Sunday, April 27, 2014

On 5-4-14, Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Jesus Resists Temptation

Jesus Resists Temptation
 Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11
International Sunday School Lesson
May 4, 2014
                                                                                 


Commentary
By
Jed Greenough

What is it that tempts you?  Is it temptations such as excessive unhealthy things like over indulging in food or alcohol?  Or is it temptations such as the opposite sex or theft or deceit?  Temptation takes many forms and while some are the same for all, satan who was called the tempter by Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:5) can craft them to suit you and his purpose.
Let’s remember that temptation in and of itself is not sin.  We read the order of this in James 1:14, “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
We know that it will come, this temptation, but as Christians I believe we sometimes forget some very rudimentary things.  This might be out of guilt or familiarity or reasons peculiar to us as individuals.
I should probably explain.  I am a creature of habit.  That is a characteristic of mine and if it is not my habit to think about going to God for help when I am tempted I will be poorly equipped to fight.
Someone else might feel so much guilt as a Christian for their being in certain situations that they don’t turn to God or His word for assistance.
Others may find the situation so unfamiliar to them because the temptation is not one with which they are experienced they unsurprisingly don’t seek God’s help almost as if in a state of shock.
We are shown a great deal by the scriptures including those for today in how we are to handle or be on guard for these situations.  Let’s begin with when we can expect it.  The answer might be anytime but I will use the example of Jesus.  According to the parallel account in Mark 1 and insinuated by the wording in Matthew 3 and 4 it was immediately after His baptism!  Apply that to yourself and think about that for a brand new Christian.
During this time we also know Jesus was fasting for 40 days so you can imagine what you would be like as in vulnerable or weakened.  The tempter knows when his success is best.  Being aware of this will help us in our defense tactics.
But Jesus shows us the value of turning to the scripture for help and that knowing your Bible is your first protection.
We also see Jesus when He told the devil to get lost, living out the words of James 4:7 as an example to us.  “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Don’t take the fewness of the words of this commentary as being a suggestion that it is that simple.  Well, it is and it isn’t.  It won’t be simple at first but with more experience in the word and with more experience in using that word and resisting the devil the more natural it will become for you.  But that is also not to suggest that the tempter won’t ramp up the temptation for you as you are now a greater prize.  But we must remember the greatest prize of all the “author and perfecter of our faith” who was likewise tempted.

For Discussion:
1.      Discuss how Jesus shows the value in remembering not just the New Testament but the Old Testament.
2.      Discuss ways you have dealt with temptation.
3.      Discuss ways that satan tempts.
4.      Read the parallel accounts in Mark and Luke.
5.      Discuss verse 11’s that angels came and attended to Jesus.
6.      Read what Jesus said with regard to Temptation in Matthew 6:13 and Matthew 26:41.
7.      Read 1 Corinthians 10:13, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 6:9, Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:15, James 1:13-14 all with regard to temptation.
Upcoming Lessons
5-11-14          Jesus’ Mission on Earth, Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21 or Luke 4:14-21
5-18-14          Jesus’ Teaching on the Law, Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20
5-25-14          The Greatest Commandment, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-34





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


Sunday, April 20, 2014

On 4-27-14, Isaiah 53:3-8, Luke 24:25-27, 44-47 or Isaiah 53:5-8a; Luke 24:25-27 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as From Suffering to Glory

From Suffering to Glory
 Isaiah 53:3-8, Luke 24:25-27, 44-47 or Isaiah 53:5-8a; Luke 24:25-27
International Sunday School Lesson
April 27, 2014
                                                                                 


Commentary
By
Jed Greenough




Spring is here!  Well I hope when this is posted anyway because as I write this a few weeks in advance we still have snow in our forecast where I’m at despite what the calendar says.  In any case spring is eventually a time of growth and birth, renewal and energy.  The winter blahs are replaced by spring ahs.
As we consider our lesson for this Sunday I think that this scripture is one that should encourage us to plant the seeds in our churches for renewed growth.  I don’t mean a growth in numbers but growth doctrinally and in practice where you worship.
By the time you read this the scripture for today will be too late for those who don’t attend your class but it needn’t be for you.  Use this scripture as a renewing force to accomplish growth where you worship.
This scripture shows people why they can have faith in the Bible.  The words in Isaiah for today that for us so clearly points to Christ were written roughly 700 years prior to His life.  The Jews who had them all that time could not apply them to Christ even those who walked with Him as we see the need for Him to explain in today’s scripture from Luke.
And clearly if He took the time to explain it to them it was vital, after all these were the ones who quickly, effectively and bravely built the new church.  Similarly, it was Paul who said, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2
This was all Paul wanted to concentrate on the Corinthians knowing, Jesus Christ, why He had to suffer and die and arise on the third day.  This really should be at the core for all of us and we all must be able to explain it to the next individual.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”  1 Corinthians 1:18-19
Really without hearing, knowing and understanding how will any come to a true faith?  Again according to 1 Corinthians 1 there will be some, whether Jew or Greek or Gentile that will find it foolishness while others will see the wisdom of God.  Also from Isaiah 53 this time verse 1, “Who has believed our message and to who has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” The answer is you and me and some of those who we can share these Biblical facts with just as Christ did.
You know when asked about the signs of the End of the Age Christ talked in Matthew 24 about falling stars and we’ve had plenty of those lately in the form of meteor showers.  He also said the moon will not give its light and we had a lunar eclipse just a couple weeks ago with three more soon to follow.  Eventually just as Spring will firmly arrive for good so too will Christ.  We only have a limited amount of time to educate and be educated.  Plant the seeds while it’s the right season!

For Discussion:
1.      Discuss how the scripture from Isaiah 53 makes you feel.
2.      Read all of Isaiah 53 and the not included 1 Corinthians chapters 1 & 2.
3.      Discuss parallels you see between the scripture from Isaiah and the synoptic gospels.
4.      Discuss places in the New Testament where the scripture from Isaiah 53 is literally quoted.
5.      As I mentioned in another commentary read about the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 as he came to faith after having these words from Isaiah 53 explained to him by Philip!!
6.      Discuss how Christ was foretold throughout the Old Testament.
7.      Discuss repentance after hearing and understanding.

Upcoming Lessons
5-4-14            Jesus Resists Temptation, Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11
5-11-14          Jesus’ Mission on Earth, Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21 or Luke 4:14-21
5-18-14          Jesus’ Teaching on the Law, Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20
5-25-14          The Greatest Commandment, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-34





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


Sunday, April 13, 2014

On 4-20-14, Hosea 6:1-3, Luke 24:1-12 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as The Third Day

The Third Day
Hosea 6:1-3, Luke 24:1-12
International Sunday School Lesson
April 20, 2014
                                                                                 


Commentary
By
Jed Greenough

Good luck this week folks!
I mean it.  This week is a tough one to draw Hosea and Luke together.  For me it would really be a stretch.  Is it for you?
In my opinion to say that the three days being referred to in Hosea as being about the resurrection of Jesus would be the stretch.  In Hosea we are reading of an Israel that needed to turn or indeed return to God.
What I would do is concentrate on the Luke scripture where Christ is raised on the third day.  That is what all of us are doing this Easter weekend.  Like Israel mentioned in Hosea 6 will be saved if they turn to God so will all who believe in Jesus and turned to Him for forgiveness.
Jesus Himself though He told His followers while He was with them that He would arise on the third day the story of the resurrection as accounted by the women was doubted.
We know that they treated the words according to today’s scripture as “nonsense”.  What a feeling that most have created in the women!  Peter at least was intrigued or excited enough to literally run to see what had happened at Jesus tomb.  But after he left the scene himself he wondered what had actually occurred there.
For me this always gets me thinking about the sharing and the believing of the gospel message.
The women saw angels, yes, but they excitedly believed and they enthusiastically wanted to share the good news.  Do we show such enthusiasm?
After hearing some may have treated them with derision or at least skepticism.  Have you dared to expose yourself to such treatment?
A few react like Peter and want to know more.  He would discover the truth soon enough but what a great example of how we need to follow up to strike while the iron is hot as it were with those who share some interest in our message.  How are we doing in our churches to be readily there to follow up with the interested?
The hardest part is getting the message to people if we expect to just deliver it in the confines of the church.  Studies show they usually only come through the door is they come with someone.  We must literally bring them through our doors or we must bring the message to them.
But what happens next is just as important, that they hear the gospel message about salvation and the follow through.  People who do have an interest, who are enabled by the Father need to feel as comfortable as they did in coming through the door to find out more.
Yes, the message is sometimes met with derision as the women’s message was but they no doubt felt self-satisfied when they were proved true.  Let’s dare to have the same experience.  Share the message! Everyone deserves to be as the Israel in Hosea 3 to repent and be restored.

For Discussion:
1.      Discuss why you did or did not invite someone to church this week especially!
2.      Discuss why it is hard for someone to visit a church.
3.      Discuss why it is hard for some to invite people to join them at church.
4.      Discuss the reaction of the women.
5.      Discuss the reaction of those they told.
6.      Discuss the reaction of people today when they hear.
7.      Happy Easter, I hope you actually had Sunday School this week!
Upcoming Lessons
4-20-14         The Third Day, Hosea 6:1-3, Luke 24:1-12
4-27-14         From Suffering to Glory, Isaiah 53:3-8, Luke 24:25-27, 44-47 or Isaiah 53:5-8a; Luke 24:25-27
5-4-14            Jesus Resists Temptation, Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11
5-11-14          Jesus’ Mission on Earth, Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21 or Luke 4:14-21
5-18-14          Jesus’ Teaching on the Law, Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20
5-25-14          The Greatest Commandment, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-34





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


Sunday, April 6, 2014

On 4-13-14, Jeremiah 23:5, 6; Zechariah 6:9-15, John 19:1-5 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as A Messianic Priest-King

A Messianic Priest-King
Jeremiah 23:5, 6; Zechariah 6:9-15, John 19:1-5
International Sunday School Lesson
April 13, 2014
                                                                                 


Commentary
By
Jed Greenough


How many times have you misinterpreted a situation or person when it seemed so very clear to you?  How about the scriptures especially those dealing with prophecies?  For those who teach, and anyone who is stating the meaning of a scripture as fact is teaching, it is especially important.
Scriptures everyday if not every minute are misinterpreted, misjudged and mischaracterized.  Today’s scripture from Jeremiah and Zechariah being prophecies that the Jews took as Messianic were what they were looking for in Christ the King but the Suffering Servant as found in Isaiah 52 and 53 were hard for them to interpret as the same King.
Jesus, as we see in our scripture today in John, was like the scriptures that dealt with Him; misinterpreted, mischaracterized and misjudged.
As I am writing this commentary the much talked about movie called Noah is about to be released.  In interviews I’ve read one of the main principals of the movie, who I will not name, shows through his answers how these 3 m’s are the consistent nature of man.
This movie may be greatly entertaining, I don’t know, but this individual in what he states and therefore teaches, is woefully misinterpreting and misjudging and mischaracterizing God.
The God of Adam, of Noah, of Job, of David, of Jeremiah and Zechariah is the same as the God of the New Testament.  He is always consistent just as Jesus was since they are one and the same.  But just as we saw with regard to today’s scriptures the interviewee has difficulty seeing them as being one and the same.  The God He knew was the God of Grace and the God of Noah was hard for him to understand.  The God of the Noah account didn’t fit his idea of God just as Jesus didn’t fit the image of what the Jews expected or wanted. 
We all know due to our consistency for wickedness that that is a good thing, don’t we?  The God that man would choose would be as flawed as man.
Should we ever think that man in His judgment is flawless in his attempt to interpret scripture or God?  The scriptures that quickly follow in today’s John show the answer as they were told “Here is your king” and they say, “Crucify Him.” 
I think today’s scripture shows the seriousness of interpreting and teaching.  And keeping these scriptures in mind with regard to that will aid us in all the roles we lead as Christians.



Dear Heavenly Father thank you for being consistent despite ourselves and providing us anyway with our means of Salvation, our Priest King.

For Discussion:
1.     Discuss the contrast between the scriptures from Jeremiah and Zechariah with the one from John.
2.     Read the 4 preceding verses from Jeremiah 23 that deal with those who lead.
3.     Read the remainder from Jeremiah 23 about those who prophesy or teach falsely.
4.     Discuss how Jesus and the scriptures were misinterpreted.
5.     Discuss things that are being taught as absolutes in the church today that could be in error.
6.     Discuss examples from your own life where you have misinterpreted, misjudged or mischaracterized God, Jesus or the scriptures.

Upcoming Lessons:

4-20-14         The Third Day, Hosea 6:1-3, Luke 24:1-12
4-27-14         From Suffering to Glory, Isaiah 53:3-8, Luke 24:25-27, 44-47 or Isaiah 53:5-8a; Luke 24:25-27
5-4-14            Jesus Resists Temptation, Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11
5-11-14          Jesus’ Mission on Earth, Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21 or Luke 4:14-21


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