July 16th to 22nd
Discussion Questions
Old Testament
Solomon is perhaps best known for his wisdom and for building the Temple. Of the two, Temple building seems to get top billing in the Chronicles. Is this any reflection on the relative importance on these two facets of Solomon’s life?
New Testament
What did Paul mean when he wrote, “For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14 (RSV).
Notes and Commentary
Old Testament
Solomon is perhaps best known for his wisdom and for building the Temple. Of the two, Temple building seems to get top billing in the Chronicles. Is this any reflection on the relative importance on these two facets of Solomon’s life?
Solomon’s wisdom is mentioned in the Chronicles. King Solomon, and his life, is an important part of the history of the Jews. However, the main point of the books of the Chronicles was to give an account of the kingdom of Judah. The building of God’s Temple was probably more important to the in the history of the Jews, than one king.
New Testament
What did Paul mean when he wrote, “For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14 (RSV).
The apostle concluded this section of his argument with a word of encouragement. Sin will no longer master the believer. Mosaic Law is not the authority under which we live. Rather, we live under grace. Satan can no longer use the Law to hinder the believer’s progress. God has redeemed us, not by the Law but by grace. We now live under that authority.
[The People’s New Testament] Paul has shown that law revealed sin. Where law exists, and the sinful nature remains, sin will continually manifest itself. But we are under grace. Our sins were forgiven on the ground that we have died to sin, been buried and risen with Christ. Hence, unless we trample all this under foot, there is no room for the dominion of sin.
[John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible] Sin shall not have dominion over you - It has neither right nor power. For ye are not under the law - A dispensation of terror and bondage, which only shows sin, without enabling you to conquer it. But under grace - Under the merciful dispensation of the gospel, which brings complete victory over it to every one who is under the powerful influences of the Spirit of Christ.
Random Quotes
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
— Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919), Speech in New York, September 7, 1903
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
— Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919)
Notes:
© Tom Truex 2014, Davie, FL