Sunday, January 29, 2012

On 2-5-12 Galatians 2:15-21 will be our International Sunday School Lesson/Adult Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Justified by Faith in Christ.

Justified by Faith in Christ
Galatians 2:15-21
International Sunday School Lesson
February 5, 2012



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough



      Have you ever, despite your better judgment, felt pressured to do things by people within the church?  What happened?  Did you go with your own Spirit provided gift of discernment or did you cave?  Maybe you have a spotty record in this regard, if so you would be in pretty good company counting the Apostle Peter among your ranks.

      This caving in is something that yes, even Peter did and why Paul, in the verses not included in ours today, used to include an Apostle as an example that it can happen.  If you look at these verses that precede those we have for today,  Peter was living like a Gentile with regard to the Law himself but he had given in to those that Paul referred to as the circumcision group with regard to how new Gentile Christians should behave.

      What resulted was opposing views, disorder and confusion and why Paul was so adamantly trying to bring clarity back to those people and even to us today if we let him.    Today just as then Paul knew that instead of unity there would be unnecessary division as we can see by just looking around.

      Today we have the multitude of denominations as part of this division as people have not stood up to use the discernment that God has given to them.  Among these divisions are examples where somewhere at some point a group of people who worshiped together decided that there were some aspects of the Law that were always to be observed.  And out of that group there were those that did not listen to the Holy Spirit’s urging that it is, “by faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.”  Instead they caved, they went along.  Yes, Peter caved, but thankfully Paul called this great Apostle on this and if we use that courage as our example we can stand fast as well.  Use Paul as your example; listen to the voice within you.

      I would be remiss, I feel, if I did not stress that just like you and me and Paul, Peter and the circumcision group, Jews who worship God and people who have decided to follow certain aspects of the law all love God.  Let’s state that again, just like us those that worship God be they Jew or those who just follow certain aspects of the law, they passionately love God.

      I feel strongly that it is this passion for Him that has lead people in their exuberance to go off track.  If you consider for instance the faith of Jews who are actively worshiping God you would see that the Law that they follow governs all facets of their life from what they wear, what to eat, how to communicate with others and how they should worship.  The devout practitioner is consumed by their passion for Him and the more they are consumed the more rules they follow.  But if they fail in just one aspect of this Law they have sinned and the rest of what they have done has come to naught.  That is what Paul is teaching us so poignantly today and elsewhere such as in Philippians 3 and most famously Romans 3 that this act of going backwards to the law “sets aside the grace of God” and says that “Christ died for nothing!”

      Not one of us who believes in Christ would willingly say that nor do we believe in it so why don’t we do a better job of standing our ground when the moments for discernment arise?  We know what those Jews that love God haven’t learned that the law showed, nay screams for the necessity of Christ.  Similarly, like the devout Jew who follows all the Law and fails so is the Christian that follows just one or some aspects of the Law but fails to follow them all.  We all will still sin.  When we finally realize that and accept through faith Christ’s sacrifice then we will be able to stand firm and then Christ will truly live in us.  If you don’t accept that, you haven’t accepted the gospel.


For Discussion:


1.      Discuss what Paul means by Gentile Sinners in verse 15.  He was not calling Gentiles a name which would be easy to interpret.  Rather he is explaining that their behavior with regard to the Law is like the Gentiles though they were born Jews, they too have put their faith in Christ.  This goes part and parcel with the discussion of justification by faith and not law which would include things normal Jews would follow but not Gentiles such as Sabbath observance, dietary restriction, and circumcision and so on.
2.      Discuss how people will twist what the Law is to justify their position but that faith in Christ trumps all.
3.      Those that follow the Law are not just following what you can read in scripture but also tradition that has passed down as well as the teaching of Rabbis.
4.      Those that follow the Law as strictly as they can, obviously cannot follow much of what is in scripture as it deals with sacrificial requirements.  Discuss that issue.
5.      From Galatians 3:1-3, “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.  I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?  Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
6.      The best way to consider verses 17-21 is to do so in tandem with Romans 6.
7.      Have people share examples of discernment success as well as failures.

Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries


2-12-12:    Freed from Law through Christ (The Blessing for All) Galatians 3:1-14
2-19-12:  Heirs to the Promise (Inheriting Abraham’s Promise) Galatians 3:15-18, 4:1-7
2-26-12:  Fruits of Redemption Galatians 5:22-6:10
3-4-12:    Wisdom’s Part in Creation (Wisdom’s Origin) Proverbs 8:22-35





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

Sunday, January 22, 2012

On 1-29-12 Exodus 15:1-3, 19, 22-26 or 15:1-5, 19-26 will be our International Sunday School Lesson/Adult Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Out of Egypt aka A New Ordinance

Out of Egypt
Or
 A New Ordinance
Exodus 15:1-3, 19, 22-26 or 15:1-5, 19-26
International Sunday School Lesson
January 29, 2012



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough




In our last lesson we saw that the family of Joseph and his brothers had been reconciled.  Much has changed from one week to the next as we now race ahead more than 4 centuries.  The last time we met the Israelites that had descended from Abraham were still few in number.  In that lesson they were recent transplants to Egypt due to famine and though they were few they had in their favor the position and power of Joseph, second only to the Pharaoh in all of Egypt.  Today though is much different as we join them after their epic endurance of 430 years in slavery.  No longer were they just a cluster of people tied to a few brothers, now they were a nation of hundreds of thousands.

We join this people then in today’s scripture and we read of a song of joy, a song of victory a celebration of deliverance over Pharaoh’s army.  But why did this victory occur?  As in all things in God’s word there are lessons to be learned.

Back in Exodus 12:31-32 we read that after all the plagues, the final one, the one in which the LORD struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, Pharaoh had enough and told Moses to take his people and go.  And so as you know, go they did, with God leading them by means of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

So again, if they left and Pharaoh had told them to leave, why this victory, why as everyone knows was Pharaoh’s army crushed by the waters after the Israelites had passed through?  The answer is difficult for most to answer correctly because of how we tend to think.  Difficult for the most part because people tend to say in their daily lives, “Why is this happening to me?”  Or “What’s in this for me?”  When what they should be asking is, “How can what is happening to me bring God glory?”

 Our tendency to think of ourselves first is so strong that we tend to have a problem when we see the answer to the question I have posed of why after he let them leave did Pharaoh still attack given in Exodus 14:4 and 14:17-18 where we read that God said, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them.  But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” 

This can be a tough lesson for some to swallow but when the Israelites saw the result we read in 14:31 that they “feared the LORD and put their trust in Him...”  And that is how we happen upon our scripture for today’s song, a song that does what God wants and what we should want, to give Him glory.

Yes, in this song He is exalted, He is praised. The LORD’s actions and attributes are described and sung about; it is as it should be, about Him and His glory.  Wouldn’t it be great to fade away to black there with God receiving what He deserves? 

Instead, we continue on in our lesson with the people of Israel traveling in the desert without finding water.  When they do come upon water we are told that it was too bitter to drink and they grumbled against Moses.  What that really means since Moses was God’s representative is that they grumbled against God.  Why couldn’t they have instead said, “Moses, please pray to God to provide for us just as He did 3 days earlier against Pharaoh?”

Do you do any better?  How long do you go after your victories that God provides?  I would have to admit that I myself witness God’s handiwork and 3 days later I might find myself still imperfect in my actions and reactions but I can also admit that with God’s help I am becoming better, going longer between my grumblings, becoming more pure.

That is what God does, makes things whole and pure, He heals them.  He is the LORD who heals you as it says in verse 26.  It wasn’t Moses or some wood thrown in the water that made it sweet but rather it was God.

That seems to be the lesson for us then as I will repeat to you over and over again, the glory should be His when you witness His miracles and you experience your victories remember to give it (the glory) to Him in song and praising of exaltation.  Then cooperate with Him, let the Holy Spirit work with you so that the times of grumbling are ever farther apart as He works to heal us, sanctifying us, making us pure and completely whole.





For Discussion:


1.      This may sound a bit different, but have you ever made up songs for God to give Him glory?  You can do it in private you know.  Try it the next time He protects you, defends you, and heals you.
2.      Discuss the hardening of Pharaoh.
3.      Discuss the water issue.  The Hebrew word for bitter could range in meaning from too bitter to enjoy to the extent of being poisonous.
4.      Further water issues to consider:  how long can one, in the desert regardless of temperature, under physical exertion go without water?  Do you think they carried water with them?  It says they went without finding not without drinking.
5.      See basically the two places for which Miriam is best known and remembered: today’s scripture showing her participation and leadership in this song and in Numbers 12 when she spoke against Moses and then discuss.
6.      Using a concordance look up the meaning of the word “heals” from verse 26.
7.      Read Romans 6 with this idea of becoming more pure daily.


Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries


2-5-12:       Justified by Faith in Christ Galatians 2:15-21
2-12-12:    Freed from Law through Christ (The Blessing for All) Galatians 3:1-14
2-19-12:  Heirs to the Promise (Inheriting Abraham’s Promise) Galatians 3:15-18, 4:1-7
2-26-12:  Fruits of Redemption Galatians 5:22-6:10




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





Sunday, January 15, 2012

On 1-22-12 Genesis 50:15-26 will be our International Sunday School Lesson/Adult Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Joseph Transmits Abraham's Promise aka Reconciliation in the Family

Joseph Transmits Abraham’s Promise
Or
 Reconciliation in the Family
Genesis 50:15-26
International Sunday School Lesson
January 22, 2012



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough





If a scale existed to take the weight of sin it would be astonishing to see what the measurement would be.  Or similarly if there was a means to calculate the cost of sin the figure arrived upon would similarly be staggering and as I consider today’s lesson, it is clear to me that the sin the brothers of Joseph committed when they sold him into slavery came with a heavy weight and cost for all involved.

We know some of the trials of Joseph from that time when they perpetrated their acts against him and in what followed as he became a slave in Egypt.  We also know the successes that occurred as God blessed him despite the lowly position he found himself in. 

What we don’t know other than the obvious costs of being away from his father and his home and things he may have enjoyed and loved is how Joseph was fundamentally changed.  Would he have become the same man at 40 that he did?  Clearly not!  The simple fact of leaving a home with a place of special favor and becoming a slave would have changed him.  But I am thinking more of the visceral, the emotional, I believe the tears of Joseph reveal the emotional toll that resulted from the acts his brothers committed against him.

Good man of God that he was, he did not ever blame his brothers but found the silver lining, the plans of God.  But from deep down inside we see the emotions that welled up when he saw his kin in Genesis 43:30, 45:2, 14, 15 and 46:29.  The final example of this emotion we read of today when his brothers fearing him still are asking for forgiveness.  Yes, the weight of Joseph’s tears and emotions were a heavy burden.

By the same token, we know that all the brothers went back and lied to their father Jacob about their actions against Joseph and then they went about living their lives. What we don’t know is what the sins and the lies did to them over the years.  I would imagine there were many times when for a time the guilt wasn’t there at certain moments to bring Joseph to mind but I wager their father Jacob would speak of him and then their festering sore of guilt would be reopened.

This guilt was obviously a heavy burden for the brothers even after Joseph clearly showed his brothers his emotion and forgiveness once they were reunited (Genesis 45).  The burden of their sin, as we see in today’s scripture was causing a barrier to be placed between the brothers and Joseph preventing full reconciliation.  The incident we read of today was because the brothers knew the mutual love between their father and his son and with Jacob’s death their guilt made them fear that retribution had merely been stayed for a time.  From Joseph’s reaction we see that they were wrong, forgiveness was truly theirs.

So there you have it, the cost, the weight, the changes and barriers that sin creates in lives as evidenced by Joseph and his brothers is clearly a lesson.  We assume that now finally Joseph and his brothers were reconciled.  Joseph I am confident was full of grace and had assumed they already achieved it but guilt of their sin had kept the brothers from reaching that point despite Joseph’s gift of grace to them.  Do you see where I am going?

As Christians are you or someone you know letting your guilt of past sins keeping you from full reconciliation with God?  Are you failing to fully enjoy the time you have now as one of his heirs?

Do you or someone you know demonstrate the things that the brothers did?  The fears, the guilt, even the mistrust?  These brothers of Joseph had been delivered, so have you been.  Their father was reunited with his beloved son; you have been united with the Father.  Their entire family had been delivered, your entire church family since Christ’s sacrifice has been as well.  The brothers unhealthily could not get past their heavy burden of guilt and fear and enjoy the benefits of Joseph’s love and grace.  Are you or someone you love failing to leave your burdens behind so that you are failing to enjoy the benefits of God’s love and grace?  Believe me, you too have been forgiven, the love and gift of God’s grace is yours!


Hebrews 10:22-23

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.






For Discussion:

1.      Accepting forgiveness for past sins is what is in sight for today’s lesson not continuing sin.  David gives an example of current guilt for recent sin found in Psalm 38.
2.      Clearly Joseph was a sensitive man but even he had not done enough to assuage the guilt of his brothers.  Discuss how we need to remember how guilt can remain on those who sin, sometimes perhaps against you.  Further discuss how we should be mindful of this in order to help them accept the offered forgiveness.
3.      My thought is that Joseph wept in verse 17 because of empathy for his brothers however he may have wept for another reason, discuss opinions.
4.      Discuss other examples of guilt from the Bible
5.      Discuss other examples of reconciliation from the Bible.
6.      Did the Apostle Paul still carry guilt?  Discuss.
7.      See if any in your group would share examples from their own experiences.



Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries

1-29-12:  Out of Egypt (A New Ordinance) Exodus 15:1-3, 19, 22-26 or 15:1-5, 19-26
2-5-12:    Justified by Faith in Christ Galatians 2:15-21
2-12-12:  Freed from Law through Christ (The Blessing for All) Galatians 3:1-14
2-19-12:  Heirs to the Promise (Inheriting Abraham’s Promise) Galatians 3:15-18, 4:1-7
2-26-12:  Fruits of Redemption Galatians 5:22-6:10


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




Sunday, January 8, 2012

On 1-15-12 Genesis 45:3-15 will be our International Sunday School Lesson/Adult Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as God Preserves a Remnant aka A Brother Revealed






God Preserves a Remnant
Or
 A Brother Revealed
Genesis 45:3-15
International Sunday School Lesson
January 15, 2012



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough



Last week at one point in my commentary I said that at times God’s will is discernable; which left the unsaid, that at other times His plans are not revealed to us or that the plan is of such a Godly scope that it might not play out in a lifetime or even lifetimes.  We know that God’s plan that we have been studying the last few weeks is both.

First we see the plan that God had for Joseph, his father Jacob and his brothers has been revealed to us over a few chapters and to Joseph over several years.  The larger plan for Israel and for us was just beginning here.

In it is my firm belief that we should draw faith from this in a multitude of ways beginning with the fact that God has plans of which we are unaware but sometimes they are discernable, God willing. 

The first example for us to grow in faith is this story of Joseph and all that occurs with him until he is ultimately reunited with his brothers.  Here in today’s verse 5 we see the realization of what God’s plan had been for Joseph and his family.

The next faith builder from the lesson is when we see that our God is working out all things according to His will.  It was God’s will that these people, the descendants of Abraham be preserved both then in the famine and in the years of bondage to Egypt that would follow.

Finally because of all the scriptures we grow in our faith as further reading in the Bible will reveal that long after Joseph and his father and brothers were gone  the far reaching history reveals God’s plan as it all comes together. 

This similarly can help us to realize that while we were here we can play a part in His will too.  Realizing that quite possibly our small part will pay off in the immediate moments we are here but also potentially long after we are gone just as it is with Joseph.  Oh how wonderful is the faith and knowledge of how all powerful our Father is!

As I am writing today’s lesson I have myself had what I will call a “Joseph moment”.  No, I wasn’t sold into slavery and it didn’t take me years to find out what God’s plan was but it was eerie to see it revealed in hindsight!

Now because this is of a rather personal nature I will give only scant details but it should be sufficient to create the idea for you of how moments in our lives, “Joseph moments”, can help us grow in our faith.

Near the time I wrote this commentary I had recently gone on what I will call an “annual trek” without my family.  Normally this is something that I do every year and I anticipate it greatly.  While gone I am in my favorite environs, I eat what I want and I do everything pretty much according to my whim.

I had nothing concrete but a tentative schedule which would have me gone from home over two weeks but after only two days at my destination my whole being was heavily laden and I could draw no enjoyment from being there.  I felt drawn to go home and I left in the morning without delay.

Now I must freely admit to you that I was frustrated by what seemed a needless waste of time and resources but I had only been home a few days when a very clear reason for my being there at home with my wife became apparent.  It wasn’t life threatening but a situation arose that we needed to address together.  The stress that my wife would have been under handling it herself with me 800 miles away makes me grateful to God for urging me home.

Now again, I am sorry for the vagueness but there are enough details there to show that why I needed to be home was revealed to me and as a result my faith is stronger.  This could be the end of the matter or I might yet see more of God’s will revealed to us as a result of this incident.  But who knows what ultimately will play out long after I might be gone but I know that it might and from that, again, I grow in my faith.



For Discussion:

1.      How old was Joseph now?
2.      Discuss the graciousness of Joseph.
3.      Discuss why Benjamin was held in such high esteem to both Joseph and his father.
4.      Have people share experiences where God’s plans have come to light.
5.      Consider the additional verses of 1 and 2 then consider the emotions running through Joseph as you read today’s scripture.
6.      If you have read the chapters between last week and this one you will better understand the position of power that Joseph had and the feeling of weakness that the brothers would have.  Then to be faced with their sin of having sold Joseph long ago you will be better able to understand the terror or trouble that the brothers felt in verse 3.  Genesis 42:21-22
7.      That the brothers had sinned in selling Joseph into slavery is not debatable, in light of that fact read and discuss verses 5-8 from today.


Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries

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
2-5-12:       Justified by Faith in Christ Galatians 2:15-21
2-12-12:    Freed from Law through Christ (The Blessing for All) Galatians 3:1-14



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



Monday, January 2, 2012

On 1-8-12 Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 or 41:37-46, 50-52 will be our International Sunday School Lesson/Adult Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Joseph Finds Favor aka A Discerning and Wise Leader.

Joseph Finds Favor
Or
 A Discerning and Wise Leader
Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 or 41:37-46, 50-52
International Sunday School Lesson
January 8, 2012



Commentary
By
Jed Greenough




How many of you that read today’s lesson will look at it and think only of the past?  It really can be hard not to given the imagery that floods our mind as we think of what Egypt, or a Pharaoh must have looked like given all the beautiful images that remain and those retrieved in archaeological endeavors.

For me I must admit that it is difficult to not consider today’s scripture without picturing the scenes from the Ten Commandments movie starring Yul Bryner and Charlton Heston.  I find it particularly useful as I imagine the storing of grain and I remember the scene where Heston’s character, Moses had grain released to the Hebrew slaves.

I bet they come close to getting the scenes fairly accurate and so as we consider today’s lesson from history perhaps viewing our scripture today as a history lesson is a wise way to go about this if we are apply it to 2012.

As you may have read in my previous commentaries such as 9-11-11, we have the scriptures as examples and warnings (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).  This one from Corinthians cited in that September lesson was one I referenced as we discussed a lesson on the Proverbs and we looked at the advice given for walking God’s straight path.

Due to the remarkable consistency of God’s word we know that we can draw wisdom and develop our discernment just like the man Pharaoh was advised to put in charge of the land.  What is it from this scriptural history lesson that will be useful if we are to develop these qualities in ourselves?  Today’s history lesson from God’s word is not best revealed by looking at 12 or 13 verses but all of Genesis 40 and 41.



1.     First off, we should not tire of sharing God with others even when we don’t receive or see results today.  Joseph stayed two years in prison before Pharaoh’s cupbearer remembered him.
2.     We must not forget that God can use anyone even nonbelievers such as the Pharaoh and the chief cupbearer.
3.     Our abilities are not our own and God should be given the glory as Joseph did in interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams.
4.     God’s plans at times are discernable according to His will.
5.     As even our era proves now, fruitful days do not last.  Recognizing this and planning for times of “famine” is wise.
6.     Godly wise and discerning leaders are needed not just in the church but also in positions of worldly leadership.
7.     Even though we have a natural desire for autonomy we must be mindful that to God there is a place for government, that governments must at times be in charge and that they serve to protect the well-being of the citizenry. 
8.     God can give us confidence.  Joseph not only interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, he also told him what to do to deal with the upcoming famine.
9.     You could say that Joseph instructed Pharaoh about what God was saying to him.  The result was Pharaoh’s complete obedience even though he did not worship God.  This should shame believers into reexamining how faithful they are in whole heartedly following the instruction they receive in God’s word.
10.                        Pharaoh chose a wise and discerning man in Joseph to lead.  The result was that only with regard to the throne did Pharaoh have greater power.  We should choose the Godly, wise and discerning and let them do their jobs without hindering their effectiveness.




The challenge becomes whether or not we will actually take this history lesson and not just leave it as that, history.  The famous quote from George Santayana says, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  Mr. Santayana will long be remember in the opinion of the world for his great writing, but being man and not God he only got it half right with that statement.

Yes, if we fail to remember the failures from the past history we will be condemned to repeat those failures but God shows us that if we remember the past successes we can be blessed just as Joseph, Pharaoh and those who were fed during the famine.

Pharaoh first turned to magicians, the world turns to philosophers such as Santayana, and clearly these are unwise and undiscerning choices.  Joseph showed that the wise and discerning turn to God instead.


For Discussion:

Slowly and prayerfully ponder those ten items I point out above for your ideas for discussion.




Upcoming Adult Sunday School Class Commentaries

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
2-5-12:       Justified by Faith in Christ Galatians 2:15-21
2-12-12:    Freed from Law through Christ (The Blessing for All) Galatians 3:1-14




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