1 peter 1

1 Peter 1:1-25

 ¹ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,  ² Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied . ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  ⁴ To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  ⁵ Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  ⁶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice , though now for a season, if need be , ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  ⁷ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  ⁸ Whom having not seen , ye love ; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing , ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory : ⁹ Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.  ¹⁰ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently , who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:  ¹¹ Searching what , or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify , when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow . ¹² Unto whom it was revealed , that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.  ¹³ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober , and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  ¹⁴ As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  ¹⁵ But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  ¹⁶ Because it is written , Be ye holy; for I am holy.  ¹⁷ And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:  ¹⁸ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  ¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  ²⁰ Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  ²¹ Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  ²² Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  ²³ Being born again , not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  ²⁴ For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth , and the flower thereof falleth away : ²⁵ But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Jeremiah 31:1-40

Dueteronomy 28

Review & Intro: These  last chapters have been about giving the Lord thanksgiving for all the good that He brings to us.  Israel needed to continue to serve Him with a glad heart and thankfulness for all that He had done for them.  Chapter 28 warns them of the curses that will come to them if they forsake Him to serve and worship other gods.  It is a long chapter and full of things we would rather not think come from God.  It is not what He prefers to do to His children; He wanted to give them only good things. Deuteronomy Chapter 28 - Observation Questions 1.  What would the Lord do for Israel if they were careful to obey all that the Lord commanded them in the land they were entering to possess? vs. 1 2.  All the listed blessings would not only "come upon them"; what else would they do if they obeyed the Lord? vs. 2 3.  They would be blessed in the city.  Where else would they be blessed? vs. 3 4.  What would be the condition of the offspring of their body and the produce of their land? vs. 4 5.  What would be the condition of the offspring of their beasts and their herd and flocks? vs. 4 6.  Their basket and their kneading bowl would be blessed. (vs.5) ... They would be blessed when they came in and when they went out. (vs. 6) 7.  What would the Lord do for them when their enemies rose up against them? vs. 7 8.  What else would the Lord bless? vs. 8 - Name 3 things 9.  What would the Lord establish them as if they would keep His commandments? vs. 9 10.  What would all the peoples of the earth see and how would they react? vs. 10 11.  What three things would the Lord cause to abound in prosperity for them? vs. 11 - Name 3 things 12.  The Lord would open His good storehouse in the heavens and give rain to their land in its season and bless all the work of their hands. (vs.12) ... Fill in these blanks:  " You shall _____ to many nations, but you shall not ______" (vs.12) ... "The Lord will make you the ______ and not the _____, an dyou will be _____, and you will not be underneath, if you _______ to the commandments of the Lord and observe them carefully." (vs.13) 13.  What did turning aside or away really mean they would be doing? vs. 14 Note:  This was an absolute turning from serving the true God to going after other gods and serving them.  Complete apostasy. 14.  If they did turn away to serve other gods and did not follow the Lord in the things that He had asked them to do in order to love and serve Him, what would overtake them instead of the blessings? vs. 15 15.  They would be cursed instead of blessed in the city and in the country (vs.16).  Their basket and kneading bowl would be cursed instead of blessed. (vs.17)....Instead of blessed, their offspring and that of their beasts would be cursed. (vs.18) ... Rather than blessed, they would be cursed when they came in and when they went out. (vs.19).  ... What would the Lord send upon them until they were destroyed and perished because of the evil of their deeds in forsaking Him? vs. 20 - Name 3 things 16.  What things would the Lord bring upon them to cause them to perish from the land He had given them? vs.21,22 - Name 8 things 17.  He would not send any rain to bless their land.  Instead heaven would be like bronze to them and the earth would be like iron. (vs.23)... What would the rain be like until they were destroyed? vs. 24 18.  The Lord would cause them to be defeated before their enemies.  What would they become an example of to all the kingdoms of earth? vs. 25 19.  Their carcasses would be food for the birds and the beasts. (vs.26) ... What would the Lord smite them with? - vs. 27 - Name 4 things they could not be healed from - 20.  The Lord would also smite them with madness and blindness.  What would their heart be like? vs. 28 21.  They would grope at noon and not prosper in their ways.  What 2 things would they experience continually with none to save them? vs. 29 22.  Fill in the blanks:  They would betroth a wife, but another man would ______ her; they would build a house, but they would not _____ in it; they would plant a vineyard, but they would not use its _____. (vs.30) ... Their ox would be slaughtered before their eyes, but they would not _____ it; their donkey would be torn from them, and would not be ______ to them; their sheep would be given to their _______and they would have no one to save them." (vs.31) ... Their sons and daughters would be given to ________people, while their eyes looked on and yearned for them _________; but there would be nothing they could do."  (vs.32). 23.  What would a people who they did not know do to their produce and labors? vs. 33 24.  What condition would they be in continually? vs. 33 25.  They would be driven mad by what they saw (vs.34)...** I guess so** ..  What would the Lord strike them with on the knees and the legs from the sole of their foot to the crown of the head? vs. 35 26.  Where would the Lord bring them and the king they had chosen to be over them to? vs. 36 27.  What would they serve in that nation? vs. 36 28.  Name 3 things they would become to the people where the Lord would drive them. vs. 37 - Name 3 29. Finish the "You shall" sentences from the verses below (more words to Israel if they were to forsake God for other gods) vs.38 - "You shall ... bring out much seed to the field, but ... vs.39 - "You shall ... plant and cultivate vineyards, but ... vs.40 - "You shall ... have olive trees throughout your territory, but ... vs.41 - "You shall ... have sons and daughters, but ... 30.  What would happen to all their trees and the produce of their ground? vs. 42 - 31.  How would those in Israel change places with the aliens among them? vs. 43 - 32.  Who would be the one to borrow?  Who would be the tail? vs. 43,44 - 33.  All these curses would come upon them and pursue them and overtake them until they were destroyed.  Why would this happen to them? vs. 45 - 34.  This would become a sign and wonder on them and their descendants forever. (vs.46)  What did they fail to do? vs. 47 35.  Because of their ungrateful and unbelieving hearts, they would serve their enemies whom the Lord would send against them.  They would be hungry, thirsty, and naked, and have a lack of all things.  He would put an iron yoke on their neck until He had destroyed them. (vs.48) .. What would the Lord bring against them from the end of the earth? vs. 49 36.  What kind of nation would this be? vs. 49,50 - 37.  What would they do to the nation of Israel and their land they dwelt on? vs. 51 38.  This nation would besiege Israel in all their towns until the high and fortified walls in which they 'trusted' would come down in all their towns throughout their land. (vs.52) ... They would be so hungry there would be canibalism of their own children which is unimaginable!  (vs.53-57) ... The warning the Lord gave them was that if they did not fear and honor His awesome Name, these things would come upon them.... (vs.58) ... 39.  What kinds of plagues would come upon them and their descendants? vs. 59 40.  What would the Lord bring back upon them? vs. 60 41.  He would bring sickness and plagues that were not even written in the book of this law until they were all destroyed. (vs.61) ... They would be left "few in number" even though they had been as numerous as the stars in heaven. ... (vs.62)....They were going to be torn from the land even after they had possessed it. (vs.63) ... Where would the Lord scatter them and what would they do in these places? vs. 64 42.  In the nations that they would be taken to, they would not find rest for themselves.  What would be given them? vs. 65 - Name 3 things 43.  Their lives would hang in doubt and be in dread day and night and they would not have assurance of their life. (vs.66).  In the morning, they would long for evening .. and in the evening, they would long for morning .. because of the dread of their heart and for the sight of their eyes (vs.67) ... The Lord would bring them back to Egypt in ships even though He had said they were to never see it again .... What would they offer themselves as to the Egyptians and what would be the result? vs. 68 - Application 44.  Such a long lesson; please just summarize your thoughts of the lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Review & Intro:  In Chapter 24, We looked at purity in marriage and in sharing our lives with others, lending and not asking for things in return; taking care of the widows, the orphans, and the aliens among us.  In Chapter 25, we are reminded that justice is to be done fairly and we see in the New Testament to leave all judgment to God who knows the hearts of all men.  We are to take the log out of our own eye to see the speck in the eye of a brother.  We are to realize that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us.  Also, we see that Amalek attacked the Israelites when they were weak and frail at the back of the line, weary in battle.  We will see how we need to be aware of our enemy, the devil, who also takes advantage of our weakness.  Yet, we have a strong tower in the Lord for our refuge.  Amen.

Deuteronomy Chapter 25 - Observation Questions

1.  When there was a dispute between men, they took it to court, and the judge decided who was righteous and who was wicked.  In the condemnation of the wicked, what was the limit of stripes he could receive according to the guilt of his crime? vs.1-3  39

2.  This is the verse that causes people to believe that Jesus received 39 stripes before He went to the cross.  He was not flogged by the Jews, however, but the Romans, so no one knows for sure if they stopped at 39.  The apostle Paul tells that he had been beaten 40 minus 1 at least 5 times in his life as a minister of the Gospel which was the crime they beat him for.  Comment on the verse below:

• 2 Corinthians 11:24 -  Forty stripes save one - The word "stripes" does not occur in the original, but is necessarily understood. The Law of Moses Deuteronomy 25:3 expressly limited the number of stripes that might be inflicted to 40. In no case might this number be exceeded. This was a humane provision, and one that was not found among the pagan, who inflicted any number of blows at discretion. Unhappily it is not observed among professedly Christian nations where the practice of whipping prevails, and particularly in slave countries, where the master inflicts any number of blows at his pleasure. In practice among the Hebrews, the number of blows inflicted was in fact limited to 39, lest by any accident in counting, the criminal should receive more than the number prescribed in the Law. There was another reason still for limiting it to 39. 

3.  Back to Deuteronomy 25.  When should an ox not be muzzled? vs. 4 while to  is  treeding out grain

4.  This may seem to have no application to our lives, but the verse is quoted twice in the New Testament in reference to giving so that our ministers do not have to stop their work for the Gospel's sake to make money for themselves.  Comment on the verses below:

• 1 Corinthians 9:9-11 - It is very natural, and very reasonable, for ministers to expect a livelihood out of their labours. 2. He argues it out of the Jewish law: Say I these things as a man? Or saith not the law the same also? v. 8. Is this merely a dictate of common reason and according to common usage only? No, it is also consonant to the old law. God had therein ordered that the ox should not be muzzled while he was treading out the corn, nor hindered from eating while he was preparing the corn for man's use, and treading it out of the ear. But this law was not chiefly given out of God's regard to oxen, or concern for them, but to teach mankind that all due encouragement should be given to those who are employed by us, or labouring for our good-that the labourers should taste of the fruit of their labours. Those who plough should plough in hope; and those who thresh in hope should be partakers of their hope, v. 10. The law saith this about oxen for our sakes. Note, Those that lay themselves out to do our souls good should not have their mouths muzzled, but have food provided for them. 3. He argues from common equity: If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? What they had sown was much better than they expected to reap. They had taught them the way to eternal life, and laboured heartily to put them in possession of it. It was no great matter, surely, while they were giving themselves up to this work, to expect a support of their own temporal life. They had been instruments of conveying to them the greater spiritual blessings; and had they no claim to as great a share in their carnal things as was necessary to subsist them? Note, Those who enjoy spiritual benefits by the ministry of the word should not grudge a maintenance to such as are employed in this work. If they have received a real benefit, one would think they could not grudge them this. What, get so much good by them, and yet grudge to do so little good to them! Is this grateful or equitable? 4. He argues from the maintenance they afforded others: "If others are partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? You allow others this maintenance, and confess their claim just; but who has so just a claim as I from the church of Corinth? Who has given greater evidence of the apostolic mission? Who had laboured so much for your good, or done like service among you?" Note, Ministers should be valued and provided for according to their worth. "Nevertheless," says the apostle, "we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. We have not insisted on our right, but have rather been in straits to serve the interests of the gospel, and promote the salvation of souls." He renounced his right, rather than by claiming it he would hinder his success. He denied himself, for fear of giving offence; but asserted his right lest his self-denial should prove prejudicial to the ministry. Note, He is likely to plead most effectually for the rights of others who shows a generous disregard to his own. It is plain, in this case, that justice, and not self-love, is the principle by which he is actuated. 5. He argues from the old Jewish establishment: "Do you not know that those who minister about holy things live of the things of the temple, and those who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? v. 13. And, if the Jewish priesthood was maintained out of the holy things that were then offered, shall not Christ's ministers have a maintenance out of their ministry? Is there not as much reason that we should be maintained as they?" He asserts it to be the institution of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 9:14 -: "Even so hath the Lord ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel have a right to a maintenance, though not bound to demand it, and insist upon it." It is the people's duty to maintain their minister, by Christ's appointment, though it be not a duty bound on every minister to call for or accept it. He may waive his right, as Paul did, without being a sinner; but those transgress an appointment of Christ who deny or withhold it. Those who preach the gospel have a right to live by it; and those who attend on their ministry, and yet take no thought about their subsistence, fail very much in their duty to Christ, and respect owing to them.live of the gospel.
• 1 Timothy 5:17-18 -

5.  Back to Deuteronomy 25.   If brothers lived on the same property and one of them died without a son, the wife of the deceased was not to remarry outside of the family. (vs.5) ... Who was suppose to marry her as a duty to his brother? vs. 5 The brother

6.  When the woman had her firstborn, it was to assume the name of the dead brother, so that is name would not be blotted out from Israel. (vs.6) .. What would the widow do if the brother refused to marry her and give her children for his brother's sake? vs. 7-10   Go to  the  town gete and tell the ealseiers there that  thfe brother was not willing to do as the Lord had commamanded and give  his brother offshring.

7.  What penalty would a wife pay for meddling in her husband's struggle with another if she dare touch the other man in the private place? vs.11,12 -  cut her hand off and  show her no pity

8.  What was the point about the weights and measures being the same? vs.13-16 - (vs.16) God  destest anyone  that is  not homest in their dealins and that  is still thfe same with us to day.  We are to always be honest with everyone about all things in or daily walk with God.

9.  In the New Testament, what are we told regarding the measurements we use when judging others? Comment on the following verses:

• Matthew 7:1-5 - The prohibition; Judge not. We must judge ourselves, and judge our own acts, but we must not judge our brother, not magisterially assume such an authority over others, as we allow not them over us: since our rule is, to be subject to one another. Be not many masters, Jam. 3:1. We must not sit in the judgment-seat, to make our word a law to every body. We must not judge our brother, that is, we must not speak evil of him, so it is explained, Jam. 4:11. We must not despise him, nor set him at nought, Rom. 14:10. We must not judge rashly, nor pass such a judgment upon our brother as has no ground, but is only the product of our own jealousy and ill nature. We must not make the worst of people, nor infer such invidious things from their words and actions as they will not bear. We must not judge uncharitably, unmercifully, nor with a spirit of revenge, and a desire to do mischief. We must not judge of a man's state by a single act, nor of what he is in himself by what he is to us, because in our own cause we are apt to be partial. We must not judge the hearts of others, nor their intentions, for it is God's prerogative to try the heart, and we must not step into his throne; nor must we judge of their eternal state, nor call them hypocrites, reprobates, and castaways; that is stretching beyond our line; what have we to do, thus to judge another man's servant? Counsel him, and help him, but do not judge him.
• Mark 4:24,25 -It concerns those who hear the word of the gospel, to mark what they hear, and to make a good use of it, because their weal or woe depends upon it; what he had said before he saith again, If any man have ears to hear, let him hear, v. 23. Let him give the gospel of Christ a fair hearing; but that is not enough, it is added (v. 24), Take heed what ye hear, and give a due regard to that which ye do hear; Consider what ye hear, so Dr. Hammond reads it. Note, What we hear, doth us no good, unless we consider it; those especially that are to teach others must themselves be very observant of the things of God; must take notice of the message they are to deliver, that they may be exact. We must likewise take heed what we hear, by proving all things, that we may hold fast that which is good. We must be cautious, and stand upon our guard, lest we be imposed upon. To enforce this caution, consider,
• Luke 6:31-38 -

10.  Back to Deuteronomy 25.  What did the Lord want the Israelites to remember about Amalek? vs. 17,18 -

11.  Where did Amalek attack Israel? vs. 18

12.  Who did they prey on? vs. 18

13.  What would Israel eventually do to Amalek? vs. 19

Note:  Amalek was a grandson of Esau. His descendants became the Amalekites, who attacked Israel at Rephidim in Exodus 17:8 ...They attacked the weak and weary people at the rear. Moses assigned Joshua to choose men for an army, while he stationed himself above the battle, holding his staff in the air. As long as his arms were in the air, Israel was winning the battle. But when his arms would begin to fall from exhaustion, the Amalekites would begin to have victory. And so Aaron and Hur helped hold his arms up, insuring victory. (Exodus 17:13-16) .... Moses built an altar and named it:  "The Lord is My Banner" (Jehovah Nissi) ...

Applications

14.  It is important that we judge people righteously and not with partiality, but in the New Testament, Jesus makes it clear to each one of us, that we should not judge at all but leave all judgment to the Lord who knows the motives of the hearts.  We can be misled by things we see and things we hear and we should not pass judgment on others.  If we do, it will return back to us, by the same standard of measure we have used.  How has this lesson altered your thinking about areas you may have been in judgment of? 

15.  Amalek attacked Israel from the rear where the stragglers who who were weak and faint.  Amalek is a picture of our spiritual enemy, the devil, who attacks us at our weakest points when we are tired and faint.  Comment on the verses about how the enemy takes advantage of our weaknesses, and then the verses of how the Lord will help us in our weaknesses when we turn to Him. 

• 2 Corinthians 2:11 -
• Ephesians 6:11 -
• Ephesians 4:27 -
• 1 Peter 5:8 -
• Revelation 12:10 -
• ********************
• Matthew 11:28 -
• Romans 8:34 -
• Romans 8:26 -
• Hebrews 4:12-16 -
• Hebrews 12:3 -
• Galatians 6:10 -
• 2 Thessalonians 3:13 -

16.  When the enemy attacks, where is your refuge and hiding place?  Where do you need to turn?

1. Psalm 7:1 -
2. Psalm 18:2 -
3. Psalm 18:10 -
4. Psalm 32:7 -
5. Psalm 46:1 -
6. Psalm 61:3 -

17.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

deuteronomy 25

Review & Intro:  In Chapter 24, We looked at purity in marriage and in sharing our lives with others, lending and not asking for things in return; taking care of the widows, the orphans, and the aliens among us.  In Chapter 25, we are reminded that justice is to be done fairly and we see in the New Testament to leave all judgment to God who knows the hearts of all men.  We are to take the log out of our own eye to see the speck in the eye of a brother.  We are to realize that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us.  Also, we see that Amalek attacked the Israelites when they were weak and frail at the back of the line, weary in battle.  We will see how we need to be aware of our enemy, the devil, who also takes advantage of our weakness.  Yet, we have a strong tower in the Lord for our refuge.  Amen.

Deuteronomy Chapter 25 - Observation Questions

1.  When there was a dispute between men, they took it to court, and the judge decided who was righteous and who was wicked.  In the condemnation of the wicked, what was the limit of stripes he could receive according to the guilt of his crime? vs.1-3  39

2.  This is the verse that causes people to believe that Jesus received 39 stripes before He went to the cross.  He was not flogged by the Jews, however, but the Romans, so no one knows for sure if they stopped at 39.  The apostle Paul tells that he had been beaten 40 minus 1 at least 5 times in his life as a minister of the Gospel which was the crime they beat him for.  Comment on the verse below:

• 2 Corinthians 11:24 -  Forty stripes save one - The word "stripes" does not occur in the original, but is necessarily understood. The Law of Moses Deuteronomy 25:3 expressly limited the number of stripes that might be inflicted to 40. In no case might this number be exceeded. This was a humane provision, and one that was not found among the pagan, who inflicted any number of blows at discretion. Unhappily it is not observed among professedly Christian nations where the practice of whipping prevails, and particularly in slave countries, where the master inflicts any number of blows at his pleasure. In practice among the Hebrews, the number of blows inflicted was in fact limited to 39, lest by any accident in counting, the criminal should receive more than the number prescribed in the Law. There was another reason still for limiting it to 39. 

3.  Back to Deuteronomy 25.  When should an ox not be muzzled? vs. 4 while to  is  treeding out grain

4.  This may seem to have no application to our lives, but the verse is quoted twice in the New Testament in reference to giving so that our ministers do not have to stop their work for the Gospel's sake to make money for themselves.  Comment on the verses below:

• 1 Corinthians 9:9-11 - It is very natural, and very reasonable, for ministers to expect a livelihood out of their labours. 2. He argues it out of the Jewish law: Say I these things as a man? Or saith not the law the same also? v. 8. Is this merely a dictate of common reason and according to common usage only? No, it is also consonant to the old law. God had therein ordered that the ox should not be muzzled while he was treading out the corn, nor hindered from eating while he was preparing the corn for man's use, and treading it out of the ear. But this law was not chiefly given out of God's regard to oxen, or concern for them, but to teach mankind that all due encouragement should be given to those who are employed by us, or labouring for our good-that the labourers should taste of the fruit of their labours. Those who plough should plough in hope; and those who thresh in hope should be partakers of their hope, v. 10. The law saith this about oxen for our sakes. Note, Those that lay themselves out to do our souls good should not have their mouths muzzled, but have food provided for them. 3. He argues from common equity: If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? What they had sown was much better than they expected to reap. They had taught them the way to eternal life, and laboured heartily to put them in possession of it. It was no great matter, surely, while they were giving themselves up to this work, to expect a support of their own temporal life. They had been instruments of conveying to them the greater spiritual blessings; and had they no claim to as great a share in their carnal things as was necessary to subsist them? Note, Those who enjoy spiritual benefits by the ministry of the word should not grudge a maintenance to such as are employed in this work. If they have received a real benefit, one would think they could not grudge them this. What, get so much good by them, and yet grudge to do so little good to them! Is this grateful or equitable? 4. He argues from the maintenance they afforded others: "If others are partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? You allow others this maintenance, and confess their claim just; but who has so just a claim as I from the church of Corinth? Who has given greater evidence of the apostolic mission? Who had laboured so much for your good, or done like service among you?" Note, Ministers should be valued and provided for according to their worth. "Nevertheless," says the apostle, "we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. We have not insisted on our right, but have rather been in straits to serve the interests of the gospel, and promote the salvation of souls." He renounced his right, rather than by claiming it he would hinder his success. He denied himself, for fear of giving offence; but asserted his right lest his self-denial should prove prejudicial to the ministry. Note, He is likely to plead most effectually for the rights of others who shows a generous disregard to his own. It is plain, in this case, that justice, and not self-love, is the principle by which he is actuated. 5. He argues from the old Jewish establishment: "Do you not know that those who minister about holy things live of the things of the temple, and those who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? v. 13. And, if the Jewish priesthood was maintained out of the holy things that were then offered, shall not Christ's ministers have a maintenance out of their ministry? Is there not as much reason that we should be maintained as they?" He asserts it to be the institution of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 9:14 -: "Even so hath the Lord ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel have a right to a maintenance, though not bound to demand it, and insist upon it." It is the people's duty to maintain their minister, by Christ's appointment, though it be not a duty bound on every minister to call for or accept it. He may waive his right, as Paul did, without being a sinner; but those transgress an appointment of Christ who deny or withhold it. Those who preach the gospel have a right to live by it; and those who attend on their ministry, and yet take no thought about their subsistence, fail very much in their duty to Christ, and respect owing to them.live of the gospel.
• 1 Timothy 5:17-18 -

5.  Back to Deuteronomy 25.   If brothers lived on the same property and one of them died without a son, the wife of the deceased was not to remarry outside of the family. (vs.5) ... Who was suppose to marry her as a duty to his brother? vs. 5 The brother

6.  When the woman had her firstborn, it was to assume the name of the dead brother, so that is name would not be blotted out from Israel. (vs.6) .. What would the widow do if the brother refused to marry her and give her children for his brother's sake? vs. 7-10   Go to  the  town gete and tell the ealseiers there that  thfe brother was not willing to do as the Lord had commamanded and give  his brother offshring.

7.  What penalty would a wife pay for meddling in her husband's struggle with another if she dare touch the other man in the private place? vs.11,12 -  cut her hand off and  show her no pity

8.  What was the point about the weights and measures being the same? vs.13-16 - (vs.16) God  destest anyone  that is  not homest in their dealins and that  is still thfe same with us to day.  We are to always be honest with everyone about all things in or daily walk with God.

9.  In the New Testament, what are we told regarding the measurements we use when judging others? Comment on the following verses:

• Matthew 7:1-5 - The prohibition; Judge not. We must judge ourselves, and judge our own acts, but we must not judge our brother, not magisterially assume such an authority over others, as we allow not them over us: since our rule is, to be subject to one another. Be not many masters, Jam. 3:1. We must not sit in the judgment-seat, to make our word a law to every body. We must not judge our brother, that is, we must not speak evil of him, so it is explained, Jam. 4:11. We must not despise him, nor set him at nought, Rom. 14:10. We must not judge rashly, nor pass such a judgment upon our brother as has no ground, but is only the product of our own jealousy and ill nature. We must not make the worst of people, nor infer such invidious things from their words and actions as they will not bear. We must not judge uncharitably, unmercifully, nor with a spirit of revenge, and a desire to do mischief. We must not judge of a man's state by a single act, nor of what he is in himself by what he is to us, because in our own cause we are apt to be partial. We must not judge the hearts of others, nor their intentions, for it is God's prerogative to try the heart, and we must not step into his throne; nor must we judge of their eternal state, nor call them hypocrites, reprobates, and castaways; that is stretching beyond our line; what have we to do, thus to judge another man's servant? Counsel him, and help him, but do not judge him.
• Mark 4:24,25 -It concerns those who hear the word of the gospel, to mark what they hear, and to make a good use of it, because their weal or woe depends upon it; what he had said before he saith again, If any man have ears to hear, let him hear, v. 23. Let him give the gospel of Christ a fair hearing; but that is not enough, it is added (v. 24), Take heed what ye hear, and give a due regard to that which ye do hear; Consider what ye hear, so Dr. Hammond reads it. Note, What we hear, doth us no good, unless we consider it; those especially that are to teach others must themselves be very observant of the things of God; must take notice of the message they are to deliver, that they may be exact. We must likewise take heed what we hear, by proving all things, that we may hold fast that which is good. We must be cautious, and stand upon our guard, lest we be imposed upon. To enforce this caution, consider,
• Luke 6:31-38 -

10.  Back to Deuteronomy 25.  What did the Lord want the Israelites to remember about Amalek? vs. 17,18 -

11.  Where did Amalek attack Israel? vs. 18

12.  Who did they prey on? vs. 18

13.  What would Israel eventually do to Amalek? vs. 19

Note:  Amalek was a grandson of Esau. His descendants became the Amalekites, who attacked Israel at Rephidim in Exodus 17:8 ...They attacked the weak and weary people at the rear. Moses assigned Joshua to choose men for an army, while he stationed himself above the battle, holding his staff in the air. As long as his arms were in the air, Israel was winning the battle. But when his arms would begin to fall from exhaustion, the Amalekites would begin to have victory. And so Aaron and Hur helped hold his arms up, insuring victory. (Exodus 17:13-16) .... Moses built an altar and named it:  "The Lord is My Banner" (Jehovah Nissi) ...

Applications

14.  It is important that we judge people righteously and not with partiality, but in the New Testament, Jesus makes it clear to each one of us, that we should not judge at all but leave all judgment to the Lord who knows the motives of the hearts.  We can be misled by things we see and things we hear and we should not pass judgment on others.  If we do, it will return back to us, by the same standard of measure we have used.  How has this lesson altered your thinking about areas you may have been in judgment of? 

15.  Amalek attacked Israel from the rear where the stragglers who who were weak and faint.  Amalek is a picture of our spiritual enemy, the devil, who attacks us at our weakest points when we are tired and faint.  Comment on the verses about how the enemy takes advantage of our weaknesses, and then the verses of how the Lord will help us in our weaknesses when we turn to Him. 

• 2 Corinthians 2:11 -
• Ephesians 6:11 -
• Ephesians 4:27 -
• 1 Peter 5:8 -
• Revelation 12:10 -
• ********************
• Matthew 11:28 -
• Romans 8:34 -
• Romans 8:26 -
• Hebrews 4:12-16 -
• Hebrews 12:3 -
• Galatians 6:10 -
• 2 Thessalonians 3:13 -

16.  When the enemy attacks, where is your refuge and hiding place?  Where do you need to turn?

1. Psalm 7:1 -
2. Psalm 18:2 -
3. Psalm 18:10 -
4. Psalm 32:7 -
5. Psalm 46:1 -
6. Psalm 61:3 -

17.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Deuteronomy 24

Review & Intro:  In Chapter 23, we saw the reasons why some were not to bewalk in cleanness because the Lord Himself walked among them to deliver them from their enemies.  We also saw how the people were to leave the things that fell to the ground for their neighbors to take if they were needful.  In Chapter 24, we will see more instruction about caring for the needy and ways to handle relationships. Deuteronomy Chapter 24 - Observation Questions 1.  When a man divorced a woman because of indecency (unfaithfulness) was found in her, and she married another man; if that marriage did not work out or if the second husband died, the first husband was not allowed to take her back. (vs.1-4)  What would that act bring to the land? vs. 4 destable to the Lord 2.  Adultery is what defiles a marriage.  What did Jeremiah say about this? ... What did Jesus say about this?  Comment on the following verses: Jeremiah 3:1 -It was  wrong and it was a sin against God. Matthew 5:31-32 -If you remarry after   divource It  is  asultary  but If you spouce  has   cheated on you  that is  the only reason God  will  let there be grounds for divoruse. Matthew 19:8,9 - The law of Moses'  on  this was because their heart were hard and didn't want  to listerring to God. Luke 16:18 - 3.  Back to Deuteronomy 24.  What was a man's sole duty during the first year of marriage? vs. 5 stay home with his wife and bring her happeness 4.  What was not to be taken as a pledge? vs. 6 - Name 2 things millstones   Note:  Pledges were used as loan security, very much like a pawn shop taking your valuable item as collateral for a short-term loan. Here, the Law says that you cannot take someone's sole source of food for a pledge. 5.  What kind of penalty was given for kidnapping if the thief dealt violently with the victim or sold the countryman? vs. 7  He is to die. 6.  What did the Lord instruction them concerning the infection of leprosy? vs. 8 Tod do what  the priest and Levities tell them. 7.  Who did the Lord want them to remember in regard to leprosy? vs. 9 Miriam Note: Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 detail the Law regarding leprosy diagnosis and treatment. Leprosy was a serious disease, which the people certainly remembered seeing when Miriam was stricken by it for undermining Moses' authority (Numbers 12). 8.  When one would make a loan to another and it was time to receive payment, they were not to enter the person's house to take the pledge.  How was it to be received? vs. 11 Stay outside and let him bring  it to them. 9.  If that person was a poor man, before the sun went down, what was to be returned to him and why?  v.12 His cloak. 10.  What would this action be in the eyes of the Lord when the garment or whatever the pledge happened to be was returned to the poor man before sunset? vs. 13 rightous act  11.  What did Jesus teach us about cloaks and things given to others? Matthew 5:42 - We are to help them if we can. 12.  What are we to handle before sundown daily? Ephesians 4:26,27 -not to let our angrey stay with us  . 13.  Do you see that holding unforgiveness is the same as being a creditor who will not forgive a debt to another?yes  If you have not thought of it like this before or if you need encouragement to be reminded of it, read the following parable that Jesus taught about debts and forgiveness: Matthew 18:20-35 - Read and share your insights from it. We want  everyone to forgive us but when  it comes to it comes to us forgiveing others we son't find it as easy to do. 14.  Back to Deuteronomy 24 - They were not to oppress a hired servant who was poor or needy whether it was their own countrymen or an alien living among them in their towns. (vs.14) ... When were they to pay him his wages for that day's work and why? vs. 15 that day because he  is counting on it. 15.  If they did not pay the needy person for the day's work, they would cry out to the Lord for their need from that person.  What would the Lord count this as against the employer? vs. 15 guilty of sin. 16.  James repeats this in his epistle in the New Testament.  Comment on these verses: James 5:4 -they cried  out to God  because they need what they worked for. 17.  Back to Deuteronomy 24. .. Who were not resposible for one another's sins? vs. 16 Fathers could not be held for their childerns's sin nor children for the father's sin 18.  What three groups of people does the Lord point out should be given fair and righteous justice? vs. 17 - Name 3 alien fatherless widow. 19.  What are they to remember in their minds and hearts before they mistreat another person? vs. 18 That  they were onces slaves in Egypt. 20.  What is one way they could remember the alien, the orphan, and the widow, and be blessed by the Lord for it? vs. 19  leave  some food  for them in the fields when the harvested. 21.  What examples are given in how they could do this for these groups of people?  Comment on the following verses below: vs. 20 -When thfe beat thfe olive tree they were to only do it onced so that  there was some lefted for  the fatherles  aliens and widows. vs. 21 - the same with  grapes. 22.  What are we told about taking care of orphans and widows in the New Testament? James 1:27 - That were are suppost to help them so that we are not  polluted by the worlds  views of them. 23.  Again, what are they to remember and therefore obey this commandment? vs. 22 they were slaves  in Egpty Note:  Have you been down and received help at anytime in your life?  We should remember how it blessed us so that when we are better off, we don't forget the needs of others.  When we see Ruth in Ruth Chapter 2 "gleaning the fields" , this is what she is doing to receive food for her and her mother-in-law Naomi.  24.  If we live life trying to squeeze every penny for ourselves, we will never be satisfied. But if we freely give, then we are entrusted with more.  Comment on the following verses: Proverbs 11:24 -God  wants us to give freely and  not be as the world and  hold on to  it.  We can't take it with us so why do we wnat to save it and  have  others fighr over it? 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 -Giving  actually enrices and benfits thfe giver.  He says Also a gift ca seve as an act of worship to God and can Inspire other people's faith and  thanksgiving. Application: 25.  We should marry a believer and we should have faithful marriages.  Sometimes it does not work out that way for us or for our children.  Does the Lord expect them to live with a person who is unfaithful to them?  This has happened to my son and has broken our hearts.  In fact, she not only was unfaithful, and divorced him, but is pregnant with another man's child now.  The lesson today helps us to help him move on without condemnation.  Have you had similar situations to deal with?  How does this lesson help you? 26.  We should give to others when they have a need and not even bother them to return what we have lended to them.  How would this attitude in believers bring salt and light to this world of need and greed?   Most people  want  back what is borrowed  from them  be it money aor  food  or anything else but if  we as christains  say no youdon't have to pay me back  then the person if lost might wonder  what the diffrents is with us ans this would be the ooatuny to share  God's love to them. 27.  We have seen in today's lesson how God has always asked His people to take care of the aliens, the widows, and the orphans.  James told us that pure and undefiled religion is to do so.  Can you think of a way to put this into practice in your life?  Please share your thoughts.  28.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like. a part of the assembly of the Lord, and how those who were in the camp were to

Dueteronomy 22

Review & Intro:  Glad to move past Chapter 21 which had some hard subjects to deal with, but glad that God says what He means and means what He says.  He is a God of order and commands, but shows grace and patience with us as we seek Him with all of our hearts.  In Chapter 22, we have some more relationship rules for Israel as they moved into the Promised Land.  Moses had alot to share from the heart of God with them before they cross over.

Deuteronomy Chapter 22 - Observation Questions

1.  If a person saw one of their countryman's ox or sheep straying, they were not to ignore them, but to bring them back to him. (vs.1) ... How would he handle it if the person lived far away from him? vs. 2

Take care of it tell they  returned to look for it.

2.   This was to be the case with anything a fellow countryman lost and another found it.  What are 2 other things mentioned? vs. 3 

A donlet  clock  aor anything  else that  he  lost.

3.   What was one to do if their countryman's donkey or ox had fallen down? vs. 4

Help hime get to his feet

4.   How does God feel about cross-dressing; women looking like men as well as men looking like women? vs. 5 -

It is  a sin.

5.   If they came across a mother bird sitting on her eggs or her young, they could take the young birds or eggs as a food source for themselves, but what were they to do with the mother bird? vs.6,7 -

Leave it  alone so that it could  have more babies.

6.  What were the Israelites to make sure they had on their roof of their new house and why? vs. 8

A low  wall to keep  others  from falling and getting hurt.

Note:  The rooftops were flat and used as a patio, so it was responsible to have a low wall at the edge of the roof to keep people safe.

7.  What were not to be mixed in their vineyard to keep it undefiled? vs. 9

differnt seeds

8.  They were not to plow with an ox and a donkey. (vs.10)... This would make the yoke out of balance (unequal). ... What did the apostle say about "unequal" relationships for believers?  Comment on the verses below:

• 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 -
  It would not  work.

9.  Back to Deuteronomy 22.  What were they not to "mix" in their material? vs. 11

Wool an lining  the garment would  not  wear well.

10.  God is saying not to "mix" things.  How does He explain it in Leviticus 19:19?  Name 3 things given not to "mix" -

'Keep my decrees. "'Do not mate different kinds of animals. "'Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. "'Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.

11.  What is something we are not to "mix" when speaking with our mouth?  Comment on the verses below:

• James 3:9-10 -
  praises and cures

12.  Can we mix worship with the demons and worship God at the same time? Comment on the verses below:

• 1 Corinthians 10:21 -
  We can not  serve both God and  satan .

13.  Can we mix service to God and serve the power of wealth at the same time?  Comment on the verses below:

• Matthew 6:24 - no  baecause this would  be  like sreving two masters 

14.  When we mix things, they get corrupted.  What happens when we mix hot and cold?  What do we get?  We get "lukewarm".  What does Jesus say about this?  Comment on the verses below:

• Revelation 3:15-16 -
  That  He would  spur us out of  his mouth.

Note:  The Lord wants us to be single minded, completely devoted to Him, and not mixed with emotions in the world and our own desires.

15.  To help themselves stay single-minded and focused on the truth of the word, they were to have tassels on the four corners of their garment as reminders. (vs.12) .... Read Numbers 15:38-39 and comment on what these tassels were to remind them of -

To remind them of  the commmanments and keep them all the days of their lives,

16.  Back to Deuteronomy 22.  If a man took a wife but then accused her of not being a virgin, and yet the father had proof of her virginity to show, what would happen to the man and what would he pay to the father?  vs. 13-19

15then the girl’s father and mother shall bring proof that she was a virgin to the town elders at the gate. 16The girl’s father will say to the elders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he dislikes her. 17Now he has slandered her and said, ‘I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.’ But here is the proof of my daughter’s virginity.” Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town, 18and the elders shall take the man and punish him. 19They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver^b and give them to the girl’s father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.

Note:  In Jewish tradition, on the wedding night a cloth or garment was used and then kept or given to the wife’s parents so that the marks of the blood of the girl’s virginity would constitute legal protection for her in the event she was later charged with lack of virginity or of having been a prostitute prior to her marriage. ...If there is not a cloth of evidence presented and it is true that the girl was not a virgin when he married her, she would face the death penalty because she had played the harlot in her father's house. (vs.21)

17.  What would happen to those who committed adultery? vs. 22

 If caught in the acted or  had wittness  that seen it  the man and woman was put to death by stoning.

18.  If a virgin was engaged to marry a man, but was in the city with another man before they were married, they were both to be killed.  There was so many in the city, that if she would have cried out in the case of rape, only the man would have been charged.  The fact that no one heard her cry out was saying that she had consented to being with another man.  It was different in the field (country) for no one could have heard her cry out.  Who was the only one to die in that case? vs. 25-27 -

The man

19.  If a man was with a virgin who was not engaged to another man, he had to pay a fine to her father and he had to marry her and was not allowed to divorce her all the days of his life. (vs. 29)... In other words, there was no casual sex allowed, which is called fornication in the New Testament.  Do you think there would be less casual sex today if everyone was forced into marriage and required to care for that person always?

yes

20.  What was off limits to every man? vs. 30

Hid father's wife/

21.  The apostle Paul addressed this as well.  How did he say this kind of immorality had to be dealt with by the church?  Comment on the verse below:

• 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 -
  
  

1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. 2And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?

Application:

22.  Looking at the situation of caring for another's animal, returning their lost property to them if it is found, etc. ... we are seeing what has become known as the "golden rule",  caring for one another in the way we would want them to care for us and our things.  What did Jesus say about this?  Comment on the verse below:

•  Matthew 7:12
  Treat  people the way  you would have them treat you.

23.  We looked at several examples in the Old and New Testament of not "mixing" things that do not belong together.  We looked at the example of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers.  Read the verses given below and comment on them.  Do we put enough emphasis on this in our lives and in teaching our children these things?  Share your thoughts as well.

• 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 -
• 1 Timothy 4:12 -

24.  The Lord gave guidelines of virginity, rape, marriage, and lack of moral integrity in uncovering cloting of the father's wife... These are laws or "morality"; something lacking in our day and even in the church unfortunately.  How are we admonished to behave in our single lives and in our married lives in the New Testament?  Comment on the verses below:

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 -
• Hebrews 13:4 -

25.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.