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October 28, 2011October 28, 2011

One Year Bible Challenge, Week 43

Week 43

October 22 to 28, 2011¹

This is the “One Year Bible Challenge:” to read the entire Bible in one year. Assuming a normal reading level, this can be done by spending about 10-15 minutes per day, each and every day. See ReadTheWholeBible.COM for more information. If you would like details so you can join us, or if you have any other questions, please call Tom Truex. Or send an email by using the CONTACT form on K-Line.ORG.

OLD TESTAMENT READINGS: Jeremiah 39:1 to 52:34

Themes and stories: Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonian and his army sieged Jerusalem. After more than a year, all of Jerusalem was about starved to death. When the Babylonians finally breached the city wall, King Zedekiah and his officials made a run for it. The Babylonians caught them on the plains of Jericho. Nebuchadnezzar had the king’s sons slaughtered in front of him. Then he poked out Zedekiah’s eyes and had him taken to Babylonian in chains. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that the Prophet, Jeremiah not be harmed. Jeremiah was given the choice to travel to Babylonian, where he was assured he’d be well cared for. But Jeremiah decided to stay in Judah, even though it meant sharing the hardships of his people in their conquered nation. Only the poorest people were allowed to remain in Judah. All the others were taken to Babylonian. Gedaliah was appointed Governor by Nebuchadnezzar. Gedaliah was overpowered and murdered as he dined with his killer and his friends.

In chapter 42, the remnant of the people remaining in Judah asked Jeremiah to pray for them as to where they should go and what they should do. God told Jeremiah he should instruct the people to stay where they were. Jeremiah warned them to not go to Egypt. The people ignored Jeremiah’s advice, and went to Egypt anyway, where they worships idols.

Jeremiah’s prophesied against the Egyptians:

[25] The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, said: “Behold, I am bringing punishment upon Amon of Thebes, and Pharaoh, and Egypt and her gods and her kings, upon Pharaoh and those who trust in him. [26] I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their life, into the hand of Nebuchadrez’zar king of Babylon and his officers. Jeremiah 46:25-26 (RSV).

Jeremiah’s prophesied against the Philistines:

[1] The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh smote Gaza. [2] “Thus says the LORD: Behold, waters are rising out of the north, and shall become an overflowing torrent; they shall overflow the land and all that fills it, the city and those who dwell in it. Men shall cry out, and every inhabitant of the land shall wail. Jeremiah 47:1-2 (RSV).

Jeremiah’s prophesied against the Moabites:

[9] “Give wings to Moab, for she would fly away; her cities shall become a desolation, with no inhabitant in them. [10] “Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness; and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed. Jeremiah 48:9-10 (RSV).

Jeremiah’s prophesied against the Ammonites:

[2] Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will cause the battle cry to be heard against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it shall become a desolate mound, and its villages shall be burned with fire; then Israel shall dispossess those who dispossessed him, says the LORD. Jeremiah 49:2 (RSV).

Jeremiah’s also prophesied against the Edomites, Syrians, and Elamites. He prophesied against Kedar and Hazor.

Jeremiah’s prophesied against the Babylonians:

[1] The word which the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chalde’ans, by Jeremiah the prophet: [2] “Declare among the nations and proclaim, set up a banner and proclaim, conceal it not, and say: `Babylon is taken, Bel is put to shame, Mer’odach is dismayed. Her images are put to shame, her idols are dismayed.’ [3] “For out of the north a nation has come up against her, which shall make her land a desolation, and none shall dwell in it; both man and beast shall flee away. Jeremiah 50:1-3 (RSV).

Chapter 51 of the Book of Jeremiah ends, “Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.” Jeremiah 52:64 (RSV). This appears to be a natural end to the book; but another chapter (52) follows. Chapter 52 contains details about the fall of Jerusalem. Some commentators consider chapter 52 to be an appendix to Jeremiah, which:

Shows that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity happened, as the prophet predicted; and
Serves as preface to the next book, Lamentations.

Discussion points: Why did Nebuchadnezzar protect Jeremiah?

Psalms: Psalm 90:1 to 100:5

Proverbs: Proverbs 26:1 to 26:19

NEW TESTAMENT READINGS: 2 Timothy 1:1 to Titus 3:15

Themes and stories: 2 Timothy is Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful. He recalls Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, both who were women of faith.

Paul warns Timothy of the difficult times that await in the last days:

[1] But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. [2] For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people. [6] For among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, [7] who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 (RSV).

The Book of Titus is Paul’s letter to Titus, a Greek who may have been converted to Christianity by Paul’s ministry.

Paul describes the qualifications for church leaders. These are similar to the instructions he gave to Timothy for church leaders in Ephesus:

[6] An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Titus 1:6 (NIV).

[7] For a bishop,² as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, [8] but hospitable, a lover of goodness, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; [9] he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to confute those who contradict it. Titus 1:6 (RSV).

Paul warns against false teachers. He says they must be silenced, because they are upsetting whole families.

In Titus 2:2-10 (NIV), Paul gives advice for different types of church members.

[2] Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

[3] Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

[4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

[6] Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. [7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness [8] and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

[9] Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, [10] and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

Good works are important, but avoid useless arguments:

[8] This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.

[9] But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. [10] Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, [11] knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. Titus 3:8-11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible )

Discussion points: Why is the Bible so important? Is it literally the word of God?

DISCUSSION POINTS AND VERSES — Christian Men’s Breakfast only³

The discussion notes ( PDF / TEXT ) for breakfast on Saturday, October 29, 2011 are now online — ”The Word of God”. This is week 43, which means we are entering the last 10 weeks of the ONE YEAR BIBLE CHALLENGE. This week we finish Jeremiah. Some nations and people did not do so well. We also read in 2 Timothy and Titus. Discussion verses: Jeremiah 39:11-14 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17

FOOTNOTES

The notes, summaries and points on this page are intended as bookmarks of important matters which are covered in this week’s readings. They are not intended as complete summaries of readings. Please forgive me if some of my summaries are not 100% on point. Read the manual–i.e. Bible–so that you will get a more clear understanding of the material. Thank you.
–Tom Truex ↩
Elder is translated in some versions as “overseer” ↩
Subject to change. ↩

September 16, 2011September 16, 2011

One Year Bible Challenge, Week 37

Week 37

September 10 to 16, 2011¹

This is the “One Year Bible Challenge:” to read the entire Bible in one year. Assuming a normal reading level, this can be done by spending about 10-15 minutes per day, each and every day. See ReadTheWholeBible.COM for more information. If you would like details so you can join us, or if you have any other questions, please call Tom Truex. Or send an email by using the CONTACT form on K-Line.ORG.

OLD TESTAMENT READINGS: Isaiah 6:1 to 24:23

Themes and stories: In the words of the prophet, Isaiah: He saw God sitting on a throne, high and lofty. Seraphs attended him. Seraphs are a type of heavenly being, each with 6 wings. Two wings cover their faces, two covered their feet, and the the remaining two are used to fly. And as they flew, they called out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3 (RSV)

[6] Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having in his hand a burning coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. [7] And he touched my mouth, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven.” [8] And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:6-8 (RSV).

Whereupon God Himself commissioned Isaiah as prophet, and directed him what to do.

Chapter 8 of Isaiah predicted the invasion by Assyria. Chapter 9 has a prophecy about the coming of the Messiah:

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 6:6-7 (RSV)

Chapter 10 speaks of the punishment of Assyria. In fact, students of history know that Babylon later destroyed Assyria.

Chapter 11 contains the prophesy of natural enemies on earth being at peace with one another:

[6] The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. [7] The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. [8] The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. Isaiah 11:6-9 (RSV).

Remember, in the beginning, this was how all the creatures on earth originally behaved:

And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. Genesis 1:30 (RSV).

Chapter 13 contains a prophecy against Babylon. In Chapter 14 God promised Compassion on Israel. It also contains a prophecy against Assyria. Chapters 17 through 23 contain prophecies against Syria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Babylon, Arabia, and Tyre.
Chapter 21:10 (RSV) refers to threshing: “O my threshed and winnowed one, what I have heard from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, I announce to you.” By way of clarification for the agriculturally impaired, this is a reference to the way useful grain was obtained. In step one, wheat was trampled under foot to break open the seeds, and expose the grain inside–threshing. In step two, the seeds were thrown into the air–winnowing. The worthless chaff blew away, while the valuable grain fell to the ground, where it could be gathered.² Israel would experience the same process. The, sinful and rebellious people would be cast aside as worthless, while the people faithful to God would be gathered to replenish Israel.

Discussion points: Isaiah 10:1-4 contains a condemnation of rulers who oppress the people. What, if any, application does this passage have to modern society?

[1] You are doomed! You make unjust laws that oppress my people. [2] That is how you keep the poor from having their rights and from getting justice. That is how you take the property that belongs to widows and orphans. [3] What will you do when God punishes you? What will you do when he brings disaster on you from a distant country? Where will you run to find help? Where will you hide your wealth? [4] You will be killed in battle or dragged off as prisoners. Yet even so the Lord’s anger will not be ended; his hand will still be stretched out to punish. Isaiah 10:1-4 (Good News Translation)

Psalms: Psalm 54:1 to 60:12
Proverbs: Proverbs 23:1 to 23:16

NEW TESTAMENT READINGS: 2 Corinthians 11:16 to Galatians 3:9

Themes and stories: Paul recounts some of his many trials: imprisonment, floggings (often to near death), beatings with the rod, stoning, shipwreck, thirst, hunger, sleeplessness, and nakedness, to name a few. 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. Paul also mentions the thorn in his flesh in chapter 12 of 2 Corinthians. Though commentators have speculated as to the “thorn” being some sort of chronic affliction or disease, we don’t know for sure what it was. Apparently, it pained Paul. Paul prayed to God three times for removal of the affliction. God declined. This kept Paul more humble, which actually benefited his ministry.
In chapter 13 Paul admonished the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they were living in the faith. And Paul’s final words of farewell:

[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. [12] Greet one another with a holy kiss. [13] All the saints greet you. 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (RSV).

Galatians. Paul greeted the Galatians, but quickly addressed their problem of turning to “a different Gospel.” Paul assures them that he received his Gospel through revelation from none other than Jesus Christ, Himself (Galatians 1:12). Paul tells them how he had been called to share the Gospel with gentiles, as Peter had been called to share it with the Jews.

Paul criticized Peter for siding with those who said you had to first become a Jew (including circumcision), before you could be a Christian. Taken to it’s natural conclusion, this position can be said to imply that faith in Jesus Christ is not sufficient for salvation. That is, the “Judaizers” position necessarily implied that both faith in Jesus AND adherence to the Law were required for salvation.

Paul does not mince words in expressing to the Galatians that FAITH ALONE is sufficient for salvation:

Trust in Christ, Not the Law
[1] You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the cross was certainly set before you clearly enough. [2-4] Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up! Galatians 3:1-3 (The Message)

Discussion points: What are the “marks of a true apostle” that Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians 12:12? And why is Paul writing about this topic in the first place?

Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
[11] I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. [12] I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. [13] How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 2 Corinthians 12:11-13 (NIV)