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BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21

February 28, 2019February 3, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promised Land Part 1

Summary 2 Samuel 24:

Image result for 2 samuel 24 David takes a census of Israel and Judah moved by Satan. After 9 months and 20 days, the number of men numbered 800,000 in Israel and 500,000 in Judah. David confesses his sin (for not having faith in the Lord for fighting purposes), and Gad the prophet gives him 3 choices for consequences:

3 years of famine
3 months of fleeing from your enemies
3 days of plague

The plague was chosen, and 70,000 people died. David sacrificed to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite to stop the plague.

Summary 1 Chronicles 21:

Satan incited David to take the census. In all, there were 1,100,000 men, including 470,000 in Judah, but excluding the Levites and the Benjaminites. The passage from here is almost identical to 2 Samuel 24.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21:

12) David wanted to survey his kingdom in order to glory it its size and its potential military strength. God wanted David to continue to rely on divine help and guidance, not national pride. Exodus says, “When you take a census of the Israelites, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life.” Also, the David tempted David it says in 1 Chronicles 21

13) Part personal Question. My answer: God gives David a choice of punishments (which He does us as well). He forgives David and ends the plague early out of mercy. The personal side of this questions would take hours to recount. God is merciful by forgiving my sins, providing a Savior, and giving me so much in this world I don’t deserve.

14) David asks for forgiveness and mercy. He sacrifices costly sacrifices. Self-sacrificing is what I see in my culture. Helping others. Obeying God. Doing the right thing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21:

This is a great chapter. It shows how David’s whole life was about God, and how God did it all for David, including providing the support David needed to rule effectively and successfully. Great lesson.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21:

Commentary 2 Samuel 24:

The translators of the New King James Version believe that “He” in this sentence applies to God because they capitalize it. Yet 1 Chronicles 21:1 tells us, Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. The best explanation is that Satan prompted King David and is the “he” of 2 Samuel 24:1. Yet the Lord expressly allowed it as a chastisement against David (Nothing happens without God knowing or allowing).

In ancient cultures, a man only had the right to count or number what belonged to him. Israel didn’t belong to David; Israel belonged to God. It was up to the Lord to command a counting, and if David counted, he should only do it at God’s command and receiving ransom money to “atone” for the counting.

Once again, we see Joab as the voice of reason. He told David to quit mourning Absalom’s death in 2 Samuel 19, and now he asks David to reconsider his pride and his sin. The captains tried to tell David as well.

The total population would be 6 million in Israel based off the number of men at this time..

David’s three choices:

Famine put the poor at risk who would not be able to afford the food
War put all the soldiers at risk
Plague was the equalizer — all were at risk

David chose plague because it was the only one he could suffer from.

The threshing floor of Araunah

2 Chronicles 3:1 tells us that the threshing floor of Araunah was on Mount Moriah; the same hill where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:2), and the same set of hills where Jesus died on the cross (Genesis 22:14).

This also became the site of Solomon’s temple (1 Chronicles 21:28-22:5).

Image result for 1 chronicles 21 — A threshing floor

FUN FACT: “David’s altar was the only one in pre-exilic times which God explicitly commanded to be built.” (Selman)

“The decision of God to establish his altar and temple at Moriah in Jerusalem has affected all history (cf. Revelation 11:1); for this mountain became the focus of the Holy City, where His Son was crucified. And it will continue to affect history; for from this ‘city he loves’, he will some day rule the nations of the earth (Isaiah 2:2-4).” (Payne)

David knew that it would not be a gift nor a sacrifice unto the LORD if it did not cost him something. He didn’t look for the cheapest way possible to please God.

David knew that the death of the 70,000 in Israel of the plague did not atone for his and Israel’s sin. Atonement could only be made through the blood of an approved substitute.

Burnt offerings were to atone for sin; peace offerings were to enjoy fellowship with God.

1 Chronicles 21:26 tells us that God showed His acceptance of David’s sacrifice by consuming it with fire from heaven. God honored David’s desire to be right and to fellowship with God by answering with Divine blessing from heaven. So it always is when God’s children draw near to their God and Father for cleansing and fellowship.

Commentary 1 Chronicles 21:

FUN FACT: “For the first time in Scripture, the word ‘Satan’ appears without the definite article as a proper noun.” (Payne)

Why were the Levites and Benjaminites not counted?

“Joab, seeing that this would bring down destruction upon the people, purposed to save two tribes. Should David ask, Why have you not numbered the Levites? Joab purposed to say, Because the Levites are not reckoned among the children of Israel. Should he ask, Why have you not numbered Benjamin? he would answer, Benjamin has been already sufficiently punished, on account of the treatment of the woman at Gibeah: if, therefore, this tribe were to be again punished, who would remain?” (Clarke)

240 ounces of gold was worth about one hundred thousand dollars. Second Samuel 24:24 notes a much smaller amount, 20 ounces of silver, for the threshing floor itself.

God simply uses Satan’s provocation at the opening of this chapter to answer of the question for David and for the nation of Israel: where to build his temple. There were other purposes of God at work here as well.

What does Ornan’s Threshing Floor Teach us?

Ornan’s threshing floor shows us where and how God wants to meet with men.

A simple, unadorned place – not like a fancy church at all.
A place of ordinary work.
A place bought with money.
A place from where bread was brought forth.
A place where the justice of God was evident.
A place where sin was confessed.
A place where sacrifice was offered and accepted.

God had sanctified the place Himself with fire from heaven. 2 Chronicles 7:12; Isaiah 56:7(Deuteronomy 12:11)

Image result for 1 chronicles 21

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 4: 2 Samuel 23

February 27, 2019February 17, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promised Land Part 1

Summary 2 Samuel 23:

In David’s last poem, he shows his deep concern to be a king who pleases God and says a leader in tune with God will always be a blessing to God’s people. He remembers God’s promise that his descendants will always rule. David’s mighty men are remembered, 37 in all.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 4: 2 Samuel 23:

9) God used David so he could rule over God’s people with righteousness. God brought him everything, including an everlasting covenant, salvation, and his every desire. God did it all.

10) Personal Question. My answer: They fought in battle for him. They got him water when he needed it. Doing for others constantly is the best way to sacrifice and show love. Put your needs/wants/desires last.

11) Personal Question. My answer: God works through others to bring victory to you. David’s mighty men fought with God on their side who provided victory. The victorious Christian life is about letting God fight your battles and win your victories.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 4: 2 Samuel 23:

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 4: 2 Samuel 23:

Image result for 2 samuel 23 These are not the very last words of David, just his final thoughts at the end of his life.

David’s life:

Jesse was a humble farmer as David was.
God raised David up.
David was anointed by God, not by himself or merely by man.
David had a beautiful gift of eloquence and expression before God. This title reminds of David’s deep inner life with God.

David ruled by:

Justice
Fear of God

David’s Biblical History:

David’s reign full of praise ( Psalm 89:20, Isaiah 55:3-4, Romans 1:3, and Revelation 22:16.
David’s passion in life was to be with God Psalm 84:10
David endured to the end, loving and serving God in the final chapters of his life (2 Samuel 23:1-7)

David’s son, Solomon’s Biblical History:

Solomon is barely mentioned in the rest of the Scriptures and when he is, it is almost in a backhanded way (see Matthew 6:28-29 and Matthew 12:42).
Solomon’s passion in life was personal improvement (1 Kings 3:4-15).
Solomon forsook God in his later years (1 Kings 11:4-8).

Covenant with David based on God’s faithfulness only.

Theme of David’s Life

The Lord is in control.
Rest in Him.
Don’t fret yourself because of the evildoers that bring evil devices to pass.
Trust in Him.
Delight in the Lord.

David was Israel’s greatest king and the most prominent ancestor of Jesus Christ because of his relationship with God. The New Testament begins with these words: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1)

David’s Mighty Men

The triumph of the church as a whole depends upon the personal victory of every Christian. Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!’Dare to be an Eleazar, and go forth and smite the Philistines alone.

The men who retrieved the water for David was sacrificed to God because the sacrifice was too great for David himself.

These remarkable men were the foundation of David’s greatness and success of his reign. They did not come to David as great men, but God used David’s leadership to transform these men who were in distress, in debt and discontented, who met David back at Adullam Cave (1 Samuel 22:1-2) into mighty men.

“More than all his victories against outside foes, the influence of his life and character on the men nearest to him testify to his essential greatness.” (Morgan)

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22

February 26, 2019February 17, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promised Land Part 1

Summary 2 Samuel 21:

Famine reigned in Israel for 3 years as retribution for what Saul did to the Gibeonites. In an effort to make amends to the Gibeonites, David asks them what he can do for them. They demand 7 of Saul’s male relatives to be put to death. David complies. They are killed and David gathers up the bones of the 7 who died, along with Saul’s and Jonathan’s bones, and buries them together. This pleased God, and He began to answer prayers again.

David is still battling the Philistines. He goes out with his men but is too old to continue to do so. David wins many battles.

Summary 2 Samuel 22 (Psalm 18):

David sings a song of praise to God for saving him from his enemies. God is his rock and fortress. He rescued David. God has rewarded David for his loyalty. God does it all, including crushing David’s enemies, delivering him, and exalting him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22:

6) Personal Question. My answer: God keeps His word, and there’s consequences if someone doesn’t keep God’s word. Restitution is important to make up for a wrong done. God is just and good.

God expects us to keep our promises.
God expects nations to keep their promises.
Time does not diminish our obligation to promises.
God’s correction may come a long time after the offense.

7) David is close to God and is devoted. David uses vivid images to get his point across. He calls God his rock and fortress. God rescues him from the snares of death. God defended him by making the earth tremble and the heavens shake. God rescued David from deep waters. God is perfect and flawless. God delivered David, and David exalts God above all else.

God’s kindness: God parted the heavens and came down for David. He shot arrows and scattered the enemies. He rescued David because He delighted in him. God trains David’s hands for battle and gives David His shield of victory. He broadens David’s path so he does not turn. He puts nations under him and sets him free from his enemies. God shows unfailing kindness to him.

8 ) Personal Question. My answer: The entire passage is inspiring, as it praises God for all who He is and all that He does for us. My favorite is verse 20: “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” This is God’s love. God loves us so much and delights in us so much that He daily rescues us through His son, Jesus Christ. This encourages me when I am down and inspires me to be more Jesus-like and try to live up to God’s expectations of me every day of my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22:

It’s interesting to see how God punishes other generations for the sins of others in the past. It’s also interesting to see how killing people is normal for retribution, and no one thought twice of killing others to pay for others’ crimes. It makes me glad I live in the 21st century, on this side of heaven after Jesus Christ. It makes me glad for the New Covenant.

At first, you think mankind has changed, but we haven’t. We still “kill” innocent people every day — just under the guise of something else. We’re still punished today, just in different ways.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22:

Commentary 2 Samuel 21:

David wisely sought God in the face of chronic problems.

Apparently at some time during his reign, Saul attacked and killed many of the Gibeonites. This massacre isn’t recorded in 1 Samuel, but David didn’t question that it happened.

In the days of Joshua – more than 400 years before David’s time – Israel swore not to harm the Gibeonites, a neighboring tribe (Joshua 9). God expected Israel to keep its promise, even though the Gibeonites tricked Israel into making the agreement. Saul’s crime was not only in killing the Gibeonites but also in breaking this ancient and important oath.

What do we learn from the Gibeonites retribution:

If God has such a high expectations that men keep their covenants, we can have great confidence that He will keep His covenant with us.
Good intentions don’t excuse bad actions. God cares about both our intentions and our actions.

How to initiate conflict resolution through David’ example:

David did not dictate terms to the Gibeonites. He came to them as a servant, not as a king.
The Gibeonites showed compassion: although the Israelites slaughtered their people, they did not ask for the same in return.
They only held the man himself responsible: Saul.

In ancient times, the request of the Gibeonites was reasonable. Instead of money, or an “eye for an eye”, they only asked for justice against Saul through his descendants. David agreed.

Image result for 2 samuel 22

The death of Saul’s descendants

David did not break his promise to Mephibosheth: he was spared. David would not fulfill one promise at the expense of another.
The phrase before the LORD implies God approved of their execution and payment for retribution.
The method of death fulfilled the promise of Deuteronomy 21:23: he who is hanged is accursed of God. These descendants of Saul bore the curse Saul deserved and so delivered Israel from the guilt of their sin against the Gibeonites.

Deuteronomy 21:23 also explains why Jesus died the way He did. Galatians 3:13 explains: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”).

Rizpah – the mother of two of the seven delivered for execution – held a vigil over the bodies until the late rains came. The coming of rain showed that the famine was over, that justice was satisfied, and that Israel was delivered.

The bodies of these men were deliberately left unburied to emphasize that these men were executed as an act of judgment.

David gave these seven a public burial, together with the remains of Saul and Jonathan.

TAKE AWAY FROM UNANSWERED PRAYERS: When we see that our prayers are not answered, we should seek God to ask why.

David ages

When David’s strength failed, God protected him through the strength of others.
God will continue to raise up leaders when the leaders of the previous generation pass from the scene.
David’s legacy lay not only in what he accomplished, but also in what he left behind – a people prepared for victory.

Commentary 2 Samuel 22 (Psalm 18):

With minor variations, this psalm is the same as Psalm 18. It is likely that David composed this song as a younger man – perhaps when Saul died, and he first took the throne, as described in 2 Samuel 8:14, when David had subdued all his enemies, and the LORD preserved David wherever he went. Yet in his old age, David could look back with great gratitude and sing this song again, looking at his whole life. This psalm is a great summary of David’s whole character and attitude through life.

The many titles of God

David piled title upon title in praising God because God’s work for David was so big and comprehensive that it couldn’t be contained in one title.
God fulfilled the meaning of each title in David’s experience.

God delivers

David experienced the LORD’s deliverance from Goliath, Saul, Israel’s enemies, Absalom, and his own sins.
Danger surrounded David on every side – physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially.
God met David’s need.
God spoke on David’s behalf.
God delights in us.
God answers our distress.

The enemy wants us to believe that we can’t call upon the LORD in our distress.

We can come to God in prayer because of the righteousness we have received in Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30 and 2 Corinthians 5:21).

God is to man what man is to God

When we show mercy to others, God shows us mercy.
God gives grace to the humble. ( Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, and 1 Peter 5:5
God brings light and strength to us, so we can see and so we can bear and overcome our troubles.
God gives protection
God gives skill

We see in this psalm that David constantly moved back and forth from speaking about God (He delivers me) to speaking directly to God (You also lift me up).

Paul quotes 2 Samuel 22:50 (Psalm 18:49) in Romans 15:9.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20

February 25, 2019February 3, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promised Land Part 1

Summary 2 Samuel 19:

Absalom, who had just mounted a coup against David, was dead. David was mourning Absalom uncontrollably to the point his men were demoralized. Joab told David to go and encourage him men. The Israelites returned home, confused since Absalom, the anointed king, was dead. The elders brought David back to rule over the Israelites. Shimei, who cursed David (2 Samuel 16:5-13), was pardoned. Mephibosheth regained half his lands that Ziba had lied to David to get. David crossed over the Jordan River to be king, but a rift between Israel and Judah was getting wider.

Summary 2 Samuel 20:

Sheba, a Benjamite from the North, rebels against David, taking the men of Israel with him. Judah remains loyal to David. David orders Sheba to be pursued. Amasa is sent, but he takes too long. Thinking him a traitor, Joab stabs Amasa and kills him. A wise woman throws over Sheba’s head to Joab to save her her city that Sheba was hiding in (Abel Beth Maacah) from Joab. The rebellion ends.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20:

3) Excessive. Joab is right. David wasn’t thinking of his men who just risked their lives fighting for David against Absalom and then he only mourns Absalom’s death instead of his own men’s. He should be celebrating the victory with his men, not wallowing over his son who clearly didn’t love him.

4) David doesn’t punish those who were against him. He pardons them. He listens to Mephibosheth and restores his land. He cares for the elderly. David is compassionate and views others like God word — with love.

5) Personal Question. My answer: This passage is about forgiving your enemies and doing the right thing. It encourages me to look at others as God does.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20:

David gets his kingdom back but at a price — Judah and Israel’s tensions are high. The writing is on the wall for the split in the kingdom.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20:

Commentary 2 Samuel 19:

David’s uncontrolled weeping over Absalom’s Death

David’s loyal and sacrificing supporters won that day for the glory of God and the good of Israel. Then they felt bad and ashamed about the victory because David was overcome with excessive weeping and mourning for Absalom.

There is such a thing as excessive mourning – mourning that is basically rooted in unbelief and self indulgence. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul warned Christians: I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. Some Christians sorrow at times in death or tragedy like those who have no hope in God and this is wrong to do.

When someone is overcome in tragedy or sorrow, the problem is not in what they know, but in what they forget. David forgot God is in control.

Joab is right to call David out on his behavior. David does the right thing by sitting by the city gate. Joab’s rebuke worked because Joab cared enough to say it, and David was wise enough to receive it.

David’s return as King

Israel seemed only to want David back after the false king Absalom failed. In the same way, we often only decide to bring back King Jesus when our false kings fail.
David could not force his return or acceptance on Israel. Israel had to want him back. God will not force His reign on us. We must welcome His reign and He will not force our heart response. Our hearts must be swayed by the work of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Who’s Amasa?

Amasa was the captain of Absalom’s army.
David put Amasa in Joab’s place as a gesture of reconciliation to the former supporters of Absalom.

Shimei repents

Shimei is humbled.
Shimei is honoring.
Shimei is honest.
Shimei is action-oriented.

Mephibosheth

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the last surviving heir to the dynasty of Saul. 2 Samuel 9 told how David showed unique kindness to Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 16:1-4 described how Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, met David with supplies as he left Jerusalem. Ziba said that Mephibosheth abandoned David and hoped to gain from the conflict between David and Absalom.
Mephibosheth explained why he did not join David, and how Ziba slandered him before David.
Though Mephibosheth was slandered before David, Mephibosheth didn’t defend himself or demand a hearing before David. He knew David already gave him more than he deserved, so if David were to now take it all away he would still be ahead.
When Ziba told David that Mephibosheth abandoned him, David granted Ziba all of Mephibosheth’s land and property (2 Samuel 16:4). Hearing the whole story, David didn’t go back on his promise to Ziba even though it was made under fraudulent circumstances. Yet he did lessen Ziba’s reward by offering a split between Ziba and Mephibosheth of all the property from Saul’s house.

Barzillai

Barzillai helped David when he fled Jerusalem as Absalom took over the city. In gratitude, David offered him the honor of living with him in Jerusalem.
Barzillai was a man of great resources – and he wisely used those resources to support the servant of God and the cause of God. In Luke 12:21, Jesus spoke of the foolish man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Barzillai was wise enough to use his resources to lay up treasure in heaven and he was rich toward God.
Barzillai did not help David for the sake of reward. He gave out of a right heart, not from the motive of self-exaltation.
Barzillai respectfully declined the honor for himself, but accepted it on behalf of his son, Chimham.

The rift between Judah and Israel

The northern tribes felt excluded in this ceremonial welcoming back of David from across the Jordan River.
This argument was about who was more loyal to King David and thus who had the greater right to honor him.
The ten northern tribes (Israel) felt unappreciated by the tribe of Judah. This competitive attitude between Judah and the ten northern tribes set the stage for civil war in David’s day and the eventual division of the nation into two.

Commentary 2 Samuel 20:

Sheba’s Rebellion

Sheba took advantage of David’s weakened position after Absalom’s death
Sheba denied the king’s sovereignty.
Sheba devalued the king’s identity.
Sheba decided to go his own way and drew others with him.

The ten northern tribes followed Sheba. Judah was loyal. When others desert or divide, it gives a greater opportunity to demonstrate loyalty.

The sad fate of David’s ten concubines is an example of how our sin often has horrible effects on others. They suffered because of Absalom’s sin – and David’s sin.

Joab’s cruelty

Joab murdered Amasa – the man who replaced him as commander of David’s armies – out of both rivalry and concern that Amasa did not genuinely support David.

Siege warfare was a terrible ordeal for the citizens of the besieged city, and this wise woman was smart enough to seek a speedy end to the struggle.

THEME OF 2 SAMUEL 20: No one is safe when they run against God’s will, especially not Sheba.

BSF Study Questions Romans Lesson 22, Day 5: Romans 12:6-8

February 22, 2018 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans

Summary of passage: God has given each of us different gifts. Let us use our gifts (whatever they may be) for His glory and to the best of our ability.

Questions:

12) 1 Corinthians 7:7b: Each person has his or her own gift from God.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6: Each gift we have works to glorify God.

Ephesians 4:11-13: God gave us each different works of service to build each other up and mature to the fullness of Christ.

1 Peter 4:10-11: We should use our gifts to serve others, administering God’s grace and speaking as if we are speaking the very words of God.

13) Prophesy: “let him use it in proportion to his faith.” If one hears a word from God, share it.

Serving: “let him serve” If one is called to serve in an area of church, serve.

Teaching: “let him teach” If one is called to teach, teach.

Encouraging: “let him encourage” If one is blessed with encouraging words, share them.

Contributing to the needs of others: “let him give generously” If one is called to contribute to the needs of others (which we all are to a certain degree), do so!

Leadership: “let him govern diligently” If one is called for leadership, govern according to God’s principles.

Showing mercy: “let him do it cheerfully” If we need to show mercy, do so with a kind heart in forgiveness.

14) Personal Question. My answer: He’s given me some of these and others not listed. I’m always teaching my kids like in homeschool or in daily living. I teach other how to workout correctly with my fitness/CrossFit jobs. I serve others be it my family or in my work. I donate to charity groups. I serve on a local board and hope one day to be on the Town Board and mayor of my town. I’m not the best at encouraging but I try. Same with mercy. I also write via this forum and my novels. Every day is an opportunity to do His will in all areas of life and in the areas in which we are gifted. Do you take advantage of it?

Conclusions: Great reminder and verses to remind us all that we each have a different purpose here on this planet for Him. We each have different gifts to use for His glory. We need to take advantage of these and use them for Him and give Him the glory for all we accomplish for Him. Is it for Him or for you?

End Notes: The ancient Greek word for “spiritual gifts” is charismata, which means a gift of grace. This term was apparently coined by Paul to emphasize that the giving of these spiritual gifts was all of grace.

Spiritual gifts are given at the discretion of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says, But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Paul is careful to warn us against being proud of our gifts and exalting them/us instead of God.

Prophecy: God may give us something to say to an individual or church body that stretches our faith. If we can’t prophecy in faith and trust that God has really spoken to us, we shouldn’t do it at all.

Prophecy in the Biblical understanding, isn’t necessarily “fore-telling” in a strictly predictive sense. It is more accurately “forth-telling” the heart and mind of God, which may or may not include a predictive aspect.

This warns us against flippant, “stream of consciousness” prophecy that has no difficulty saying, “Thus says the Lord” at the drop of a hat.

In proportion to our faith: The ancient Greek text actually has “the” before faith. Paul may be cautioning that prophecy must be according to the faith, in accord with the accepted body of doctrine held among believers.

Some take the proportion of faith to be the proportion of the faith of the audience of the prophecy; this has truth also.

This was a warning that meant more in Ancient Times as many claimed that God spoke to them and then their words were not from God or Biblically-based. This was a warning against false prophets.

Ministry can be seen as serving in practical ways and not necessarily as a pastor or priest. Paul sees this as important ministry from the Holy Spirit as well.

Teaching has in mind instruction, while exhortation encourages people to practice what they have been taught; both are necessary for a healthy Christian life.

When someone who is called and gifted to be a giver stops giving, they will often see their resources dry up – having forgotten why God has blessed them.

It is easy for leaders to become discouraged and feel like giving up, but they must persevere if they will please God by their leadership.

It can be hard enough to show mercy, but even harder to be cheerful about it. This reminds us that the gift of showing mercy is a supernatural gift of the Spirit.

BSF Study Questions Romans Lesson 22, Day 4: Romans 12:4-5 & Ephesians 4:1-6

February 21, 2018 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans

Summary of passages: Romans 12:4-5: All Christians form the body of Christ, acting as a whole with different functions.

Ephesians 4:1-6: Paul urges us to live a life worthy of Christ. Be humble, gentle, patient, and bear with one another in love. Be peaceful and unified. Be one body along with the One God, One Spirit, and One Son.

Questions:

9) Believers are the body of Christ and it is Christ who unites us all.

10) By peace. Through humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

11) Personal Question. My answer: Living a Godly life is how I promote unity. Doing my part in God’s will in the way I interact with others and lead my life.

Conclusions: Didn’t get much out of the questions, but Paul’s exhortations are clear: it is our responsibility as Christians to keep the unity amongst us and not let petty arguments/sin/Satan/the world divide us. We are to keep Christ in the forefront always and forever.

End Notes: Romans 12:4-5: The church is a unified whole with distinct members. In the body of Christ there is unity but not uniformity (unity within diversity). There is a delicate balance between unity and individuality. Both co-exist but not at the expense of the other. Christ is our common ground.

Ephesians 4:1-6: We should want to walk in God’s way and serve Him out of gratitude for all He has done for us. It is God’s love that fuels us.

Let God be in control (humility). Forgive one another out of love and peace as in this world we will inevitably sin against others.

This is spiritual unity, not structural unity i.e. unity of different denominations, etc. The complete fusion of all churches would inevitably lead to corruption (think Catholicism in the Middle Ages).

We have unity because of what we share in common. In Jesus we share one body, one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father.

The baptism here is a baptism of water, an outward sign of acceptance of Christ into the soul.

Fun Fact: Christianus sum, I am a Christian in Latin. How Martin Luther answered all temptations from Satan.

BSF Study Questions Romans Lesson 22, Day 3: Romans 12:4-5

February 20, 2018 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans

Summary of passage: All Christians form the body of Christ, acting as a whole with different functions.

Questions:

7) Part personal Question. My answer: The human body. The body works together for one goal, which is the health and function of the human body. So are Christians. We all have different functions in the body, working together for Christ.

8 ) Each member depends on the other member to function properly and efficiently. Each member has its own unique skills, designs, and qualifications to contribute to the smooth functioning of the body.

Conclusions: Inherently self-explanatory passage.

End Notes: The church is a unified whole with distinct members. In the body of Christ there is unity but not uniformity (unity within diversity). There is a delicate balance between unity and individuality. Both co-exist but not at the expense of the other. Christ is our common ground.

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Tag: bsf lesson 22

BSF Study Questions Romans Lesson 22, Day 5: Romans 12:6-8

BSF Study Questions Romans Lesson 22, Day 4: Romans 12:4-5 & Ephesians 4:1-6

BSF Study Questions Romans Lesson 22, Day 3: Romans 12:4-5

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Summary 2 Samuel 24:

Summary 1 Chronicles 21:

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21:

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21:

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 5: 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21:

Commentary 2 Samuel 24:

David’s three choices:

The threshing floor of Araunah

Commentary 1 Chronicles 21:

Why were the Levites and Benjaminites not counted?

What does Ornan’s Threshing Floor Teach us?

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Summary 2 Samuel 23:

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 4: 2 Samuel 23:

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 4: 2 Samuel 23:

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 4: 2 Samuel 23:

David’s life:

David ruled by:

David’s Biblical History:

David’s son, Solomon’s Biblical History:

Theme of David’s Life

David’s Mighty Men

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Summary 2 Samuel 21:

Summary 2 Samuel 22 (Psalm 18):

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22:

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22:

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-22:

Commentary 2 Samuel 21:

What do we learn from the Gibeonites retribution:

How to initiate conflict resolution through David’ example:

The death of Saul’s descendants

David ages

Commentary 2 Samuel 22 (Psalm 18):

The many titles of God

God delivers

God is to man what man is to God

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Summary 2 Samuel 19:

Summary 2 Samuel 20:

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 22, Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20:

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22 Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20:

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 22, Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20:

Commentary 2 Samuel 19:

David’s uncontrolled weeping over Absalom’s Death

David’s return as King

Who’s Amasa?

Shimei repents

Mephibosheth

Barzillai

The rift between Judah and Israel

Commentary 2 Samuel 20:

Sheba’s Rebellion

Joab’s cruelty

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