he Son .;icah 912( cf. &ohn 616?2( 6 &ohn 9166 $he Spirit .)saiah 87164: f: ,LL?KE+")EG $he -ather .Hebrews 8160( cf. ;atthew 6612=( 6 Peter 612: $he Son .&ohn 6718( cf. ;atthew <18( &ohn 2129( 6 'orinthians 819: $he Spirit .)saiah 6612( cf. 6 'orinthians 2166 g: EJE/C"HE/E $he -ather .2 'hronicles 214: $he Son .;atthew 2712>( cf. Ephesians 6120: $he Spirit .Psalm 60<1=: h: ,LL?P+"E/-UL $he -ather .;ar! 68104( cf. 6 Peter 619: $he Son .Hebrews 610( cf. ;atthew 2810>( 2 'orinthians 621<( Philippians 0126: $he Spirit ./omans 6916<: i: UE'H,EGE,@LE $he -ather .Hebrews 416=( Psalm 00166: $he Son .Hebrews 6017: $he Spirit .&ohn 68164: #: $/U$H $he -ather .&ohn =127( &ohn 6=10: $he Son .6 &ohn 912>( cf. &ohn 6168( 6814( /evelation 6<166: $he Spirit .6 &ohn 914( cf. &ohn 6816=( 69124( 64160: GRACE See page 6> SALVATION SANCTIFICATION 6. Sanctification means to be made holy ? to be set apart nto God. +ne who is sanctified is called a saint. 2. "e are sanctified .made holy: in 'hrist &es s .6'orinthians 612:. 0. Sanctification is in three stages1 a: Stage 61 ,t salvation ? nion with 'hrist ? positional sanctification .6'orinthians 62160( /omans 616?=:. b: Stage 21 'hristian way of life ? filling of the Holy Spirit ? spirit ality ./omans 64123 6'orinthians 6?2:. c: Stage 01 /es rrection body ? )n heaven ? Ultimate sanctification .6&ohn 012:. 8. + r position in 'hrist entitles s to share 'hrist*s righteo sness. )t therefore1 a: protects s from divine # dgment ./omans 716: b: G alifies s to live with God forever c: ma!es s a new creat re in 'hrist .2'orinthians 916=: d: g arantees eternal sec rity for every believer ./omans 7107( 0<:. 9. However( beca se we still have the old sin nat re( we will still sin d ring this life ./omans =126:. "hen controlled by his carnal nat re however( the believer is positionally sanctified b t e%perientially carnal. 4. "hen we receive the res rrection body( we no longer sin ? o r sanctification will be complete .6'orinthians 69194( Philippians 0126( 6$hessalonians 9120:. CHRISTIAN LIFE SPIRITUALITY See page 28 CHRISTIAN LIFE WAL#ING See page 64 CHRISTIAN LIFE FAITH 6. $he 'hristian life can be divided into three sections or stages. a: Stage 6 ? Salvation. b: Stage 2 ? $he 'hristian "al! c: Stage 0 ? $he 'hristian in Heaven. 2. ;an has three means of obtaining !nowledge1 a: -aith ? to believe or tr st that something is tr e
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b: /easoning ? sing h man logic to ded ce that something is tr e c: E%perimentation ? to test and prove something to satisfy yo rself that it is tr e 0. $he only acceptable method of gaining grace is by faith( since this means depending pon God witho t o r h man merit. a: Stage 6 ? @elieve on the Lord &es s 'hrist and tho shalt be saved ? salvation .,cts 64106:. b: Stage 2 ? $r sting in the promises and principles of the "ord of God ? the 'hristian wal!. c: Stage 0 ? $r sting in God*s provision ? Heaven.
8. $o ill strate belief and nbelief we follow the &ews from the plag es in Egypt to crossing the &ordan1 I4!(*&42 Last plag e Egyptian ,rmy Eo "ater Gold 'alf S ails Giants Eo water "anderings G3*M) P738()& Passover Lamb /ed Sea 'rossing "ater God*s Aoctrine ;anna Enter 'anaan "ater 'ross &ordan S!7(@2+7& E%od s 62126?0> E%od s 6816?06 E%od s 6=16?= E%od s 02169?27 E m 6616>?00 E m 6016?68107 E m 2>12?60 &osh a 016?6= R&)@34)& $r st $r st $r st Aistr st Aistr st Aistr st Aistr st $r st R&)+,2 &ews spared last plag e. ;oses leads &ews over /ed Sea. @y stri!ing roc! .'hrist: water obtained. Sons of Levi .Priests: sla ghtered for leading ;any deaths d e to G ails Aeath of fearf l spies. "andering in desert ;oses stri!es roc! in disobedience. "ill not enter Promised Land. )srael crosses &ordan on dry gro nd
9. Salvation faith is the complete tr st in the Lord &es s 'hrist( who died for yo r sins and rose from the dead to give yo eternal life. .,cts 64106( /omans 812>?29: 4. ,nything added to becomes wor!s( and therefore n llifies faith ./omans 818: =. -aith is shown o twardly by confession with the mo th. ./omans 6>1<?6>: 7. Since faith does not depend on o r own abilities( anybody can believe. Even little children .;atthew 6712?8: <. ,ss rance is by faith .Hebrews 6>122: 6>. -aith is tr st which does not as! to !now all abo t God b t believe all that God has said. 66. Salvation faith receives 'hrist as Savio r and Lord. .&ohn 6162( 0164( 0104: 62. -aith of salvation is the complete tr st in the Lord &es s 'hrist as having been delivered from o r transgressions and raised again for o r # stification. ./omans 812>?29: 60. @y -aith God gives the so l ass rance of the reality of things never yet seen by the nat ral man. .Hebrews 6616?0: 68. $he tri mphs of faith in daily life are ill strated for the believer in Hebrews 6616?0<. ,bel( Eoah( ;oses etc. 69. -aith comes from hearing and hearing from the "ord of God. ./omans 6>16=: 64. -aith is the only non meritorio s means of nderstanding things the other being rationalism and empiricism. 6=. $o become li!e a little child is an analogy to faith as a yo ng child only has faith. .;atthew 6712?8: CHRISTIAN LIFE FAITH - OVERCOMING BY FAITH 6. @y faith learn to accept conditions as God*s will for life and be than!f l ? /omans 7127( 6 $hessalonians 0103 9167 2. @y faith maintain fellowship with God( wal!ing in the light ? 6 &ohn 61= 0. @y faith consistently day by day e%amine yo r cond ct( confessing all !nown sins ? 6 'orinthians 66127( 06 6 &ohn 61<
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8. @y faith receive the "ord of God daily as being more necessary than daily food. ? ;atthew 8183 914( 2 Peter 0167 9. @y faith approach the throne of grace boldly in every case of need( reG esting aid( casting every care on Him. ? Hebrews 8169?643 6 Peter 91= 4. @y faith resist the attempts of Satan and he will flee from yo . ? Ephesians 416>?60( 6 Peter 917 =. @y faith maintain the habit of thin!ing and meditating on spirit al val es and priorities ? Philippians 814?< 7. "al! by faith and not by sight ? 2 'orinthians 91= CHRISTIAN LIFE SOLDIER - CHRISTIAN SOLDIER IN EPHESIANS ? 6. General Script re Ephesians 4166?6=. $his passage relates to the armo r which the /oman soldier wore and analogises its se into the spirit al realm. 2. USE +- $HE ,/;+U/ Ephesians 4166 QP t on the whole armo r of God. Q Ephesians 4166a. "e are instr cted to Qp t onQ .EEAU+ G!: ? this means Qto clotheQ ? it is a command by God to the 'hristian soldier. "e are to Qclothe o rselvesQ or to Qdress o rselvesQ. Q"hole armo rQ .P,E+PL), G!: ? the complete armo r Qof GodQ .$HE+S G!: tr e so rce of the armo r is God. $he whole armo r of God is given in Ephesians 4168?6=. )t comprises1? a: $he @elt of $r th Ephesians 4168a b: @reastplate of /ighteo sness Ephesians 4168b c: @oots Ephesians 4169 d: Shield Ephesians 4164 e: Helmet of Salvation Ephesians 416=a f: Sword of the Spirit Ephesians 416=b P/)E')PLES1 i: $he /oman soldier wore all his armo r for his own safety and protection. ii: "hen the /oman soldier was highly disciplined he r led the world. iii: "hen the /oman soldier became degenerate the Empire declined and fell. iv: $he /oman soldier was in the army = days a wee!. 0. SP)/)$U,L ,E,L+GC a: ,s 'hristian soldiers we wear o r armo r for o r own safety and protection. b: "hen we are highly disciplined in the 'hristian life we are very effective in o r warfare. c: )f we become degenerate or apostate o r 'hristian witness and effectiveness declines and we become cas alties in the spirit al warfare. d: $he 'hristian soldier is in the battle = days a wee!. , part time soldier never amo nts to an effective soldier. $hat ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.Q Ephesians 4166 b. Qto standQ .histemi .G!: ? to hold yo r gro nd. "e are in a spirit al warfare and the p rpose of the armo r is to hold o r gro nd against the foe. Qthe wiles .methodeia dia G!: ? tactics( c nning or fra dQ Qof the devil .diabolos G!:. "e therefore have the whole armo r of God to enable s to stand firm against the devil*s tactics. P/)E')PLE1 @y learning the tactics li!ely to be employed by yo r opponent the 'hristian soldier is able to go on the offensive sing the sword of the Spirit ? the "ord of God. .verse l=:. 8. $HE EEE;C .Ephesians 4162: Q-or we wrestle not against flesh and blood b t against principalities( against powers( against the r lers of the dar!ness of this world against spirit al wic!edness in high places. Q Q"restleQ ? Qthe wrestlingQ .he pale estin G!: hand to hand combat not wrestling as a sport. Qnot against flesh and bloodQ H not against other members of the h man race( b t against1? a: P/)E')P,L)$)ES .arche G!: / ling demons. b: P+"E/S .e%o sia G!: ? Aemons with a thority( officers in the demon army. c: /ULE/S +- $HE A,/KEESS +- $H)S "+/LA .!osmo!rator G!: ? world r lers( demons close to the seats of government s ch as the demons of .Aaniel 6>160( 2>:. d: SP)/)$U,L ")'KEAEESS )E H)GH PL,'ES .pne mati!os poneria G!: ? the demon army. S ite clearly o r fight is against a spirit al foe. -rom Hebrews 21= we !now that as h man beings we are inferior to angels. $herefore in order to have s ccess against s perior forces we m st have God*s armo r. 9. @E P/EP,/EA .Ephesians 4160: Q"herefore ta!e nto yo the whole armo r of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all( to stand. Q Since the res rrection ascension and session of &es s 'hrist the attac! of Satan has moved from the line of 'hrist to the individ al believer. + r dependence on the whole armo r is imperative yet many believers re#ect part or all of the armo r. $here are many cas alties as a conseG ence. "e are again e%horted to p t on the whole armo r of God.
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4. $HE @EL$ +- $/U$H .Ephesians 4168a( )saiah 6619: QStand therefore having yo r loins girt abo t with tr th. $he /oman belt was a wide girdle of leather worn aro nd the waist from which h ng the scabbard for the sword and loops for rations and eG ipment. $he leather belt was s pported by a cross sho lder strap st dded with metal plates with thic! leather strips hanging down to protect the lower body. $he belt therefore was the basic armo r on which the defence of the soldier was based. P/)E')PLE1 + r basic defence is the tr th contained within the "ord of God. $he sword of the Spirit hangs sec rely to the believer by means of the promises contained within it. $he greater o r tr st in the tr th of God the greater o r protection against the enemy. =. $HE @/E,S$PL,$E +- /)GH$E+USEESS .Ephesians 4168b( )saiah 9<16=: Qand having on the breastplate of righteo sness.Q $he breastplate .thora% G!: was s ally made of leather overlaid with metal strips. Shaped li!e a sleeveless coat it was in the higher ran!s often covered with gold or silver. $he belt held the breastplate firmly in place its primary f nction being to protect every vital area of the soldiers body. P/)E')PLE1 $he righteo sness of 'hrist protects s. "e stand in his righteo sness alone. He gave s his righteo sness at the cross .2 'orinthians 9126:. + r contin ed protection thro gh his righteo sness is thro gh the filling of the Holy Spirit .Ephesians 9167: .See topic Holy Spirit1 -illing of the Spirit:. 7. $HE @++$S .Ephesians 4169( )saiah 921=: Q,nd yo r feet shod( with the preparation of the gospel of peaceQ. $he boots .caligae G!: were made of hobnail st dded leather soles 69mm .6L2Q: thic! sec red with a leather tie over the instep and ro nd the an!les. Good footwear is essential for the soldier with infantry still being essential even in these days of sophisticated armaments. P/)E')PLE1 )n spirit al terms the feet are often analogised to service. $he feet ta!e one towards the enemy. $he gospel of peace is a direct attac! on the enemy. Peace in this conte%t tal!s of reconciliation between God and man. ./omans 616 8?64( 2 'orinthians 9167?2>:. <. $HE SH)ELA +- -,)$H .Ephesians 41643 6 &ohn 918: Q,bove all ta!ing the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to G ench all the fiery darts of* the wic!ed.Q $he /oman shield .th reos G!: was shaped li!e a door being made of gl ed plan!s wrapped in canvas or calf s!in( the top and bottom edges being protected by iron. $he shield was the most active of the defensive armo r carried by the /oman soldier. Loss of shield often meant death to the soldier. P/)E')PLE1 $he 'hristian soldier*s shield is wal!ing actively in the promises and principles set o t in the "ord of God. )f we do not se o r faith we can become spirit al cas alties. Using the shield of faith we can claim ?the =(>>> promises for the 'hristian wal! incl ding )saiah 8616>3 6 'orinthians 6>1603 6 &ohn 818. 6>. $HE HEL;E$ +- S,LJ,$)+E .Ephesians 416=a3 )saiah 9<16=: Q,nd ta!e the Helmet of salvation. "ith the e%ception of the standard bearer who wore a wolf*s head( every /oman soldier wore a metal helmet .peri! G!: s ally of bron5e over an iron s! ll cap. $his protected the most important part of the soldier ? his head. P/)E')PLE1 @efore a person can be a soldier for 'hrist( he has to be born again. He has to wear the helmet of salvation. +ne of the wiles of the devil is to ma!e the believer feel that he has lost his salvation. )f a believer loses his ass rance of salvation he ta!es his helmet of salvation off and is totally v lnerable to the attac! of the foe. 66. $HE S"+/A +- $HE SP)/)$ .Ephesians 416=b: Qand the sword of the Spirit which is the "ord of God. $he sword referred to is the machaira or /oman short sword. $he sword represents the basic offensive weapon for close combat. )t was only effective when o t of its sheath. P/)E')PLE1 $he sword in its sheath is potentially devastating b t it is only effective when it is sed to combat and defeat the enemy. "e m st therefore conG er sing principles( promises and doctrines from the "ord of God. CHURCH DEACONS 6. $he Gree! word .A),K+E+S or A),K+EE+: means QservantQ. $he f nction of the deacons is to serve in the ch rch so that the elders to deal with spirit al matters ,cts 416?= 2. Aeacons are the administrators of the 'h rch( incl ding s ch f nctions as secretary( treas rer. 0. , deacon sho ld have the gift of administration( helps or service. 8. S alifications .6 $imothy 0: a: be honest regarding money( b: be morally p re as they are dealing with people who have lost their h sbands( c: be spirit al and wal!ing with the Lord d: be wise ? f ll of doctrine e: be endorsed by the eldership .the apostles laid their hands on them to give them a thority: f: be grave ? they m st be serio s( mat re and dignified g: not be do ble tong ed or two faced ? what they say m st be what they mean
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h: not be given to wine( not a drin!er who sits over his drin!s. He does not need to be a tee totaller. i: not be greedy for money beca se the deacon is the person who deals with money. #: hold doctrine in p rity( th s being a conservative as far as doctrine is concerned. !: have a p re conscience or a tender conscience( a person who feels sin deeply. l: be proved. He sho ld be proved in other areas before he becomes a deacon.? v 6> m: be a faithf l wor!er in the ch rch if he is to be considered as a deacon. n: be the h sband of one wife or a one?woman man .ie faithf l( not l sting after other women: ? v 66 He may have been legitimately divorced according to script re. o: with a deacon the wife comes nder scr tiny as they loo!ed after the social wor! in the ch rch predominantly with widows. )t was therefore important that the deacons wife was not a gossip or maligner as the deacon may share sensitive matters with his wife. p: the office of deacon is an important one with the diaconate becoming the training gro nd for the ministry. )n the ancient world no one co ld serve as a pastor nless they had served as a deacon for a period of time. $here was therefore a seG ence of deacon( elder( pastor( bishop with a n mber of years at each. ;any of the people in ,cts 4 went on to great things. $he deacon who teaches as well sho ld be enco raged to consider themselves as being in training for the pastorate. CHURCH PASTORSIELDERS 6. ,cts 2>16=(27 shows that the elderLpastorLbishopLoverseer are the same. Each word simply emphasi5es a different role. 2. Gree! words sed of the pastoral role and responsibility. a: Presb teros .elder: ? the a thority in the ch rch .cf the elders were the wise # dges who sat at the gates of ancient cities:. ,cts 2>16= b: Poimenos didas!alos .pastor?teacher: ? the shepherd( to feed the floc! and protect them. &eremiah 0169 c: Epis!opos .bishopLoverseer: ? the leaderLoverseer of the ch rch. ,cts 2>127( 6 $imothy 0123 $it s 61= d: Aia!onos .servantLminister: ? the servant in h mility. 0. )t is therefore concl ded that an elder is a pastor holding the office of bishop( overseer or shepherd in the 'h rch. $hey deal with spirit al matters within the ch rch( shepherding( feeding and protecting the floc!. 8. ,n elder sho ld have the spirit al gift of PastorL$eacher or Evangelist. 9. - nction a: $o r le. .6 $imothy 018(93 916=: ? the pastorLelders in a ch rch are the a thority in the ch rch( nder God. b: $o g ard the body of revealed tr th from error and perversion. .$it s 61<:. c: $o oversee the 'h rch as a shepherd of his floc!. .,cts 2>1273 &ohn 261643 Hebrews 6016=3 6 Peter 916?0:. d: Elders are given to the ch rch by the Holy Spirit .,cts 2>127:. e: Great stress is laid pon their d e appointment. .,cts 681203 $it s 619: f: ,t first they were ordained by an apostle. .,cts 68120: g: Later 'h rch g idance was reG ired in s ch appointments. .$it s 6193 6 $imothy 016?=: 4. S alifications .6 $imothy 0 and $it s 6: a: blameless ? yo will be blamed for many things ? ma!e s re they are not tr e. Co m st deal with sin in yo r life. b: be the h sband of one wife or a one?woman man .ie faithf l( not l sting after other women: ? v 66 He may have been legitimately divorced according to script re. c: be vigilant ? clear headed or cool d: be sober ? has self control e: be of good behavio r ? orderly and well co ordinated( respectable f: be hospitable ? always ready to invite people into yo r home g: be !een to teach ? !een to share the "ord of God with them. h: not given to wine ? he sho ld not be addicted to alcohol. i: not be a stri!er ? he m st not be a hot head #: m st not be greedy of filthy l cre ? he m st not be greedy for money. !: m st not be a contentio s arg er l: m st not be coveto s ? m: if married( his wife and children m st be dignified and nder control. n: not a new convert. $rain candidates for ministry as deacons( in S nday Schools and yo th gro ps before appointing them. o: he m st have a good witness to the nbelieving world. =. $he appointment of pastors is described in .6 'orinthians 621273 Ephesians 8166:. 7. $he gift of pastor?teacher is given to men only ? it is not the role of the woman to teach or e%ercise a thority over men in the ch rch 6 $imothy 2162( 6 'orinthians 68108?09. <. Pastoral a thority is not a ca se for boasting( it is based on service with all h mility &ohn 6019 ?6= 2 'orinthians 6>17( Galatians 410?9. $he pastor*s a thority is to teach the "ord of God so that all will see the tr th clearly.
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6>. ,ge is not a barrier 6 $imothy 81<?62. 66. )f the pastor does not f lfil his responsibilities a: He is to be warned( then reb !ed by the elders if he contin es. $it s 2169( 2 'orinthians 6016>( 2 $imothy 812. b: $he Lord will discipline him 6 $imothy 410?9( &ames 916<?2>. 62. $he reward of the pastor. .Hebrews 416>3 6 Peter 918:. 60. Key verses for the pastoral role 6 Peter 918( Ephesians 01=?60( 6 $imothy 2128?24( 016?<( 'olossians 6120?2<( $it s 614?<( 6 $hessalonians 216<( 2>( Hebrews 601=( 6=( 416>. DYING GRACE 6. "e are all here pon the earth as in a strange co ntry3 we are strangers and pilgrims pon the earth( and are not meant to be too comfortable here. Philippians 0162?6=( Hebrews 66160( 6 Peter 2166. 2. Aeath is the strangest thing we confront on this earth3 the weirdness of being her one min te( alive( alert and warm( then a second later( dead( cooling and inert. Aeath is meant to appear strange to s( for it is the evidence before s that we are not permanent inhabitants here( b t simply playing o t a part as we pass thro gh. $his is not a place we are meant to get attached to. /efer Aeath. 0. $he death of believers is a precio s thing to the God who has given his life to save s from the # dgment of sin and death. 6 Sam el 24126( 2 Kings 6160?68( Psalms 8<17( =2168( 664169( 6 Peter 61=( 218. /efer Grace. 8. "e all m st die( b t that is not the end. 2 $imothy 81=?7( Hebrews 66160. $he mat re believer facing death sees thro gh it( to the other side where they meet with the Lord face to face. 6 'orinthians 60162( 2 'orinthians 914?6>. 9. Aying grace is provided to all believers who are loo!ing to their Lord as they die( for his perfect provision for each of s from eternity past has everything we need provided in advance of o r life( let alone o r death itself. $here are no s rprises to God( and all things we face have provision for them there to be claimed by faith. 6 'orinthians 6>160( 2 $hessalonians 010( 2 Peter 21<( & de 28?29. DEUTERONOMY 3/>/?-3. /? A4* 29& LORD )1(* +423 M3)&)A B&93,*A 293+ )91,2 ),&&@ ;(29 29- 6129&7)C 14* 29() @&3@,& ;(,, 7()& +@A 14* =3 1 ;937(4= 162&7 29& =3*) 36 29& )2714=&7) 36 29& ,14*A ;9(29&7 29&- =3 23 5& 1834= 29&8A 14* ;(,, 637)1B& 8&A 14* 57&1B 8- !3'&4142 ;9(!9 I 91'& 81*& ;(29 29&8: /7 T9&4 8- 14=&7 )91,, 5& B(4*,&* 1=1(4)2 29&8 (4 2912 *1-A 14* I ;(,, 637)1B& 29&8A 14* I ;(,, 9(*& 8- 61!& 6738 29&8A 14* 29&- )91,, 5& *&'3+7&*A 14* 814- &'(,) 14* 273+5,&) )91,, 5&61,, 29&8C )3 2912 29&- ;(,, )1- (4 2912 *1-A A7& 432 29&)& &'(,) !38& +@34 +)A 5&!1+)& 3+7 G3* () 432 1834= +)0 /E A4* I ;(,, )+7&,- 9(*& 8- 61!& (4 2912 *1- 637 1,, 29& &'(,) ;9(!9 29&- )91,, 91'& ;73+=92A (4 2912 29&- 17& 2+74&* +423 329&7 =3*): /F N3; 29&7&637& ;7(2& -& 29() )34= 637 -3+A 14* 2&1!9 (2 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&,> @+2 (2 (4 29&(7 83+29)A 2912 29() )34= 81- 5& 1 ;(24&)) 637 8& 1=1(4)2 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&,: 2. F37 ;9&4 I )91,, 91'& 573+=92 29&8 (423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 I );17& +423 29&(7 6129&7)A 2912 6,3;&29 ;(29 8(,B 14* 934&-C 14* 29&- )91,, 91'& &12&4 14* 6(,,&* 29&8)&,'&)A 14* ;1J&4 612C 29&4 ;(,, 29&- 2+74 +423 329&7 =3*)A 14* )&7'& 29&8A 14* @73'3B& 8&A 14* 57&1B 8- !3'&4142: 2/ A4* (2 )91,, !38& 23 @1))A ;9&4 814- &'(,) 14* 273+5,&) 17& 5&61,,&4 29&8A 2912 29() )34= )91,, 2&)2(6- 1=1(4)2 29&8 1) 1 ;(24&))C 637 (2 )91,, 432 5& 637=322&4 3+2 36 29& 83+29) 36 29&(7 )&&*> 637 I B43; 29&(7 (81=(412(34 ;9(!9 29&- =3 153+2A &'&4 43;A 5&637& I 91'& 573+=92 29&8 (423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 I );17&: 22 M3)&) 29&7&637& ;732& 29() )34= 29& )18& *1-A 14* 21+=92 (2 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&,: 23 A4* 9& =1'& 3)9+1 29& )34 36 N+4 1 !917=&A 14* )1(*A B& )2734= 14* 36 1 =33* !3+71=&> 637 293+ )91,2 57(4= 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, (423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 I );17& +423 29&8> 14* I ;(,, 5& ;(29 29&&: 24 A4* (2 !18& 23 @1))A ;9&4 M3)&) 91* 81*& 14 &4* 36 ;7(2(4= 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1; (4 1 533BA +42(, 29&- ;&7& 6(4()9&*A 2$ T912 M3)&) !38814*&* 29& L&'(2&)A ;9(!9 517& 29& 17B 36 29& !3'&4142 36 29& LORDA )1-(4=A 2? T1B& 29() 533B 36 29& ,1;A 14* @+2 (2 (4 29& )(*& 36 29& 17B 36 29& !3'&4142 36 29& LORD -3+7 G3*A 2912 (2 81- 5& 29&7& 637 1 ;(24&)) 1=1(4)2 29&&: 27 F37 I B43; 29- 7&5&,,(34A 14* 29- )2(66 4&!B> 5&93,*A ;9(,& I 18 -&2 1,('& ;(29 -3+ 29() *1-A -& 91'& 5&&4 7&5&,,(3+) 1=1(4)2 29& LORDC 14* 93; 8+!9 837& 162&7 8- *&1290 2E G129&7 +423 8& 1,, 29& &,*&7) 36 -3+7 27(5&)A 14* -3+7 366(!&7)A 2912 I 81- )@&1B 29&)& ;37*) (4 29&(7 &17)A 14* !1,, 9&1'&4 14* &1729 23 7&!37* 1=1(4)2 29&8: 2F F37 I B43; 2912 162&7 8- *&129 -& ;(,, +22&7,- !377+@2 -3+7)&,'&)A 14* 2+74 1)(*& 6738 29& ;1;9(!9 I 91'& !38814*&* -3+C 14* &'(, ;(,, 5&61,, -3+ (4 29& ,122&7 *1-)C 5&!1+)& -& ;(,, *3 &'(, (4 29& )(=92 36 29& LORDA 23 @73'3B& 9(8 23 14=&7 2973+=9 29& ;37B 36 -3+7 914*): 3. A4* M3)&) )@1B& (4 29& &17) 36 1,, 29& !34=7&=12(34 36 I)71&, 29& ;37*) 36 29() )34=A +42(, 29&- ;&7& &4*&*: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) /? /E: $he verses we will e%amine here present s with a challenge that few master in this life. )t is the challenge to !now what is going to occ r( and yet do the thing ordered by the Lord with all yo r might( even tho gh yo !now it will be ignored by the people yo spea! to.
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;oses has been granted a prophetic glimpse of the f t re. He has seen in advance the two falls of &er salem and the terrible s ffering that will come to the people beca se of their apostasy in those f t re generations. He now !nows that the people will t rn away from the tr th he has ta ght( even to a higher degree than the E%od s Generation( for those that see the first destr ction of the nation will strongly resist repentance and only be delivered after a considerable time thro gh the preaching of E5e!iel and the written messages of &eremiah that will arrive in @abylon. God will reinforce this message to ;oses and to &osh a at the handover of a thority at the tabernacle door. He will also ma!e clear that he e%pects their obedience to contin e ntil the end of their own lives. @oth men will be challenged to maintain the strongest preaching of the tr th ntil their own deaths. $hey !now that the people will event ally fail( yet they are to be wholehearted in their desire to try to stop the people failing. $he message here is a reb !e to Ultra?'alvinistic $heology( for the tr th of the destiny of an individ al is not to stop the f ll and open offer of salvation to them. Each individ al will be # dged on the basis of their own response to the message they hear( and o r #ob is to preach the tr thD /evelation 2>162?69. $he people are to be rged to repent and obey the words of the Law they have received from ;oses( for many generations will hear the tr th and obey( and the ones that ref se to obey are to hear the tr th still. $he tr th will be a message of hope and #oy to those who hear it and obey it( b t it will be the odo r of death to those who ref se it. 2 'orinthians 2168?6=( Philippians 816=?67. ;oses and &osh a( and all the servants of the Lord down the cent ries( are to have their eyes on obedience to the Lord( and not to concern themselves with the response of the generation they spea! to. )f that generation repents and lives obediently before the Lord( then the servant of the Lord re#oices( b t if they re#ect the Lord( the servant of God is to contin e standing for the Lord in order that those people might have no e%c se when they stand before Him to be # dged. ,s ;oses passes over the words of the Law to the Levites he has the satisfaction of !nowing that these words will be !ept by the power of God and will wor! thro gh the cent ries bringing salvation to many who repent. He !nows that at the first fall of the city there will be repentance and restoration( and finally these same words he wrote in Ae teronomy will bring repentance to the last generation before the LordIs ret rn to establish His !ingdom. "e are called to( li!e ;oses( draw strength from prophetic tr th. ,ll servants of the Lord are to see the big pict re( not # st the drama being played o t in front of them in their own assembly. /efer bac! to the @$@ st dy G+A H $HE PL,E +- G+A( and also( P/+PHE'C H SESUEE'E +- EEA $);E EJEE$S. Eow the LordIs words to ;oses are straight forward and bl nt( yet there is great enco ragement in the midst of the awf l tr th abo t what will happen. Aeath is referred to as falling asleep and sleeping with yo r fathers( b t this does not mean the @ible teaches a so l sleep( or nconscio s state between the death of a believer and the res rrection. $he LordIs story of the rich man and the beggar La5ar s in L !e 6416<?06( pict res an active afterlife( not a G iet bedroom scene. ,t the point of death the believer sees the Lord receiving them. ,cts =109?04. Aeath is being with the Lord and all the fathers .ancestors of faith li!e ,braham:. Aeath for ;oses is not to be an awf l thing( b t li!e a simple falling asleep at the end of a hard days wor!3 it is to be a simple passing from this life to the ne%t. ,s ;oses has been with the Lord thro gh this life( he is told that he will be ta!en thro gh to the ne%t by the Lord( and be with Him forever. $his is a comfort to a man who had been bro ght p with the pagan Egyptian @oo! of the Aead with all its magic and s perstitio s nonsense abo t the right rit als to ens re a good passage to the afterlife. $here will be no rit als of b rial for ;oses and no f neral over his body( and he is told that s ch things are irrelevant to his destination. /omans 6814?68( 6 'orinthians 60162( 2 'orinthians 914?6>( 2 $imothy 814?7. /efer again to the @$@ st dy AC)EG G/,'E. $he description of the apostasy of the f t re generations is written p as if it is ad ltery. $his is a strong reminder to s that the Lord sees o r rebellion against Him in the strongest terms possible. $here is certainty that serio s rebellion will occ r( b t the time frame is n!nown to ;oses. $he servant of the Lord is still told to serve with all their might( even tho gh the final o tcome for some generations will be the wrath of the Lord. $he Lord will # dge His rebellio s people( and the pastoral leaders are to !now that( and teach it. $he p rpose of the teaching of the faithf l servants of the Lord is so that when the great # dgments come pon the people( they will see that this is indeed from the Lord( and is a p nishment. Having been told the tr th for so many cent ries they will recognise the # dgment as s ch and there is hope then for repentance. $he t rning to other gods is their spirit al ad ltery( and they will pay a terrible price when they do that great evil. $o rebel against the Lord is li!e rebellion against a faithf l h sband. &eremiah 016?0( E5e!iel 64169( 29?2<( Hosea 212?9. $heir p nishment is to be forsa!en by the Lord and left to the tender mercies of their new gods. $heir # dgment will be to face the f ll conseG ences of their evil actions and receive what their new gods giveD $he wages of sin is death( and the enemy( who is behind all the gods( ens res his followers receive their wagesD &eremiah 20100?8>( /omans 4120. V&7)&) /F 2/: ;oses will now be told to sing a song that will s m p the message that he is to leave as his additional legacy to the people to remind them of the vital need to deal with their sin of apostasy. $he Lord will teach ;oses the song and then ;oses is to sing it and write it o t for posterity. )t is a reminder to s that a m lti?media presentation of tr th is sef l( and that all media may be sed to help people hear( nderstand and remember biblical tr th.
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$he people will initially hold to the tr th when facing the adversities of the invasion of the land( b t they will fail the prosperity test. "hen they have received their rewards and are rela%ing nder the grape vines they will grow fat3 both physically and spirit ally they will lose their fitness and become slac!. )n their prosperity they will t rn to the pagan fertility gods. )n their re#oicing they will overflow with wine and be enticed and destroyed by the partying life?style of the pagans. "hen these things occ r this song is to be a testimony against them( and beca se they have been bro ght p singing it they will remember it when the # dgments fall pon them. God !nows their tho ghts( and can see the root of evil even now in this generation. $hey do not hate the evil of Satan nearly eno gh and so the root will grow and event ally control their descendents. "e are to H,$E all forms of paganism and all forms of evil. +nly hatred of the enemy and love for all the things of the Lord will !eep s safe from the enticement of evil. E%od s 6712>?22( Hebrews 61<( & de 20( /evelation 214. V&7)&) 22 23: $he very day the Lord spo!e with him ;oses wrote this song down( and he ta ght it to the children of )srael. )t may be that the Levites made copies immediately for each of the tribal princes so that they all had copies in their gro ps( or that ;oses simply got them to recite this song ntil they all had learned it by heart. $he people of this day were sed to being charged to learn and recite things( and so this was not o t of the ordinary for them( and they wo ld recite a piece ntil it was word perfect. $hat is what the Lord wants( and then for the people to teach their children this by heart for all the generations of )sraelIs life as a nation. )n p blic before the tabernacle the Lord also charges &osh a directly to !eep faith with his tas!ing. &osh a is told to be strong in faith and obedience to all that the Lord directs him to do. He has the same promise from the Lord that we have in ;atthew 2712>. ,s &osh a remains obedient( the Lord promises to be with him ntil the end of his life. $he LordIs presence with s thro gh the testing times of life is to be a comfort in dar! places and an enco ragement thro gh all that the enemy throws at s. Greater is He that is within s( than he that is in the world to oppose sD 6 &ohn 818. He is with s( Hallel #ahD /efer to the @$@ st dy )EA"ELL)EG +- 'H/)S$. V&7)&) 24 27: $here is a time delay ntil ;oses will go p the mo ntain of indeterminate length. He acts as the editor and writer of the last chapters of this boo! before s. +thers may do the final editing before the five boo!s enter the &ewish canon of script re in the days of E5ra and later( b t ;oses is the one who ens res the final form of the Law handed over to the Levites is correct( as the Lord wants it to be. +ne copy of the Law was to be placed within the ,r! of the 'ovenant itself. ,t least one other copy will be o tside the ,r! and will be referred to by the Levites and the $ribal Leaders and & dges for all matters of disp te and for all spirit al g idance. $he Law will be both hidden and open for all to see. $he !eeping of this copy of the Law within the ,r! may acco nt for its acc rate preservation thro gh the years. Even when the copies that were in circ lation got lost or damaged there was always a clean copy within the ,r! for the High Priest to refer to. ;oses does not hold bac! on his warning to the Levites. $hese men are from his own tribe( and were his tr sted allies in many conflicts with the others( b t they have also failed as often as the others. ;oses !nows their wea!nesses and also !nows his own. He !nows the heart of man and he !nows they will not do what they co ld for the Lord 6>>X( and he wants them to be witho t e%c se before the Lord. Psalms 6>0168( Ecclesiastes 012>( 621=( &ohn 2128?29( ,cts =196?90. He also !nows that the fail res of man do not stop the plan of God( nor do the # dgments of God over disobedient men end their chance for blessing. $here is hope while men loo! for the tr th( and repent of their sin and evil. His warning to his brethren is bl nt and powerf l( b t it is necessary. Strong words are reG ired at times( to stop slac!ness and warn of severe conseG ences for those who ignore them. $hey need to get a grip of the plan of God for their lives and energise themselves and strain every fibre of their being to do what the Lord wants them to do. Hebrews 621<?69. V&7)&) 2E 3.: ;oses then calls the Levites to gather all the tribal elders to give them the severe warning he has # st given them. ,ll the leadership is re?gathered and ;oses will give them a severe tal!ing to and warn them strongly abo t their responsibility before the Lord to lead their people in the tr th that has been revealed thro gh him. He will call the heavens and the earth to witness against them if they fail to heed his warnings. He tells them all bl ntly that in latter days their descendents will tterly corr pt themselves with the paganism of the land and they will s ffer great # dgment from the Lord. ;oses ma!es the prophetic word very personal( indicating that it is the sin of the people standing before him that will lead to this. How is this soM $he answer is in the way they stand for tr th( and the way they teach their children. @y their teaching in the home they will set p an attit de within their family towards the tr th of GodIs "ord. )f they are not 6>>X for the Lord( then their children will be less committed than they are( and the spirit al decay will gather moment m down the cent ries( with each generation falling to a lower point than their fathers. /evival will preserve and restore the nation at times( b t there will not be eno gh of that to stop the catastrophes of 974@' and =>,A. ;oses po rs his heart o t to them as all pastors are called to( for we m st feel the pain of the Lord at the foolishness of His children( and rge GodIs people to stand for tr th( and see! with all their hearts to follow the Lord their God all their lives. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS
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6. "e are called to stand for tr th with all o r hearts( and to stand against and H,$E falsehood with all o r hearts. "e need to see the evils that s rro nd s as they tr ly are and hate them with power. -ail re to be totally committed to the tr th and totally opposed to evil will allow s to slip away form the path of safety and tr th. 2. -alling away from the Lord to worship other gods is li!e ,AUL$E/C. "e are to see the satanic alternatives to gen ine faith as the evils they are. $here is to be no compromise with evil( b t nreserved hatred of it. 0. Knowledge of the prophetic f t re is essential for powerf l pastoral ministry. Unless we see the big pict re and !now where history is going we will not have the power and foc s for service in diffic lt times. Let s ens re we teach the prophetic plan of the Lord so that o r people are not conf sed by the events that nfold before their eyes. Let s remember in all o r preaching to leave people with the tr th of the LordIs final victory. Eo believer sho ld ever wal! away from a ch rch meeting with any do bts( fears( or ncertainty abo t who is winning the ,ngelic 'onflictD DOCTRINES GOD PLAN OF GOD See page < PROPHECY SEOUENCE OF END TIME EVENTS See page 40 DYING GRACE See page == CHRISTIAN LIFE INDWELLING OF CHRIST 6. $he prophecy of the indwelling of the Lord &es s 'hrist. .&ohn 68167?2>: 2. $here is a distinction between the indwelling of the Lord &es s 'hrist and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 0. $he Lord &es s 'hrist indwells for fellowship .Galatians 212>:( and a sign of the believer*s position. ./omans 716>: 8. )n contrast the Holy Spirit indwells to teach( g ide( direct( empower and correct. .&ohn 68124( 6417?69( /omans 7166( 6 'orinthians 416<?2>: 9. $he p rpose of the indwelling is that the believer may grow in fellowship with the Lord( learning to !now and love him more. .'olossians 612=( Ephesians 016=?6<: 4. "e fellowship with the Lord within as we allow the Holy Spirit to teach s thro gh the "ord. .&ohn 4140( 7106?02( 'olossians 0164: =. $he indwelling of the Holy Spirit is permanent even tho gh He may be G enched or grieved( b t the Lord &es s 'hrist can be loc!ed o t of the so l by the presence of sin or a negative attit de towards the "ord. .2 'orinthians 6019: 7. "hen the Lord is loc!ed o t( the Holy Spirit convicts the believer( the believer is miserable( with the Lord !noc!ing at the door for admission. .6 &ohn 61<( /evelation 016<?2>: NOTES
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CHAPTER 32
THE SONG OF MOSES DEUTERONOMY 32>/-/4 32>/ G('& &17A O -& 9&1'&4)A 14* I ;(,, )@&1BC 14* 9&17A O &1729A 29& ;37*) 36 8- 83+29: 2 M- *3!27(4& )91,, *73@ 1) 29& 71(4A 8- )@&&!9 )91,, *()2(, 1) 29& *&;A 1) 29& )81,, 71(4 +@34 29& 2&4*&7 9&75A 14* 1) 29& )93;&7) +@34 29& =71))> 3 B&!1+)& I ;(,, @+5,()9 29& 418& 36 29& LORD> 1)!7(5& -& =7&124&)) +423 3+7 G3*: 4 H& () 29& R3!BA 9() ;37B () @&76&!2> 637 1,, 9() ;1-) 17& D+*=8&42> 1 G3* 36 27+29 14* ;(293+2 (4(K+(2-A D+)2 14* 7(=92 () 9&: $ T9&- 91'& !377+@2&* 29&8)&,'&)A 29&(7 )@32 () 432 29& )@32 36 9() !9(,*7&4> 29&- 17& 1 @&7'&7)& 14* !733B&* =&4&712(34: ? D3 -& 29+) 7&K+(2& 29& LORDA O 633,()9 @&3@,& 14* +4;()&0 () 432 9& 29- 6129&7 2912 9129 53+=92 29&&0 9129 9& 432 81*& 29&&A 14* &)215,()9&* 29&&0 7 R&8&85&7 29& *1-) 36 3,*A !34)(*&7 29& -&17) 36 814=&4&712(34)> 1)B 29- 6129&7A 14* 9& ;(,, )9&; 29&&C 29- &,*&7)A 14* 29&- ;(,, 2&,, 29&&: E W9&4 29& M3)2 H(=9 *('(*&* 23 29& 412(34) 29&(7 (49&7(214!&A ;9&4 9& )&@1712&* 29& )34) 36 A*18A 9& )&2 29& 53+4*) 36 29& @&3@,& 1!!37*(4= 23 29& 4+85&7 36 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&,: F F37 29& LORD') @372(34 () 9() @&3@,&C 1!35 () 29& ,32 36 9() (49&7(214!&: /. H& 63+4* 9(8 (4 1 *&)&72 ,14*A 14* (4 29& ;1)2& 93;,(4= ;(,*&74&))C 9& ,&* 9(8 153+2A 9& (4)27+!2&* 9(8A 9& B&@2 9(8 1) 29& 1@@,& 36 9() &-&:// A) 14 &1=,& )2(77&29 +@ 9&7 4&)2A 6,+22&7&29 3'&7 9&7 -3+4=A )@7&1*&29 15731* 9&7 ;(4=)A 21B&29 29&8A 5&17&29 29&8 34 9&7 ;(4=)> /2 S3 29& LORD 1,34& *(* ,&1* 9(8A 14* 29&7& ;1) 43 )2714=& =3* ;(29 9(8: /3 H& 81*& 9(8 7(*& 34 29& 9(=9 @,1!&) 36 29& &1729A 2912 9& 8(=92 &12 29& (4!7&1)& 36 29& 6(&,*)C 14* 9& 81*& 9(8 23 )+!B 934&- 3+2 36 29& 73!BA 14* 3(, 3+2 36 29& 6,(42- 73!BC /4 B+22&7 36 B(4&A 14* 8(,B 36 )9&&@A ;(29 612 36 ,185)A 14* 718) 36 29& 57&&* 36 B1)914A 14* =312)A ;(29 29& 612 36 B(*4&-) 36 ;9&12C 14* 293+ *(*)2 *7(4B 29& @+7& 5,33* 36 29& =71@&: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) / 2: $his is a very formal start to the song and nderlines its significance as a warning to all the people thro gh all their generations. $hey are to hear this and receive it as the thirsty earth drin!s in the water from the heavens. ;oses describes the reception of his words in three ways. $hese ways the earth ta!es in moist re are good analogies to the way we ta!e in @ible doctrine. ,ll three forms of bible st dy are needed by the believer each and every day( and yet most of s have one only( if thatD $he first form of st dy and reception of biblical tr th is the morning dew. $his is the devotional st dy we may do with a verse to meditate pon. $he ne%t form of st dy is the light rain. $his refers to the low level biblical st dy from a simple boo! or sermon we hear. $he last form of st dy is an in depth @ible st dy where we really st dy the "ord and hear all the doctrines associated with the passage st died. $he p rpose of all @ible st dy is that we might grow and be fr itf l in o r spirit al life. @iblical st dy is never for !nowledge alone3 it is always for prod ction. /efer to the @$@ st dy of @)@LE H "+/A +- G+A( and $H)EK)EG @)@L)',LLC. V&7)&) 3 - 4: $he !ey theme of this song is the nchangeable ma#esty and character of the Lord their God. GodIs character will not change( and His faithf lness will be constant and stable thro gh the years. $he people will change and fail( b t their God will not change or fail them. Ae teronomy 8106( 0614?7( &osh a 619( 6 Sam el 62122( )saiah 8616=( Hebrews 6019. $he people may forsa!e the Lord( b t He will not permanently forsa!e them. $hey will be # dged if they wal! away from Him and serve other gods( b t they will not be forsa!en and cast aside( even when as a nation they re#ect their ;essiah. /omans 6616ff. $he ne%t point in history for )srael is her recognition of her ;essiah. $his will occ r in the midst of the Great $rib lation period( at the worst point in her history. Nechariah 6216>ff. $he character of God is in view here and the Lord ses pict res of His character to enco rage ;oses and the people in their faith and tr st in Him. "hen God teaches a man a song li!e this we had better sing it o rselves( for the Lord is revealing Himself here. $he first point to note here is ;oses is singing to p blish the name of the Lord. He see!s to anno nce and praise the name of the Lord and ma!e His name .and therefore His character: !nown to all. God see!s to be !nown by man and o r role is to ma!e Him !nown to all we meet. $he name of the Lord tells s that He is great( and is above all gods. "e are to remember that the Lord is G+A and is above all the powers that were created. "e are not to lower the Lord to any level below who He is3 He is the creator of the niverse. "e are to remember that there are only two categories of being3 the creator and the creation. "e are to
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praise the Lord and remember He is above all created things and beings. Psalms 9=19?66( <910( <=1<( 6>0166( 6>718 ?9( 66018( 60919( Philippians 21<?66. $he ne%t words sed to describe the Lord are powerf l ones that each teaches an attrib te of the 'H,/,'$E/ +G+A( and the PL,E +- G+A. /efer bac! to these @$@ st dies in previo s chapters. -ive characteristics of the character of God are mentioned in this song. 6. He is described as a roc!. $his is a mighty piece of bed?roc! and spea!s of the stability and sec rity of the Lord to His people. $hey are b ilt pon the roc! of stability( that is His person and plan. /efer to the @$@ st dy 'H/)S$?/+'K. 2. His wor! is perfect. $here is no blemish in GodIs wor!( for it flows from a perfect character in accordance with a perfect plan that is b ilt pon complete !nowledge of all the facts of history. 0. ,ll His ways are # st( and He will always # dge all evil in His time. 8. He is absol te tr th( and is opposed to evil. $here is no iniG ity in His character or actions. 9. He is absol tely # st and righteo s in all His dealings. V&7)&) $ ?: $he people of the generation standing before ;oses this day m st tter these words( even tho gh they have been better than their parents. $hey are still g ilty of being disobedient at times and their hearts are not p re before the Lord. $hey m st be ready to admit their sin before the Lord and ac!nowledge their own short comings( for then they can be lifted even higher in their service. ,ll sin acts as a principle of defilement3 a blemish pon the person that changes them from children of God to resemble children of the enemy. $he sin and evil of the f t re generations will change the divine image and ma!e it base( for sin and evil always does this within people who fall into evil and stay there. $he challenge to the people who sing this song is the same as the challenge to those of s now who read it. "e are all to h mble o rselves before the Lord and deal with anything that has separated s from the Lord. /efer to the @$@ st dy '+E-ESS)+E ,EA -+/G)JEEESS( /EPEE$,E'E. )f the people of God do not deal with sin it will act as a destr ctive force within them and drive them steadily into disaster. $hey will become croo!ed and perverse in all their dealings and the res lt of this will be that they destroy themselves by their behavio rs( and then are destroyed by others who come in to ta!e advantage of their wea!ness. "hen people become evil they will discover there are always others more evil than themselves ready to ta!e advantage of them. )n # dgment people often blame God as if He is nfair to them in the things that have happened to them( and yet it is only beca se they have wal!ed away from God that they are being # dged. Hebrews 6219?60. $o wal! away from the Lord is to rob yo rself of the protection His presence with yo provides. )saiah 916?=( E5e!iel 6016?64( Psalms 7<16?6<( Hosea 214?=( 018?9. V&7)&) 7 - F: $here is a need to remember the past or its sins will be repeated. ,s the historian says( $hose who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. $his is the negative side of the iss es that flow from a good !nowledge of history( b t in verse seven ;oses tells them to hold to the positive side of the !nowledge of history( and recall the great deliverances of the Lord. $he people are challenged to spea! to their elders and hear the great stories from them of the goodness of God in the past( and the plan of God as it stretches into the f t re. )t is lac! of so nd !nowledge of the past and f t re doings of God that destroy people3 for !nowledge is protective if it is applied into daily life. Hosea 816?66. $he ne%t two verses are startling in their significance. $he Lord tells ;oses that all the national gro ps pon the earth have been assigned their place pon the earth in direct relationship to the n mber of )sraelites. He is told that the place of )srael is central in the history of man!ind( and their role is to finally be the leader of the nations. $his is why any hatred of )srael and actions ta!en against them will bring # dgment pon the nation or individ als who attac! them. ,ll thro gh history those who ab se )srael are # dged( and they will be ntil the LordIs ret rn to r le from )srael. $he prophecies of @alaam are a reminder of this fact. E mbers 20?28. /efer to the @$@ st dy ,E$)?SE;)$)S;. V&7)&) /. /2: $he nation )srael is the apple of GodIs eye and those who attac! her attac! the Lord most directly. $his fact has not changed since the 'ross as some 'ovenant $heologians have arg ed. /omans 6616ff. $he ch rch replaces )srael in the plan on a temporary basis( b t the Lord ret rns to r le from &er salem not Eew Cor! or /ome. $he Lord has chosen )srael( and thro gh them He will accomplish His plan for history. $he Lord has led them thro gh the wilderness and g ided them to safety each and every time they have strayed into danger( b t t rned to Him for help. $he Lord has been li!e the eagle in His protection over His people. $hey have been !ept safe in the high nest( and when the time came for them to fly they have been gently edged o t of the nest and felt the wind nder their wings. $he Lord has been li!e the patient mother eagle to assist His own people to fly high and e%perience the freedom and grande r of the plan of God wor!ing o t thro gh them. $hey have flown with the eagles in the plan of the Lord God. )saiah 8>12=?06. $hey face the daily choice3 to fly li!e the eagle( or follow other gods and be eaten p li!e a pl mp chic!en by the pagan nations aro nd them. V&7)&) /3 /4: $he great blessings of the land that they will en#oy are theirs beca se they are with the Lord( and the LordIs blessing is with them. $hey will be a leader amongst the nations nder Aavid and Solomon and they will be blessed with the physical prod ce of the land above and beyond what others even thin! is possible. $here will be
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richness in desert places( and #oy in the midst of all the land if they will only live as the Lord directs them to live and t rn from the evil religions of the nations aro nd them. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. Let s ens re that we ta!e in the "ord of the Lord every day3 that we wet the gro nd of o r so l with the rains of the tr th of God every day. )f the people of God are ignorant of the plan and p rposes of God they cannot serve the Lord. $he teaching of the "ord of God is cr cial to the spirit al power of the people of God. "itho t a so nd !nowledge of the "ord the Holy Spirit will not be as active in the believer as He wants to be( for the Holy Spirit wor!s thro gh the "ord. 2. God remains stable and faithf l3 it is only man who changes thro gh the days. GodIs stability is o r g arantee of blessing if we wal! with Him( for blessing flows directly from His character. $he first principles for spirit al power are those that teach the character of God. $he closer we wal! to the Lord the more power and comfort we e%perience. 0. )sraelIs history is at the centre of the plan of God for man!ind. )srael remains the centre of world events today and will do so ntil the Lord personally ret rns to deliver them from the invasion of the land in the midst of the Great $rib lation period. Let s stand with )srael and !eep the Gospel message flowing in their direction within a &ewish conte%t. )srael will be saved3 we have GodIs "ord on this and we play o r part by o r clear preaching of tr th now. DOCTRINES BIBLE WORD OF GOD HEBREWS 4>/2 8162 -or the "ord of God is G ic! and powerf l( sharper than any two edged sword( piercing even to the dividing as nder of the so l and the spirit( and of the #oints and marrow( and is a discerner of the tho ghts and intents of the heart. How powerf lly this verse points o t the marvello s wor! of the "ord of God in o r lives. $he word tr ly c ts s abo t if we let it loose within o r hearts and minds. $his is GodIs p rpose. Eote the characteristics of the "ord of God here1 6. )t is always living. /eligion and its way of life is dead( b t GodIs "ord is alive( and ma!es the hearer alive and able to en#oy life. &ohn 6>16>. 2. )t is powerf l. )t is energetic in the so l( always achieving its desired res lts once it is let loose in the so l of the believer. Power is only effective when the switch is t rned one( and we m st ens re that the filling of the Holy Spirit is operational .no nconfessed sin in o r life and the @ible open before s: so that GodIs power is able to channel thro gh s. 0. GodIs "ord then will do its wor! and it is sharp as a sword. $he "ord c ts thro gh to the tr th and shows s how we m st sort o t o r life. 8. )t is compared to the short fighting sword of the /oman ,rmy( the machaira. $his was a weapon that revol tionised warfare( for the soldier was never off balance when sing it( and was able to defeat an enemy with a far larger weapon. )t was designed to thr st straight thro gh an enemy to their heart or head( and that is what GodIs "ord does3 it penetrates o r very life. 9. GodIs "ord pierces s and gets to the real iss es straight away( right to #oints and marrow. $his was the way in the ancient world that yo said( it gets to( the heart of the matter. 4. )t separates s from misconceptions( and from the errors of thin!ing that so easily lead s astray from the path of tr th( be they emotional attachments.heart:( or false categories of thin!ing.mind:. =. $he word is a discerner. GodIs "ord alone lets s see o r motivation and its implications( and lets s see( as an ast te critic does( e%actly what we have forgotten or fallen short in. )t corrects s in both the thin!ing and the emotions( correcting facts and will3 showing s if o r love has grown cold( or o r thin!ing slac!D THIN#ING BIBLICALLY See page 29 GOD CHARACTER OF GOD See page =6 GOD PLAN OF GOD See page < CHRIST ROC# 6. 'hrist is the roc! of salvation. .E%od s 6=16?=( 6 'orinthians 6>18: 2. 'hrist is the roc! of # dgment. .)saiah 716 8( 6 Peter 217:
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0. 'hrist is the roc! of provision. .)saiah 2410( 8: $ho wilt !eep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee beca se he tr steth thee. $r st ye in the Lord forever for in the Lord is the roc! of ages. 8. 'hrist is the fo ndation roc!. .)saiah 27164( Psalm 667122: 9. 'hrist is the fo ndation roc! of the 'h rch. .;atthew 64164( 67( 6 'orinthians 0166( Ephesians 212>?22: 4. 'hrist is the destroying roc! of the Second ,dvent. .Aaniel 2109: CHRISTIAN LIFE CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS See page 09 CHRISTIAN LIFE REPENTANCE 6. $wo words are translated repentance in the Eew $estament1? a: ;etanoia ? ;E$, ? to change( E+), ? the mind( which means to change one*s opinion or mind abo t something or someone. b: ;eta ;elamai ? to feel sorry for ? an emotional reaction beca se of acts nderta!en. 2. /epentance in salvation is to change one*s attit de toward the person and wor! of 'hrist. .L !e 6010(9( 691=( 6>( 6410>( 0 6( ,cts 6=10>( 06( 2>12 6( /omans 218( 2 Peter 01<: 0. /epentance is sed in salvation mainly for the &ews. $he &ews had seen 'hrist as a great teacher( a wise man( a prophet. $hey repented and now recognised him as the Son of God. )n the case of the Gentiles( the word believe is sed. .,cts 6410 6: as they had no previo s ideas abo t the person of 'hrist. 8. $he -r it of ;eta ;elamai( s ch as penance and sorrow does not save. e.g. & das repented of his actions and went to eternal damnation. 9. However( Godly sorrow wor!s repentance. .2 'orinthians =17?66: 4. $he Holy Spirit is responsible for repentance in salvation. .6 'orinthians 2168( &ohn 6417?66: )t convicts of sin( righteo sness and # dgment. =. $he @eliever is told to repent from dead wor!s or h man good. 7. "hen God repents it is symbolic .Genesis 414( E%od s 02168( & dges 2167( 6 Sam el 69109( &eremiah 6914( ,mos =10( 4( Hebrews =126: ANTI-SEMITISM See page 88 DEUTERONOMY 32>/$-3. 32>/$ B+2 &)9+7+4 ;1J&* 612A 14* B(!B&*> 293+ 172 ;1J&4 612A 293+ 172 =73;4 29(!BA 293+ 172 !3'&7&* ;(29 6124&))C 29&4 9& 637)33B G3* ;9(!9 81*& 9(8A 14* ,(=92,- &)2&&8&* 29& R3!B 36 9() )1,'12(34: /? T9&@73'3B&* 9(8 23 D&1,3+)- ;(29 )2714=& =3*)A ;(29 1538(412(34) @73'3B&* 29&- 9(8 23 14=&7: /7 T9&- )1!7(6(!&* +423 *&'(,)A 432 23 G3*C 23 =3*) ;938 29&- B4&; 432A 23 4&; =3*) 2912 !18& 4&;,- +@A ;938 -3+7 6129&7) 6&17&* 432: /E O6 29& R3!B 2912 5&=12 29&& 293+ 172 +48(4*6+,A 14* 91)2 637=322&4 G3* 2912 6378&* 29&&: /F A4* ;9&4 29& LORD )1; (2A 9& 159377&* 29&8A 5&!1+)& 36 29& @73'3B(4= 36 9() )34)A 14* 36 9() *1+=92&7): 2. A4* 9& )1(*A I ;(,, 9(*& 8- 61!& 6738 29&8A I ;(,, )&& ;912 29&(7 &4* )91,, 5&> 637 29&- 17& 1 '&7- 673;17* =&4&712(34A !9(,*7&4 (4 ;938 () 43 61(29: 2/ T9&- 91'& 83'&* 8& 23 D&1,3+)- ;(29 2912 ;9(!9 () 432 G3*C 29&- 91'& @73'3B&* 8& 23 14=&7 ;(29 29&(7 '14(2(&)> 14* I ;(,, 83'& 29&8 23 D&1,3+)- ;(29 293)& ;9(!9 17& 432 1 @&3@,&C I ;(,, @73'3B& 29&8 23 14=&7 ;(29 1 633,()9 412(34: 22 F37 1 6(7& () B(4*,&* (4 8(4& 14=&7A 14* )91,, 5+74 +423 29& ,3;&)2 9&,,A 14* )91,, !34)+8& 29& &1729 ;(29 9&7 (4!7&1)&A 14* )&2 34 6(7& 29& 63+4*12(34) 36 29& 83+421(4): 23 I ;(,, 9&1@ 8()!9(&6) +@34 29&8C I ;(,, )@&4* 8(4& 1773;) +@34 29&8: 24 T9&- )91,, 5& 5+742 ;(29 9+4=&7A 14* *&'3+7&* ;(29 5+74(4= 9&12A 14* ;(29 5(22&7 *&)27+!2(34> I ;(,, 1,)3 )&4* 29& 2&&29 36 5&1)2) +@34 29&8A ;(29 29& @3()34 36 )&7@&42) 36 29& *+)2: 2$ T9& );37* ;(293+2A 14* 2&7737 ;(29(4A )91,, *&)273- 5329 29& -3+4= 814 14* 29& '(7=(4A 29& )+!B,(4= 1,)3 ;(29 29& 814 36 =71- 91(7): 2? I )1(*A I ;3+,* )!122&7 29&8 (423 !374&7)A I ;3+,* 81B& 29& 7&8&85714!& 36 29&8 23 !&1)& 6738 1834= 8&4> 27 W&7& (2 432 2912 I 6&17&* 29& ;7129 36 29& &4&8-A ,&)2 29&(7 1*'&7)17(&) )93+,* 5&91'& 29&8)&,'&) )2714=&,-A 14* ,&)2 29&- )93+,* )1-A O+7 914* () 9(=9A 14* 29& LORD 9129 432 *34& 1,, 29(): 2E F37 29&- 17& 1 412(34 '3(* 36 !3+4)&,A 4&(29&7 () 29&7& 14- +4*&7)214*(4= (4 29&8: 2F O 2912 29&- ;&7& ;()&A 2912 29&- +4*&7)233* 29()A 2912 29&- ;3+,* !34)(*&7 29&(7 ,122&7 &4*N 3. H3; )93+,* 34& !91)& 1 293+)14*A 14* 2;3 @+2 2&4 293+)14* 23 6,(=92A &J!&@2 29&(7 R3!B 91* )3,* 29&8A 14* 29& LORD 91* )9+2 29&8 +@0 REFLECTIONS V&7)&) /$ /7: $he great sin of )srael will be their idolatry thro gh the years. $hese verses ma!e it clear that the gods of the nations are act ally devils. $he stat es of the gods of the pagan nations are simply the visible
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manifestations of satanic religio s systems. /efer bac! to the @$@ st dies of S,$,EIS S$/,$EGC ,EA $,'$)'S and /EL)G)+E. )dolatry is spirit al ad ltery and anything li!e it is to be hated by GodIs people. $he enemy is to be seen as the evil one he is( and all his wor!s are to be hated. $he prosperity of the land and the richness of the people will ma!e them slac! concerning spirit al things. $hey will adopt easy religion and that is SatanIs specialty. Since the bloodless offering of 'ain and the m rder that followed it( Satan has rged men to follow the easy downhill path of pleas re. Genesis 816?7( ;atthew =160?68. $he Lord calls s to the narrow path of obedience to His plan and the readiness to s ffer hardship at times. He does not want s to grow fat( b t be fit( strong and healthy for His service. "e are to adopt the mentality of the soldier thro gho t o r time on the earth and be as ready as we can be for active service at all times. "e are to be alert and responsive to o r LordIs orders and are not to !ic! against the doctrines and demands of o r holy God. $o treat the Lord as of no acco nt is foolishness in the e%treme( and to lightly esteem the Lord of salvation is to ins lt the sacrifice of the Lord. Hebrews 6>127?06. $o despise the @lood shed pon the 'ross( and ins lt the wor! of the Lord for the salvation of man!ind is a serio s thing. &eremiah 21<?6=( 24?0=( 016?64. $his is what the &ewish people who re#ect the Lord are presently g ilty of now( and it is why their repentance will be so powerf l when it occ rs. $hey will see the terrible evil they have done and the great sin of their ancestors in all its awf lness. Nechariah 6216>ff. $hey will be forgiven in that day and restored to their f ll place in the plan of God. $he Lord is waiting for that day and o r #ob is to prepare for it by preaching the tr th to the &ewish peopleD V&7)&) /E 2.: ;oses spea!s to these people before him as if they are todayIs generation of &ewish people( and this is beca se the song he sings here from the Lord is for the yet f t re generation that will repent. ,s a nation they have been b ilt pon the great roc! of GodIs character and p rpose( and yet they have wandered away from their only so rce of stability and so ght new things that are false and deadly. God made them and they have forgotten their ma!er. $hey have made a choice and the Lord stands bac! from them to see how their choice will nfold. $hey have no faith that is real and so their lives depend pon the falsehood they have selected instead of the tr th. $hey have no hope nless they see the tr th and f lly and openly repent. &eremiah 8168?22( &ames 81=?7. V&7)&) 2/ 22: $hey will provo!e the Lord to anger and #ealo sy d e to their spirit al ad ltery( and so the Lord will provo!e them to #ealo sy as a nation by His selection of the Gentiles for His plan to advance. $he despised gentiles will be selected by the Lord to provo!e the )sraelites to #ealo sy as they see that with obedience to the Lord( even the Gentiles can be blessed and sed in the plan. $he &ewish people will see over time( thro gh the blessing that comes pon the Gentiles thro gh faith( that it is their obedience( not their election that is the g arantee of their salvation and f t re blessing. /omans <129ff( 6>16<?26( 66166?69( 6 Peter 21<?6>. $his is happening right now .2>>7: as ) write these words( as George @ sh( the present president of the United States spea!s to the )sraeli Knesset. $he leader of the largest 'hristian nation( made p of the peoples of all the old nations( spea!s to )srael and )srael is reminded that their sec rity and s rvival depend pon the despised gentiles. $he fire of the LordIs # dgment will b rn pon )srael with great heat ntil they repent of their evil heart towards him. ,s ) revise these words in 2>66 the new US, President +bama is threatening )srael( and all b t ordering them to give p land for peace .read attac! by their enemiesD:. $heir t rning away from the Law of ;oses and the love of the Lord their God will ca se all calamities to come pon them and these things will contin e ntil they repent( and the good news is( according to the prophetic words of Script re( they will repent and be restored to f ll blessing and leadership of the nations. Until that day they will s rvive as a people( only nder GodIs grace( and with gentile s pport( so that they can be restored and blessed when they repent. Ae teronomy 8128( <10( Hebrews 6212<. V&7)&) 23 2?: $he anger of the Lord will b rn hot towards those who have eagerly so ght the comfort and immorality of paganism rather than training in godliness and serving in holiness. $he LordIs great anger will be shown in the two great falls of &er salem( in 974 @' and => ,A. Even the pagan servants of Eeb chadne55ar saw that the collapse of the &ewish people was a # dgment. &eremiah 8>16?4. $he # dgments of the Lord thro gh the years since these events have contin ed to be severe pon His people beca se of their persistence in their sin of re#ection of their ;essiah( and their clinging to the words of men rather than the words of God. $hey read the living words of God thro gh ;oses and the prophets in the synagog e( b t are only allowed to interpret them thro gh the words of dead /abbis. $he hedge they have b ilt aro nd the words of God to ;oses and the prophets is now so high( few see thro gh it at all( and so the tr th is b ried in the words of the men who re#ected the Lord( their ;essiah. $he res lt has been the dispersal of the people to the fo r corners of the earth. Eone now remember their glory days nder Aavid and Solomon( and all see a people nder # dgment( yet protected by God for some yet f t re p rpose. V&7)&) 27 3.: $he main reason for the hand of the Lord being over them in both # dgment and then their protection( is so that the pagan nations do not ta!e credit for this as if they have done the wor!. $he Lord is determined that He alone will be blamed for what happens to )srael( and that all nations will see in their fate and destiny the hand of God alone. $he nation of )srael will be seen by all as a nation witho t its tr e so l and witho t spirit al intelligence. $hey will do baffling things and all will loo! pon them and see that only GodIs hand protects them from obliteration by their enemies. $he world will see that they are being !ept( and in the latter days of the Great $rib lation they will repent and be restored to blessing.
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PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. Have we met o r obligation to the Lord as individ als and a local ch rchM $o what do ) refer in this G estionM ) refer to o r obligation to proclaim the tr th to )srael and to all &ewish people everywhere. "e are to prepare the day for their repentance( as &ohn the @aptist did for the LordIs arrival. Let s proclaim the tr th abo t the Lord &es s 'hrist so that when the dar! days come the people !now who it is they are to bow down and pray. 2. ,re we living as soldiers of the Lord todayM ,re we !eeping fit and healthy and are we ready to go anywhere and do anythingM $his is not a call to try to do things that age or infirmity ma!es impossible at o r age or stage in life( b t it is a challenge to be as healthy and fit as we can be for the LordIs wor!. Eo believer sho ld be s ffering from any illness or debility that we have ca sed o rselves by o r bad eating( poor fitness ro tines( or spirit al slac!ness. Let s commit o rselves to the mental attit de of the soldier( and train each day for service( not be sloth li!e in slac!ness. 0. $he gods of the nations are demons. Let s remember that fact and hate all appearance of evil and avoid all entanglement with demonic religio s forces. "e are to hate the evils of Satan and stand for tr th in the midst of evil. DOCTRINES SATAN'S STRATEGY AND TACTICS See page 98 RELIGION See page 64 DEUTERONOMY 32>3/-$2 32>3/ F37 29&(7 73!B () 432 1) 3+7 R3!BA &'&4 3+7 &4&8(&) 29&8)&,'&) 5&(4= D+*=&): 32 F37 29&(7 '(4& () 36 29& '(4& 36 S3*38A 14* 36 29& 6(&,*) 36 G3837719> 29&(7 =71@&) 17& =71@&) 36 =1,,A 29&(7 !,+)2&7) 17& 5(22&7> 33 T9&(7 ;(4& () 29& @3()34 36 *71=34)A 14* 29& !7+&, '&438 36 1)@): 34 I) 432 29() ,1(* +@ (4 )237& ;(29 8&A 14* )&1,&* +@ 1834= 8- 27&1)+7&)0 3$ T3 8& 5&,34=&29 '&4=&14!& 14* 7&!38@&4!&C 29&(7 6332 )91,, ),(*& (4 *+& 2(8&> 637 29& *1- 36 29&(7 !1,18(2- () 12 914*A 14* 29& 29(4=) 2912 )91,, !38& +@34 29&8 81B& 91)2&: 3? F37 29& LORD )91,, D+*=& 9() @&3@,&A 14* 7&@&42 9(8)&,6 637 9() )&7'142)A ;9&4 9& )&&29 2912 29&(7 @3;&7 () =34&A 14* 29&7& () 434& )9+2 +@A 37 ,&62: 37 A4* 9& )91,, )1-A W9&7& 17& 29&(7 =3*)A 29&(7 73!B (4 ;938 29&- 27+)2&*A 3E W9(!9 *(* &12 29& 612 36 29&(7 )1!7(6(!&)A 14* *714B 29& ;(4& 36 29&(7 *7(4B 366&7(4=)0 ,&2 29&8 7()& +@ 14* 9&,@ -3+A 14* 5& -3+7 @732&!2(34: 3F S&& 43; 2912 IA &'&4 IA 18 9&A 14* 29&7& () 43 =3* ;(29 8&> I B(,,A 14* I 81B& 1,('&C I ;3+4*A 14* I 9&1,> 4&(29&7 () 29&7& 14- 2912 !14 *&,('&7 3+2 36 8- 914*: 4. F37 I ,(62 +@ 8- 914* 23 9&1'&4A 14* )1-A I ,('& 637 &'&7: 4/ I6 I ;9&2 8- =,(22&7(4= );37*A 14* 8(4& 914* 21B& 93,* 34 D+*=8&42C I ;(,, 7&4*&7 '&4=&14!& 23 8(4& &4&8(&)A 14* ;(,, 7&;17* 29&8 2912 912& 8&: 42 I ;(,, 81B& 8(4& 1773;) *7+4B ;(29 5,33*A 14* 8- );37* )91,, *&'3+7 6,&)9C 14* 2912 ;(29 29& 5,33* 36 29& ),1(4 14* 36 29& !1@2('&)A 6738 29& 5&=(44(4= 36 7&'&4=&) +@34 29& &4&8-: 43 R&D3(!&A O -& 412(34)A ;(29 9() @&3@,&> 637 9& ;(,, 1'&4=& 29& 5,33* 36 9() )&7'142)A 14* ;(,, 7&4*&7 '&4=&14!& 23 9() 1*'&7)17(&)A 14* ;(,, 5& 8&7!(6+, +423 9() ,14*A 14* 23 9() @&3@,&: 44 A4* M3)&) !18& 14* )@1B& 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() )34= (4 29& &17) 36 29& @&3@,&A 9&A 14* H3)9&1 29& )34 36 N+4: 4$ A4* M3)&) 81*& 14 &4* 36 )@&1B(4= 1,, 29&)& ;37*) 23 1,, I)71&,> 4? A4* 9& )1(* +423 29&8A S&2 -3+7 9&172) +423 1,, 29& ;37*) ;9(!9 I 2&)2(6- 1834= -3+ 29() *1-A ;9(!9 -& )91,, !38814* -3+7 !9(,*7&4 23 35)&7'& 23 *3A 1,, 29& ;37*) 36 29() ,1;: 47 F37 (2 () 432 1 '1(4 29(4= 637 -3+C 5&!1+)& (2 () -3+7 ,(6&> 14* 2973+=9 29() 29(4= -& )91,, @73,34= -3+7 *1-) (4 29& ,14*A ;9(29&7 -& =3 3'&7 37*14 23 @3))&)) (2: 4E A4* 29& LORD )@1B& +423 M3)&) 2912 )&,6)18& *1-A )1-(4=A 4F G&2 29&& +@ (423 29() 83+421(4 A517(8A +423 83+42 N&53A ;9(!9 () (4 29& ,14* 36 M315A 2912 () 3'&7 1=1(4)2 &7(!93C 14* 5&93,* 29& ,14* 36 C14114A ;9(!9 I =('& +423 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, 637 1 @3))&))(34> $. A4* *(& (4 29& 83+42 ;9(29&7 293+ =3&)2 +@A 14* 5& =129&7&* +423 29- @&3@,&C 1) A1734 29- 57329&7 *(&* (4 83+42 H37A 14* ;1) =129&7&* +423 9() @&3@,&> $/ B&!1+)& -& 27&)@1))&* 1=1(4)2 8& 1834= 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, 12 29& ;12&7) 36 M&7(519#1*&)9A (4 29& ;(,*&74&)) 36 H(4C 5&!1+)& -& )14!2(6(&* 8& 432 (4 29& 8(*)2 36 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&,: $2 Y&2 293+ )91,2 )&& 29& ,14* 5&637& 29&&C 5+2 293+ )91,2 432 =3 29(29&7 +423 29& ,14* ;9(!9 I =('& 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&,: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) 3/ 33: $he cr mbling roc! of the pagans is not the solid roc! of God. $he co nterfeiter is Satan himself and he wor!s to deceive( destroy( and distract people from the tr th by clever co nterfeits. "e are to be wise in discernment and separate o rselves from even every appearance of evil. ;atthew 6>164( 2 'orinthians 2166. "e are to hate and resist the enemy and his wor!s with s ch foc sed power that he is not able to deceive s( for the Holy Spirit shows s the tr th G ic!ly in all sit ations( and we stand against evil immediately. "e are to see that the #oy of the pagans is the #oy of evil and immorality. $heir wine is poisoned and will !ill all who drin! of it. $hey are li!e the evil men and women of Sodom and Gomorrah( who believed they co ld do anything they li!ed( and whose behavio rs became as evil as their gods were. Pagan religion !ills all its adherents in the end( and all believers are to hate every aspect of it with all their hearts and minds. /efer bac! to the @$@ st dies on /EL)G)+E and '+UE$E/-E)$S +S,$,E( S,$,E H ,AJE/S,/C( S,$,E*S S$/,$EGC ,EA $,'$)'S. V&7)&) 34 3?: Jerse 08 has been the s b#ect of debate thro gh the years as to its e%act meaning. Later prophets and writers of script re refer to this verse in two ways. Hosea refers to it to identify that the sins of the people are hidden when they repent of their evil and t rn bac! to the Lord. Hosea 601<?62. $he psalmist in Psalms 60<164
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refers to this verse indicating that the Lord has a boo! in which He records the names of His saints and that these people are sec re in the Lord( and that the deeds of all man!ind are written and !nown from the beginning of the creation. God is the God of history and all the secrets of man are !nown to God( for He is the beginning and the end. Psalms 60<164( Aaniel =1<?66( ;alachi 0164?67. )f we let the prophets interpret the prophets( as we are told to do( then both these points are to be ta!en as the LordIs reference here. 6 'orinthians 68102( 6 Peter 616>. /efer to the @$@ st dies( G+A H A)J)EE AE'/EES( PL,E +- G+A( +nly God has all the facts abo t the creation( for it is his creation( and only God has all the facts abo t the tho ghts and actions of all man!ind( for He alone has the power to !now s ch things. ,ll other beings are created beings( not the creator. "hen we come to doctrines li!e the two referred to above we come face to face with o r limits as creat res before o r creator. Even Satan is a creat re. He is powerf l( b t not all powerf l( and so he has not the power to defeat the ma!er of all things and beings. $he niverse is held together by the very mind of God( so if God is !illed the creation will nravel. $his is why the very notion of the death of God is a piece of nonsense. +nce yo nderstand yo r place as a creat re before the creator( and in h mility accept yo r place these things will fall into place( and Satan will be seen for what he tr ly is. )t is only appropriate( given the fact of GodIs omniscience( that to Him alone vengeance belongs( for only God has all the facts pon which to ma!e any final # dgment. )n the Aay of & dgment God will be absol tely fair and # st. $he Lord will bring # dgment pon all who have rebelled against the tr th and hate it( and He will be mercif l and forgiving to all who are His servants. Eotice that the believers are called servants of the Lord. )t is a reminder that the faith that is real will always wor! o t in daily service( and that the person who claims to be a believer( yet does nothing for the Lord( is not a believer at allD , faith that does not wor! o t in action is no faith at all. &ames 2168?24. Eotice again( that to the Lord alone belongs the right to vengeance pon the evil ones. $he )sraelites will be told to !ill the evil 'anaanites b t that was an e%ceptional sit ation( and no men are a thorised to ta!e # dgment into their own hands regarding evil today( . nless it is within a # dicial framewor! for the safety of society /omans 6018:( for the Lord alone is the one to # dge f lly and finally. /omans 6216<( Hebrews 6>10>( /evelation 6<169?26. $he on?going # dgment pon )srael will contin e ntil the Lord is finished with His people and they have come bac! to Him to see! repentance from their ma!er and Savio r. ,s we read these sad verses we can be heartened by the words of the prophet Nechariah( and remember that the remnant of the nation )srael will be delivered into the ;illenni m in latter days. V&7)&) 37 3F: ,s the people are # dged thro gh history the Lord will as! of them( where is their confidence nowM He will nderline the reasons for their # dgment( and remind them that it is their paganism that has led to their near destr ction. $hey tr sted in the roc! of paganism b t it will cr mble nder them when the Lord # dges them. $hey po red o t drin! and blood offerings to these pagan deities( and the Lord will moc! them in that day and as! where these gods are( who will accept the sacrifices of men( and yet not perform their d ty to protect them. $he point is clear of co rse( for the gods .demons: are nable to protect the people who serve them when the tr e God moves against them. Aemons can only protect their followers from other demons and even then not very effectively. $here is no tiny god with the Lord when He # dges. $here is no person or power that can deliver man from the hand of God when He # dges. He stands alone and # dges with a thority( power and ma#esty. He is the one who gives and ta!es life and there is none who can deliver man o t of His hands. He is the !ing and Lord. Ae teronomy 416?<( Ae teronomy 06162?60( /evelation 6<. /efer to the @$@ st dy 'H/)S$ H P/+PHE$( P/)ES$ ,EA K)EG( 'H/)S$ H /+'K V&7)&) 4. 43: $he day will come when the Lord does lift p his hand to the heavens. $his was the signal of a !ing to his army to la nch their attac! pon their enemies. ;any commentators refer to the ta!ing of an oath here( for men wo ld lift their hand to heaven to ta!e and oath( b t the primary reference here is dealing with those who are enemies( and it is the action of a !ing( not an ordinary man( that is in view here. $he Lord has not # dged the entire earth f lly and finally yet( b t His delay is not slac!ness( b t grace and mercy. $he earth was once # dged by water( in the great flood( and a remnant from one family was saved. $he earth will ne%t be # dged by fire at the LordIs ret rn( and all who are of the remnant of faith will be delivered thro gh that time. 2 Peter 010?<. $he terrible and final # dgment that will come pon all the earth is prefig red in the # dgment pon the nation )srael thro gh the cent ries. "hat history shows s has already happened to )srael will happen to all people who re#ect the Lord and His wor! for them. $he thoro ghness of the LordIs # dgment pon )srael is an e%ample to all the Gentile nations of how thoro gh the Lord will be with them on His ret rn. $he Lord will come as the righteo s # dge of the earth. His parable of the man who left his servants in charge of his vineyard and then finally ret rned to demand a ret rn from what they had been given is told to remind s that the Lord God will finally reG ire of s all a report on what we have done with the lives He has gracio sly given s. ;atthew 26100?88. $he Lord did not come the first time to # dge( b t to save( however He made it very clear that this offer was for a limited time( and then man!ind wo ld be held to acco nt for their response to His person and His mission. He will # dge the earth( b t show mercy to the land of )srael and the people there that have accepted His lordship. Nechariah 60?68. &es s will # dge the earth on His ret rn( and on that day the time for repentance will have r n o t for those still alive. &ohn 7169?
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64( 6218=?87( ,cts 6>182( /omans 2164( 2 $imothy 816?7( Hebrews 6>10>( /evelation 6<166. /efer to the @$@ st dy &UAG;EE$ H @,P$)S; +- -)/E. V&7)&) 44 47: ;oses and &osh a both sang this entire song to the assembled people of )srael. ,nd when they had finished singing this to the people( ;oses formally warned them of the serio sness of nderstanding( believing( and applying these words into their lives. $he response reG ired was a deliberate one. $hey had to deliberately set their hearts and minds to obey the words of the Lord. $hey had to ma!e a conscio s choice and do what the Lord reG ired of them. He reminded them that s ch obedience wo ld not be witho t great reward( for it wo ld lead to spirit al blessing and life and #oy. )f they believe the words of the song and obey the words of the Law they will enter the land( sei5e the land and en#oy the land. )f they re#ect the warnings contained in this song then they will fail to obtain what God was giving them and it wo ld event ally pass to others. V&7)&) 4E $2: ,fter completing this song ;oses receives the call of the Lord to go p the mo ntain by the camp and there to see the land( and there to die. He has not got the time for long drawn o t tearf l farewells and long valedictories( for the best end to his life is the singing of this song with &osh a. He will bless the people before he goes( and they will weep for him( b t he is going to let their response to him be their obedience to the Lord. His time to die has come and it is witho t sadness on his part that he climbs steadily p ;t Eebo. ,s ,aron died on ;t Hor so ;oses will die pon this mo ntain( and both will be re? nited with their godly ancestors thro gh the doorway of death. Eotice that death is described as re nion( not the so l sleeping. $he body appears to be sleeping( b t the person is gathered to their ancestors. $o be gathered to the ancestors is to be together with( in fellowship( all those who died in faith before yo . ;oses is reminded by the Lord that he is going to die o tside the land as a p nishment for not doing what he was told in the "ilderness of Nin( b t he accepts this and he is than!f l to the Lord that the # dgment was not immediate( and that he is going to be allowed to see the land from the mo ntain top. ;oses records this word from the Lord so that all the f t re generations of )sraelites can see that even the most choice servant of the Lord( li!e ;oses( m st still abide by the standards that the Lord sets. ;oses death is a reminder that the Lord does not play favo rites( and all are held acco ntable for their sins( b t in His # dgments the Lord is gracio s to those who repent and serve Him. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. $he Lord o r God is presently gracio s towards s and we do not receive the p nishment for sin and evil that we deserve. $he challenge for s all is to celebrate the forgiveness of the Lord( and p t on the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. )saiah 4610. "ith this clear ass rance( let s also remember that when the Lord ret rns ne%t time it will be to # dge all man!ind and He will show no mercy then to those who have despised His person and wor!. ;an is either with Him or against Him( and finally the day comes for decision( and no man will escape that day. "e m st preach # dgment( beca se it is the flip side of the Gospel message and men need to hear and nderstand it. L !e 2012<?06. 2. Aeath is the doorway thro gh which all b t the last generation of believers will pass to #oin those who have gone before s. Let s teach more on death( so that believers have hope and confidence in their f t re with the Lord. 0. "e are either b ilt pon the solid roc! that is 'hristIs person and wor!( or we are sitting on the cr mbling roc!s of satanic deception. Let s gro nd o rselves in the roc!( and ens re that all who hear s preach feel that ass rance of the /+'K beneath them. /efer to the @$@ st dy on E$E/E,L SE'U/)$C. DOCTRINES RELIGION See page 64 ANGELS COUNTERFEITS OF SATAN 6. Aoctrine of Aemons .6 $imothy 816: 2. 'omm nion $able .6 'orinthians 6>12>?26: 0. ;inisters .2 'orinthians 66162?69: 8. Gospel .2 'orinthians 6610?8: 9. Spirit ality .Galatians 012?0: 4. /ighteo sness .;atthew 6<164?27: =. Power .2 $hessalonians 217?6>: 7. Gods .2 $hessalonians 210?8: <. /eligions .;atthew 20: SATAN ADVERSARY 6. S'/)P$U/E Genesis 03 )saiah 683 E5e!iel 273 ;atthew 83 /evelation. 2. @)+G/,PHC Satan is the most bea tif l creat re ever to be created by God. He is an angel who rebelled against God before the creation of man .)saiah 68162?69:. +riginally he was the covering angel( the personal attendant of &es s 'hrist in the very throne room of God. Unli!e God( Satan is a created being and as s ch can only be in one place at any one time. He is attended by a vast n mber of angels .called demons: who have given him nswerving allegiance. ,fter the creation of
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man( he tempted ,dam and Eve to be as gods and to !now good and evil by disobeying God. Satan then became the r ler of this world .Genesis 016?=:. He attac!ed the h man race in many ways prior to the birth of &es s 'hrist. $hro gho t &es s 'hrist*s life( Satan attac!ed the Lord. Since 'hrist*s victory at the cross he attac!s believers. Satan still has access into heaven where he acc ses the brethren. Halfway thro gh the trib lation period Satan is thrown o t of heaven ./evelation 621=?<:. $his ca ses him to intensify his attac! on the h man race. A ring the millenni m he is confined to the bottomless pit( allowing a perfect environment on the earth ./evelation 2>16?0:. ,fter a brief rebellion at the end of the millenni m ./evelation 2>1=?6>:( Satan is condemned to the eternal la!e of fire which was created for the devil and his angels. 0. EJ,LU,$)+E Satan is called1 a: $he destroyer ./evelation <166:. b: $he acc ser of the brethren ./evelation 6216>:. c: $he adversary .6 Peter 917:. d: @eel5eb b( prince of devils .;atthew 62128:. e: $he deceiver of the whole world ./evelation 621<:. f: $he great dragon ./evelation 621<:. g: ,n enemy .;atthew 60127(2<:. h: $he wic!ed one .;atthew 6016<(07:. i: $he father of lies .&ohn 7188:. #: $he god of this world .2 'orinthians 818:. !: , m rderer .&ohn 7188:. l: $he prince of the power of the air .Ephesians 212:. m: $he r ler of this world .&ohn 621063 6810>:. n: $he ancient serpent ./evelation 621<:. o: $he tempter .;atthew 8103 6 $hessalonians 019:. p: , blinder of minds .2 'orinthians 818:. G: , roaring lion .6 Peter 917:. 8. P/)E')PLES a: @elievers are in 'hrist and therefore in a position of s premacy over Satan ./omans 710=:. b: Satan was defeated at the cross once and for all .'olossians 2168(69:. c: He can therefore only se devices and schemes( trying to convince the believer that he can still win the battle against God. d: Satan( thro gh religion( tries to get man to wor! independently from God. e: , 'hristian o t of fellowship can promote principles proposed by Satan .;atthew 817?6>3 ;ar! 7100:. f: Satan will se Script re slightly changed( or added to( to try and conf se believers and lead them astray .;atthew 810? 6>3 cf. Psalm <6166(62:. g: )f Satan the adversary is resisted he will flee from yo .&ames 81=:. h: Knowledge and application of the Script res is essential in nderstanding the wiles of the devil .Ephesians 4166 :. SATAN'S STRATEGY AND TACTICS See page 98 GOD DIVINE DECREES 6. $his is the term in theology that refers to the plan of God coming to s from eternity past. )t means that the Lord God( o r heavenly -ather( has had a plan from eternity past .before time and space were made: and that plan has been decreed to be the plan for this niverse( and that this plan is as certain as there was a beginning to this niverse( and that there will be an end. $ho gh the niverse will end( the plan of God( as it came from before the niverse( contin es on in its effect after this niverse is ended and has been replaced by the new one. 2 Peter 016>?60( /evelation 26167. 2. $he plan centres on the person and wor! of the second person of the $rinity3 it centres aro nd the person of &es s 'hrist. Ephesians 618?4( 6 &ohn 0120. 0. Entrance into the plan of God is dependent pon grace. $he sovereignty of God e%pressed in the divine decrees he has made abo t the plan( meet manIs free will at the 'ross. Grace U faith T salvation. @y saving people by grace( GodIs perfect holy character is not compromised by the transaction. Eo?one is saved by wor!s( for there is nothing that a creat re of space and time can do to impress the creator of space and time( nor is there anything that sin can do to impress or press re holiness. &ohn 0164?04( Ephesians 217?<. 8. GodIs plan for this niverse is designed in s ch a way that every event is decreed3 his plan incl des all ca ses( conditions( and o tcomes( there is no real contingency that has not been foreseen and planned for from before time. ,ll this has been achieved in accordance with the holy p rposes of God( yet witho t violating h man volition( manIs free will. $he niverse is one of both freewill and determinism. S ch a contradiction e%ists only in o r minds( limited as they are by space and time. $his plan is far greater than o r minds can comprehend( for it was made by the creator of space and time( who lives and moves and has his being beyond s ch limitations of tho ghts and realities. "hen we consider this doctrine of decrees( we enter a realm beyond o r dimension( and far above and beyond any space travel fantasies of man. ,cts 2120( /omans 712<( 6 Peter 612.
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9. GodIs plan comes from his entire character( not # st fore!nowledge. )t has been drawn p with no violation of manIs free will choices( for which each is held responsible. $he o tcomes are certain beca se of the divine decrees that ma!e them so( yet the people within the plan have the freedom to choose and no?one before the throne of the creator will be able to say( ) had to fall3 yo predestined me toD Each will be # dged by their wor!s( freely chosen( and by their re#ection of the Lord( freely done. /evelation 2>166 H 2616. 4. Eeither 'alvinism nor ,rminianism in their theologies capt re the f ll magnit de of the divine decrees( for both try to e%plain in the h man terms of( sovereignty( fore!nowledge and free will( yet the reality of the Plan of God comes from beyond all s ch time and space limited concepts. $his doctrine is bigger than o r limited minds and lang ages( and it behoves all who disc ss this to recognise their limits as they spea! of s ch things as this. How can a thing be certain and yet also freely doneM , momentIs reflection gives s the answer once we thin! abo t different perspectives on an event3 from time and non?time. $he only reason people have diffic lty with s ch things is beca se most have not been trained in philosophy of science or physics. =. "henever Pa l disc ssed these things he sang of them3 if we nderstand the tr th abo t the greatness of the character and plan of God we will still be baffled over this( while we live in time( b t we will go on o r way re#oicing. ,cts 710<( Galatians 418( Hebrews 014. /efer ELE'$)+E( 'H,/,'$E/ +- G+A( E$E/E)$C. GOD PLAN OF GOD See page 88 CHRIST PROPHETA PRIESTA AND #ING &ESUS $HE P/+PHE$ 6. ;oses predicted the coming of a perfect prophet( f lfilled in &es s .Ae teronomy 67169?6<( ,cts 012>?20: 2. &es s claimed he was a prophet. .&ohn =164( 7127( 6218<?9>: 0. - lfilled predictions a: His death and res rrection .;atthew 64126( &ohn 216<: b: $he destr ction of &er salem .;atthew 2816?2( L !e 6<186?88: c: $he Gentile domination of )srael .L !e 2612>?28: d: $he &ewish dispersion .;atthew 28108: e: $hat the script res wo ld s rvive .;atthew 28109: &ESUS $HE P/)ES$ 6. , priest is a man who represents other men before God( so that sinf l man can have relationship with a holy God .Hebrews 916:. $he priest made propitiation for the sins of the people. .Hebrews 216=( Hebrews 6>162: and also made intercession for the people 2. ,s a high priest( 'hrist offered a perfect sacrifice to God to remove sin for all time ? His own body .Hebrews <124:. 0. He also offers intercessory prayer for s .Hebrews =120?29: at the right hand of the -ather. 8. 'haracteristics1? a: He was divinely appointed .Hebrews 918?6>: b: He is perfect .Hebrews =124?27: c: He is mercif l and faithf l .Hebrews 216=: d: He is sympathetic .Hebrews 8168?64: e: He is everlasting .Hebrews =120?29: f: He is o r advocate .6 &ohn 216: 9. @eca se of o r nion in the @ody of 'hrist( every believer is a priest .6 Peter 21<:. "e have direct access to God the -ather .;atthew 2=196( Hebrews 8164:. $herefore( o r lives are to be a living sacrifice ./omans 6216: of praise .Hebrews 60169:( giving .Hebrews 60164: and obedience .Hebrews 6016=:. &ESUS $HE K)EG 6. ,t the second advent &es s 'hrist will come as King( as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. .6 $imothy 4169: a: His Kingdom ? +n earth .&eremiah 2019( /evelation 6<166?64:. His !ingdom is called the !ingdom of heaven( beca se of its heavenly character( b t it is clearly on earth. b: His 'apital ? &er salem .Psalm 214: c: )ts E%tent ? $he whole world. .Psalm =214?66( )saiah 212?0( Aaniel =160?68( Nechariah 712>?20: d: "hen ? He will regather believing )srael after the Great $rib lation and will reign on earth for 6(>>> years. ./evelation 6<166?64( Nechariah 6816?8(<. /evelation 2>18?4: 2. 'haracteristics of the Kingdom1 a: Universal Peace .)saiah 218( ;icah 812?0:
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b: Universal Prosperity .;icah 818?=: c: /ighteo s and & st r le .Psalm =212?=( )saiah 661<: d: "orldwide in e%tent .Psalm =214?7: e: Glorio s .Psalm =216=?6<: f: Everlasting .Aaniel =160?68( L !e 6102?00( /evelation 66169: g: Uplifting of the nder privileged .Psalm =212?8(62?68: 0. 'hrist*s r le on earth will terminate with the Great "hite $hrone & dgment ./evelation 2>166?69:. He delivers the !ingdom to the -ather( .6 'orinthians 69128: th s commencing the eternal r le of 'hrist. .6 'orinthians 69127: CHRIST ROC# See page 70 UDGEMENT BAPTISM OF FIRE 6. $he @aptism of -ire is mentioned in 0 passages? .;atthew 0166?623 28104?86( L !e 0164?6=( 2 $hessalonians 61=?7:. 2. )t refers to the # dgment and removal of all nbelievers from the earth at the Second ,dvent. )n this way( only believers who s rvive the $rib lation( and res rrection saints( will enter the ;illennial Kingdom. 0. $here are parables of the baptism of fire in1 .;atthew 60128?0>( 04?80: ? .$he "heat and the $ares: .;atthew 6018=?9>: ? .$he Good and @ad -ish: .;atthew 2916?60: ? .$he $en Jirgins: 8. $he &ewish baptism of fire is mentioned in .E5e!iel 2>108?87( )saiah 6129?24( ;atthew 01=?62: 9. $he Gentile baptism of fire in .;atthew 29106?84: .the sheep and the goats: 4. ,t the baptism of fire the boo!s that are opened in .Aaniel =16>: are the ones that contain the names of nbelievers who have accepted the strong del sions from Satan d ring the $rib lation .2 $hessalonians 2166?62: CHRISTIAN LIFE ETERNAL SECURITY 6. "hen a person tr ly tr sts &es s 'hrist for salvation( he is saved forever. He cannot lose his salvation. 2. P+S)$)+E,L ,PP/+,'H ./omans 7107?0<: "e are nited with 'hrist .Qin 'hristQ:. ,bsol tely nothing can separate s from the love of God which is in 'hrist. 0. L+G)',L ,PP/+,'H ./omans 7102( /omans 9: ,s nbelievers we are enemies of God ./omans 9:( as believers we are his children. )f he did the most for his enemies what will he do for his childrenM $his e%cl des loss of salvation for he saved s while we were his enemies. 8. G+A*S H,EAS ,PP/+,'H .&ohn 6>127( Psalm 0=128: Eeither shall anyone sei5e them o t of my hand. God is all powerf l. 9. EFPE/)EE$),L ,PP/+,'H .2 $imothy 2162?60: )f we deny 'hrist He is going to deny s rewards .conte%tTs ffering and rewards:. )f we reno nce Him( HE /E;,)ES -,)$H-UL. $he believer is in 'hrist and 'hrist indwells the believer. He cannot deny Himself. 4. $HE -,;)LC ,PP/+,'H .Galatians 0124( &ohn 6162: "hen yo believe in 'hrist yo are born again as a child of God. Co cannot be nborn( once a child always a child. =. $HE )EHE/)$,E'E ,PP/+,'H .6 Peter 618?9: "e have an inheritance incorr ptible( ndefiled which fadeth not away( reserved in heaven for s who are !ept by the power of God. Perfect tense ? it will always be reserved( since it is !ept by God( not s. 7. $HE S+JE/E)GE$C ,PP/+,'H .2 Peter 01<( & de 28: He is not willing that any sho ld perish ? refers to the whole h man race .2 Peter 01<: Eow nto him who is able to !eep yo from falling .from perishing:. +nce yo are saved( it is His will that yo don*t perish. <. $HE @+AC ,PP/+,'H .6 'orinthians 62126( 'olossians 6167: 'hrist is the head( we are the members of the body. )f any are lost( the body of 'hrist is incomplete. 6>. $HE G/EEK $EESE ,PP/+,'H .Ephesians 217?<: Q-or by Grace are ye savedQ. Perfect tense of the verb Qso5oQ. -or by Grace have yo been saved in the past so that yo go on being saved forever. 66. $HE SE,L)EG ;)E)S$/C +- $HE H+LC SP)/)$ ,PP/+,'H .2 'orinthians 6122( Ephesians 6160( 810>:
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)n the ancient world the seal was a g arantee for protection. $he indwelling of the Holy Spirit g arantees o r sec rity. NOTES
CHAPTER 33
INTRODUCTION @efore he heads p the mo ntain to die ;oses will give a blessing to the people in the patriarchal manner. $his was written down and copied into the te%t( possibly by &osh a( or more li!ely by one of the Levites who had charge of the man script of the Law at the time. $his becomes the pen ltimate chapter of Ae teronomy and appropriately so. )t is introd ced as an addition to the boo! by the scribe who inserts it. )n the first verse the scribe ma!es observations for later generations on the character and heart of ;oses in his service( and then records the heart of the blessing. Eot every word in the blessing was necessarily recorded( and this may be an abbreviation of what he said( b t ) do not believe .with the liberal commentators: that this is a later invention. $his feels li!e the heart of a real speech of a real man into a sit ation that was niG e( and reG ired a special speech to seal it. ;oses will say ,men to this speech by wal!ing slowly p the hill o t of the sight of the people. DEUTERONOMY 33>/-2F 33>/ A4* 29() () 29& 5,&))(4=A ;9&7&;(29 M3)&) 29& 814 36 G3* 5,&))&* 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, 5&637& 9() *&129: 2 A4* 9& )1(*A T9& LORD !18& 6738 S(41(A 14* 73)& +@ 6738 S&(7 +423 29&8C 9& )9(4&* 63729 6738 83+42 P1714A 14* 9& !18& ;(29 2&4 293+)14*) 36 )1(42)> 6738 9() 7(=92 914* ;&42 1 6(&7- ,1; 637 29&8: 3 Y&1A 9& ,3'&* 29& @&3@,&C 1,, 9() )1(42) 17& (4 29- 914*> 14* 29&- )12 *3;4 12 29- 6&&2C &'&7- 34& )91,, 7&!&('& 36 29- ;37*): 4 M3)&) !38814*&* +) 1 ,1;A &'&4 29& (49&7(214!& 36 29& !34=7&=12(34 36 1!35: $ A4* 9& ;1) B(4= (4 &)9+7+4A ;9&4 29& 9&1*) 36 29& @&3@,& 14* 29& 27(5&) 36 I)71&, ;&7& =129&7&* 23=&29&7: ? L&2 R&+5&4 ,('&A 14* 432 *(&C 14* ,&2 432 9() 8&4 5& 6&;: 7 A4* 29() () 29& 5,&))(4= 36 +*19> 14* 9& )1(*A H&17A LORDA 29& '3(!& 36 +*19A 14* 57(4= 9(8 +423 9() @&3@,&> ,&2 9() 914*) 5& )+66(!(&42 637 9(8C 14* 5& 293+ 14 9&,@ 23 9(8 6738 9() &4&8(&): E A4* 36 L&'( 9& )1(*A L&2 29- T9+88(8 14* 29- U7(8 5& ;(29 29- 93,- 34&A ;938 293+ *(*)2 @73'& 12 M1))19A 14* ;(29 ;938 293+ *(*)2 )27('& 12 29& ;12&7) 36 M&7(519C F W93 )1(* +423 9() 6129&7 14* 23 9() 8329&7A I 91'& 432 )&&4 9(8C 4&(29&7 *(* 9& 1!B43;,&*=& 9() 57&297&4A 437 B4&; 9() 3;4 !9(,*7&4> 637 29&- 91'& 35)&7'&* 29;37*A 14* B&@2 29- !3'&4142: /. T9&- )91,, 2&1!9 1!35 29- D+*=8&42)A 14* I)71&, 29- ,1;> 29&- )91,, @+2 (4!&4)& 5&637& 29&&A 14* ;93,& 5+742 )1!7(6(!& +@34 29(4& 1,217: // B,&))A LORDA 9() )+5)214!&A 14* 1!!&@2 29& ;37B 36 9() 914*)C )8(2& 2973+=9 29& ,3(4) 36 29&8 2912 7()& 1=1(4)2 9(8A 14* 36 29&8 2912 912& 9(8A 2912 29&7()& 432 1=1(4: /2 A4* 36 B&4D18(4 9& )1(*A T9& 5&,3'&* 36 29& LORD )91,, *;&,, (4 )16&2- 5- 9(8C 14* 29& L37* )91,, !3'&7 9(8 1,, 29& *1- ,34=A 14* 9& )91,, *;&,, 5&2;&&4 9() )93+,*&7): /3 A4* 36 3)&@9 9& )1(*A B,&))&* 36 29& LORD 5& 9() ,14*A 637 29& @7&!(3+) 29(4=) 36 9&1'&4A 637 29& *&;A 14* 637 29& *&&@ 2912 !3+!9&29 5&4&129A /4 A4* 637 29& @7&!(3+) 67+(2) 573+=92 63729 5- 29& )+4A 14* 637 29& @7&!(3+) 29(4=) @+2 63729 5- 29& 8334A /$ A4* 637 29& !9(&6 29(4=) 36 29& 14!(&42 83+421(4)A 14* 637 29& @7&!(3+) 29(4=) 36 29& ,1)2(4= 9(,,)A /? A4* 637 29& @7&!(3+) 29(4=) 36 29& &1729 14* 6+,4&)) 29&7&36A 14* 637 29& =33* ;(,, 36 9(8 2912 *;&,2 (4 29& 5+)9> ,&2 29& 5,&))(4= !38& +@34 29& 9&1* 36 3)&@9A 14* +@34 29& 23@ 36 29& 9&1* 36 9(8 2912 ;1) )&@1712&* 6738 9() 57&297&4: /7 H() =,37- () ,(B& 29& 6(7)2,(4= 36 9() 5+,,3!BA 14* 9() 9374) 17& ,(B& 29& 9374) 36 +4(!374)> ;(29 29&8 9& )91,, @+)9 29& @&3@,& 23=&29&7 23 29& &4*) 36 29& &1729> 14* 29&- 17& 29& 2&4 293+)14*) 36 E@971(8A 14* 29&17& 29& 293+)14*) 36 M141))&9: /E A4* 36 H&5+,+4 9& )1(*A R&D3(!&A H&5+,+4A (4 29- =3(4= 3+2C 14*A I))1!917A (4 29- 2&42): /F T9&- )91,, !1,, 29& @&3@,& +423 29& 83+421(4C 29&7& 29&- )91,, 366&7 )1!7(6(!&) 36 7(=92&3+)4&))> 637 29&- )91,, )+!B 36 29& 15+4*14!& 36 29& )&1)A 14* 36 27&1)+7&) 9(* (4 29& )14*: 2. A4* 36 G1* 9& )1(*A B,&))&* 5& 9& 2912 &4,17=&29 G1*> 9& *;&,,&29 1) 1 ,(34A 14* 2&17&29 29& 178 ;(29 29& !73;4 36 29& 9&1*: >2/ A4* 9& @73'(*&* 29& 6(7)2 @172 637 9(8)&,6A 5&!1+)& 29&7&A (4 1 @372(34 36 29& ,1;=('&7A ;1) 9& )&12&*C 14* 9& !18& ;(29 29& 9&1*) 36 29& @&3@,&A 9& &J&!+2&* 29& D+)2(!& 36 29& LORDA 14* 9() D+*=8&42) ;(29 I)71&,: 22 A4* 36 D14 9& )1(*A D14 () 1 ,(34') ;9&,@> 9& )91,, ,&1@ 6738 B1)914: 23 A4* 36 N1@921,( 9& )1(*A O N1@921,(A )12()6(&* ;(29 61'3+7A 14* 6+,, ;(29 29& 5,&))(4= 36 29& LORD> @3))&)) 293+ 29& ;&)2 14* 29& )3+29: 24 A4* 36 A)9&7 9& )1(*A L&2 A)9&7 5& 5,&))&* ;(29 !9(,*7&4C ,&2 9(8 5& 1!!&@215,& 23 9() 57&297&4A 14* ,&2 9(8 *(@ 9() 6332 (4 3(,: 2$ T9)93&) )91,, 5& (734 14* 571))C 14* 1) 29- *1-)A )3 )91,, 29- )27&4=29 5&: 2? T9&7& () 434& ,(B& +423 29& G3* 36 &)9+7+4A ;93 7(*&29 +@34 29& 9&1'&4 (4 29- 9&,@A 14* (4 9() &J!&,,&4!- 34 29& )B-: 27 T9& &2&741, G3* () 297&6+=&A 14* +4*&74&129 17& 29& &'&7,1)2(4= 178)> 14* 9& )91,, 297+)2 3+2 29& &4&8- 6738 5&637& 29&&C 14* )91,, )1-A D&)273- 29&8: 2E I)71&, 29&4 )91,, *;&,, (4 )16&2- 1,34&> 29& 63+421(4 36 1!35 )91,, 5& +@34 1 ,14* 36 !374 14* ;(4&C 1,)3 9() 9&1'&4) )91,, *73@ *3;4 *&;: 2F H1@@- 172 293+A O I)71&,> ;93 () ,(B& +423 29&&A O @&3@,& )1'&* 5- 29& LORDA 29& )9(&,* 36 29- 9&,@A 14* ;93 () 29& );37* 36 29- &J!&,,&4!-N 14* 29(4& &4&8(&) )91,, 5& 63+4* ,(17) +423 29&&C 14* 293+ )91,2 27&1* +@34 29&(7 9(=9 @,1!&): REFLECTIONS
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V&7)&) / $: $he first thing yo notice is the poetic nat re of this blessing .better seen as a prayer for blessing for each tribe: pon the twelve tribes gathered before ;oses. )t is a prayer for blessing that any ,rab today wo ld recognise as one of a man of the wilderness places( who has spent time alone with his creator and whose main foc s in life is pon his relationship with the one who made him. )t is a doctrine pac!ed blessing also( and it has primary foc s pon the entry into the land of 'anaan( and the immediate needs of the tribal armies. He mentions three mo ntains in this blessing3 Sinai .Horeb:( Seir .Edom:( and Paran .the mo ntains aro nd what is now !nown as ;t Sinai:. $he movement of the eyes of ;oses is not from the "est to the East( for then the mo ntains wo ld be o t of order( b t from the East to the "est( which was the normal way these peoples spo!e of things. He also mentions the mo ntains of Paran( which are now called the mo ntains of Sinai. 'hec! the maps at the bac! of yo r @ible and yo will see that ;t Seir is Edom( and is in between ,rabia and Sinai( and as it is the middle mo ntain mentioned it is between Sinai and Paran( with one to the east and one to the west of it. $his is a f rther piece of evidence that the real ;o nt Sinai .Horeb: is in ,rabia( not the presently named Sinai Penins la. "e m st !eep remembering that the present names for some biblical places were given G ite late in history( and what is named as ;t Sinai today was identified as s ch only by the ch rch in the fo rth cent ry of o r era( even tho gh Pa l had made it clear that ;t Sinai was in ,rabia. Galatians 8122?2=. $he Lord God literally flashed forth his glory aro nd each of these three mo ntains. $he Lord appeared to the people in fire and clo d and came with the glory of 6>(>>> angels. $his is the verse that leads the /abbis( and early ch rch( to believe that the angels played a big part in the transmission to man of the ;osaic Law. Galatians 016<?2>( Hebrews 216? 6>. /emember the term saints means set apart ones. )t is a term that refers to a dedicated service f nction that we share with the angels3 we are called to be the LordIs set apart servants( # st as the elect angels are. /efer to the @$@ st dies H ,EGELS( 'H/)S$),E L)-E H SE/J)'E( G+A H SHEK)E,H GL+/C. $he Law is referred to as a fiery law. $he ;osaic Law came with fire on the mo ntain to s ch an e%tent that the people tho ght ;oses was s rely dead p there. E%od s 6<167?29( 0216. $he glory of the Lord when the Lord spo!e to ;oses prod ced ama5ing signs and wonders that provo!ed fear and awe amongst the people. $hey saw that their God was a cons ming fireD &ohn 6916?7( L !e 6>160ff( Hebrews 6>106( 62127?2<. $he Law was given to be the # dge of man!ind and the schoolmaster to bring the people to the place where they recognised their ;essiah who wo ld complete the Law in His person and wor!. Galatians 016>?2<. /efer to the @$@ st dies( ;+S,)' L,"( 'H/)S$ H ;EA),$+/SH)P( S,'/)-)'E( 'H/)S$ $CPES H ;+SES( '+E$/,S$ @E$"EEE ;+SES ,EA 'H/)S$( and P,SS+JE/. V&7)& 297&& reminds s that even thro gh a time of # dgment the believer can always see the love of God for them( which is eG al to His love for the angels who serve Him. $he fact that the Lord is # dging s proves His care and concern for s3 that we might be corrected and so receive His blessing. Hebrews 6219?69. "e are sec re in the love of God for s. /efer to the @$@ st dies( G+A H '+;-+/$ -+/ @EL)EJE/S( -,)$H-ULEESS +- G+A( G+A ',/ES -+/ C+U. "e are in the hand of God at all times. &ohn 4104?8>( 6>129?0>( /omans 7106?0<( 2 $imothy 2166?60. $he people e%pressed their faith and love in the Lord by sitting down and hearing the words that came from God thro gh ;oses. $hey showed by two things that they respected and loved the Lord their God3 by hearing and believing His words. $his is the way we show love and concern for the Lord( by o r tho ghtf l obedience to all He says. $he Lord is the !ing of His people. )t is He who ta!es fallen &acob and ma!es him )srael H the prince of God. )n their nity with the Lord in obedience to His Law the )sraelites are called again &esh r n H literally the righteo s nation ? before the Lord. $he Lord has bo nd together the tribes in nity nder His a thority( b t that nity will prove to be fragile( and when the people fall away from God the tribes will go their own way. $he Law is their inheritance and their bond of nity3 if they embrace obedience to it they will be great( b t if they re#ect it they will nravel as individ als and as a nation. Ae teronomy <129?2<. $he blessings of ;oses pon the tribes are to be compared with those of their ancestor &acob( for ;oses will go well beyond the words of &acob and his will bear little resemblance to them. $his is another piece of evidence for ;osaic a thorship of this chapter( as a later writer( recording what they tho ght wo ld have been said( wo ld have followed the tribal order of &acobIs blessing and wo ld tie the blessings in together( and probably also tie them into their own conte%t. "hat we find is a totally different pict re that is very specific to the entry of the tribes into the land. 'ompare the words of ;oses with those of &acob in Genesis 8<16?27. ,lso refer over to the E@'", 'ommentary on E5e!iel 87( for there the prophet records the allocation of land in the ;illennial Kingdom and the tribal order is different again( and the parcels of land differ significantly. V&7)& ?: /e ben is the oldest of &acobIs sons. He lost his r lership birth?right d e to his se% al sin with his fatherIs conc bine @ilhah. Genesis 09122( 8<16?8. /e ben is a pict re of lost opport nities d e to his lac! of control in the se% al area( altho gh he redeemed himself a little by his attempt to save &oseph. Genesis 0=126ff. &acobIs blessing of /e ben is not a blessing at all( for he notes bl ntly yo will not e%celD Let s compare the blessing of ;oses pon the tribe that bore /e benIs name thro gh the wilderness years. &acob had told /e ben that he wanted him and his descendents to shrin! into insignificance beca se of the sin of their father( b t ;oses prays for the opposite o tcome over this tribe3 that they might grow n merically and sei5e their inheritance in the land and hold it with their great n mbers. $he tribe of /e ben has received and will receive blessing from the Lord
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thro gh their obedience to the Law( and stands before ;oses in mighty battle array to hear this blessing pon them. $he c rsing of &acob over their ancestor is t rned to blessing by ;oses. /omans 7127. V&7)& 7: $he blessing pon & dah is also G ite different to that of &acob over them( and occ rs o t of the birth order of the sons of &acob( b t reflects the reality of the blessing of &acob. &acob had identified that & dah will r le( and from & dah will come the great !ing to r le over them all. Genesis 8<17?62. $he shortness of the blessing pon & dah is a ma#or arg ment against the liberals who believe that this was written in a later day to amplify the claim of AavidIs line to r lership. Had that been so ) wo ld have e%pected a n mber of verses here( not # st one verse. Eotice the words here and their meaning. & dah wo ld lead in battle to sei5e the land( and so the prayer of ;oses is for the soldiers of & dah to all ret rn alive to their wives and families after the battles. He f rther prays that they might have eno gh soldiers to do the wor!( and that they may prosper in their battles. )t is another reminder of the immediate application of ;oses blessing( or prayer( for them all to prosper in the invasion of 'anaan and be victorio s in their fight. V&7)&) E //: $he tribe of Levi receives special and longer mention that the others. $his is to be e%pected( as it is ;oses own tribe( and they had charge over the tabernacle and the ,r!( and so they held the role of the g ardians of the LordIs tr th and wor!. )t is another reminder that these words are from the time of ;oses( not the later days of the !ings( as the emphasis is pon the immediate prayer needs of the tribes as they enter the land of 'anaan. ,t this point let s pa se and reflect pon the entire concept of a blessing. "e are not a thorised to bless people in the LordIs name( b t we are given the e%ample here from ;oses to reG est blessings from the Lord pon people in need. "e are to bless people in two ways. -irstly let s be a blessing to others thro gh o r ministry( o r words( and o r life( and so bless them thro gh all o r dealings with them. Secondly( let s pray for blessing pon all people we meet( that the Lord may have His way with them. Eotice the specific blessings ;oses prays to come pon his tribe of Levi. He prays that they may be g ided by Urim and $h mmim. $hese stones in the High PriestIs breastplate were sed in some way to receive g idance directly from the Lord. $his is an indication that the tribe of Levi( as the # dges of the nation( were a thorised to refer all matters to the High Priest for decision( and that they were to be g ided by the Lord alone in all their dealings with the other tribes. $hey were to be the mo th of God and say the things that were tested by Urim and $h mmim only. $he tribe of Levi had its rebels on the wilderness #o rney( b t the ma#ority t rned away from their own family members when they disobeyed( and b ried them( and moved on with ;oses and ,aron( standing for God. E%od s 6=16?=( Levitic s 6>16?=( E mbers 6216ff( 6416ff( 2>16?60. ;oses praises them for their standing for the Lord( and enco rages them to contin e to val e the "ord of God ahead of their own parents( and hold to the Lord( even if they have to b ry their !in again. $heir devotion to the words of God is to be ahead of any family ties. $heir role was to minister all the holy things on behalf of the other tribes( and they were to do these things faithf lly and thoro ghly. $hey were to be the priests( the # dges and the teachers of the people. $hey were responsible for these things before the Lord. $his is the standard the Lord sets for all who wo ld follow Him. L !e 68129?0>. ;oses prayer for them is for their wor! to be acceptable to the Lord( and for them to be protected by the Lord( and !ept safe from enemies in their service. $his is to be o r daily prayer for all o r own wor! also. /omans 6216?2( Philippians 8167( 6 $imothy 918. ;oses also prays that they might be prospered in their wor! in their fields and trades( so that they may have all the material things they need to serve and feed their families. $hey will not have inheritance in the land of )srael b t they will receive towns and the area aro nd them for their animals and crops. Even tho gh they have no title in the land( ;oses prays that they might receive prosperity in all they do there. +nce again there is a message here for s. $he Lord will always provide eno gh for s to achieve what it is that He wants s to do. "e have pon this earth no contin ing city. Hebrews 60160?69. "e do not stay here permanently( and so we are not to be emotionally attached to the things of this world. &ohn 69167?6<( 6=162?29( 2 $imothy 816>( 6 &ohn 2169?6=. /efer to the @$@ st dies( "+/LA( "+/LAL)EESS. V&7)& /2: $he tribe of @en#amin is mentioned ne%t. ;oses is referring to the tribes in no immediately apparent order here( altho gh ) believe that ;oses has gro ped the initial tribes in a prophetic order( and the latter ones in the order of their sei5ing of the land. Let s pa se and reflect pon this. He has beg n with /e ben( as he is the first born( b t /e ben lost that birth?right to & dah( who gains the leadership role( so & dah is mentioned second. $he first two tribes mentioned therefore ma!e sense in their order for prayer. $he third tribe mentioned is Levi( as that tribe holds the spirit al leadership( so its order also ma!es sense. @en#amin is mentioned ne%t in the prayer of blessing. $his is way o t of birth order( for this is the yo ngest son of &acob( and the f ll( b t yo nger brother of &oseph whose descendents will be mentioned ne%t. Genesis 09167( 8812>. $he largest and most powerf l tribal gro ping was that of the tribes of the sons of &oseph( and so they wo ld be e%pected to be mentioned ne%t( b t @en#amin has fo rth place in ;oses prayer list. "hy is thisM ) s spect it is beca se of what the destiny of this tribe will be. @en#amin was the beloved of his father( Genesis 09167( and he will contin e to be loved and protected by God( even tho gh as a tribe they will go thro gh dar! times. & dges 6<?2>. $he f t re destiny of @en#amin will be tied to & dah( not
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to their brethren amongst the sons of &oseph. $hey will prosper thro gh their association with & dah( and will avoid the fate of the other sons of &oseph( who will be decimated by the ,ssyrian invasion in the =2>s@'. $hey will dwell between the sho lders of God. Eow this is a strange phrase for s( b t meant at this time that they wo ld be at the very centre of the power of GodIs plan( and carried pon the bac! of God. $hey will be nder special protection( and the Lord will carry them thro gh. $hey will provide )sraelIs first !ing( King Sa l( and one of the greatest of the early apostles of the Lord in St Pa l. $heir strength will come by their association with & dah and with Levi( and they will find their strength as they obey the !ing from & dah( and the priests from Levi. V&7)&) /3 - /7: $his is the longest prayer for blessing by far( and also arg es against a later date than the days of ;oses for this prayer. $he liberals want to arg e that these speeches of ;oses were all later literary inventions by E5ra .aro nd 89> @': or others( and that they were simply what the people wo ld thin! ;oses wo ld say. @y =26 @' Ephraim and ;anasseh are destroyed as tribes( and so have no significance to )sraelite history. $here wo ld simply be no reason to given them this space if it were not important at the time of writing. ,t the time of ;oses they are the most n mero s tribal gro p and so have great significance. $hey will provide a large army for the battles in the central and northern sectors and hold the b l! of the land on both sides of &ordan. $heir si5e at this time means ;oses pays special attention to them to instr ct them and warn them. Sadly the warning will prove prophetic( for the peoples of &oseph will fall into alcoholism and idolatry even more than the others and will be decimated as a tribal gro p. )saiah 2716?0( &oel 616?69( Eah m 61=?6>. , remnant will remain and thro gh fleeing so th into & dah be preserved and the tribe will grow again in @abylonian captivity as do the others. $here are no lost ten tribes( for the remnants s rvived in & dah( and also e%iles from )srael who were ta!en into ,ssyrian captivity were also able to ret rn nder the Persian Empire after 909 @'. ,cts 241=( &ames 616. $he land controlled by Ephraim will be partic larly fr itf l and prospero s. $hey will have fr it trees in ab ndance and crops will be significant( even feeding the other tribes. $he Lord will bless them with partic lar prosperity beca se of &oseph. $he Lord will bless them for over si% h ndred years beca se of their ancestorIs obedience. $his is a wonderf l e%ample of blessing by association( and it will last for cent ries( b t be lost by disobedience. $hey will be li!e a b lldo5er to their enemies( and a freight train of settlement for their people. $hey will fill the land they are given and be very strong there. $he blessing of the Lord will come in answer to ;oses prayer( and prosperity will be pon them( b t in their wealth they will forget the Lord their God and for political p rposes their first !ing b ilt altars to other gods. -rom that day the doom of the northern !ingdom was settled. 6 Kings 62124?00( 2 Kings 671<?62. V&7)&) /E - /F: +f the tribes of Neb l n and )ssachar ;oses prays for blessing in their lands( noting that they will settle in places of mo ntain( sand and sea( b t will draw riches from these places that are not seen by the na!ed eye. $hey will have the less fertile areas apparently( b t will t rn them into wealth by their labo rs and the blessing of God. $hey will find treas res in the sands( and ta!e food from the sea for themselves and the others. )f yo loo! at the area they finally control nder &osh a it is a small area and does not stretch to the sea. )n the ;illennial Kingdom they will have a share of the sea coast( as do all the tribes( b t they do not in the days of &osh a. )t may be that these tribes provided the sea farers and traders for the ships of )srael3 we simply do not !now. $hese tribes dwelt in areas that will be battlefields in the Great $rib lation and it may be that in those dar! days that fighters will find strength and comfort from these verses that we at present cannot see. V&7)&) 2. 2/. Gad will be li!e the ,siatic Lions who lived in the area that tribe controlled on the east ban! of the &ordan. $hey had rolling co ntry that stretched to the mo ntains of ,mmon and ,rabia. $hey are a warli!e and violent tribe that first feed themselves and then loo! to others. $his wea!ness will plag e them( for by the days of the divided !ingdom there are few of them left. $hey will be the centre of the lawgiving of the gro p that live on the east ban! of &ordan( and in this they will serve the Lord well. $hey will be !nown for their holding to the Law of ;oses and will be e%amples for a time to others. ;oses prayer is to e%cite them with this vision and have them hold to the Law and be its champion on that side of &ordan. $here are things in this blessing that do not ma!e sense in later days and may have very specific references into the days of ;oses and &osh a that are lost to s now. V&7)& 22: $he word to Aan is as small as this tribe will be. $hey will be li!e a baby lion( and they will sei5e the land between & dah( Ephraim and @en#amin( b t they will be nable to hold it against the early Philistine inc rsions into the coastal strip and will have to head north. $hey will literally leap from @ashan and sei5e the far north and rename the town they sei5e there as Aan. &osh a 6<18>?87( & dges 6716?06. $hey will also be the tribe from which Samson will emerge to smite the Philistines li!e a yo ng lion at times( b t the compromises they ma!e with idolatry will mean that they remain nable to grow into the mat re lion they were capable of. & dges 60?68. V&7)&) 23: Eaphtali was the son born to &acob thro gh @ilhah( his conc bine( who later enters into a se% al relationship with /e ben. $he boy is named for the baby battles between Leah and /achel( and indicates at the time of his birth that /achel believed she was now starting to win against Leah. /efer to the E@'", 'ommentary pon the following verses. Genesis 0>1=?7( 09122( 8<126. &acobIs blessing pon his son Eaphtali was enigmatic and lac!ed real promise. )t indicated bea ty( grace( speed in action( and great ability with words( b t not necessarily organised and prod ctive actions. "hile &acob compares Eaphtali to a hind deer( ;oses directly recognises their satisfaction with the LordIs blessing pon them( and prays for more of the LordIs blessing pon them. $hey live in satisfaction with the LordIs favo r pon them. $hey have long since cast off the negative association with @ilhah and the sin of their ancestor in entering the baby
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battles of his two wives. $hey live nder the favo r of the Lord( and thro gh their obedience to the Law they will en#oy more of that favo r. $hey are enco raged to move to the west of the land and the so th west and enlarge their territories there. $hey will receive the sea coastal lands aro nd the so th and west of the Sea of Galilee. &osh a 6<102?0<( E5e!iel 8716?8. V&7)&) 24 2$: $he tribe of ,sher is mentioned last( whereas it is second from the top of the land in E5e!ielIs order( receiving with the tribe of Aan( the lands that are now in Lebanon and Syria. $his is the reminder that ;oses list is G ite different to the two others .&acob and E5e!iel:. ;oses list has r lership priority order in view( and after the r ling tribes are disc ssed( then follows the allotment of the vario s other land parcels ro ghly from so th to north. ,sher was the fo rth yo ngest child of &acob( born to LeahIs maid Nilpah. Genesis 0>162( 8<12>. $he blessing of his father pon him is for prosperity and wealth( and they received a prospero s area of land on the coastal strip from Aor to $yre. )t was fertile land and the cities of the area were prospero s. $hey lived off the fat of the land. $he reference to oil here is to +live +il( and indicates the prosperity associated with that ind stry. $hey ate well and lived li!e !ings( b t their land was on the coastal road( and the armies of Egypt( ,ssyria( and @abylon passed thro gh their area at times and devastated them and their lands. $he phrase( to dip his foot in oil has created spec lation over the years. -oolish men have tried to drill for petrole m oil in this area( b t it is pointless( as the reference is to olive oil and they wo ld have been better to save money on petrole m e%ploration and spend all their reso rces to clothe the hills f lly in olive and other fr it trees( and grape vines. /emember the old adage( , te%t o t of its conte%t is a prete%t. $hey will be a tribe with strength li!e iron as they will need to be to fight their many attac!ers( b t if their days are holy( then their strength will be great. ,s their days are so will their strength be. $his is a principle that is everlasting. ,s we live so will we fight and s rvive. )t remains tr e that soft living will prod ce soft lives and fear filled deaths. $hose who live soft lives( tend to achieve nothing of lasting val e in their lives. )f we are spirit ally faithf l to God( and physically to gh and strong( we will fight well and live long to serve the Lord in power. V&7)&) 2? 27: ,t the end of the blessing( ;oses ret rns to spea! again of the character of the Lord their God( who will answer his prayers and protect His people as they see! to serve Him. $here is none li!e the Lord God( beca se there is only one creator and savio r of man!ind. $he Lord is r ler of the heavens and the earth and so the gro nd and s!y are ali!e His domains. $he gods of the pagans were divided into their areas of infl ence( b t the Lord is r ler over all( for He made all things. )saiah 8>167?06. ,ltho gh all the earth is on fire and the heavens are oppressive above man( yet the man who serves the tr e God of all can re#oice in the Lord( for what He has made He can restore and what He has saved He will redeem. )saiah 4610( Haba!! ! 0164?6<. V&7)& 27 is the so rce of a n mber of great hymns and songs down the ages( as it reminds s that the Lord is to be o r ref ge and o r strength in dangero s times and places. )t reminds s that the Lord alone is o r strength and Savio r. )t is to be the reminder to )srael that the Lord is the one who carries them( and that the arms of His power are nderneath them as they advance into the land. )t is the reminder that the Lord has ordered the destr ction of their enemies and they are to advance into the land with the confidence of those who are carrying o t the very orders of God. $he enco ragement of the LordIs presence centres in His character and eternal nat re. Psalms <>16?2( 6>2120?27( )saiah 2916?<( 9=160?26. $he Lord God alone is eternal. "e gain everlasting life thro gh o r relationship with Him( b t He alone is eternal God. + r eternal sec rity rests alone pon Him and His character. /efer to the @$@ st dies( E$E/E)$C P,S$( E$E/E)$C -U$U/E( E$E/E,L SE'U/)$C. V&7)&) 2E 2F: +nly when the nation !eeps the ;osaic Law will they en#oy the peace they long for and be able to live alone and sec re in the land the Lord has given them. $his will only occ r d ring the ;illennial reign of the Lord &es s 'hrist over them. )n that day the land will be a place of prod ctivity and prosperity and the heavens will water the gro nd as is reG ired. )n that day of blessing all will praise the )sraelites for their faithf lness to the Lord. $hey will be seen as a people saved by the Lord and even !ept by Him thro gh the cent ries of their disobedience. $he Lord will be their shield and their sword in those days and their enemies will be cr shed pon the high places of their paganism. /ight at the heart of the evil worship of their pagan religions the enemies of God and )srael will be destroyed by GodIs power in that day. /evelation 6<166?26. $his final blessing here is similar to the words of @alaam who despite his best attempts to the contrary had to bless )srael. E mbers 201=?6>( 2>?28( 2819?<( 69?28. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. "e are to be a blessing thro gh o r life and wor!( and we are to bless others thro gh o r prayers( o r presence and the power of the Holy Spirit wor!ing thro gh s. ;oses e%ercises his prophetic f nction here and blesses the people in the LordIs name. He has the right to do this( as the appointed prophet and leader of GodIs people( b t we do not have this right to bless. "e do however have the opport nity to bless the LordIs people thro gh o r life and lips( as we wal! in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let s do this and be a blessing to all we meet. 2. Li!e the Levites of old( we are all believer priests of the Lord( and are to be the teachers and co nsellors of o r generation. ,s the people came to the tribe of Levi( so the nbelievers sho ld come to s to see! the wisdom of the Lord. Let s grow in the grace and the !nowledge of the Lord &es s 'hrist and so f lfil o r priestly f nction to the nations of the world.
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0. Ao we love this present world or do we love the Lord and the f t re blessing He has for s more than the things we can see nowM $he people before ;oses had the land to inherit( # st as we have the spirit al inheritance that the Lord wants s to sei5e and s e for the glory of His mighty name. Let s sei5e every spirit al opport nity we have been given that the Lord may be glorified in all we do and say. "e do this by dealing with every sin that might hinder the Holy SpiritIs wor! thro gh s. Let s not be li!e /e ben and miss the blessing thro gh o r sinf lness( b t be redeemed thro gh o r confession and obedience. 8. & st as the tribe of Levi was to be g ided by Urim and $h mmim( so we are to be g ided by the Holy Spirit alone. "e are to spea! the words of the Lord o r God alone. "e are to be prepared to wal! away from o r family if they do not follow the LordIs "ord. "e are to have eyes for the Lord and His "ord alone( and obedience to it is to be more important than anything else. 9. "e have here no contin ing city( and o r sec rity( safety and prosperity rests pon the Lord alone. Let s ac!nowledge this daily and serve the Lord with all o r strength resting in faith pon His mighty protective and enabling power. Let s re#ect the lies of the so called prosperity gospel( for it is from the pit of hell itself. "e do not need earthly prosperity to serve the Lord3 we need His strength( power( and plan being followed. Let s live as soldiers( fit and strong and stabilised by the !nowledge of the LordIs shield and sword protecting s as we advance in His service. DOCTRINES ANGELS 6. $here are two !inds of angels1 a: Elect ,ngels .6 $imothy 9126: ? those which have chosen to remain with God. b: -allen angels ? those which have rebelled against God and followed Satan1 i: imprisoned ones .& de 4( 2 Peter 218: ? apparently active on earth prior to the -lood .Genesis 4: ii: demons( c rrently active on earth .6 'orinthians 6>12>(26( ;ar! 916?2>: 2. $here are vario s orders in the angelic realm. a: 'her bim .highest order: ?. .Genesis 0128( E%od s 2916<?2>: 'her bs were originally the defenders of divine holiness. L cifer .Satan: was a cher b .E5e!iel 27168: b: Seraphim ? .)saiah 412:. Seraph means b rning ones. c: / lers( Principalities and Powers ? can refer to h man a thorities( b t s ally refers to angels .and generally to fallen angels:. .Ephesians 016>( 4162( 'olossians 6164:. $hey control certain segments of the h man race( they can control the voice and the mind. .;ar! 916?2>:. d: ;inistering ,ngels i: G ardian angels. .Hebrews 6168:. Protect and assist believers. ii: ,ngels of the waters. ./evelation 6419:. "ater is sed as a prison. ,byss .Gree!:( refers to an nderwater prison. iii: ,ngels of the abyss. ./evelation <16(66 :. ,n angel which has a special responsibility for the abyss. iv: ,ngel of fire. ./evelation 68167:. v: ,ngels of # dgment. ./evelation 712( ch 69(64: ? tr mpets and bowls. vi: "atcher angels. .Aaniel 8160:. 0. ,ppearance of angels1 a: ,ngels can appear as h man beings .Genesis 6716?2( Hebrews 6012: b: ,ngels are described vario sly as having wings( many eyes( many faces .)saiah 412( E5e!iel 6: and often glow with brilliant light .;atthew 2712?0:. c: L cifer .Satan: was the most bea tif l creat re ever to come from the hand of God .E5e!iel 27162?6=: d: ,ngels are E+$ pin! fat babies with wings( or red s!inned creat res with horns and for!ed tails. 8. Eamed angels1 a: L cifer( son of the morning( was the covering cher b over the $hrone of God .)saiah 68162:. His name is now Satan( the acc serLslanderer ./evelation 6216>: b: Gabriel a messenger angel .Aaniel 7164( <126( L !e 616<(24: c: ;ichael a fighting angel ./evelation 621=( & de <: and g ardian angel of )srael. .Aaniel 6>126( 6216: 9. ,ngels and 'hrist*s )ncarnation a: ,t his birth ? .L !e 21<?69: b: ,t his temptation ? .;atthew 8166: c: ,t his res rrection ? .;atthew 2712: d: ,t his ascension ? .,cts 616>: e: ,t the Second ,dvent ? .;atthew 6010=?0<( 28106( 29106( 2 $hessalonians 61=: 4. ,ngels and ;an a: ,ngels were watching at the time of creation. .&ob 071=: b: ,ngels were present when God gave ;oses the Law. .Galatians 016<( ,cts =190:. c: ,ngels are watching s now. .6 'orinthians 81<( Ephesians 016>( 6 $imothy 9126( 6 Peter 6162.: d: $he elect angels re#oice whenever someone is saved .L !e 691=?6>:.
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=. ;any times revelations from God were mediated thro gh angels ? a: $he Law of ;oses ?( E%od s 012 ( Galatians 016<( ,cts =190( Hebrews 212 b: Prophetical anno ncements to Aaniel ? Aaniel =164( 7164?24( <12>?2=( 6>16?62160 c: Prophetical anno ncements to Nechariah ? Nechariah 61<( 210( 816(9( 919( 418(9 d: ,nno ncement of the birth of &ohn to Nacharias ? L !e 6166?2> e: ,nno ncement of the birth of &es s to ;ary ? L !e 6124?07( and &oseph ? ;atthew 612>?26 CHRISTIAN LIFE SERVICE 6. + r d ty is to s rrender o r entire lives to God. ./omans 6216: 2. "illingness is essential. .& dges 912( 7129( )saiah 616<( 2 'orinthians 710: 0. Service in the big things reG ires by faithf lness in the small things. 8. ;onotony and diffic lties are transformed into the opport nities with the correct attit de. .;atthew 4100: 9. Everything we do sho ld be Qas nto the LordQ. .'olossians 016=: 4. Service to 'hrist is acceptable to God and approved of men. ./omans 68167: =. + r wor! sho ld be completed. .&ohn 8108( 6=18( ,cts 2>128( 2 $imothy 81=: 7. $he e%ample of 'hrist. .;atthew 2>127( L !e 2212=( Philippians 21=: <. S alities of o r service1? a: )t is demanded. .Hebrews 62127: b: )t sho ld be immediate. .;atthew 26127: c: )t is ab ndant. .6 'orinthians 69197: d: )t is according to ability. .;atthew 29122( L !e 62187: e: )t is in co?operation with God. .2 'orinthians 416: f: ; st be e%cl sive. .L !e 64160: g: )n the power of the Spirit. ./omans 61<: h: Underta!en in Godly fear. .Hebrews 62127: i: ;otivated by love. .Galatians 9160: 6>. )t is1? a: -ollowing 'hrist .&ohn 62124: b: -or him whom all 'hristians serve .'olossians 0328: c: Service to God .,cts 2=120:. 66. )t reG ires1? a: $ rning from idols .6 $hessalonians 61<: b: -asting and prayer .L !e 210=: c: ;inistry of the "ord .,cts 416?8:. 62. @enefits of Service1? a: )t glorifies God. .;atthew 9164( &ohn 6917: b: )t enriches life. .6 $imothy 4167?6<: c: )t gives a pattern for imitation. .$it s 21=: d: )t enco rages others in their tas!s. .Hebrews 6>128: e: )t shows neighbo rliness. .L !e 6>104?0=: f: )t lightens life*s b rdens. .Galatians 412(64: g: )t demonstrates love. .&ohn 26169?6=: h: )t demonstrates faith. .&ames 216=?67( 6 Peter 2162: i: )t is 'hristli!e. .&ohn 60162?69: GOD SHE#INAH GLORY 6. $he She!inah glory is the visible manifestation of the presence of God. $he s al title sed is the glory of God 2. )t is from the Hebrew word QshachanQ meaning dwelling. 0. )t too! the form of light( fire( clo d or a combination of these. 8. ,t times it is associated with the following( the ,ngel of &ehovah( the Holy Spirit( $he 'her bim and the motif of thic! dar!ness.
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9. ,ppearances of the She!inah Glory in the +ld $estament a: $he Garden of Eden OGenesis 017P b: $he time of the ,brahamic 'ovenant OGenesis 69162?67P c: $he b rning b sh OE%od s 016?9P d: ,t the E%od s OE%od s 60126(22P e: ,t ;o nt Sinai OE%od s 6<164?2>P f: $he special manifestation to ;oses OE%od s 0016=?20P g: $he $abernacle and the ,r! of the 'ovenant OE%od s 2<182?84P h: $he boo! of Levitic s OLevitic s <14?=( 22?28P i: $he @oo! of E mbers OE mbers 6010>?68189( 6416?9>( 2>14?60P #: $he period of &osh a and the & dges O 6 Sam el 8126?22P !: Solomon*s $emple O6 Kings 716?60( 2 'hronicles 912?=10P l: $he depart re of the She!inah Glory OE5e!iel 6127( 0162(20( 710?8( <10a( 6>18( 67?6<( 66122?20P m: $he She!inah glory was not in the second $emple OHaggai 210(<P 4. ,ppearance of the She!inah Glory in the Eew $estament. a: $o the Shepherds OL !e 217?<P b: $he 'hristmas star O;atthew 216?62P c: )t comes in a new form O&ohn 616?68P d: $he transfig ration O;atthew 6=16?7( ;ar! <12?7( L !e <1277?04( 2 Peter 6164?67P e: $he reflection of that glory O2 'orinthians 0162?67P f: $he @oo! of the ,cts O,cts 216?0( <10?7( 2214?66( 24160?67P g: $he /evelation O/evelation 6162?64P h: )n the $rib lation O/evelation 6917P i: $he Second 'oming of 'hrist O;atthew 6412=( 2810>( ;ar! 60124( L !e 2612=P #: $he ;illenni m OE5e!iel 8016?=a( 8816?2( Nechariah 218?9( )saiah 0416?2( 9717?<a( 4>16?0P !: $he Eternal State O/evelation 2616?0( 26120?28P MOSAIC LAW See page = CHRIST MEDIATORSHIP 6. Gree! word is mesites which has as its root meaning( to have a ne tral gro pLnation to stand between two warring nations to arbitrate and # dge between them. $he two concepts are # dgement and peacema!ing. 2. $he mediator had to be eG al to both parties and acceptable to each. 0. +ld $estament sage of this concept is fo nd in &ob <1<( 02( 00. &ob calls for an mpire between man and God. 8. $he Hypostatic Union of the Lord &es s 'hrist G alifies the Lord to be the mediator between man and God as he alone is eG al with both parties. 6$imothy 219. 9. $he Lord*s wor! on the cross forms the basis of his mediatorship as he removes the sin barrier between man and God. Hebrews <162 6?9. 4. $he ;osaic Law pre?fig red the Lord*s mediatorship. Hebrews 714( 62128( Galatians 016<( 2>. CHRIST SACRIFICE $he sacrifice of the Lord &es s 'hrist on the 'ross had many affects. )t was 6. Penal 2. S bstit tional 0. Jol ntary 8. /edemptive 9. Propitiatory 4. /econciling =. Efficacio s 7. /evelatory Galatians 0160( 2 'orinthians 9126 Levitic s 618( )saiah 9019?4( 2 'orinthians 9126( 6 Peter 2128 Genesis 221<( &ohn 6>167 Galatians 0160( Ephesians 61=( 6 'orinthians 412> /omans 0129( 6 &ohn 212 2 'orinthians 9167(6<( 'olossians 6126(22 &ohn 6210 2>?20( /omans 91<(6>( 2 'orinthians 9126( Ephesians 2160( Hebrews <162 &ohn 0164( 6 &ohn 81<(6>
CHRIST TYPES MOSES AS A TYPE OF CHRIST
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;+SES 6. Servant ?Psalm 6>9124 2. 'hosen ? Psalm 6>4120 0. Prophet? Ae teronomy 67169?6< 8. Priest ? Psalm <<14 9. King ? Ae teronomy 0018(9 4. & dge ?E%od s 67160 =. Shepherd ? E%od s 016 ( )saiah 40166 7. Leader ? Psalm ==12>( )saiah 40162( 60 <. ;ediator ? E%od s 0017( < 6>. )ntercessor ? E mbers 261= 66. Aeliverer ? ,cts =109 62. / ler ? ,cts =109 60. Pharaoh !illed all male babies ? E%od s 6122( ,cts =16< 68. @y faith he forsoo! Egypt ? Hebrews 66166(2= 69. His brethren did not nderstood ? ,cts =129 64. "ho made thee a r ler and a # dge over sM ,cts =12= 6=. God sent him to be a r ler and deliverer. ,cts =109 67. Let my people go ... E%od s <160 6<. $hese shall bow down nto me. E%od s 6617 2>. $his is the finger of God. E%od s 716< 26. ,bo t midnight there shall be a great cry. E%od s 6618( 4 22. $he waters were parted. E%od s 68126 20. ,lmost ready to stone me. E%od s 6=18 28. ;oses bo ght their ca ses before God E mbers 2=19 29. $he Lord did as ;oses said. E%od s 7160 24. ;oses held p his hand( )srael prevailed. E%od s 6=166 2=. "ho is on the Lord*s sideM E%od s 02124 27. ;iriam and ,aron spa!e against ;oses. E mbers 6216 2<. $he man ;oses was very mee!. E mbers 6210 0>. $hey envied ;oses also in the camp. Psalm 6>4164 06. $he s!in of his face shone. E%od s 0812<( 0> 02. ) too! twelve men of yo . Ae teronomy 6120 00. Seventy men( elders of the people. E mbers 66164(28 08. @ehold the @lood of the 'ovenant. E%od s 2817 'H/)S$ ;y servant ? ;atthew 62167 "hom ) have chosen ? )saiah 8216 $he Prophet ? &ohn 4168( L !e =164 Priest ?Hebrews =128 King ? ,cts 6=1= & dge ? &ohn 912=( ,cts 6=106 Shepherd ? &ohn 6>166( 68 Leader ? )saiah 9918 +ne ;ediator ? 6 $imothy 219 )ntercessor ? /omans 7108 Aeliverer ? /omans 66124( 6 $hessalonians 616> / ler ? ;icah 912 Herod !illed all male babies ? ;atthew 2160?64 + t of Egypt have 6 'alled my son ? ;atthew 2169 His own received him not. &ohn 616>(66 "ho made me a # dge over yo ? L !e 62168 God hath made Him both Lord and 'hrist. ,cts 2104 $o proclaim liberty to the captives... )saiah 4616 ,t name of &es s every !nee shall bow. Philippians 216> )f ) with the finger of God( cast o t devils L !e 6612> ,t midnight there was a cry made... ;atthew 2914 Even the winds and the sea obey HimM ;atthew 6012= $hen too! they p stones to cast at him. &ohn 719< ,n ,dvocate with the -ather. 6 &ohn 216 $hat it might be f lfilled which he spa!e. &ohn 671< ;ore than conG erors thro gh him /omans 710= He that is not with me( is against me. ;atthew 6210> Eeither did his brethren believe in him. &ohn =19 ) am mee! and lowly in heart. ;atthew 6612< $he chief priests had delivered him for envy. ;ar! 6916> His face did shine as the s n. ;atthew 6=12 ,nd he ordained twelve. ;ar! 0160( 68 $he Lord appointed seventy also. L !e 6>16 $his c p is the new covenant in my blood. L !e 2212>
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09. )t went ill with ;oses for their sa!es. Psalm 6>4102 04. Pardoned according to thy word. E mbers 6816=?2> 0=. ,ll that the Lord commanded him. E%od s 8>164 07. ;oses was faithf l in all his ho se. E mbers 621= 0<. He made his ways !nown nto ;oses. Psalm 6>01= He was wo nded for o r transgressions. )saiah 9019 God hath forgiven yo . Ephesians 8102 ) have !ept my -ather*s commandments. &ohn 6916> "ho was faithf l to Him. Hebrews 012 $he -ather sheweth Him all things. &ohn 912>
CHRIST TYPES CONTRAST BETWEEN MOSES AND CHRIST ;+SES 6. $he Law given by ;oses. &ohn 616= 2. -ading Glory. 2 'orinthians 01= 0. "hen ;oses* face shone the people feared E%od s 0810> 8. ;oses* first recorded act ? !illing a man. E%od s 2162 9. -irst plag e( water into blood .c rse:. E%od s =12> 4. Unable to save. &eremiah 6916 =. ;oses verily as a servant. Hebrews 019 7. $he Law bro!en in his hands. Ae teronomy <16= <. @read that s stained life. &ohn 4106( 8< 6>. Praying for a leper. E mbers 62160 66. $he first Passover Hebrews 66127 62. "illing to be a s bstit te. E%od s 0210>( 08 60. -orty days on the mo nt. E%od s 08127 68. ,n incomplete e%od s. Ae teronomy 0129?2= CHRIST TYPES PASSOVER AS A TYPE OF CHRIST 6. $he Passover is a type of 'hrist who f lfilled the type on the very day in ,A. 02. 2. $he Lord &es s 'hrist is called o r Passover( sacrificed for s. .6 'orinthians 91=: 0. $he Passover lamb was bro ght into the home fo r days before the feast to demonstrate that it was witho t blemish. .E%od s 6219?4:. 8. )n f lfilment of the type &es s 'hrist had a ministry of over three years to demonstrate that He was eligible to die for the sins of the world d e to his nblemished character. .Hebrews 8169: 9. $he lamb tested m st be slain by the family to be protected. .E%od s 6214: 4. $he Lord &es s 'hrist having been fo nd perfect had to die as a willing sacrifice. .Hebrews <122: =. $he blood from the sacrificed lamb had to be applied to the door. .E%od s 621=: 7. $he death of 'hrist has to be personally recognised and acted pon. $his clearly shows the part played by the free will of man and demonstrates the re#ection of the concept of niversalism which states that not only did 'hrist die for all( which is tr e( b t that all as a conseG ence are saved which is not tr e. .&ohn 0104: < $he blood by itself( once applied( was totally able to provide protection against # dgment. .E%od s 62160: 6>. $he death of 'hrist once applied to the life is all s fficient in protection against # dgment. ./omans 716: 'H/)S$ Grace and tr th came by &es s 'hrist. &ohn 616= Glory that e%celleth. 2 'orinthians 014 "hen the Lord*s face shone they ran to Him ;ar! <169 'hrist*s first act in ;ar! ? healing a man. ;ar! 6129?24 -irst miracle( water into wine .#oy:. &ohn 216?6> ,ble to save to the ttermost. Hebrews =129 @ t 'hrist as a son( over his own ho se( Hebrews 014 $he Law perfectly !ept in his heart. Psalm 8>17 @read that gives life. &ohn 4100( 9>( 96 Healing a leper. ;atthew 712( 0 $he last Passover. L !e 22169 ,ct ally a s bstit te. 6 Peter 2128( )saiah 9018?9 -orty days in the wilderness. ;atthew 812 ,n E%od s accomplished. L !e <106
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66. $he firstborn of Egypt died if the protection was not sed. .E%od s 6212<: 62. God gave his only begotten Son to save s from the second death. .&ohn 0164: GOD COMFORT FOR BELIEVERS 6. God is in control. Eothing will ever happen to yo as a 'hristian that yo have not had the opport nity to develop reso rces to deal with. .6 'orinthians 6>160: 2. God*s character is stable. .a: if God is for yo who can be against yo . ./omans 7106?08: .b: no matter what happens God*s love is stable. ./omans 7109?0<: 0. God*s promises are sec re for he is always with s. .;atthew 2716<?2>( &eremiah 616<: 8. God*s power is always the same1? .a: He will always !eep s. .&ohn 6>12<( 2 $imothy 6162(: .b: God does not forget s or loose His power to !eep. .& de 28: .c: Even if we fall away from fellowship we still are saved. .2 $imothy 2160: 9. God !new before time what we wo ld need in time and has provided for the s pply of all o r needs. .Philippians 816<( Hebrews 8164( Ephesians 0162(: 4. God has the power to bless s. .2 'orinthians <17: =. God is able to ma!e all grace abo nd towards s. .Ephesians 012>: 7. "e sho ld grow to the place of real confidence and blessing. .2 Peter 0167: <. "e do this by feeding on His "ord. .&ohn 412<( 00( 40: GOD FAITHFULNESS OF GOD See page 98 GOD GOD CARES FOR YOU 6. God !nows ... a: + r sorrows. .E%od s 01=: b: + r devotions. .2 'hronicles 641<: c: + r tho ghts. .Psalm 88126: d: + r foolishness. .Psalm 4<19: e: + r frailties. .Psalm 6>0168: f: + r deeds. .Psalm 60<12: g: + r words. .Psalm 60<18: h: $he composition of the niverse. .Psalm 68=18: i: ,ll things. .Proverbs 6910: #: + r needs. .;atthew 4102: !: ,bo t animal creation. .;atthew 6>12<: l: ;an!ind. .;atthew 6>10>: m: "hat might or co ld have been. .;atthew 66120: n: His own. .&ohn 6>168: o: Past( present and f t re. .,cts 69167: 2. God is able to ... a: Save forever those who believe in the Lord &es s 'hrist ? Hebrews =129 b: S pply every need ? 2 'orinthians <17 c: Aeliver all who are tempted ? Hebrews 2167 d: S stain the wea! believer and ma!e him stand ? /omans 6818 e: Keep s from falling and ma!e s blameless ? & de 28(29 f: S rpass all that we co ld as! or thin! ? Ephesians 012> g: /aise s p in res rrection in the li!eness of His Son ? Hebrews 6616< 0. "ith God( all things are possible ? ;atthew 6<124 8. God is in control. Eothing will ever happen to yo that yo are not able to deal with. .6 'orinthians 6>160: 9. God*s character is stable. a: if God is for yo who can be against yo . ./omans 7106?08: b: no matter what happens God*s love is stable. ./omans 7109?0<:
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4. God*s promises are sec re for he is always with s. .;atthew 2716<?2>( &eremiah 616<: =. God*s power is always the same1? a: He will always !eep s. .&ohn 6>12<( 2 $imothy 6162(: b: God does not forget s or lose His power to !eep. .& de 28: c: Even if we fall away from fellowship we still are saved. .2 $imothy 2160: 7. God !new before time what we wo ld need in time and has provided for the s pply of all o r needs. .Philippians 816<( Hebrews 8164( Ephesians 0162(: <. God has the power to bless s. .2 'orinthians <17: 6>. God is able to ma!e all grace abo nd towards s. .Ephesians 012>: WORLD See page 00 WORLDLINESS See page 28 ETERNITY PAST 6. &es s 'hrist e%isted before the fo ndation of the world in glory with God the -ather and God the Holy Spirit .&ohn 616?23 6=19(28:. 2. )n eternity past the Godhead agreed to permit sin to become manifest in the world of men before being eliminated forever from the niverse .Hebrews <124:. 0. )n eternity past the Son of God agreed to come to earth as a h man being to destroy the wor!s of the devil .6 &ohn 017:. 8. )n eternity past it was ordained that 'hrist wo ld be slain for the ngodly .6 Peter 6167?2>3 Hebrews 6>19?6>:. 9. )n eternity past the world and stars were created by &es s 'hrist .Hebrews 616>3 'olossians 6164:. 4. ;an was placed on the earth to be made Qa spectacle nto the world( and to angels( and to men .6'orinthians 81<:. =. )n eternity past believers were chosen in 'hrist .Ephesians 618:. 'hrist is chosen( we share as believers his election. 7. )n eternity past a boo! was written containing the names of those who wo ld believe and s rvive the destr ction of the niverse .Philippians 8103 /evelation 6=173 2>169:. However( whilst God !new who wo ld believe( he did not coerce h man free will. ETERNITY FUTURE )n eternity f t re1 6. God reveals to s e%ceeding riches of His grace .Ephesians 21=:. 2. God brings many sons into glory .Hebrews 216>:. 0. @elievers en#oy an inheritance .6 Peter 618:. 8. )t is God*s p rpose for the ch rch to !now the manifold wisdom of God .Ephesians 016>:. 9. ,ll former things pass away. $here will be no more death( sorrow( pain( crying( sea( night or s n. ./evelation 2616? 9(20: 4. $he c rse will be lifted ./evelation 2210:. =. ,ll things in heaven and earth will be gathered in Him .Ephesians 616>:. 7. $he present creation will be forgotten .)saiah 4916=:. <. , river of water of life will r n ./evelation 2216:. 6>. $he tree of life will be seen again ./evelation 2212:. 66. $he Son of God will r le eternally .Aaniel 21883 =160(68:.
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62. He will still be s b#ect to the -ather .&ohn 6>12<3 6 'orinthians 69127:. 60. $he la!e of fire will contin e forever .)saiah 441283 /evelation 68166:. CHRISTIAN LIFE ETERNAL SECURITY See page <>
CHAPTER 34
DEUTERONOMY 34>/-/2 34>/ A4* M3)&) ;&42 +@ 6738 29& @,1(4) 36 M315 +423 29& 83+421(4 36 N&53A 23 29& 23@ 36 P()=19A 2912 () 3'&7 1=1(4)2 &7(!93: A4* 29& LORD )9&;&* 9(8 1,, 29& ,14* 36 G(,&1*A +423 D14A 2 A4* 1,, N1@921,(A 14* 29& ,14* 36 E@971(8A 14* M141))&9A 14* 1,, 29& ,14* 36 +*19A +423 29& +283)2 )&1A 3 A4* 29& )3+29A 14* 29& @,1(4 36 29& '1,,&- 36 &7(!93A 29& !(2- 36 @1,8 27&&)A +423 H317: 4 A4* 29& LORD )1(* +423 9(8A T9() () 29& ,14* ;9(!9 I );17& +423 A571918A +423 I)11!A 14* +423 1!35A )1-(4=A I ;(,, =('& (2 +423 29- )&&*> I 91'& !1+)&* 29&& 23 )&& (2 ;(29 29(4& &-&)A 5+2 293+ )91,2 432 =3 3'&7 29(29&7: $ S3 M3)&) 29& )&7'142 36 29& LORD *(&* 29&7& (4 29& ,14* 36 M315A 1!!37*(4= 23 29& ;37* 36 29& LORD: ? A4* 9& 5+7(&* 9(8 (4 1 '1,,&- (4 29& ,14* 36 M315A 3'&7 1=1(4)2 B&29@&37> 5+2 43 814 B43;&29 36 9() )&@+,!97& +423 29() *1-: 7 A4* M3)&) ;1) 14 9+4*7&* 14* 2;&42- -&17) 3,* ;9&4 9& *(&*> 9() &-& ;1) 432 *(8A 437 9() 412+71, 637!& 1512&*: E A4* 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, ;&@2 637 M3)&) (4 29& @,1(4) 36 M315 29(72- *1-)> )3 29& *1-) 36 ;&&@(4= 14* 83+74(4= 637 M3)&) ;&7& &4*&*: F A4* 3)9+1 29& )34 36 N+4 ;1) 6+,, 36 29& )@(7(2 36 ;()*38C 637 M3)&) 91* ,1(* 9() 914*) +@34 9(8> 14* 29& !9(,*7&4 36 I)71&, 9&17B&4&* +423 9(8A 14* *(* 1) 29& LORD !38814*&* M3)&): /. A4* 29&7& 173)& 432 1 @73@9&2 )(4!& (4 I)71&, ,(B& +423 M3)&)A ;938 29& LORD B4&; 61!& 23 61!&A // I4 1,, 29& )(=4) 14* 29& ;34*&7)A ;9(!9 29& LORD )&42 9(8 23 *3 (4 29& ,14* 36 E=-@2 23 P917139A 14* 23 1,, 9() )&7'142)A 14* 23 1,, 9() ,14*A /2 A4* (4 1,, 2912 8(=92914*A 14* (4 1,, 29& =7&12 2&7737 ;9(!9 M3)&) )9&;&* (4 29& )(=92 36 1,, I)71&,: REFLECTIONS V&7)&) / 7: ,s we read these verses and the ne%t we m st as! o rselves( how do we !now what happened to ;oses after he climbed the hillM ,ll the observers on the plain can say is that they saw him disappear p the hill( no?one can say what the Lord did there or said to him there( nless they were there( or the Lord separately told them later by special revelation. $he writer is clearly writing this some time later( for he ses the phrase in verse si%( ntil this day( indicating some time has passed since the events described. )t may also be that this comment was a scribal addition from the days of E5ra( b t the other details here appear to be written close to the time. -rom the words sed ) believe others were with him and that ;oses gave them an acco nt of what the Lord said and showed him( and that these men secretly b ried him also. ;oses was given e%tra?ordinary sight to be able to see all the land that is described here( for the lands beyond the hills of & dah are not directly visible from that mo ntain( and Aan and Eaphtali certainly arenIt. $his is not a problem to the Lord( b t once again we are faced with the fact that even the men accompanying him wo ld need to be told what ;oses saw in order to report this. $he fact that these two tribal areas are mentioned ma!es it important to reflect pon what ;oses sees and nderstand what is being said here. "hat we read here is certainly written as if it is a received acco nt from the person who saw it. )f this passage was a simple invention it wo ldnIt need to be as specific as it is made with references to specific places that are impossible to see from that mo ntain. People gra5ed sheep and climbed pon this mo ntain and it wo ld have been well !nown that the things ;oses saw co ldnIt be seen by anyone climbing it later. -rom the words sed we !now that something special is given to ;oses on that mo ntain( and that is why they are recorded for s. $he Lord gives ;oses a special ability to see here( and that is important for the story( for his death is a # dgment( and the LordIs giving him this grace is a wonderf l thing in light of ;oses and ,aronIs sin. E mbers 2>. ;oses dies according to the word of God( E mbers 2=162ff( not by the !iss of God( as the later /abbis arg ed. "e donIt have to invent the concept of a !iss( for the LordIs grace in ;oses death has already been shown by the things he reports he sees. He dies nder # dgment( b t the Lord has ens red that it is a mild # dgment pon this great man( and He ens red he sees all the land before he dies. Even if ;oses had wal!ed across the &ordan with the people he wo ld not have seen as m ch as God clearly has shown him by this description here. $he Lord does something special for ;oses( and this is a bea tif l pict re of dying grace( for the Lord has forgiven him his sin( and his death will have blessing in the midst of it. $he ne%t time we meet ;oses he will be in the land worshipping the ;essiah on the ;o nt of $ransfig ration. ;atthew 6=16?<.
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$he phrase that describes how the great man was b ried may be interpreted two ways3 that God personally b ried ;oses( or that the men accompanying him b ried him( b t that the b rial place was secret( altho gh its general area !nown. ) favo r the latter e%planation( as it e%plains where the s b#ect matter of this chapter comes from also. )f no?one was with ;oses( and none saw his b rial then there wo ld be no geographical reference at all. Eo names of the men who accompany him are mentioned and that wo ld be to protect the individ als from later press re to disclose the grave site of ;oses. ;oses wanted no memorials( nor did God want his grave becoming a site for pilgrimage. $he only site for pilgrimage was to be the $abernacle. ;oses was very happy to have none tending his grave3 for his desire was that they tended their land and attended the tabernacle. His foc s was( as o rs o ght to be( pon the living and the f t re( not the dead and the past. ;atthew 7122. Smart believers do not want their relatives tending their grave( they want them wal!ing in the Holy SpiritIs power as they did. Leave the dead with the company in the graveyard of those who they will rise with( and #oin them there if yo are to be b ried( b t donIt waste time at cemeteries( do the wor! the Lord called yo to. V&7)&) E /2: ;oses was 62> years old and he was in reasonable health( with his eyes wor!ing well( and se% ally still active. ,s we have seen above( Ae teronomy 0616?2( he was now having diffic lties in wal!ing( b t his eyes and se% al f nction were normal. $hese two things are signs of age for many( and they are the sort of specific detail that reminds s we have an eye witness acco nt here. $he oldest man in England( $homas Parr .his grave may be visited in "estminster ,bbey: died in his 69>s( b t had been blind for only the last ten or so years. Li!e ;oses he was still able to see clearly( and was still se% ally active thro gh his 62>s. $he oldest man and woman last cent ry were both older than ;oses and were in good health ntil near the end of their lives. AonIt ever feel the need to e%plain away the great ages mentioned here( for they have been !nown in o r own days( and these men lived at a time witho t the atmospheric poisons we face. AonIt be p t off by the p rists who arg e that we donIt have records for these great ages3 we often donIt have the e%act date( b t give or ta!e a few days we can be s re of the ages of those who lived in recent cent ries to great ages. AonIt let the obvio s deceptions of Stalinist / ssia rob yo of the tr th on these matters. $he people mo rned for ;oses for thirty days. $hey wo ld tr ly have mo rned for this man( for after his depart re they wo ld have realised # st what a mighty man he was. ;any only recognise a personIs greatness after they have gone to be with the Lord. $his man had been ab sed and ins lted by these people thro gho t a great deal of his ministry. He had led them with firmness in tr th( and had failed terribly only once. Ae teronomy 0616?7( 02187?92. He had confessed this sin to the Lord( and had not hidden it from the people( so that they co ld learn from this also. ;oses concern regarding his sin( was not the p nishment pon him( b t that the people might not follow him in carelessness. ;oses was a teacher ntil the last day( even the last ho r of his life. His total foc s was pon his service to his people. He is the mentor to s all as to what pastoral d ty really involves. Li!e ;oses( we are called to serve ntil the Lord calls s home. $he scribe who completes this chapter and ro nds off the boo! of Ae teronomy is n!nown to s( b t he ro nds it off well. )t is li!ely that this was done d ring the @abylonian captivity or shortly afterwards. He pays trib te to ;oses( loo!ing bac! from his own day and noting that no prophet that had come since ;oses days was s perior to him in love( devotion to the Lord( and impact for God. $o ;oses God spo!e directly face to face. ;oses heard the words of God directly( and few in history have heard this at any time( b t ;oses heard the Lord his God all the time. $his man is above all others ntil the days of &ohn the @aptist. ;atthew 66166. $he signs and wonders done thro gh the hand of ;oses were the greatest concentration of miracles ntil the Lord wal!ed pon the earth. /efer to the @$@ 'H/)S$ H ;+SES ,S , $CPE +- 'H/)S$( ;)/,'LES ? PU/P+SE. PASTORAL AND PERSONAL APPLICATIONS 6. "hile o r b rial is the last chance for witness to o r friends( .and believers are enco raged to thin! abo t their f nerals and pre?write them so that they have ma%im m impact:( we are not thereD +nce we have died we are with the Lord. + r f neral is cond cted with o r body only3 we have already left. )t also doesnIt matter what happens later to o r grave or to o r body after o r death. , grave is for the living to mo rn at( not for the dead to Vsleep in. "e are in heaven( and the body decays into earth. "e will receive o r res rrection bodies where o r body was last placed( b t even if nothing is left( or the enemy has destroyed it .as they did with &ohn "ycliffeIs body:( the res rrection will still occ r at that place. 6 $hessalonians 8164. Eo action of man hinders the wor! of GodD /efer to the doctrine of /ESU//E'$)+E. 2. ;o rning is a good thing for those who are left behind after the death of an important person to them. )t is the nat ral way to remember we are here only as temporary residents of this planet( and that we have an eternal destiny not an earthly one. ;o rning will help s accept the dead ones absence( b t also help s live more intelligently with o r eyes fi%ed on o r creator and Savio r rather than the things of this earth. + r priorities o ght to be set by the reality of death and # dgment by God. "hat does not last the end of this life is not of lasting val eD 6 'orinthians 016?20. 0. "hile we are pon the earth we are here to serve the Lord in spirit and in tr th. Let s devote o rselves to s ch service in whole hearted Holy Spirit power and foc s. Until the last day of o r pilgrimage thro gh this earth let s serve the one who gave His all for s( and so give all o r moments to Him. ;oses is o r mentor3 let s follow his e%ample ntil the time of o r own death. Let s not spend too long at the graves of the dead e%cept to pray there and remember the tr ths of res rrection and the witness of their lives. "e are here to loo! forward and serve the Lord not loo! bac! and weep o rselves asleep for too long.
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DOCTRINES CHRIST TYPES MOSES AS A TYPE OF CHRIST See page << MIRACLES PURPOSE 6. ;iracles occ rred mainly in three periods of history. +f all the miracles recorded in the Script res all b t twelve fall into the following three periods. a: $he Law and Prophets Gro p1? prepares for the coming of the Lord i: ,t the E%od s thro gh to the giving of the Law( miracles were performed by ;oses( ,aron and later by &osh a. ii: ,t the period when the great prophets Eli#ah and Elisha were teaching many miracles were performed. b: $he Lord and 'h rch Gro p1? bears witness to His first coming i: $he miracles of the Lord. ii: $he miracles performed by the apostles. c: $he - t re ;iracle Gro p1? attest to His second coming i: @eginning with the activities of the two witnesses of the Great $rib lation. ii: $he niversal o tb rst of miracle activity at the establishment of the ;illennial Kingdom( when the Lord r les over a restored earth. 2. $heir p rpose incl des the following1? a: $o glorify the nat re of God .&ohn 2166( 6618>: b: $o accredit certain men as spo!esmen for God .Hebrews 210?8( L !e =167?20: c: $o provide evidence for belief in &es s as ;essiah .&ohn 412(68( 6>10=?07( 2>10>?06( 6 'orinthians 69160?2>: d: $o demonstrate the Lord*s s periority over the forces of evil .;atthew <12=?083 ;ar! 916?2>3 L !e 8106?0=: e: $o demonstrate the niG eness of the Lord &es s 'hrist( God with s .&ohn 6168:. 0. ;iracles demonstrate the attrib tes of God. a: $he Sovereignty of God was ill strated in1? i: the Lord*s creative wor! of t rning water into wine at 'ana. .&ohn 216?66: ii: His power when stilling the storm on Galilee. .;ar! 8109?863 ;atthew 7167: iii: the feeding of the 9>>> and the 8>>>. .;ar! 4100?883 716?<: iv: wal!ing on the water at Galilee. .;ar! 418=?92: v: His arrest in Gethsemane. .&ohn 6714: b: $he /ighteo sness of God was ill strated in1? $he Lord*s transfig ration before the disciples on the mo ntain( when they saw the Holiness of God in the Lord displayed. .;atthew 6=16?73 ;ar! <12?73 L !e <127?04: c: $he & stice of God was ill strated in1? $he c rsing of the fig tree d ring the last wee! before the cross as a sign of His coming # dgment pon nresponsive )srael. .;atthew 26167?223 ;ar! 66162?68( 2>?24: d: $he Love of God was ill strated in1? ,ll the healing ministries as the Lord*s compassion flowed into action( even to the e%ha stion of His h manity. "hile thirty?si% specific miracles of the Lord are recorded( many tho sands of healing miracles are passed over in a few isolated verses. .e.g. ;atthew <109?04( 68168( 6910>?06( 7164?6= etc.: e: $he Eternal Life of God was ill strated in1? $he great miracle of the res rrection of 'hrist. f: $he +mniscience of God was ill strated in1? i: His !nowledge of where nseen shoals of fish were. .;atthew 8167?22( ;ar! 6164?2>( &ohn 2616?68: ii: "here the fish was with # st eno gh money in its mo th to pay the reG ired ta%. .;atthew 6=128?2=: iii: $he !nowledge abo t Eathaniel and the woman at the well at Sychar also shows His omniscience .&ohn 6189?963819?80:. g: $he +mnipresence of God was ill strated in1? His ability to appear in vario s places many !ilometres apart demonstrating the tr th of His promise to be with believers always. .;atthew 2712>: h: $he +mnipotence of God was ill strated in1? $he raising of people s ch as La5ar s from the dead. i: $he )mm tability of God was ill strated in1? $he repetition of the miracle of the dra ght of fishes both before and after the res rrection showing that His character and power were nchanged. #: $he Jeracity of God was ill strated in1? $he healing of the 'ent rion*s servant and the Eobleman*s son. $he Lord said they were healed( and at that moment( many !ilometres away( they were. .;atthew 719?60( L !e =16?6>( &ohn 8184?98: !: $he Grace of God was ill strated in1? $he healing of ;alch s* ear in the garden on the night of the Lord*s arrest .L !e 2219>:. )t was a testimony to His Grace that as He faced the horror of the cross( o r Lord co ld still stoop and heal one of His captors. )t is significant that the last recorded miracle performed by the Lord before the cross benefited an enemy( one who had come to arrest Him. RESURRECTION
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6. $he res rrection of 'hrist is central to the gospel. .6 'orinthians 6910?8: a: Had there been no res rrection then we wo ld all still be in o r sins. .6 'orinthians 6916=:. b: /es rrection indicates completion of # stification. ./omans 8129( 2 'orinthians 912 6: c: /es rrection is a g arantee of ltimate sanctification. .6 'orinthians 6912>?20: d: $he res rrection is the -ather*s seal on 'hrist*s completed wor!( and the p blic declaration of its acceptance. e: "itho t the res rrection it is impossible for 'hrist to be glorified. $he h manity of 'hrist is glorified higher than the angels. .&ohn =10<( &ohn 64168: 2. Historical proof of the res rrection1 a: $he empty tomb. .;atthew 27: b: ;any of witnesses died rather than change their testimony. c: S bseG ent changes and confidence of the disciples after the res rrection. d: $he day of Pentecost. $he reality of the res rrection was so well !nown that when Peter preached the first two sermons in &er salem over 7>>> people were saved. .,cts 2186( ,cts 810?8: e: $he observance of the first day of the wee! as the worship day. .,cts 2>1=( 6 'orinthians 6412( /evelation 616>: f: $he historic e%istence of the ch rch. $he ch rch worships a literal risen Savio r( and not merely the memory of a dead martyr. ./omans 9162(68(6=( 410?<( 712( 6 'orinthians 69124(98?99( Hebrews 2168: 0. @aptism is a sign of the new res rrection life. ./omans 410?66( 'olossians 2162:. 8. $he Lord*s S pper is a reminder of the e%pected ret rn of the risen Lord. .6 'orinthians 66120?24: 9. +rder of the res rrections1? a: $he first for believers only incl ding &es s 'hrist which is divided into fo r parts. i: $he res rrection of 'hrist. .6 'orinthians 69120( /omans 618( 6 $hessalonians 616>( 6 Peter 610: ii: $he /apt re of the ch rch .6 'orinthians 69196?9=( 6 $hessalonians 8164?67: iii: $he +ld $estament saints and trib lation martyrs at the end of the $rib lation. .Aaniel 62160( )saiah 24?6<? 2>( /evelation 2>18: iv: $he ;illennial saints and those who s rvive the $rib lation to enter the ;illenni m in their physical bodies. b: $he second res rrection occ rs at the end of the ;illenni m and is for nbelievers only. $hey are # dged and cast into the la!e of fire forever. .6 &ohn 9127( 2<( /evelation 2>162?69( 2 Peter 01=( ;atthew 29186: c: &es s( who m st be the first eternally res rrected h man.( was not raised ntil three days after the cr cifi%ion. d: People in the +ld $estament who were Qraised from the deadQ were merely res scitated( and later died. e: ;atthew 2=192?90 is a transfer scene not a res rrection scene. $he transfer is one of saints from paradise to the third heaven .Ephesians 817:. Some were given res scitated bodies to witness to the &ews. 4. $he seG ence of events at the Lord*s res rrection is as follows1? a: ;ary ;agdalene( Salome and ;ary the mother of &ames and &oses head towards the tomb followed by other women carrying embalming spices. b: $he three find the stone rolled away. ;ary ;agdalene goes bac! to tell the disciples. .L !e 20199?281<( &ohn 2>16?2: c: ;ary the mother of &ames and &oses draws near to the tomb and sees the angel. .;atthew 2712: d: She goes bac! to the women carrying the spices. e: Peter and &ohn who have been advised by ;ary ;agdalene arrive( loo! inside the empty tomb and go away..&ohn 2>10?6>: f: ;ary ;agdalene ret rns weeping( sees two angels and then &es s..&ohn 2>166?67: g: ,s instr cted by the Lord she goes to tell the disciples. h: ;ary the mother of &ames and &oses meets the women with the spices and ret rning with them they see the two angels. .L !e 2818?9( ;ar! 6419: i: $hey also receive advice from the angels and( going to see! the disciples( are met by &es s. .;atthew 2717?6>:
110
DOCTRINES
DOCTRINE ,EGELS ,EGELS H ,EGEL)' '+E-L)'$ ,EGELS H '+UE$E/-E)$S +- S,$,E ,EGELS H S,$,E H ,AJE/S,/C ,EGELS H S,$,E*S S$/,$EGC ,EGELS H S,$,E*S S$/,$EGC ,EA $,'$)'S ,E$)'H/)S$ H "+/LA /ULE/ ,E$)?SE;)$)S; ,S'E$)')S; @)@LE H )ESP)/,$)+E @)@LE H "+/A +- G+A H HE@/E"S 8162 'H/)S$ H ;EA),$+/SH)P 'H/)S$ H P/+PHE$( P/)ES$( ,EA K)EG 'H/)S$ H /E$U/E +- +U/ L+/A 'H/)S$ H /+'K 'H/)S$ H S,'/)-)'E +- 'H/)S$ 'H/)S$ $CPES H '+E$/,S$ @E$"EEE ;+SES ,EA 'H/)S$ 'H/)S$ $CPES H ;+SES ,S , $CPE +- 'H/)S$ 'H/)S$ $CPES H P,SS+JE/ ,S , $CPE +- 'H/)S$ 'H/)S$),E L)-E H @,'KSL)A)EG ,EA /E'+JE/C 'H/)S$),E L)-E H '+E-ESS)+E ,EA -+/G)JEEESS 'H/)S$),E L)-E H AES$)EC +- @EL)EJE/S 'H/)S$),E L)-E H A)J)EE A)S')PL)EE 'H/)S$),E L)-E H E$E/E,L L)-E 'H/)S$),E L)-E H E$E/E,L SE'U/)$C 'H/)S$),E L)-E H -,)$H 'H/)S$),E L)-E H -,)$H H +JE/'+;)EG @C -,)$H 'H/)S$),E L)-E H -/U)$ +- $HE SP)/)$ 'H/)S$),E L)-E H G)-$S G)JEE ,$ S,LJ,$)+E 'H/)S$),E L)-E H HE)/SH)P 'H/)S$),E L)-E H )EA"ELL)EG +- 'H/)S$ 'H/)S$),E L)-E H L,"S +- L)@E/$C ,EA /ESP+ES)@)L)$C 'H/)S$),E L)-E H ;,$U/)$C H S)GES +- ;,$U/)$C ./+;,ES 6916?69: 'H/)S$),E L)-E H ;EE$,L ,$$)$UAE 'H/)S$),E L)-E H P/)+/)$)ES 'H/)S$),E L)-E H P/+SPE/)$C +- $HE 'HU/'H ,GE @EL)EJE/ 'H/)S$),E L)-E H /EPEE$,E'E 'H/)S$),E L)-E H /E",/AS ,EA '/+"ES 'H/)S$),E L)-E H SE/J)'E 'H/)S$),E L)-E H S+LA)E/ H 'H/)S$),E S+LA)E/ )E EPHES),ES 4 PAGE <4 86 7= 77 80 98 2< 88 2< 96 72 <7 7< 06 70 <7 6>> << 6>> 0< 09 22 8= 22 <> =2 =0 0< 60 69 7> < 69 98 29 20 70 20 <= =8
111
'H/)S$),E L)-E H SP)/)$U,L)$C 'H/)S$),E L)-E H S$,@)L)$C 'H/)S$),E L)-E H $H)EK)EG @)@L)',LLC 'H/)S$),E L)-E H ",LK)EG 'HU/'H ,EA )S/,EL 'HU/'H H '+;;UE)+E H $HE L+/A*S SUPPE/ 'HU/'H H AE,'+ES 'HU/'H H P,S$+/SLELAE/S 'HU/'H H "+/SH)P ,EA P/,)SE 'UP A,C +- "/,$H AE,$H A)SPEES,$)+ES H G/E,$ $/)@UL,$)+E A)SPEES,$)+ES H )S/,EL +/ &E"S A)SPEES,$)+ES H ;)LLEE),L K)EGA+; A/)EK)EG ,L'+H+L AC)EG G/,'E EAU',$)+E ,EA LE,/E)EG E$E/E)$C -U$U/E E$E/E)$C P,S$ EJ)L G+A H 'H,/,'$E/ +- G+A G+A H '+;-+/$ -+/ @EL)EJE/S G+A H A)J)EE AE'/EES G+A H -,)$H-ULEESS +- G+A G+A H G+A ',/ES -+/ C+U G+A H A)J)EE GU)A,E'E H $HE ")LL +- G+A G+A H PL,E +- G+A G+A H SHEK)E,H GL+/C G++A "+/KS G/,'E H+LC SP)/)$ H -)LL)EG +- $HE H+LC SP)/)$ H+LC SP)/)$ H ;)E)S$/C )E $HE +LA $ES$,;EE$ H+LC SP)/)$ H ;)E)S$/C )E $HE EE" $ES$,;EE$ H+LC SP)/)$ H S)ES ,G,)ES$ $HE SP)/)$ H+LC SP)/)$ H $E,'HE/ )S/,EL )S/,EL H E,$)+E,L A)J)EE A)S')PL)EE &UAGE;EE$ H @,P$)S; +- -)/E &UAGE;EE$ H G/E,$ "H)$E $H/+EE K)EGA+; H ;)LLEEE),L K)EGA+; L," +- ;+SES L ;+S,)' L," L," +- ;+SES )E $HE EE" $ES$,;EE$ L)GH$ ;)/,'LES H PU/P+SE P/+;)SES P/+PHE'C P/+PHE'C H SESUEE'E +- EEA $);E EJEE$S PS,L; 96 H -+/G)JEEESS ,EA /ES$+/,$)+E /EL)G)+E /E;E,E$ /ESU//E'$)+E /EJEL,$)+E S,LJ,$)+E
28 90 29 64 48 49 =9 =4 8> 6= 00 =6 88 2> 26 08 == 4 6>2 6>2 02 =6 6>6 77 98 6>6 88 < <= 66 6> 62 92 92 8> 92 40 08 <> 6= 02 = 7 26 6>8 42 46 40 48 64 00 6>9 = 60
112
S,LJ,$)+E H ,$+EE;EE$1 UEL);)$EA ,$+EE;EE$ S,LJ,$)+E H S,E'$)-)',$)+E S)E H +LA S)E E,$U/E S)E H S)E UE$+ AE,$H S+L+;+E H PLE,SU/E S+UL ,EA HU;,E SP)/)$ $E;P$,$)+E $/)@UL,$)+E )E ;,$$HE" 28 "+/LA "+/LAL)EESS
6= =2 94 07 9= 94 90 88 00 28
113

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EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 (TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING)

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

R&'()&* +,- 2.//

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

;oses farewell and death.

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

4. =. 7. <. 6>. 66. 62.

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING

EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEUTERONOMY 27-34 TWO PATHS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE BLESSING OR CURSING