The Philistines Return the Ark

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The Philistines Return the Ark

1 Samuel 6:1-12 NLT
The Philistines Return the Ark
6:1 The Ark of the Lord remained in Philistine territory seven months in all. 2 Then the Philistines called in their priests and diviners and asked them, “What should we do about the Ark of the Lord? Tell us how to return it to its own country.”
3 “Send the Ark of the God of Israel back with a gift,” they were told. “Send a guilt offering so the plague will stop. Then, if you are healed, you will know it was his hand that caused the plague.”
4 “What sort of guilt offering should we send?” they asked.
And they were told, “Since the plague has struck both you and your five rulers, make five gold tumors and five gold rats, just like those that have ravaged your land. 5 Make these things to show honor to the God of Israel. Perhaps then he will stop afflicting you, your gods, and your land. 6 Don’t be stubborn and rebellious as Pharaoh and the Egyptians were. By the time God was finished with them, they were eager to let Israel go.
7 “Now build a new cart, and find two cows that have just given birth to calves. Make sure the cows have never been yoked to a cart. Hitch the cows to the cart, but shut their calves away from them in a pen. 8 Put the Ark of the Lord on the cart, and beside it place a chest containing the gold rats and gold tumors you are sending as a guilt offering. Then let the cows go wherever they want. 9 If they cross the border of our land and go to Beth-shemesh, we will know it was the Lord who brought this great disaster upon us. If they don’t, we will know it was not his hand that caused the plague. It came simply by chance.”
10 So these instructions were carried out. Two cows were hitched to the cart, and their newborn calves were shut up in a pen. 11 Then the Ark of the Lord and the chest containing the gold rats and gold tumors were placed on the cart. 12 And sure enough, without veering off in other directions, the cows went straight along the road toward Beth-shemesh, lowing as they went. The Philistine rulers followed them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Samuel 6:1-12 NLT
The Philistines Return the Ark

6:1 The Ark of the Lord remained in Philistine territory seven months in all. 

Refer to a map showing the travels of the Ark of the Lord.

2 Then the Philistines called in their priests and diviners (soothsayers, fortunetellers, magicians, omen readers, those who practice evil magic)

  • Don’t assume that the Philistines were ignorant, weak, and “godless”.

Don’t assume that your enemy is ignorant, weak, and “godless”.

The Philistines were a powerful sea people who settled in the coastal strip in SW Palestine.

The Philistines were intensely religious.

The Philistines had a powerful military, due in part to their control of the iron industry.

The Philistines were politically well organized.

The Philistines had a strong economy.

  • The Philistines did some things right. They called in the experts. They “called in their priests and diviners”.

Proverbs 15:22 NLT
22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
    many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 NLT
14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
    there is safety in having many advisers.

  • The Philistines did many things wrong.

The Philistines practiced divination.

Divination defined:

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Divination is “the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers.”

Divination is a pagan counterpart of prophecy.

Genuine prophecy is by the Spirit of God.
Inspirational divination is by demonic power.

God spoke strongly against the use of divination.

Deuteronomy 18:10-14 NLT
10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you. 13 But you must be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.”

The Philistines were known for their practice of sorcery.

Isaiah 2:6 NLT
6 For the Lord has rejected his people,
the descendants of Jacob,
because they have filled their land with practices from the East
and with sorcerers, as the Philistines do.
They have made alliances with pagans.

  • Divination is a pagan counterpart of prophecy. Inspirational divination is by demonic power.

 (Then the Philistines called in their priests and diviners -phrase repeated from above) 

and asked them, “What should we do about the Ark of the Lord?

The Philistines believed that they had offended the Israelite God.

The Philistines were beginning to see a need to “respect” the ark of the Lord. 

Tell us how to return it to its own country.” 

After seeing their god Dagon being humiliated and after suffering the painful and deadly consequences of God’s plagues, the Philistines decided to return the Ark of the Lord to Israel. 

The Philistine leaders sensed that there was a right way and a wrong way to handle the ark.

The Philistines were very “religious” and wanted to do things correctly.

They asked their “advisors” how to do this.

The question arises.  Did God expect the Philistines to treat the Ark with the same respect that he demanded of the Israelites?  We really don’t know.

One soured answered the question this way.
It is likely that the Philistines out of respect, fear, or pragmatism carried the ark the “proper” way. 

  • The question arises: Did God expect the Philistines to treat the Ark with the same respect that he demanded of the Israelites?  We really don’t know. 

3 “Send the Ark of the God of Israel back with a gift,” they were told. “Send a guilt offering so the plague will stop.

A Philistine guilt offering would have been a payment to a deity in an attempt to avert his wrath.

  • This offering was both an acknowledgement of guilt and compensation of their trespass of dishonoring the God of Israel.

This was a part of the Philistine’s religious tradition.

Then, if you are healed, you will know it was his hand that caused the plague.”

4 “What sort of guilt offering should we send?” they asked.

And they were told, “Since the plague has struck both you and your five rulers, make five gold tumors and five gold rats, just like those that have ravaged your land. 

The five gold tumors represented the tumors inflicted on the people.

The five gold rats represented the carriers of the plague.

Five, representing the five Philistines cities.

The images of tumors and rats was a symbolic admission of their guilt along with the hope that the evil that had fallen upon them would be removed. 

5 Make these things to show honor to the God of Israel.

Here the Philistine priests and diviners were instructing the Philistine leaders to show honor to the God of Israel.

Perhaps then he will stop afflicting you, your gods, and your land. 

  • The Philistine priests and diviners instructed the Philistine leaders to show honor to the God of Israel.

6 Don’t be stubborn and rebellious as Pharaoh and the Egyptians were. By the time God was finished with them, they were eager to let Israel go.

The Philistine priests and diviners knew about the events of the exodus.

Exodus 10:1-2 NLT
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Return to Pharaoh and make your demands again. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can display my miraculous signs among them. 2 I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the Lord.”

The Philistine army had defeated the Israelite army, but they now realized that their real enemy was most likely the God of the Israelites.

  • The Philistine priests and diviners warned the Philistine leaders not to be stubborn and rebellious like Pharaoh and the Egyptians had been. 

7 “Now build a new cart,

It would have been a sign of honor and respect to use a new cart.

The Philistines may have thought it would be disrespectful to use a cart to transport the Ark of the Lord that had been used for some other purpose.

The Philistines most like did not know:

Numbers 7:9 NLT
9 But he gave none of the wagons or oxen to the Kohathite division, since they were required to carry the sacred objects of the Tabernacle on their shoulders.

and find two cows that have just given birth to calves.

The Philistines wanted to know without a doubt that this was the work of the God of Israel, and not something that “came simply by chance.”  (see verse 9)

The maternal nature of these cows would normally cause them to stay close to their calves.

Make sure the cows have never been yoked to a cart.

Untrained cows would not know how to work together as a team to pull a cart.

Hitch the cows to the cart, but shut their calves away from them in a pen. 8 Put the Ark of the Lord on the cart, and beside it place a chest containing the gold rats and gold tumors you are sending as a guilt offering. Then let the cows go wherever they want. 9 If they cross the border of our land and go to Beth-shemesh,

The Israelite city closest to the Philistine city of Ekron.

we will know it was the Lord who brought this great disaster upon us. If they don’t, we will know it was not his hand that caused the plague. It came simply by chance.”

  • The Philistines wanted to know if it was the Lord who caused the plague or if it came simply by chance.

10 So these instructions were carried out. Two cows were hitched to the cart, and their newborn calves were shut up in a pen. 

11 Then the Ark of the Lord and the chest containing the gold rats and gold tumors were placed on the cart. 

12 And sure enough, without veering off in other directions, the cows went straight along the road toward Beth-shemesh, lowing as they went.

“Without veering off in other directions.”

“Lowing as they went.”

Moaning from the instinctive unwillingness to leave their calves behind.

Cows moo to seek their herd mates, calf or mother; say they are hungry; call for a partner when they are wishing to mate; raise alarm to warn their herd mates of potential danger.

  • “Without veering off in other directions, the cows went straight along the road toward Beth-shemesh,” was a clear sign of God’s hand at work.

The Philistine rulers followed them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh.

 

 

 

 

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

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Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

A great prayer to pray for your students, your own family, coworkers, other believers, or anyone else you relate to.

Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

Verses 15-23 are one sentence in the Greek.

15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, 

Paul had spent some time in Ephesus a few years earlier, but he would not have known the newer believers or others who may have read his letter.

Paul made similar statements to other churches.

Colossians 1:4 NLT
4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 

2 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT
3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 

Paul’s description of the Ephesians:

The Ephesians had faith in the Lord Jesus – a right vertical relationship.

The Ephesians had a love for God’s people everywhere – a right horizontal relationship.

  • A proper relationship with God should lead to a proper relationship with other Christians.

Matthew 22:37-39 NLT
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

Galatians 5:6 NLT
6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Remember – Faith and love come from God.

Ephesians 6:23 NLT
23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 

1 John 4:7 NLT
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
… And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…

  • Faith and love come from God. 

Paul’s prayer: 

16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,  

  • Paul begins his prayer giving thanks to God.

Because of the Ephesians’ faith and love, Paul continues to give thanks for them. 

17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Paul’s request.

to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.  

Praying for spiritual wisdom and insight.

To know God personally, not just to know about Him intellectually.

We can know God.

John 14:7 NLT
7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” 

1 John 2:3 NLT
3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 

To know God we must know His Word.

  • Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know God personally and intimately. Paul wanted them to have the spiritual understanding to grasp the full significance of all that God had done for them. 

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would have a spiritually enlightened mind.

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be able to understand the confident hope God has given to those he called.

The assurance of eternal life.

  • Paul prayed that the Ephesians would understand the hope he gives to those he has called. 

his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Understand that we are a part of God’s family.  We belong to God.

Romans 8:17 NLT
17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be able to understand God’s great power.

God’s power for us who believe him.

The power of God’s Spirit at work in and through His people.

This is not our power, rather it is the power at work in us.

  • Paul prayed that the Ephesians would understand the incredible greatness of the power of God’s Spirit at work in and through His people.

This mighty power: 

This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 

22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 

23 And the church is his (Christ’s) body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

This mighty power:

Power over death.

Jesus’ power and authority transcend all rival powers, in this world and in the world to come.

The church is made full and complete by Christ.

 

The Ark in Philistia

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The Ark in Philistia

1 Samuel 5:1-12 NLT
5:1 After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it from the battleground at Ebenezer to the town of Ashdod. 2 They carried the Ark of God into the temple of Dagon and placed it beside an idol of Dagon. 3 But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the Lord! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again. 4 But the next morning the same thing happened—Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the Lord again. This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact. 5 That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor anyone who enters the temple of Dagon in Ashdod will step on its threshold.
6 Then the Lord’s heavy hand struck the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with a plague of tumors. 7 When the people realized what was happening, they cried out, “We can’t keep the Ark of the God of Israel here any longer! He is against us! We will all be destroyed along with Dagon, our god.” 8 So they called together the rulers of the Philistine towns and asked, “What should we do with the Ark of the God of Israel?”
The rulers discussed it and replied, “Move it to the town of Gath.” So they moved the Ark of the God of Israel to Gath. 9 But when the Ark arrived at Gath, the Lord’s heavy hand fell on its men, young and old; he struck them with a plague of tumors, and there was a great panic.
10 So they sent the Ark of God to the town of Ekron, but when the people of Ekron saw it coming they cried out, “They are bringing the Ark of the God of Israel here to kill us, too!” 11 The people summoned the Philistine rulers again and begged them, “Please send the Ark of the God of Israel back to its own country, or it will kill us all.” For the deadly plague from God had already begun, and great fear was sweeping across the town. 12 Those who didn’t die were afflicted with tumors; and the cry from the town rose to heaven.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Samuel 5:1-12 NLT
The Ark in Philistia
5:1 After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it from the battleground at Ebenezer to the town of Ashdod. 

Ashdod was one of the five principle cities of the Philistines.

Refer to map

2 They carried the Ark of God into the temple of Dagon

Dagon was the main god of the Philistines, who set up temples in his honor in Ashdod, Gaza, Beth Shan, and elsewhere.

Dagon was known as a fish god, a storm god, or grain god.  (No one seems to know for sure.)

Dagon had an upper body of a man and a lower body of a fish.

Dagon was noted to be the father of Baal.

  • After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it into the temple of Dagon, in the town of Ashdod.

We read about one of these temples of Dagon in the story of Samson.

Judges 16:23-30 NLT
Samson’s Final Victory
23 The Philistine rulers held a great festival, offering sacrifices and praising their god, Dagon. They said, “Our god has given us victory over our enemy Samson!”
24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy to us! The one who killed so many of us is now in our power!”
25 Half drunk by now, the people demanded, “Bring out Samson so he can amuse us!” So he was brought from the prison to amuse them, and they had him stand between the pillars supporting the roof.
26 Samson said to the young servant who was leading him by the hand, “Place my hands against the pillars that hold up the temple. I want to rest against them.” 27 Now the temple was completely filled with people. All the Philistine rulers were there, and there were about 3,000 men and women on the roof who were watching as Samson amused them.
28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, 30 he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime. 

and placed it beside an idol of Dagon. 

Symbolizing Dagon’s power and Yahweh’s inferiority.

This was a visual representation, for the Philistines, that the god of the Philistines was victorious over the God of the Hebrews.

At this time in history, heathen nations believed that gods (small g) could be taken into exile.

  • The Philistines placed the Ark of God beside an idol of Dagon. This was a visual representation, for the Philistines, that the god of the Philistines was victorious over the God of the Hebrews. 

3 But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the Lord!

  • God overturned the supposed supremacy of Dagon by causing Dagon to fall with his face down before the ark (Lord).

This could be symbolic of Dagon lying prostrate before the Lord. 

Philippians 2:10 NLT
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

So they took Dagon and put him in his place again.  

The Philistines missed the point of what had just happened. 

4 But the next morning the same thing happened—Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the Lord again. This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact.

Lying prostrate before the Lord was not enough.  Now
Dagon was lying face down, broken, dead, on the ground before the Lord.

Cutting off an enemy’s head and hands was recorded in other places in the Old Testament.  This was a way of saying the enemy was truly dead and no longer a threat.

1 Samuel 17:50-51 NLT
50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. 51 Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head.

2 Samuel 4:12 NLT
12 So David ordered his young men to kill them (the men who killed Ishbosheth, the son of Saul), and they did. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies beside the pool in Hebron. Then they took Ishbosheth’s head and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.

God’s divine judgment was on the false idol (and the Philistines).

  • The Philistines put Dagon in his place a second time. But the next morning the same thing happened—Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the Lord This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. 

5 That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor anyone who enters the temple of Dagon in Ashdod will step on its threshold.

They most likely believed that the threshold was cursed since Dagon’s head and hands were found lying in the doorway. 

6 Then the Lord’s heavy hand struck the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with a plague of tumors. 

  • Dagon’s hands had been broken off symbolizing his helplessness against the power of Yahweh. In contrast, the Lord’s hands were powerful as they struck the people of Ashdod with a plague.

A plague, possibly spread by rats. (Bubonic plague?)

1 Samuel 6:4-5 NLT
4 “What sort of guilt offering should we send?” they asked.
And they were told, “Since the plague has struck both you and your five rulers, make five gold tumors and five gold rats, just like those that have ravaged your land. 5 Make these things to show honor to the God of Israel. Perhaps then he will stop afflicting you, your gods, and your land.

The imagery of God’s hand is found throughout scripture.

Exodus 15:6 NLT
6 “Your right hand, O Lord,
    is glorious in power.
Your right hand, O Lord,
    smashes the enemy.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

7 When the people realized what was happening, they cried out, “We can’t keep the Ark of the God of Israel here any longer! He is against us! We will all be destroyed along with Dagon, our god.” 

  • The people of Ashdod believed their real opponent was the God of Israel. They believed that they would be destroyed along with their god, Dagon.

1 Samuel 4:8 NLT
8 Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel? They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 

 8 So they called together the rulers of the Philistine towns and asked, “What should we do with the Ark of the God of Israel?”

The rulers discussed it and replied, “Move it to the town of Gath.” So they moved the Ark of the God of Israel to Gath.  

Another of the five principle cities of the Philistines.

  • Evidently the rulers of the Philistines did not share the opinion of the people of Ashdod that there was a direct connection between what had happened in Ashdod and the presence of the Ark. Moving the Ark to Gath put this matter to a test. 

9 But when the Ark arrived at Gath, the Lord’s heavy hand fell on its men, young and old; he struck them with a plague of tumors, and there was a great panic.

  • God used a great panic to incapacitate and overwhelm Israel’s enemies.

Other incidents:

1 Samuel 14:15 NLT
15 Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.

Deuteronomy 7:23 NLT
Moving into the Promised Land
23 But the Lord your God will hand them over to you. He will throw them into complete confusion until they are destroyed.

10 So they sent the Ark of God to the town of Ekron,

Another of the five principle cities of the Philistines. 

but when the people of Ekron saw it coming they cried out, “They are bringing the Ark of the God of Israel here to kill us, too!” 11 The people summoned the Philistine rulers again and begged them, “Please send the Ark of the God of Israel back to its own country, or it will kill us all.”

For the deadly plague from God had already begun, and great fear was sweeping across the town. 12 Those who didn’t die were afflicted with tumors; and the cry from the town rose to heaven.

  • After three successive towns had been struck by a plague upon the arrival of the Ark, the Philistines believed the power of the God of Israel was the cause of their distress.

The Philistines assumed that sending the Ark back to its own land would be the same as sending God back to Israel.

 

 

The Death of Eli

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The Death of Eli

1 Samuel 4:12-22 NLT
12 A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran from the battlefield and arrived at Shiloh later that same day. He had torn his clothes and put dust on his head to show his grief. 13 Eli was waiting beside the road to hear the news of the battle, for his heart trembled for the safety of the Ark of God. When the messenger arrived and told what had happened, an outcry resounded throughout the town.
14 “What is all the noise about?” Eli asked.
The messenger rushed over to Eli, 15 who was ninety-eight years old and blind. 16 He said to Eli, “I have just come from the battlefield—I was there this very day.”
“What happened, my son?” Eli demanded.
17 “Israel has been defeated by the Philistines,” the messenger replied. “The people have been slaughtered, and your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were also killed. And the Ark of God has been captured.”
18 When the messenger mentioned what had happened to the Ark of God, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he was old and overweight. He had been Israel’s judge for forty years.
19 Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near her time of delivery. When she heard that the Ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth. 20 She died in childbirth, but before she passed away the midwives tried to encourage her. “Don’t be afraid,” they said. “You have a baby boy!” But she did not answer or pay attention to them.
21 She named the child Ichabod (which means “Where is the glory?”), for she said, “Israel’s glory is gone.” She named him this because the Ark of God had been captured and because her father-in-law and husband were dead. 22 Then she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured.”

Examine the Scriptures
1 Samuel 4:12-22 NLT

The Death of Eli

12 A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran from the battlefield and arrived at Shiloh later that same day. He had torn his clothes and put dust on his head to show his grief. 

A universal sign of mourning a national calamity.

When Ai defeated the Israelites
Joshua 7:6 NLT
>6 Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the Lord until evening. 

Job’s friends
Job 2:12 NLT
12 When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief.

This survivor, coming from the battlefield had some very discouraging news for the nation of Israel.

  • The news of 4,000 Israelite soldiers killed in one battle and 30,000 Israelite soldiers killed in a second battle came as a devastating blow to the nation of Israel. (1 Samuel 4:2 and 1 Samuel 4:10) 

13 Eli was waiting beside the road to hear the news of the battle, for his heart trembled for the safety of the Ark of God.

Brief history of the ark.

Exodus 25:10-16

Instructions from God to Moses, while Moses was on Mount Sinai.

Plans for the Ark of the Covenant (along with plans for the tabernacle, etc.)
10 “Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. 11 Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it. 12 Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side. 13 Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 14 Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it. 15 These carrying poles must stay inside the rings; never remove them. 16 When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.

Scripture from the previous lesson.

1 Samuel 4:3 NLT
3 After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”

  • The people were acting on their own when they carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle.

Eli was clearly concerned for the safety of the Ark of God.

But

Here again this appears to be a case of religion over a relationship with God.

  • It appears (in my opinion) that Eli was more concerned about the Ark of the Covenant than he was about doing what God desired of him. (See 1 Samuel 2:35)

1 Samuel 2:35 NLT
35 “Then I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I desire. I will establish his family, and they will be priests to my anointed kings forever. 

1 Samuel 15:22 NLT
Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 

  • It’s important to remember that God looks first for a heart that is truly seeking to follow Him. Our attitudes and motivations are more important to God than our religious practices. 

When the messenger arrived and told what had happened, an outcry resounded throughout the town. 

This was a devastating loss for the Israelites.

  • Many times we read stories in the Old Testament where the losers of a battle become slaves of the winners of that battle.

Previously in this chapter:
9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!” 

From the story of David and Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:8-9 NLT
8 Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! 9 If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves!

The Israelites could become slaves to the Philistines, having to pay tribute, customs, and tolls. (Ezra 4:13) 

14 “What is all the noise about?” Eli asked.
The messenger rushed over to Eli, 15 who was ninety-eight years old and blind. 

  • Eli is 98 years old and is both physically and spiritually blind.

1 Samuel 3:2 NLT
2 One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. 

1 Samuel 3:13 NLT
13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them.

16 He said to Eli, “I have just come from the battlefield—I was there this very day.”
“What happened, my son?” Eli demanded. 

17 “Israel has been defeated by the Philistines,” the messenger replied. “The people have been slaughtered, and your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were also killed. 

And the Ark of God has been captured.”

The ark represented the presence of God in Israel.  With the ark in the hands of the enemy, one might think God and His glory were no longer in Israel.

See verse 21 & 22 

18 When the messenger mentioned what had happened to the Ark of God, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he was old and overweight. He had been Israel’s judge for forty years.

  • When the messenger mentioned what had happened to the Ark of God, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he was old and overweight.

Symbolizing Eli’s family fall from the priesthood.

1 Samuel 2:31 NLT
31 The time is coming when I will put an end to your family, so it will no longer serve as my priests. All the members of your family will die before their time. None will reach old age.

Samuel will replace Eli as Israel’s Judge

God sent judges to lead Israel.

Samuel: priest, prophet, and judge.  Each title had a different role. 

19 Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near her time of delivery. When she heard that the Ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth. 20 She died in childbirth, 

but before she passed away the midwives tried to encourage her. “Don’t be afraid,” they said. “You have a baby boy!” But she did not answer or pay attention to them. 

21 She named the child Ichabod (which means “Where is the glory?”),

“Where is the glory?” or “No glory” (MacArthur)
“There is no glory?” (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

 for she said, “Israel’s glory is gone.” She named him this because the Ark of God had been captured and because her father-in-law and husband were dead.  

22 Then she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured.”

  • The capture of the Ark suggested (the mindset of Israel) that not only was the Ark gone, but God Himself and all of His glory were gone.

This is a heathen perception.

Heathen nations believed that gods (small g) could be taken into exile.

Isaiah 46:1-2 NLT
Babylon’s False Gods
46 Bel and Nebo, the gods of Babylon,
bow as they are lowered to the ground.
They are being hauled away on ox carts.
The poor beasts stagger under the weight.
2 Both the idols and their owners are bowed down.
The gods cannot protect the people,
and the people cannot protect the gods.
They go off into captivity together.

(We know this is not true for God.)

  • Our omnipresent God cannot be taken away from us, although we may “feel” that He is not present at times.

Psalm 139:7-12 NLT
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12     but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.

Proverbs 15:3 NLT
3 The Lord is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

Psalm 145:18 NLT
18 The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth. 

Luke 11:9-10 NLT
9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Samuel had an important role to fill.

 

 

 

 

Inheritance in Christ

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Inheritance in Christ

God saved you (us) for a reason.

Don’t forget God’s reason for saving you (us).

Ephesians 1:12-14 NLT
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:12-14 NLT
Inheritance in Christ

12 God’s purpose was that we Jews (this was written by Paul) who were the first to trust in Christ

Romans 1:16 NLT
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

Chronologically many Jews became believers before Gentiles became believers.

would bring praise and glory to God. 

This verse: God’s purpose was that Jews who put their trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.

Verse 13-14: God’s purpose was that Gentiles purchased by God would bring praise and glory to God.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

      1. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
  • God’s glory is the supreme purpose of redemption. 

13 And now you Gentiles

  • God’s plan includes salvation for Gentiles.

Acts 9:15 NLT
15 But the Lord said (speaking to Ananias), “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.

Acts 28:28 NLT
28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”

1 Corinthians 12:13 NLT
13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you.

Heard the truth.

Romans 10:14-15 NLT
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Romans 10:17 NLT
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

  • Faith comes from hearing the Good News about Christ.

The ministry at Redeemer Day School is to tell the students about Jesus.

And when you believed in Christ,

And believed in Christ.

John 1:12 NLT
12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 3:16 NLT
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

 

Romans 10:9-15 NLT
9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

  • If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together is a mystery no one fully understands. 

he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 

Acts 2:38 NLT
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:22 NLT
22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. 

Ephesians 4:30 NLT
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (NIV)

  • The Holy Spirit in our life (in a believer’s life) identifies us as one of God’s own children. 

14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised 

and that he has purchased us to be his own people.

2 Corinthians 1:22 NLT
22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.

Galatians 3:29 NLT
29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

Galatians 4:7 NLT
7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Colossians 1:12 NLT
12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Titus 3:7 NLT
7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

  • The Holy Spirit living in us is God’s guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised. 

He did this so we would praise and glorify him. 

Ephesians 1:6 NLT
6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.

Colossians 1:12 NLT
12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 

David does this well. 

Psalm 108 NLT
A song. A psalm of David.
1 My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
2 Wake up, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
3 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
4 For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth. 

This is something done well at Redeemer Day School where the students memorize Psalm 100 each year at Thanksgiving. 

Psalm 100 NLT
1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
2     Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation. 

  • Scripture instructs us to praise and glorify God. 

Remember:

God chose us.
Jesus redeemed us.
The Holy Spirit protects (seals) us.

We should praise God for choosing us.  (Ephesians 1:3-6)
We should praise Jesus for redeeming us.  (Ephesians 1:5-13)
We should praise the Holy Spirit for protecting (sealing) us.  (Ephesians 1:13-14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God’s Mysterious Will

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God’s Mysterious Will

Ephesians 1:9-11 NLT

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Examine the scriptures:

God’s Mysterious Will
Ephesians 1:9-11 NLT

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—

  • His (God’s) mysterious will revealed to us. A previously hidden divine truth, now revealed by God.

Ephesians 3:9 NLT
9 I (Paul) was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 

which is to fulfill his own good plan.  

God’s mysterious will (God’s plan) is multifaceted.  It has many different parts. 

  • God has a good plan, from the beginning of time, which He will fulfill.

Psalm 33:11 NLT
11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. 

Proverbs 19:21 NLT
21 You can make many plans,
but the Lord’s purpose (plans) will prevail. 

Ephesians 3:9 NLT
9 I (Paul) was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

One part of God’s plan:

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

A major part of God’s mysterious will:

10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.  

Since we have the New Testament, much of it written by Paul, we know as much of God’s mysterious will that we need to know. 

  • Christ is the center of God’s plans.

1 Corinthians 15:27 NLT
27 For the Scriptures say, “God has put all things under his(Christ’s) authority.” 

(Of course, when it says “all things are under his authority,” that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.) 

Philippians 2:10-11 NLT
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

 1 Timothy 3:16 NLT
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:

Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory. 

Christ, as described in Scripture:

Colossians 1:16-20 NLT
16 for through him (Christ) God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

1 Timothy 6:15 NLT
15 For,

At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Revelation 19:16 NLT
The Rider on the White Horse
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

  • Jesus Christ is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Repeat: God’s mysterious will (God’s plan) is multifaceted.  It has many different parts.

Other aspects of God’s mysterious will:

Ephesians 3:3-6 NLT
3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 6:19 NLT
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News (the Gospel) is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 

Colossians 1:26-27 NLT
26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

Colossians 2:2 NLT
2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.

19…For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

Mark 4:11 NLT
11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, 

  • Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ,

we have received an inheritance from God, 

  • Those who are united with Christ, those adopted into God’s family, have received an inheritance from God. 

Romans 8:17 NLT
17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.

Galatians 3:29 NLT
29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

Salvation.

Eternal life in heaven and all that goes with this. 

for he chose us in advance,

Review Ephesians 1:5
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  

Romans 8:29-30 NLT
29 For God knew his people in advance … 

Colossians 3:12 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves …

1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

  • God chose us in advance.

and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

A brief summary of God’s plan for his people.

Romans 8:28-30 NLT
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

  • God is firmly in control of history. 

 

Quick review:

God chose us.

Jesus redeemed us.

The Holy Spirit protects us.

 

The Philistines Capture the Ark

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The Philistines Capture the Ark

1 Samuel 4:1-11 NLT
4 1 And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel.
The Philistines Capture the Ark
At that time Israel was at war with the Philistines. The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. 2 The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men. 3 After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”
4 So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. 5 When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!
6 “What’s going on?” the Philistines asked. “What’s all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?” When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, 7 they panicked. “The gods have come into their camp!” they cried. “This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! 8 Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel? They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!”
10 So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. 11 The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.

Examine the Scriptures

1 Samuel 4:1-11 NLT
4 1 And Samuel’s words went out to all the people of Israel. 

3:20 And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. 

  • The reliability of Samuel’s message made it evident that God was speaking through him. 

3:21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

The Lord continued to give messages to Samuel.

  • God reopened the lines of communication with Israel through Samuel.

3:1 Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. 

Samuel’s role as a prophet was under way and would last for a lifetime.

A new era had begun. 

  • Samuel was God’s spokesman for all of Israel. 

The Philistines Capture the Ark

Verse 1 continued At that time Israel was at war with the Philistines.

At this time in history, wars with other nations were common.

1 Chronicles 20:1 NLT
David Captures Rabbah
20:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the land of the Ammonites. In the process he laid siege to the city of Rabbah, attacking and destroying it. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 11:1 NLT
David and Bathsheba
11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. 

See verse 9
9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours!

Kings fought wars to expand their control (territory) and collect taxes from the defeated foes.

Ezra 4:12-13 NLT
12 “The king should know that the Jews who came here to Jerusalem from Babylon are rebuilding this rebellious and evil city. They have already laid the foundation and will soon finish its walls. 13 And the king should know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, it will be much to your disadvantage, for the Jews will then refuse to pay their tribute, customs, and tolls to you.

  • At this time in history, wars with other nations were common.

The Philistines were Israel’s principal enemy at this period of time.

 The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. 

By camping at Aphek, well inland and north of the Philistine territory, the Philistines may have been trying to seize more Israelite territory.

Refer to a map

The exact location of Ebenezer is unknown.

2 The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men.  

  • The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men. 

3 After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?”

  • The Elders realized that their defeat was not the result of the Philistines’ skills, but rather it came about because God allowed it.

The Israelites were often defeated in battle because of the sin of an individual or because of the sin of the entire nation.

Joshua 7 tells the story of a man named Achan.  Because of his sin Ai defeated the Israelites.

Compare this battle to the battle in 1 Chronicles 14:13-16.

1 Chronicles 14:13-16 NLT
13 But after a while the Philistines returned and raided the valley again. 14 And once again David asked God what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” God replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. 15 When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” 16 So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

In this case, there is no indication that the Israelites had asked God if they should engage the Philistines in battle.

This demonstrated Israel’s need for Samuel’s spiritual leadership. 

Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it (some translations say “he”) will save us from our enemies.” 

“it (the ark) will save us from our enemies.”

Carrying the Ark with them into battle was not necessarily a bad thing to do.

At this point in time the Israelites were taking matters into their own hands.  They had not consulted God.

They were using the ark as a symbol of God’s presence.

or

It was religion vs. a relationship with God.

  • The Israelites believed that carrying the Ark into battle would save them from their enemies.

4 So they sent men to Shiloh to bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. 

The Ark at Shiloh:

1 Samuel 1:24 NLT
24 When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. 

1 Samuel 3:3 NLT
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God.

The Ark was a representation of God’s presence.  A symbol of God’s presence. 

Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were also there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. 

 Review:

1 Samuel 2:12 NLT
12 Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord. 

12Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. ESV

1 Samuel 2:22-25 NLT
22 Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 23 Eli said to them, “I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? 24 You must stop, my sons! The reports I hear among the Lord’s people are not good. 25 If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the Lord was already planning to put them to death.

1 Samuel 3:11-14 NLT
11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. 12 I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. 13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. 14 So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.” 

5 When all the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into the camp, their shout of joy was so loud it made the ground shake!

Religion vs. relationship

6 “What’s going on?” the Philistines asked. “What’s all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?” When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, 7 they panicked. “The gods have come into their camp!” they cried. “This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! 8 Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel?

The Philistines were afraid of the “gods” (small g) of Israel represented by the Ark.

They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness. 

The Philistines knew the story of a powerful god rescuing the Israelites from the Egyptians.

“when Israel was in the wilderness” is not exactly accurate.

  • The presence of the Ark frightened the Philistines. 

9 Fight as never before, Philistines! If you don’t, we will become the Hebrews’ slaves just as they have been ours! Stand up like men and fight!”

The losers become slaves.

10 So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents. 

More than 7 times the number of soldiers died in this battle compared to the previous battle.

The Ark did not bring the Israelites victory.

Performing a religious act did not save the Israelites.

  • The Philistines killed 30,000 Israelite soldiers and won the battle. 

11 The Ark of God was captured, 

  • The Ark of God was captured. 

and Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.

  • Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were killed.

1 Samuel 2:34 NLT
34 And to prove that what I have said will come true, I will cause your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to die on the same day!

  • God’s Word was fulfilled.

 

 

Praise God for His Amazing Grace

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Praise God for His Amazing Grace

Ephesians 1:2-8 NLT
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Spiritual Blessings
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:2-8 NLT
Praise God for His Amazing Grace.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

These words are more than just a “greeting”.

  • Grace and peace are major themes in the book of Ephesians.

Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times and “peace” 7 times in Ephesians.

Grace:

In Christianity, God’s grace and God’s mercy are often confused. Although they are similar expressions of God’s favor and love, they possess a clear distinction. When we experience God’s grace, we receive blessings from God that we do not deserve. When we experience God’s mercy, we are spared from punishment that we do deserve.

Grace can even be defined by the acronym God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.

Grace expresses God’s steadfast love toward man.

In the next chapter of Ephesians:

Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

 Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Peace:

Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14 NLT
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people …

Ephesians 6:15 NLT
15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News …

Other writings from Paul:

Galatians 5:22 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Both are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2 NLT
5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

  • Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.
  • God’s saving grace is a theme found throughout the book of Ephesians.
  • The Good news of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews.
  • Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Note: In Greek, verses 3-14 are one sentence.

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. NIV

God’s superabundant blessings are given to all of His adopted children.

We are able to be called His children because of what Christ has done for us.

The words “Christ” or “Son” appear, or are implied, in verses 1-7.

2 Peter 1:2-4 (Peter an apostle expands on this thought.)
2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

  • God has equipped us with everything we need to live the life he has planned for us. 

4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us (see verse 5)

This form of the Greek verb “chose” indicates that God not only chose by Himself but for Himself to the praise of His own glory. 

in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Colossians 1:22 NLT
22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

Titus 3:5-7 NLT
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Jude 24 NLT
24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 

  • As a result of what Jesus did for us, God sees us as holy and blameless.

 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
11 … he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

 Romans 8:29-30 NLT
29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. 

Colossians 3:12 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves …

1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

Titus 1:1 NLT
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen …

John 6:44 NLT
44 For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. 

  • God decided in advance to adopt us (believers) into his own family, and it gave Him great pleasure. 

6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.  

  • Praising God is an appropriate response for all He has done for us.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

Revelation 5:12 NLT
12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”

What did God do for us?

Colossians 1:13 NLT
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness (destination – Hell) and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, (destination – Heaven)

Praise God.

Psalm 150:6 NLT
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord! 

  • Praise God for His amazing grace. 

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 

  • God is rich in kindness and grace.

We read about God’s kindness and grace throughout scripture.

Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:14 NLT
14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Ephesians 2:13 NLT
13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 4:30 NLT
30 … Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Other scriptures:

Romans 3:24 NLT
24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Mark 10:45 NLT
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT
18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 

  • God purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

We can ask God for wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9 NLT
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 NLT
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.  

  • God has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

 

This thought continues in verse 9

Greetings from Paul (Introduction to the book of Ephesians)

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Disclaimer
There is a big difference between Scripture and commentary.
Scripture is God’s Word.  Commentary is man’s word.
Most of the content in this lesson is from the Scripture.  Some of the content is from commentaries.

Introduction to Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:1-2 NLT
Greetings from Paul1 
This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus,
who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
2May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:1-2 NLT

Greetings from Paul 

1 This letter is from Paul,

Also Ephesians 3:1 NLT
When I think of all this, I, Paul, …

  • Written by Paul – about 60-62 A.D. – while in prison in Rome – one of the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)

There are some differences in dates and locations in other commentaries. (5 of the commentaries I used support the above bullet point.) 

chosen by the will of God

A sovereign God fulfilling His plan.

God’s sovereignty, a theme throughout the book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:5 NLT
5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Ephesians 1:9 NLT
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Other scriptures:
Psalm 139:16 NLT
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. 

to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. 

Apostle: The word means “Messenger” or “send forth” and served as official title for Paul and the twelve disciples, who were eyewitness of the resurrected Jesus and were chosen by God to lay the foundation for the church. 

  • It was God’s plan, not Paul’s plan, for Paul to be an apostle.
    • Commissioned and sent by God with the gospel message.
    • Paul’s authority comes from God.
    • 2 Timothy 3:16 (written by Paul) tells us that all of Paul’s writings were inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

I am writing to God’s holy people (saints) in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.

God’s holy people described in the book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:15 NLT
15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere …

Ephesians 1:18
18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 2:19
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

Ephesians 3:18
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Ephesians 4:12
12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Ephesians 5:3
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

  • Paul is writing this letter to God’s holy people.
  • God’s holy people (Saints) are set apart for God’s use.
  • The recipients of this letter are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
  • The recipients of this letter are “believers” in Christ Jesus. 

1:1 The most ancient manuscripts do not include in Ephesus. 

Because the name Ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, and because there are no personal greetings in this letter, some scholars believe the letter was meant to be circulated and read among all the churches in Asia Minor and was simply sent fist to the believers in Ephesus.

Ephesians may have been a letter intended for other churches in addition to the church in Ephesus.

  • To the Ephesians, but may also have been intended to be circulated among other churches. 
  • The book of Ephesians is also written for us.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us … 

Romans 15:4 NLT
4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

Psalm 119:105 NLT
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

Interesting facts about Ephesus:

Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

Ephesus was an important port city.

Ephesus was located at an intersection of major trade routes.

At this time was the 4th largest city in the Roman Empire, with an estimated population of 500,000 people.

Known for its temple of Artemis, (or Diana to the Romans).

This temple was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Important political, educational, and commercial.

Why is all of this significant?  (Not much different than many cities in America.)

Paul visited Ephesus:

Acts 18:18-23   NLT
Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria (second missionary journey)          A.D. 49-52 (51-53)*
18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem and then went back to Antioch.
23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.

(third missionary journey)19:1 
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.
8 Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.
18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices.  

Acts 20:17 & 31 NLT
Third missionary journey A.D. 54-57
17 But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

  • Paul was very familiar with the believers in Ephesus.

The first three chapters are theological, emphasizing New Testament doctrine,

while the last three chapters are practical and focus on Christian behavior.

  • The book of Ephesians challenges the reader to focus on Christ and the Church and teaches practical Christian living.

Example of focusing on the church.
Ephesians 6:18 NLT
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

  • Jews and Gentiles make up the church.

Ephesians is a letter of encouragement and admonition.  The book talks a lot about the church, God’s grace, and who we are in Christ.

Unlike Galatians and Corinthians, Ephesians was not written to address a specific concern or concerns within the church. Instead, it was written to emphasize all that we receive when we become a Christian, and to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

These words are more than just a “greeting”.

Grace and peace are major themes in the book of Ephesians.

Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times and “peace” 7 times in Ephesians.

Grace can even be defined by the acronym God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

In Christianity, God’s grace and God’s mercy are often confused. Although they are similar expressions of God’s favor and love, they possess a clear distinction. When we experience God’s grace, we receive favor that we do not deserve. When we experience God’s mercy, we are spared punishment that we do deserve.

Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.

Grace expresses God’s steadfast love toward man.

Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22 NLT
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Both are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2 NLT
5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

  • Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.
  • God’s saving grace is a theme found throughout the book of Ephesians.
  • The Good news of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews.
  • Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Why Should We Study the Bible?

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Why do we study the Bible?

Why is it important to immerse our minds, hearts, and souls in the beauty of God’s Word (us, our children, and our grandchildren)?

Reasons to study the Bible?

In the Bible, God tells us to study the Bible.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Study continually.
Meditate on it.
Obey everything written in it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 NLT
6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 

Commitment
Repetition
Scripture become a part of us. 

1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT
2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 

Crave
Cry out

The Bible gives us many reasons to study the scriptures.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

… years of life and peace they will add to you. (ESV)
… they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (NIV)
All will go well for you. (ERV)
Your life will be satisfying. (Contentment)

Psalm 84:10 NLT
10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

(Quality vs. quantity)

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Keep you from stumbling.

Proverbs 4:10-13
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. 

A long, good life.  When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 

Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. 

Blessed by God.

Romans 15:4 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement.

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not deceived by false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
The Danger of False Teachers
2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

They will cleverly teach destructive heresies

Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality.

Matthew 7:15 NLT
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Philosophies and high-sounding, intellectualism, the tradition of men.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Many of the people we come in contact with will be following false teachers.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NLT
3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 

Your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted.

You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you.

Studying the Word helps us fight spiritual battles and experience victory over the enemy!

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not misled by teachers with good intentions.

Acts 17:11 NLT
11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

Bearing fruit each season.

John 15:4-8 NLT
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Produce much fruit.

Scripture teaches us right from wrong.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Scripture is a supernatural discerning agent showing us right from wrong. 

Study the scriptures for the pleasure and enjoyment it provides to the reader,

Psalm 119:15-16 NLT
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

What is a major benefit that comes from studying the scriptures?

Scripture transforms our minds. 

God wants to transform us.

Romans 12:2 NLT
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

The word transform used here means “keep on being transformed”.

The English word “metamorphosis” comes from the Greek word “transformed.

A change in appearance.

Matthew 17:2 NLT
2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 

The disciples caught a glimpse of Jesus’ inner divine nature and glory.

When we think of metamorphosis we often think of butterflies.

There are four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.  Going from one form to another.

Christians should outwardly manifest their inner, redeemed natures, not once, however, but daily.

Matthew 13:43 NLT
3 Then the righteous (believers) will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Ephesians 4:22-23 NLT
22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Changing the way you think, (renewing of your mind) is a kind of transformation that can occur only as the Holy Spirit changes your thinking through consis­tent study and meditation on Scripture.

Psalm 119:11 NLT
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

God’s Word changes us.

We need to:

Philippians 4:8 NLT
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Colossians 3:10 NLT
10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

The renewed mind is one saturated with the Word of God.

God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

As one’s mind keeps on being made new by the spiritual input of God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, his lifestyle keeps on being transformed.

What can scripture do?

Examples of transformation.

Psalm 19:7-8 NLT
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living. 

Revive the soul.
Make the simple wise.
Bring joy to the heart.
Give insight for living. 

Psalm 119:50 NLT
50 Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles. 

Scripture revives us.
Scripture comforts us. 

Scripture changes us

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT
1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

You will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 4:4 NLT
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Scripture nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.

Transforms not just our minds, but our lives (For all eternity).

1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT
23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Scripture gives us the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

John 20:30-31 NLT
Purpose of the Book
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. 

Scripture leads us to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 NLT
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

 

Bible study deepens Godly community.

Bible study helps us grow closer to God.