Sunday, December 25, 2011

On 1-1-12 Genesis 39:7-21a will be our International Sunday School/Adult Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as God Watches over Joseph aka Guided by a Loving Lord.




God Watches over Joseph
Or
 Guided by a Loving Lord
Genesis 39:7-21a
International Sunday School Lesson
January 1, 2012



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough




Are you in a situation such as a job or a class or group that you just cannot stand, that you are miserable with?  Does it make you want to go home and scream?  Do you keep looking for what God wants you to do with your life so that all this will turn around?

I have been there and done that before and the scripture that we have for today has been a good lesson for me personally as I considered Joseph and his situation.  I have not been sold by my family, how about you?  I have not been sold as a slave, how about you?   I have not been falsely accused of a major crime, how about you?  I have not been thrown into prison for no good reason, how about you?

Isn’t it time we think about how Joseph reacted to his situations when we start to wonder about our “miserable” situations?  Most of us have it so cushy that when things don’t go along swimmingly we think that those times are outside of God’s will.  We can see from this time in Joseph’s life that we might just be very wrong.

Whenever you are wondering about whether something is in fact God’s will for you or not ask yourself this question:  Is this situation drawing me closer to God?  If it does, it most likely is God’s will.  If it doesn’t it most likely isn’t God’s will.

But of course you have to play the part of Joseph in these situations in order for the test to be run in a trustworthy manner.  Joseph certainly didn’t want to be ripped from his father’s bosom.  He certainly wouldn’t have wanted to lose his freedom.  No, I am sure life in prison wouldn’t have been his choice either.

What we do with our “prisons” will help us to determine if they are God’s will for us.  We learn this by seeing that Joseph wasn’t an Abraham or a Moses.  Abraham and Moses, great men of God that they were, faced uncertainty and possible and real threats and hardship but they heard the voice of God!  Joseph didn’t have that blessing but he faced his situations with aplomb.

So the next time you wish that God would just speak to you like he did the men of old in the Bible consider that was not a given and consider Joseph.  If your situation seems grim consider Joseph.  As you ponder whether you are following God’s will so you can perhaps do something if possible about it, consider Joseph.

Joseph didn’t choose the circumstance that he found himself in but he did choose how he reacted.  If we react as Joseph perhaps God will be with us in whatever our situation and even those around us will prosper in some way.

Joseph didn’t curse God when it seems that things kept going from bad to worse.  Instead we see that he stayed faithful.  Joseph to our knowledge didn’t even question God about his situation.  Rather it seems that he stayed patient until eventually learning why he was in this situation.  I don’t even know what I will yet cover when we get there officially but in Genesis 45 we read of Joseph speaking to the very brothers who sold him into slavery.

Genesis 45:5

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

This is the point where after the light bulb goes off people return to serving God and giving Him the glory but Joseph was doing it all along.  We too can make our slavery, our prisons, the false accusations and evil people we are forced to associate with a part of our efforts to glorify the Father.  We can do it as a part of our daily life in whatever situation we find ourselves in and maybe one day we will have an aha moment and the light bulb will go off for us.  Let’s not wait til then to start giving it up for Him.

For Discussion:

1.      Was Joseph in training for even bigger roles?  Maybe we are too.
2.      Have you ever considered that you may have benefited from another because God was with that person?
3.      Things didn’t exactly turn out the way Joseph may have liked but his example of fleeing from temptation is still the example we should choose.
4.      Have people share some difficult circumstances either past or present in their lives and discuss them.
5.      Have people share some of their instances where times of trial in their life eventually led to moments of clarity concerning God’s will.
6.      Discuss how the way we act in different circumstances can be a way of sharing the gospel.




Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries

1-8-12:    Joseph Finds Favor (A Discerning and Wise Leader) Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 or   41:37-46, 50-52
1-15-12:     God Preserves a Remnant (A Brother Revealed) Genesis 45:3-15
1-22-12:    Joseph Transmits Abraham’s Promise (Reconciliation in the Family) Genesis 50:15- 26
1-29-12:     Out of Egypt (A New Ordinance) Exodus 15:1-3, 19, 22-26 or 15:1-5, 19-26




Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Sunday, December 18, 2011

On 12-25-11 Luke 1:46-55 or 1:46-66; 2:1-7 will be our Adult Sunday School/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as According to the Promise aka Mary's Song of Praise.




According to the Promise
Or
 Mary’s Song of Praise
Luke 1:46-55
Or
Luke 1:46-66; 2:1-7
International Sunday School Lesson
December 25, 2011



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough



Part I


It is always curious to see where people’s priorities are at Christmas.  The season starts for many long in advance of the time.

For many in the world they recognize the season not because of Christ but instead for the fact that it is a holiday.  That might mean an extra day off or a party to attend and not remember it the next day.

While for others it’s the day after Thanksgiving when all the best bargains begin and they plan out a strategy that would rival the D-day preparations as they assault the stores.  Don’t stand in their way as the smallest of grandmas is like the largest of football linemen!

For some it is time to start preparing for church programs doing the massive number of things necessary to make them all a success.  There is sewing and crafting, carpentry and painting, reading and writing, recruiting and inviting.  They pour themselves into the preparation and pull everything off with a rousing success.  But on Christmas morning they are absent and if they are present they are not able to fit in the Sunday School lesson if the class is held at all.  All in consideration of the busyness of the season you know.

Others though, regardless of whether the classroom is closed or not, will dutifully prepare for this day or retreat to a quiet corner of their cheery holiday filled abode so that they can be in God’s word on this the most important of Sundays because it isn’t about them, but Him.

Although not included in today’s passage those verses that immediately precede today’s verses are vital.  Did you ever notice how often I say that?  Anyway, Elizabeth who is pregnant with John has just blessed Mary.  Under the power of the Holy Spirit she has been made aware of Mary’s state and not just that she is with child but with the Savior.

What is Mary’s reply?  For starters let’s not just note that Mary is singing a song or hymn but rather Mary in answer to this gushing blessing from Elizabeth is shedding all praise from herself and putting it squarely where it should be—on God.

Exaltation, I think is the word that would fit here for what we see Mary experiencing.  And as she is feeling it though, it is clear that this well-being comes from the depths of her very existence, from her soul it says and from her spirit. But though it comes from these places in her reply to Mary, her song is not filled with I this or I that but rather the following:


She glorifies the Lord
She rejoices in God
He has done this
Humility
His name is holy
His mercy
He
He
HE


She carried our savior and she no doubt had pride in that but it is a pride that produces a song like this.  What about us, we carry the savior within us as well.  This Christmas when we are blessed by others as the result of the season what will be our response?



Part II


For those whose lesson is extended to include additional scripture you might wonder if the inclusion of verses 57-66 was the best choice and I would be right there with you.  But you see God is a better writer and if it were a movie, director than we are.

If we were directing a movie on Luke and telling this story on Christmas these verses would have been left on the cutting room floor.  Good thing we didn’t get the job because of the choice we would have made.  Similarly we demonstrate by our omitting from today’s lesson and from many accounts of the Christmas story the verses of 67-80 we haven’t done a very good job now nor in the past.

The reason that God included this part (verses 57-80) is to show that He sent His son for us, man has a role and John would be the example.  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit so that she would know something she couldn’t have known otherwise about Mary.  Here we see Zechariah likewise filled and enabled to know what he could not.  He tells us why this part about the birth of John is included in the Christmas story, “to give the people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.”

That was to be John’s role and as Christians that is to be our role in sharing the gospel.  A rather important part of telling the story of Christmas don’t you think?

For Discussion:

1.     Pay very careful attention to Luke 1:45.  Discuss that verse.
2.     Challenge those in your class to take the time in private this Christmas day and sing a spontaneous Spirit led song to God.
3.     Is there a better day than Christmas to share the Good News whether in a conversation or even in a Christmas dinner prayer?
4.     Discuss why John, “lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.”
5.     Was John a Nazirite?
6.     Discuss why verses 2:1-7 are important.  Reasons might include the documentation of man’s history being verifiable even to this day giving proof to a skeptical world, to show that from the beginning man has not had room for God, to show that man in his “wisdom” was not expecting a messiah like this.  What else?
7.     Have a blessed Christmas and thank you for being a part of this class in 2011.  See you in the New Year!  Jed




1-1-12:        God Watches over Joseph (Guided by a Loving Lord) Genesis 39:7-21a
1-8-12:        Joseph Finds Favor (A Discerning and Wise Leader) Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 or
                    41:37-46, 50-52
1-15-12:      God Preserves a Remnant (A Brother Revealed) Genesis 45:3-15
1-22-12:      Joseph Transmits Abraham’s Promise (Reconciliation in the Family) Genesis 50:15-
                   26  



Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved


Sunday, December 11, 2011

On 12-18-11 Genesis 22:1-2, 6-14 or 22:1-14 will be our Adult Sunday School/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as The Lord Provides aka The Challenge to Commitment.

The Lord Provides
Or
 The Challenge to Commitment
Genesis 22:1-2, 6-14
Or
Genesis 22:1-14
International Sunday School Lesson
December 18, 2011



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough



 It is my opinion that today’s scripture more than anywhere else best paints the picture of Abraham, God’s servant.  We have read how when told to go Abraham obediently left behind almost everything he had known, departing for an unknown destination.  Though it wasn’t a part of our recent studies we can read of a concerned Abraham sending his son Ishmael away.  Not because of what Sarah said but rather because God instructed him.   And now even though he waited 100 years for the promised son, and that there were already years of loving enjoyment of that son, and three days of bone weary travel, there was nothing that shook the obedience of Abraham.  And this time it isn’t to leave everything and go to a new land but rather to sacrifice his long awaited heir.  This as I said paints the picture of God’s obedient and faithful servant.

So what are you going to do with this image of this obedient servant?  Do you learn from it, do you shake your head, doubt it, and maybe even get angry?  It is my belief that God does not speak to hear Himself talk.  Therefore all the scripture that we have has a purpose and we just have to search out its application.

For example in 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  We know that if we were to follow Paul’s example we would zealously, fearlessly and with intelligence be about the work of the gospel.

If we were to use the early church as an example of instruction of our worship practices we should start by basing those around devoting ourselves “to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”  Acts 2:42

Recently we looked at Matthew 6 as Jesus instructed us how to pray, how to reconcile in Matthew 5, and a while before that the superiority of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 9.

So what is today instructing us in?  If you listen to some in academia they would tell you that an author of anything including the Bible only has one meaning and that is what you must discover. And some would say that we must not forget that there is also implied meaning.  The best example I always recall is found in Ephesians 5:18.  In that we are told, “Do not get drunk on wine, which lead to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”  In that verse the meaning or intent of the author Paul is crystal clear but we can also take away implied meanings such as he would also include any type of drug or alcohol that would produce the same effect.

What I think that too many fail to take into account is the true author of the Bible.  Yes we should search out the matter and it usually has one meaning but with the complexity of God’s ways there are layers like an onion for each of us to peel away when we look at His word.  And when we consider what God’s word is saying we must never forget to apply Isaiah 55:11:

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

In today’s case was the purpose to show the following?


1.     To show that God chose the most obedient person in the world to be the father of us all.

2.     To show that God provides.

3.     To show that God does in fact test us.

4.     To show that if God can ask this of Abraham we should not consider what God asks of us too great a thing.

5.     To show that if Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son we should be willing to leave anything and everything to follow God.


The answer to all of these is, yes.  And this complexity, this ability for God’s word to accomplish in us, in different moments and in different situations what He desires, shows us with confidence that these are not just words written by men but that this truly is the word of God. Therefore to borrow from one of today’s titles, God does indeed provide.  He provides exactly what purpose He desires today, tomorrow, and yesterday or as in this case, 4000 years ago.  Will you search out that purpose?



For Discussion:

1.     Discuss what would have occurred to Abraham’s faith had he disobeyed God.
2.     Discuss what would have been the result for us if Abraham had disobeyed God.
3.     I have listed 5 purposes that God had in today’s passage.  Discuss others that might be found in this passage.
4.     Discuss Abraham sacrificing his only son and Christ being God’s only son.  Is there a parallel?
5.     Ask people to share ways that they have been tested by God.
6.     Ask people to share examples of God providing on a personal level.
7.     Ask people to share examples of their not being willing to sacrifice something that they should have to God and instances where they were obedient.
8.     Read James 2:14-26.
9.     Think you know Abraham pretty well right?  You might not if you have only read the assigned texts each week.  Did you know that Abraham and Sarah were related before marrying?  Read all of Genesis 20:1-12.





12-25-11:  According to the Promise (Mary’s Song of Praise), Luke 1:46-55 or 1:46-66; 2:1-7
1-1-12:      God Watches over Joseph (Guided by a Loving Lord) Genesis 39:7-21a
1-8-12:      Joseph Finds Favor (A Discerning and Wise Leader) Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 or
                  41:37-46, 50-52
1-15-12:    God Preserves a Remnant (A Brother Revealed) Genesis 45:3-15




Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Sunday, December 4, 2011

On 12-11-11 Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson, herein is my commentary. This Lesson is known by as A Promise to Abraham aka A Covenant with God.

A Promise to Abraham
Or
 A Covenant with God
Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18
International Sunday School Lesson
December 11, 2011



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough






There is a proverb that has never been truer than when applied to Abraham or Abram as he is still known in today’s scripture.  The proverb is 12:28 and it reads, “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.”

Abram is known by us all because as we read in verse 6 today he believed what the Lord told him and it was credited to him as righteousness.  This is how we remember Abram, as this man of great faith but I think we almost forget the man part.  We have raised him to a place where he seems more immortal than man.  But let’s look at him in a way that reminds us more of ourselves, people who likewise have received promises and blessings but who need reassurances.

On a personal level, if you are still working has it been awhile since you heard the reassuring words of, “well done”?  Or if you are a teacher of the scriptures who despite successful efforts in the past, has it been awhile since you felt encouraged?  This is how I look at Abram.  We know from the end of chapter 11 to today’s scripture that God had spoken to, visited with and appeared to Abram on several occasions.  We know that in the time in between that these chapters mentioned Abram became very wealthy and successful.  Despite all this, time was elapsing.  We can see that even Abram, this man known as God’s friend, this man known for his faith, needed encouraging.

God had said in the very first verse for today that He was Abrams very great reward but Abram amazingly says, “What can you give me…?  Can you imagine saying that to God, “What can you give me”?  Despite the promises, the blessings and the appearances, this aging mortal man needed encouragement. 

Fact is, we should be encouraged both by Abram’s humanity and God’s patience because we can apply it to ourselves.  We may not have those supernatural encounters to fall back on during our weaker moments in working for the Kingdom but we do have a Bible full of promises that Abram didn’t have.

God’s words are his voice and by studying His word we have the benefit to draw encouragement from the examples of those who by their experience show that God both promises and fulfills.  The man of righteousness, Abram, is again the recipient today of God’s promise that from him would arise offspring as numerous as the stars.

Eventually at the age of 100, 25 years after he set out from Haran his wife Sarai will give birth to Isaac but the rest of the promise did not happen in his lifetime but encouraged anew he believed it would occur.

Paul does a good job in Hebrews 11 of reminding us of not only Abraham’s faith but other greats of the Bible as well.  He tells us that “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

Abram wasn’t perfect yet either as we see in today’s scripture and neither are we.  Despite the promises and the voice of God, we too like Abram need encouragement from time to time, and not just us but our brothers and sisters in Christ as well.  But even if the encouragement for our work in the Lord doesn’t come as often as we need and we are forgetting some of the blessings that have happened, we must try to remember these words from Ephesians 6:7, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”

We are a part of the promise we read about today.  We are each one of those stars.  Unlike Abram we get to see that promise fulfilled.  Take great encouragement from that loved ones and wait patiently for the great promise yet to be fulfilled.  Share the promise with as many as you can until the stars of Abraham have reached their fullness and together we are made perfect.






For Discussion:

1.     Read Romans 4:23-24
2.     Read Galatians 3:6-9
3.     Discuss how important everyone thinks faith is to God.
4.     Share what faith means to those in your group.
5.     Discuss the meaning of righteousness.
6.     Did you sing these words when you were young, “Father Abraham had many sons.  Many Sons had Father Abraham.  I am one of them and so are you.  So let’s all praise the Lord.  Right arm!...”?  It would be great to have playing as people come to class.
7.     Research and discuss covenants.
8.     Discuss our need for encouragement.  1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25.


12-18-11:  The Lord Provides (The Challenge to Commitment), Genesis 22:1-2, 6-14 or 22:1-14
12-25-11:  According to the Promise (Mary’s Song of Praise), Luke 1:46-55 or 1:46-66; 2:1-7
1-1-12:      God Watches over Joseph (Guided by a Loving Lord) Genesis 39:7-21a
1-8-12:      Joseph Finds Favor (A Discerning and Wise Leader) Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 or             
                  41:37-46, 50-52


Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved