This interview was shown at the 2007 Seattle District Foursquare Conference. Doug is the Pastor of Evergreen Foursquare in Auburn, Washington. Dr. Jack Hayford is the President of the Foursquare Church. (This is a spoof, so I hope you have your sense of humor!)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Celebrating Life and Love: Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs
Ecclesiastes
Discussion #1: Are you an optimist, a pessimist or a realist? Do you like/dislike the book
of Ecclesiastes? Why?
Title: Greek translation of the Hebrew word (Qoheleth) for the “Teacher”.
Author: King Solomon, Israel’s archetypal sage. His authorship is questioned by scholars but clearly claimed in 1:1, 12-13.
Purpose:
The author explores the limitations of wisdom. His purpose is to show that life is full of ambiguities and therefore one must be careful not to get caught up in vain pursuits. Shows that there is nothing “under the sun” that is capable of giving meaning to life. His purpose is to show that satisfaction can only be found in One and all other pursuits must be made in the light of that knowledge. The course of life to be pursued is a God-centered life.
Discussion #1: Are you an optimist, a pessimist or a realist? Do you like/dislike the book
of Ecclesiastes? Why?
Title: Greek translation of the Hebrew word (Qoheleth) for the “Teacher”.
Author: King Solomon, Israel’s archetypal sage. His authorship is questioned by scholars but clearly claimed in 1:1, 12-13.
Purpose:
The author explores the limitations of wisdom. His purpose is to show that life is full of ambiguities and therefore one must be careful not to get caught up in vain pursuits. Shows that there is nothing “under the sun” that is capable of giving meaning to life. His purpose is to show that satisfaction can only be found in One and all other pursuits must be made in the light of that knowledge. The course of life to be pursued is a God-centered life.
Theme(s):
The favorite book of the pessimist, anti-establishment, angst filled person. Potential favorite for the people of Seattle.
Searching, emptiness, work, death, wisdom, time, wealth, politics, friendship, religion, evil and contentment.
This book explores the limits and contradictions of life as a means for teaching a wise approach.
He has a high view of God – His “otherness” and transcendence, and the way man cannot build bridges to Him or manipulate Him. At the same time the author affirms His goodness and the opportunity to enjoy the gifts of life.
Has a high view of youth (Ecc. 11:9). Enjoyment is what makes life worth living amid the vanities of life.
Does not see a world that is progressing – rather it is a static cosmos. An endless cycle of sameness. Even wisdom the pursuit of wisdom can be a vain pursuit.
Instead of wisdom being attainable and desirable it is presented as a futile pursuit.
Style:
Following the wisdom tradition he analyzes the established view of life. An approach that deconstructs traditional wisdom from within.
It is a series of confessions – another example of absolute honesty with God. Baring his soul and sharing his personal discoveries the teacher uses allegories, autobiographical narrative, parable, metaphors, proverbs, and other forms common to “wisdom” literature.
Meaning:
Vanity: Key word: (Strong’s #1892) hevel: vanity
Translated meaningless, absurd, emptiness, useless, senseless. Literally, means “breath” or “breeze” “vapor”. Author says life is as a “striving after the wind.” Found in this book 36X, once in all chapters except chapter ten.
Discuss: How could life with God be described as vanity?
Outline:
The Title 1:1
The Teacher’s Theme 1:2
Questioning the Profit of Life 1:3-11
Wisdom Versus Folly 1:12-2:26
A Time for Everything 3:1-15
Injustice and Judgment 3:16-4:3
Criticizing the Doctrine of Work 4:4-6
The blessing of community 4:6-12
Success and Popularity 4:13-16
Man Before God 5:1-7
Political Corruption 5:8-9
Wealth, Labor and Materialism 5:10-6:12
What Gives Security? 7:1-14
The Ambiguity of Life 7:15-22
Gender Inclusive Unrighteousness 7:23-29
The Ruler 8:1-8
Man’s Cruelty 8:9-15
God’s Work and Man’s Quest 8:16-9:12
Wisdom Slighted 9:13-10:3
Assorted Sayings 10:4-20
Life as Risk and Possibility 11:1-8
Youth and Age 11:9-12:7
Conclusion: The Theme 12:8
Postscripts 12:9-14
Key Verses:
Discussion
Look up one of these verses and read it aloud. What do you think is the significance or meaning of this verse? Do you agree with it?
1:2: “Meaningless”
2:17: Despair
2:24: A good thing to do: The repeated conclusion.
3:1-8 “a time for everything”
3:11 “eternity in their hearts”
4:9-12 “two are better…a threefold”
5:7 “stand in awe of God”
9:2 A common destiny
11:1 “Cast your bread upon the waters.”
12:13 “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Conclusion:
#1: Your labor is in vain.
#2: Your life will be forgotten (walk an old cemetery)
#3: The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is noble but vain
#4: The pursuit of pleasure is empty
#5: The building of an “empire” is a “no gain” endeavor
#6: Foolishness is equally vain
#7: Death cannot be avoided Even if some level of achievement or self-satisfaction is achieved, death is waiting at the end. Answers to life are not forthcoming.
What is being repeated in the following verses? ______________________
Endorses the simple pleasures of life. Gives this exhortation seven times: This is the conclusion that the author keeps coming back to:
2:24-26
3:12-13
3:22
5:17-19
8:15
9:7-10
11:7-12:1
Fear God: This shapes right character (see 3:14; 5:6; 7:18; 8:12; 12:13). Enjoy life, and fear God. He is presented as sovereign. Transcending. All that we do is fleeting, therefore fear Him. Welcome toil and joy – they are both a part of life.
Carpe Diem: Don’t look back (7:10), but remember that the present is most important. The past is dead and forgotten. The future is uncertain.
Even though all is vanity, wisdom is better then folly. Its goods as gifts are from God and should be embraced as such.
The author is a realist, yet will not let go of God.
The pursuit of _____________________(wealth, knowledge and political power) is ultimately unsatisfactory. Life is short and full of mystery. All our attempts to make life meaningful fail. The wise response, therefore, is to cling to God and His grace.
It challenges us to live in the world as it really is, not with a false hope. Life will not always deliver what we demand. It addresses those who seek meaning through wealth, education, or power. The quest for meaning through these things will leave one empty.
Abandon illusions of self-importance, face death and life squarely, and accept with fear and trembling our dependence on God. The book’s commands are stronger than its pessimism. The senselessness of life drives us to God, the only Giver of permanent worth. Life is God’s precious gift and fleeting pleasures should be enjoyed while pursuing the lasting joy that come only from God.
12:13 “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Questions for further consideration:
How does our mortality render meaningless much of what we do in life?
What are some of the ways people try to add meaning to their lives? What does would/does Ecclesiastes say about them?
In an achievement oriented society, how does the author attempt to help one keep a proper focus?
What do you believe will bring satisfaction in your life? What must you do to feel successful?
Song of Solomon
Title:
(See 1:1) “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.” Song of Songs means, the best song.
Authorship: Solomon
(Critics like to say that the author was later due to some of the language and references. They suggest that the book may have been dedicated to him by the actual author at a later time, as the founder of the wisdom movement.
Solomon was credited as having authored over 1000 songs (1 Kings 4:32), so it is possible that this was one of them, along with Psalm.
Location: mentions locations from all over Palestine.
Interpretations of Song of Songs:
Religious Allegory: (this is the Jewish understanding) Celebrating the covenanted relationship between God and man. This interpretation has a long, continuous and impressive history. One prominent rabbi who asserted this view called it the “Holy of Holies” of the Jewish Bible. This was consistent with the view of prophets such as Hosea, Jeremiah and Ezekiel (who use the imagery of bride and bridegroom). BUT, nothing within the book argues that it should be read this way. Christians view the allegory as one between Christ and the church.
Dramatic Interpretation: That it is a two character dramatic story, with Solomon and the girl as the main actors.
Wedding Song describing an actual wedding, celebrating their relationship.
A collection of wedding songs to be used at lengthy wedding festivities.
Love Song: – passionate love between two young people, with no secret allegories. No story of plot. Just a lyrical expression of romantic love between two people who are marrying each other. The setting is both royal and rustic – both grand and simple. It shows that love is for all. This view, as a celebration of human love, became popular with the rise in literary and historical analysis. Features a man, a woman and a chorus of women.
Structure:
A series of songs. Purely lyrical and spontaneous. Not easy to follow as a dramatic poem with progression of plot, etc.
Theology: Never mentions God. Does not talk about sin, duty, salvation, creation, etc.
Characters:
Lover: The groom, Solomon
Beloved: The bride (Shulammite – lit. the perfect one)
Daughters of Jerusalem: Attendants of the bride.
Some speak of a “shepherd lover” as the true love of the bride, but there is little textual support for this idea.
A unique aspect of this book is that is doesn’t spiritualize love or sex. It just celebrates the deep human desire for one another. God created this bond. This book affirms the bonds between man and woman.
Beautifully written. Savors life. Shows a relationship with passionate energy, a joyous sensual world, treating passion without suppression. It is a mutual egalitarian passion where both of them speak lovingly of each part of the other and deeply desiring the other person. Both lovers speak the same way with the same intensity even in the patriarchal society. A communion of souls.
Outline
The Title 1:1
An Invitation to Love 1:2-4
Keeper of the Vineyards 1:5-6
Where is the Shepherd? 1:7-8
Dialogue 1:9-2:7
Herald of Spring 2:8-15
The Tryst 2:16-17
The Lost Bridegroom 3:1-5
Solomon’s Wedding Day 3:6-11
The Bride’s Beauty 4:1-7
The Garden of Love 4:8-5:1
The Bridegroom: 3 Songs 5:2-6:3
The Bride: Beautiful 6:4-10
The Grove 6:11-12
The Dance of the Shulammite 6:13-7:10
Love in the Vineyard 7:11-13
The Bride’s Yearning 8:1-4
The Power of Love 8:5-7
Other Suitors 8:8-10
The Priceless Vineyard 8:11-12
Call and Response 8:13-14
Lessons:
The Bible is a guide for life and this book specifically deals with the universal aspects of human life including love, marriage and sexuality. It teaches that a marriage relationship is physical, verbal, and emotional.
Teaches that the love of the couple was exclusive and binding. (7:10).
Celebrates love and human sexuality as something valid and beautiful in a world that is fallen and sinful.
Uniquely does not turn sexuality into a sacred ritual. Instead it is a joy of this world.
Discussion Questions
What are some wrong attitudes toward love and sexuality and how does Song of Songs correct them?
What can we learn about maintaining a healthy love relationship and courtship and marriage from how the groom and bride express their love for each other?
Why have both Jews and Christians preferred the allegorical interpretations of the Song of Songs?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sermon: Search and Rescue
Text: Luke 15:1-10
Topic: Personal Evangelism
Title: Search and Rescue: Helping friends find their way
Click on the title link to see the introductory video.
For this morning, I invite you to set aside the temptation to fall into a motivational pattern that is driven by guilt and pressure. When we are motivated by guilt and pressure then I believe we have the wrong motivation. We are going to take a fresh look at reaching out to people who do not follow Christ. How can we help our friends find their way? In doing this we are going to explore alternatives to pushiness. Discover ways to avoid clamming up and becoming free to share the good news in a way that works.
The video that we just saw was produced by an organization called, “Off the Map”. We are hosting a conference for them…The head of this organization is Jim Henderson and this book (for Leadernet) is available. A few of the points that I make today come from this book and a few come from Bill Hybels’ book, “Just Walk Across the Room.”
Mandated activities are evangelism/witnessing (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28)
I want to begin by defining a couple of religious terms:
1. Evangelism: Gk. Euangelion (good news): The process of sharing the good news.
2. Witness: Gk: Marturia To testify – To describe what you know to be true. Defend the truth.
There is a lot that could be said about this topic, but for today I just want to get you thinking and to give you some practical helps. We will be focusing on two parables that are found in Luke 15.
Luke 15
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Jesus was popular with the wrong crowd. Two groups.: Religious crowd, and the sinners. Guess who Jesus is hanging out with? The sinners.
Who are the tax collectors and sinners of our day? Who are the Pharisees and the teachers of the law of today? Religious people have a tendency to look down on others. Notice, that Jesus is speaking to the sinners and they are the ones listening to Him. Ever think that God may in fact be speaking to the “non-Christians around us.”? Through this story and the following story Jesus reveals that He has agenda behind His social networking. He had an agenda behind His choice of friends.
The fact is that a vast majority of believers today are isolated from non-Christians.
If we are truly following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will find ourselves spending time with people that are not religious at all. The tendency is that when a person becomes a Christian, they quickly lose their non-Christian friends and no longer associate people outside of the faith. This doesn’t happen intentionally, but our social circles tend to shift dramatically. Small group, School of the Bible, volunteer opportunities – start saying no to the Sunday morning fishing trips or the Saturday night parties. Pretty soon we are no longer invited. If that is you, I want to challenge you to consider how your values (my values) could better reflect the values of Christ.
Luke 15: 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The search involves going to unsafe places. The one with the lost sheep leaves the open country and has to begin searching in the wilderness. Dark places. More dangerous places. Less comfortable places. This is where he has to go in his frantic search for the lost sheep.
Emotionally when one loses something they value they become frantic. This is a reflection of God’s heart towards the lost. Jim Henderson encourages us to view “the lost” as missing people. Lost is hopeless. If something is missing, or if someone is missing from this place, then they become a priority. We want to go find them.
This parable also addresses the question, “Does God care about me?” This story shows how He felt about you when you were furthest from God. This is how He feels now for those who are furthest from Him. In fact He even cares more deeply than the man with the missing sheep. 1. God is after those who are far from Him. Don’t forget this. It will change the way you view people.
When one is found the rescue process begins:
· Rescue involves carrying (It will cost you something)
· Rescue involves restoring (Welcome people who have recently been rescued)
· Rescue involves celebration (Get excited when someone gets baptized or returns to relationship with God)
When one person is restored, the greatest work of God is accomplished.
It is not that the 99 are not important. It isn’t that what we do to grow in Christ isn’t important. But God has a priority – a high agenda, and it has to do with rescuing those that are lost.
It reminds me of the recent news of the Maple Valley woman who’s car went off the highway and she spent eight days missing. Her name is Tanya Rider. After she was found her husband appeared on CNN with a indescribable joy .
All I know is that she's here and she's alive, and that in itself is a miracle," he told CNN. "She's alive after eight days.”
Rider's family reported her missing Sunday, and Tom Rider later offered a $25,000 reward for any information leading to his wife's return.
Tom Rider said he tried that, but "the first operator I talked to on the first day I tried to report it flat denied to start a missing persons report because she didn't meet the criteria," he said.
"I basically hounded them until they started a case and then, of course, I was the first focal point, so I tried to get myself out of the way as quickly as possible. I let them search the house. I told them they didn't have to have a warrant for anything, just ask," he said.
Detectives then traced her cellphone by linking it to a phone tower within five miles of where she was found. Investigators "did an intense ground search and located the car off the roadway," Merrill said.
State Patrol Sgt. Dave Divis said Rider responded when rescuers called her name.
When one person is restored, the greatest work of God is accomplished
Jesus went on to make His point even clearer:
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one.
What is one coin worth? These coins represented a day’s work. Not a lot, but enough. The implication is that this woman is poor, so it was all the more significant for her.
Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
What does the search involve?
Illuminating darkness
Working in dirty places
A careful method.
9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'
How big was this to her?
10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Who would be rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God? Wouldn’t it be God Himself?
So be willing to join Him in illuminating dark places, getting your hands dirty and employing a careful caring methodology.
When one person is restored, the greatest work of God is accomplished.
He is in the rescue business.
Get involved in search and rescue. – Some aspects of a careful methodology.
By valuing the people that God values (the barista, the checker, the person over the cubicle wall, the person across from you on the bus, the client that you work with)
By structuring your time to reflect these values (slow down enough to care) – running group.
By engaging in prayer for those He values: This is the starting point and the ending point.
By sensitizing yourself to the HS as you reach out: Listen, feel, respond.
What is your motive?
Guilt? Pressure? A message you heard? For many Christians, evangelism isn’t normal. It’s a program, a presentation, a memorized script. It’s formalized and structured, and as a result, Christians have to work up a lot of guts to do it. That’s why many Christians only do evangelism once a year or once in a long while.
When we approach evangelism as something to do for us – to appease our conscience or out of an unhealthy fear of God, or out of guilt – Then our motives are wrong.
There can only be one motivation: Sincere love and concern for that human being!
Ineffective Methods they have been tried and proven ineffective, again and again.
Avoid the criticisms: long windedness, fuzziness/weird stories, religionese, superiority – instead stick with a before and after approach.
What seems to work to me:
(These first three points are taken from “Just Walk Across the Room”, by Bill Hybels. The final two points are from Jim Henderson’s book, “A.K.A. Lost”.
1. Develop friendships – by engaging yourself in the lives of people around you
2. Discover stories – before sharing your own story and God’s redemptive story
3. Develop next steps – by following the HS’s direction
4. Count conversations not conversions.
5. Evangelize with your ears. Ask great questions. Respond carefully.
This past summer I went home for my 20th year class reunion from high school. I wasn’t particularly excited about seeing old friends. The truth is that I have no contact with friends from high school for the past ten years. But I thought I might go anyway and visit my parents and some relatives.
The first night…It seemed like the Christians had stayed home.
The next day I went fishing
…
Jesus said that He wanted to make us fishers of men. Fishing can be quite a bit of work. That is what I found out this summer when I went fishing for tuna for the very first time. Lose some, catch some. Productive fishing can be a lot of work.
The second night I resolved to go – to force myself to look for the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people. I was by myself. With trepidation I ventured into the “Eagles’ Lodge”. I was surprised at how easy that was. I spent the time from 8 p.m. until just after midnight, catching up with people. They wanted to talk. I found out what they were up to and they found out about my life as well. Friendship can transcend time. I reconnected with a friend of mine who lives in Redmond. Another who lives in Bremerton. It involved listening and learning.
Colossians 4:5-6 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
“People aren’t shopping for religion. They are looking for something real…so just be yourself.” They also appreciate a true friend. Just don’t make them into a project. Take on the disposition of true friendship.
Remember what is most valuable.
Do you remember what it was like to be lost? Do you remember what it felt like to have that deep and desperate desire for meaning? Most people that are lost are not going to ask for directions. No way. They are going to find the way on their own! If I’m lost I would prefer that nobody else know about it.
Whenever I hear of a wilderness search and rescue effort I become intrigued, engrossed and captivated by the story. I follow the news closely and try to locate blogs and updates from family, friends, and rescuers. I get caught up in the drama.
I think I find myself caught up in these stories because I can usually identify with the lost person. I have been there – I have climbed mountains. I have gotten lost. And they could be me. I’m safe in my home while they are out there and that bothers me.
In the very same way, our motivation to reach out to others should include that sense that people who are spiritually lost, could be us. We have been there before. We’ve been on that mountain, down that trail and we sympathize and empathize from our place of comfort.
Let this kind of compassion drive you. Enlist in search and rescue efforts. God is leading the search! Join His team. He wants you involved.
Will you, Listen to the HS when you’re with people from other backgrounds.
Will you focus on breaking down stereotypes and build bridges?
Will you actively seek to be stretched by allowing yourself to get close to people different than yourself?
Get involved in search and rescue.
By valuing the people that God values
By structuring your time to reflect these values
By engaging in prayer for those He values
By sensitizing yourself to the HS as you reach out
Not a method, but it is a way of living
Topic: Personal Evangelism
Title: Search and Rescue: Helping friends find their way
Click on the title link to see the introductory video.
Also, click here for Off The Map website and resources.
For this morning, I invite you to set aside the temptation to fall into a motivational pattern that is driven by guilt and pressure. When we are motivated by guilt and pressure then I believe we have the wrong motivation. We are going to take a fresh look at reaching out to people who do not follow Christ. How can we help our friends find their way? In doing this we are going to explore alternatives to pushiness. Discover ways to avoid clamming up and becoming free to share the good news in a way that works.
The video that we just saw was produced by an organization called, “Off the Map”. We are hosting a conference for them…The head of this organization is Jim Henderson and this book (for Leadernet) is available. A few of the points that I make today come from this book and a few come from Bill Hybels’ book, “Just Walk Across the Room.”
Mandated activities are evangelism/witnessing (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28)
I want to begin by defining a couple of religious terms:
1. Evangelism: Gk. Euangelion (good news): The process of sharing the good news.
2. Witness: Gk: Marturia To testify – To describe what you know to be true. Defend the truth.
There is a lot that could be said about this topic, but for today I just want to get you thinking and to give you some practical helps. We will be focusing on two parables that are found in Luke 15.
Luke 15
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Jesus was popular with the wrong crowd. Two groups.: Religious crowd, and the sinners. Guess who Jesus is hanging out with? The sinners.
Who are the tax collectors and sinners of our day? Who are the Pharisees and the teachers of the law of today? Religious people have a tendency to look down on others. Notice, that Jesus is speaking to the sinners and they are the ones listening to Him. Ever think that God may in fact be speaking to the “non-Christians around us.”? Through this story and the following story Jesus reveals that He has agenda behind His social networking. He had an agenda behind His choice of friends.
The fact is that a vast majority of believers today are isolated from non-Christians.
If we are truly following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will find ourselves spending time with people that are not religious at all. The tendency is that when a person becomes a Christian, they quickly lose their non-Christian friends and no longer associate people outside of the faith. This doesn’t happen intentionally, but our social circles tend to shift dramatically. Small group, School of the Bible, volunteer opportunities – start saying no to the Sunday morning fishing trips or the Saturday night parties. Pretty soon we are no longer invited. If that is you, I want to challenge you to consider how your values (my values) could better reflect the values of Christ.
Luke 15: 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The search involves going to unsafe places. The one with the lost sheep leaves the open country and has to begin searching in the wilderness. Dark places. More dangerous places. Less comfortable places. This is where he has to go in his frantic search for the lost sheep.
Emotionally when one loses something they value they become frantic. This is a reflection of God’s heart towards the lost. Jim Henderson encourages us to view “the lost” as missing people. Lost is hopeless. If something is missing, or if someone is missing from this place, then they become a priority. We want to go find them.
This parable also addresses the question, “Does God care about me?” This story shows how He felt about you when you were furthest from God. This is how He feels now for those who are furthest from Him. In fact He even cares more deeply than the man with the missing sheep. 1. God is after those who are far from Him. Don’t forget this. It will change the way you view people.
When one is found the rescue process begins:
· Rescue involves carrying (It will cost you something)
· Rescue involves restoring (Welcome people who have recently been rescued)
· Rescue involves celebration (Get excited when someone gets baptized or returns to relationship with God)
When one person is restored, the greatest work of God is accomplished.
It is not that the 99 are not important. It isn’t that what we do to grow in Christ isn’t important. But God has a priority – a high agenda, and it has to do with rescuing those that are lost.
It reminds me of the recent news of the Maple Valley woman who’s car went off the highway and she spent eight days missing. Her name is Tanya Rider. After she was found her husband appeared on CNN with a indescribable joy .
All I know is that she's here and she's alive, and that in itself is a miracle," he told CNN. "She's alive after eight days.”
Rider's family reported her missing Sunday, and Tom Rider later offered a $25,000 reward for any information leading to his wife's return.
Tom Rider said he tried that, but "the first operator I talked to on the first day I tried to report it flat denied to start a missing persons report because she didn't meet the criteria," he said.
"I basically hounded them until they started a case and then, of course, I was the first focal point, so I tried to get myself out of the way as quickly as possible. I let them search the house. I told them they didn't have to have a warrant for anything, just ask," he said.
Detectives then traced her cellphone by linking it to a phone tower within five miles of where she was found. Investigators "did an intense ground search and located the car off the roadway," Merrill said.
State Patrol Sgt. Dave Divis said Rider responded when rescuers called her name.
When one person is restored, the greatest work of God is accomplished
Jesus went on to make His point even clearer:
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one.
What is one coin worth? These coins represented a day’s work. Not a lot, but enough. The implication is that this woman is poor, so it was all the more significant for her.
Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
What does the search involve?
Illuminating darkness
Working in dirty places
A careful method.
9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'
How big was this to her?
10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Who would be rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God? Wouldn’t it be God Himself?
So be willing to join Him in illuminating dark places, getting your hands dirty and employing a careful caring methodology.
When one person is restored, the greatest work of God is accomplished.
He is in the rescue business.
Get involved in search and rescue. – Some aspects of a careful methodology.
By valuing the people that God values (the barista, the checker, the person over the cubicle wall, the person across from you on the bus, the client that you work with)
By structuring your time to reflect these values (slow down enough to care) – running group.
By engaging in prayer for those He values: This is the starting point and the ending point.
By sensitizing yourself to the HS as you reach out: Listen, feel, respond.
What is your motive?
Guilt? Pressure? A message you heard? For many Christians, evangelism isn’t normal. It’s a program, a presentation, a memorized script. It’s formalized and structured, and as a result, Christians have to work up a lot of guts to do it. That’s why many Christians only do evangelism once a year or once in a long while.
When we approach evangelism as something to do for us – to appease our conscience or out of an unhealthy fear of God, or out of guilt – Then our motives are wrong.
There can only be one motivation: Sincere love and concern for that human being!
Ineffective Methods they have been tried and proven ineffective, again and again.
Avoid the criticisms: long windedness, fuzziness/weird stories, religionese, superiority – instead stick with a before and after approach.
What seems to work to me:
(These first three points are taken from “Just Walk Across the Room”, by Bill Hybels. The final two points are from Jim Henderson’s book, “A.K.A. Lost”.
1. Develop friendships – by engaging yourself in the lives of people around you
2. Discover stories – before sharing your own story and God’s redemptive story
3. Develop next steps – by following the HS’s direction
4. Count conversations not conversions.
5. Evangelize with your ears. Ask great questions. Respond carefully.
This past summer I went home for my 20th year class reunion from high school. I wasn’t particularly excited about seeing old friends. The truth is that I have no contact with friends from high school for the past ten years. But I thought I might go anyway and visit my parents and some relatives.
The first night…It seemed like the Christians had stayed home.
The next day I went fishing
…
Jesus said that He wanted to make us fishers of men. Fishing can be quite a bit of work. That is what I found out this summer when I went fishing for tuna for the very first time. Lose some, catch some. Productive fishing can be a lot of work.
The second night I resolved to go – to force myself to look for the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people. I was by myself. With trepidation I ventured into the “Eagles’ Lodge”. I was surprised at how easy that was. I spent the time from 8 p.m. until just after midnight, catching up with people. They wanted to talk. I found out what they were up to and they found out about my life as well. Friendship can transcend time. I reconnected with a friend of mine who lives in Redmond. Another who lives in Bremerton. It involved listening and learning.
Colossians 4:5-6 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
“People aren’t shopping for religion. They are looking for something real…so just be yourself.” They also appreciate a true friend. Just don’t make them into a project. Take on the disposition of true friendship.
Remember what is most valuable.
Do you remember what it was like to be lost? Do you remember what it felt like to have that deep and desperate desire for meaning? Most people that are lost are not going to ask for directions. No way. They are going to find the way on their own! If I’m lost I would prefer that nobody else know about it.
Whenever I hear of a wilderness search and rescue effort I become intrigued, engrossed and captivated by the story. I follow the news closely and try to locate blogs and updates from family, friends, and rescuers. I get caught up in the drama.
I think I find myself caught up in these stories because I can usually identify with the lost person. I have been there – I have climbed mountains. I have gotten lost. And they could be me. I’m safe in my home while they are out there and that bothers me.
In the very same way, our motivation to reach out to others should include that sense that people who are spiritually lost, could be us. We have been there before. We’ve been on that mountain, down that trail and we sympathize and empathize from our place of comfort.
Let this kind of compassion drive you. Enlist in search and rescue efforts. God is leading the search! Join His team. He wants you involved.
Will you, Listen to the HS when you’re with people from other backgrounds.
Will you focus on breaking down stereotypes and build bridges?
Will you actively seek to be stretched by allowing yourself to get close to people different than yourself?
Get involved in search and rescue.
By valuing the people that God values
By structuring your time to reflect these values
By engaging in prayer for those He values
By sensitizing yourself to the HS as you reach out
Not a method, but it is a way of living
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wisdom in Suffering and Injustice
Book: Job
Theme: Why serve God? Should character/virtue depend on a universe that operates on the basis of reward and punishment?
Key Verse: Job 21:15 “Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?”
Introduction
Book Overview
Date
Background
Characters
Outline/Structure
Interpreting the Book of Job
The Problem
The Purpose
Solutions
Conclusion
Introduction
Profound questions of life are addressed in the book of Job. He represents people who suffer – specifically innocent sufferers. It is one of the most widely acclaimed pieces of literature in the Bible with a unique combination of prose narrative and poetry.
It is dramatic and powerful in its depictions of all who are in the story. It is difficult and often mis-interpreted theologically. Yet its message and function in Scripture is unique and relevant.
Discussion/Reflection Questions #1
“Have you ever felt abandoned by God?”
“In your view of God, is He responsible for good and evil?”
Book Overview
Date
The date of this book is very significant. It is set in the days of the patriarchs. It is perhaps the oldest book in the Bible. Patriarchal or pre-patriarchal. Sabean and Chaldean marauders are from patriarchs (2nd millennium B.C.). Job’s sacrifices indicate that it was prior to the time of the establishment of official priests.
Job’s longevity is similar to those found in Genesis.
Background
Job was an Edomite, and although he is not a Hebrew he still is a follower of Yahweh and is a devout monotheist. The pop-theology of the day included the belief that if a person is righteous, they will be blessed. If they are wicked, they will suffer. This is assumed, along with a principle of retribution. Since He is just, suffering must come as punishment. It is a simple and logical formula.
That since God is one, suffering must come from him as well. They believed that God was the ultimate source of both blessing and suffering. This was their view of God. Many Christians still have this view. We understand now that this is an incomplete view of God – He had not yet sent the messiah to atone for the suffering of the world. They had not yet read 1 John.
Characters
Job: An Edomite. Therefore there is no mention of the covenant or the law. Wealthy and a righteous man. “blameless”, “upright”, “fears God”, “avoids evil”.
God: El Shaddai is the common name used for God in the book of Job. It refers to “the Almighty”, whereas Yahweh is the later developed and more specific name used to identify the God of Israel.
Satan: Literally, “the accuser” – with the definite article. Not the proper name, Satan. A doctrine of the person “Satan” had not been developed. Challenges God with the observation that blessing the righteous calls into question their true righteousness.
Eliphaz: Tried to persuade Job to repent. Mystical, prophetic, and cold. Not very sympathetic.
Bildad: Tried to persuade Job to repent. Believes in God’s justice and therefore implores Job to pray and repent. Appeals to tradition.
Zophar: Tried to persuade Job to repent. Orthodox. Concludes that Job deserves more punishment and that he is unaware of his sins.
Elihu: Young, makes speeches one after the other without reply from Job, then he disappears from the book. Yahweh ignores him, even though He refers to the friends. Self-important and pompous.
Outline/Structure
Literary features: This book includes laments (3:1-26), hymns of praise (5:9-16), proverbs (5:2, 6:5-6), prophetic speech (Job 4:12-14, 11:13-20), wisdom poems (Job 28), numeric sayings (Job 5:19), reflective questioning (Job 21:17-19) and apocalyptic literature (Job 1-2).
It is a unique combination of prose and poetry with the prose prologue and epilogue.
Outline of Job
I. Prologue (in prose) (chaps. 1-2)
A. Job’s character (1:1-5)
1. His place and piety (1:1)
2. His prosperity (1:2-3)
3. His posterity (1:4-5)
B. Job’s calamities (1:6-2:10)
1. The first test (1:6-22)
2. The second test (2:1-10)
C. Job’s comforters (2:11-13)
II. Dialogue (in poetry) (3:1-42:6)
A. Job’s complaint (chap. 3)
1. He wished he had not been born (3:1-10)
2. He wished he had died at birth (3:11-19)
3. He wished he could die then (3:20-26)
B. The first cycle of speeches (chaps. 4-14)
1. Eliphaz’ first speech (chaps. 4-5)
2. Job’s first reply to Eliphaz (chaps. 6-7)
3. Bildad’s first speech (chap. 8)
4. Job’s first reply to Bildad (chaps. 9-10)
5. Zophar’s first speech (chap. 11)
6. Job’s first reply to Zophar (chaps. 12-14)
C. The second cycle of speeches (chaps. 15-21)
1. Eliphaz’ second speech (chap. 15)
2. Job’s second reply to Eliphaz (chaps. 16-17)
3. Bildad’s second speech (chap. 18)
4. Job’s second reply to Bildad (chap. 19)
5. Zophar’s second speech (chap. 20)
6. Job’s second reply to Zophar (chap. 21)
D. The third cycle of speeches (chaps. 22-31)
1. Eliphaz’ third speech (chap. 22)
2. Job’s third reply to Eliphaz (chaps. 23-24)
3. Bildad’s third speech (chap. 25)
4. Job’s third reply to Bildad (chaps. 26-31)
E. Elihu’s four speeches (chaps. 32-37)
F. God’s confrontation (38:1-42:6)
1. God’s first speech (38:1-40:2)
2. Job’s first reply to God (40:3-5)
3. God’s second speech (40:6-41:34)
4. Job’s second reply to God (42:1-6)
III. Epilogue (in prose) (42:7-17)
A. God and Job’s friends (42:7-9)
B. God and Job’s fortunes (42:10-17)
Discussion: How did Job’s suffering point to the need for resurrection and for a mediator? (see 5:1; 9:33-35; 16:18-21; 19:25-27; 33:23-30)
Job 28 is a magnificent poem on the true source of wisdom. Brilliant and beautiful expression of the genius of the author.
Interpreting the Book of Job
The Problem with the book of Job
Satan challenges God by stating that blessing is counterproductive to the development of true righteousness. It messes with people’s motives.
God’s policies are on trial. Job is the example of this test. The problem though has to do with the fact that in this story God assents to the destruction of Job’s possessions, family and health. God gives verbal assent to satan to wreak havoc on all that Job has. So this calls into question the goodness of God. Is He good? Is He not incapable of harming His children since His very nature is one of love? Is He not just? Where is the justice in this? Where is His protection? Can I trust Him?
The Purpose
Many say that Job answers the question of why the righteous suffer.
The answer to this question could be “Because He lets them suffer.”
I think the question that this book really addresses is “Why should a person serve God?” Satan asked, does Job fear God for nothing? (1:9). Satan sneers at Job’s piety as being an expression of self-interest.
To be blessed?
To have an easy life?
Does virtue hinge on a universe operated by the principles of reward and punishment?
Satan begins by contending that people are righteous only to be blessed. That righteousness does not exist for righteousness’ sake.
Job’s friends served God because it is the safe thing to do. It makes one prosperous. It keeps one from God’s anger. This is what Job’s friends believed and what Job believed (1:5) – at least at first.
This book was written to debunk this myth.
It was also written to end the misguided theory that suffering is a sign of God’s displeasure. We don’t always get what we deserve.
It is not written to solve the problem of suffering. We can deal with this issue, but not from this book alone. Even God does not address this issue during the Divine speeches.
Purpose of Job:
1. To answer the question, “Why serve God?”
2. To debunk the myth that blessing and suffering are directly linked to one’s righteousness and to God’s approval.
Discussion:
How has hardship enabled you to see God more clearly?
How can hardship take God from the theoretical to the experiential?
Do believers today continue to hold onto a view of God that correlates personal suffering to one’s sin and personal blessing to one’s righteousness?
Solutions
Keys to Interpretation:
A basic understanding of progressive revelation:
The earliest writers of the books of the Bible, even though they were inspired to write, had a view of God that was limited to the revelation of that time. Job is considered to be one of the oldest books of the Bible. So his understanding of God was based on a limited revelation.
· What was the Job and the author’s understanding of God?
· What is the main point of what is being taught?
Options for interpretation:
A literalist view
A non-literalist view
Dramatist view
Exceptional instance view
Literalist: The view that God was and is responsible for good and evil. Satan has access to God. God is to be worshiped even when He makes us suffer. A literalist sees that God will occasionally make us suffer and it is up to us to praise Him in the middle of our suffering. When someone dies this person sees God’s hand in that death and their faith in Him will not be shaken. The literalist will also see the dragon in Job 41 as evidence that dragons once lived on the earth.
Non-literalist explanation: The dialogue is not offered as a direct transcript quoting the precise words of each person involved. The literary genre is “wisdom literature” which as we have seen, includes some allegory, metaphor, stories/scenarios written to make a point, etc. Some would see this entire book as a story told by God to make the main points debunking the myth that prosperity is directly linked to righteousness and suffering is the result of justice.
Secondly, it challenges us all to serve God for who He is, not what He does for us. This view focuses on the main point and balances the “problems” against the whole revelation of God. Asks the question, “Could God have inspired a drama/story like this in order to communicate the primary messages of the book, which include the facts that this is not a system of merits, blessing and punishment, good people do suffer, our motivation to serve God is for He alone, etc.
Dramatist explanation: Similar to the non-literalist: This person sees this is a divinely inspired drama, with rich characters, imagery, powerful emotions – given by God as a mean of communicating the truths of the message of Job, although not meant to be taken as a full disclosure of God’s character or satan’s power.
Exceptional instance explanation: This view believes that the events of Job took place as written in order to communicate the main messages of the book. Proponents of this view affirm God’s goodness and justice and would say that in Job’s case God did something unusual in order to communicate the message of this book. It is not to be taken as normative or as an explanation of why people suffer or as a statement of God arbitrarily allowing Satan to have his way.
Conclusion (Chapters 38-42)
The message of the book of Job:
Did Job fear God for nothing? (Getting back to Satan’s question)
No.
We do not serve God for the dangling carrot. This faith will outlast any eventuality. Even innocent suffering should not quench the fires of our devotion.
Job learned that the real benefit of serving God was not in what He does for you – it isn’t about your health or wealth or kids – it is about God Himself. He is the benefit. Job meets suffering and sorrow with unwavering trust.
Job learned that even if serving God meant losing everything he had, he could still trust God. For he still had God, and God was enough.
Key verse: 42:5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
Through suffering God had moved from the theoretical to the real.
Furthermore, we learn that God is not under an obligation to reward the righteous for their righteousness.
In the end we see that Job is able to maintain integrity even when he is not being blessed for it. He vindicates himself, and God.
God’s practice of blessing the righteous is not a hindrance to true righteousness.
No one is wise enough to call God’s justice into question – and we don’t need to question His justice. Now we know about the cross, the mediator, justice, His goodness, we know so much more than Job knew.
What does the book offer as an appropriate response to suffering?
What is the difference between serving God for God Himself and serving Him in order to be blessed? How does Job help us see the difference? Close in prayer
Theme: Why serve God? Should character/virtue depend on a universe that operates on the basis of reward and punishment?
Key Verse: Job 21:15 “Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?”
Introduction
Book Overview
Date
Background
Characters
Outline/Structure
Interpreting the Book of Job
The Problem
The Purpose
Solutions
Conclusion
Introduction
Profound questions of life are addressed in the book of Job. He represents people who suffer – specifically innocent sufferers. It is one of the most widely acclaimed pieces of literature in the Bible with a unique combination of prose narrative and poetry.
It is dramatic and powerful in its depictions of all who are in the story. It is difficult and often mis-interpreted theologically. Yet its message and function in Scripture is unique and relevant.
Discussion/Reflection Questions #1
“Have you ever felt abandoned by God?”
“In your view of God, is He responsible for good and evil?”
Book Overview
Date
The date of this book is very significant. It is set in the days of the patriarchs. It is perhaps the oldest book in the Bible. Patriarchal or pre-patriarchal. Sabean and Chaldean marauders are from patriarchs (2nd millennium B.C.). Job’s sacrifices indicate that it was prior to the time of the establishment of official priests.
Job’s longevity is similar to those found in Genesis.
Background
Job was an Edomite, and although he is not a Hebrew he still is a follower of Yahweh and is a devout monotheist. The pop-theology of the day included the belief that if a person is righteous, they will be blessed. If they are wicked, they will suffer. This is assumed, along with a principle of retribution. Since He is just, suffering must come as punishment. It is a simple and logical formula.
That since God is one, suffering must come from him as well. They believed that God was the ultimate source of both blessing and suffering. This was their view of God. Many Christians still have this view. We understand now that this is an incomplete view of God – He had not yet sent the messiah to atone for the suffering of the world. They had not yet read 1 John.
Characters
Job: An Edomite. Therefore there is no mention of the covenant or the law. Wealthy and a righteous man. “blameless”, “upright”, “fears God”, “avoids evil”.
God: El Shaddai is the common name used for God in the book of Job. It refers to “the Almighty”, whereas Yahweh is the later developed and more specific name used to identify the God of Israel.
Satan: Literally, “the accuser” – with the definite article. Not the proper name, Satan. A doctrine of the person “Satan” had not been developed. Challenges God with the observation that blessing the righteous calls into question their true righteousness.
Eliphaz: Tried to persuade Job to repent. Mystical, prophetic, and cold. Not very sympathetic.
Bildad: Tried to persuade Job to repent. Believes in God’s justice and therefore implores Job to pray and repent. Appeals to tradition.
Zophar: Tried to persuade Job to repent. Orthodox. Concludes that Job deserves more punishment and that he is unaware of his sins.
Elihu: Young, makes speeches one after the other without reply from Job, then he disappears from the book. Yahweh ignores him, even though He refers to the friends. Self-important and pompous.
Outline/Structure
Literary features: This book includes laments (3:1-26), hymns of praise (5:9-16), proverbs (5:2, 6:5-6), prophetic speech (Job 4:12-14, 11:13-20), wisdom poems (Job 28), numeric sayings (Job 5:19), reflective questioning (Job 21:17-19) and apocalyptic literature (Job 1-2).
It is a unique combination of prose and poetry with the prose prologue and epilogue.
Outline of Job
I. Prologue (in prose) (chaps. 1-2)
A. Job’s character (1:1-5)
1. His place and piety (1:1)
2. His prosperity (1:2-3)
3. His posterity (1:4-5)
B. Job’s calamities (1:6-2:10)
1. The first test (1:6-22)
2. The second test (2:1-10)
C. Job’s comforters (2:11-13)
II. Dialogue (in poetry) (3:1-42:6)
A. Job’s complaint (chap. 3)
1. He wished he had not been born (3:1-10)
2. He wished he had died at birth (3:11-19)
3. He wished he could die then (3:20-26)
B. The first cycle of speeches (chaps. 4-14)
1. Eliphaz’ first speech (chaps. 4-5)
2. Job’s first reply to Eliphaz (chaps. 6-7)
3. Bildad’s first speech (chap. 8)
4. Job’s first reply to Bildad (chaps. 9-10)
5. Zophar’s first speech (chap. 11)
6. Job’s first reply to Zophar (chaps. 12-14)
C. The second cycle of speeches (chaps. 15-21)
1. Eliphaz’ second speech (chap. 15)
2. Job’s second reply to Eliphaz (chaps. 16-17)
3. Bildad’s second speech (chap. 18)
4. Job’s second reply to Bildad (chap. 19)
5. Zophar’s second speech (chap. 20)
6. Job’s second reply to Zophar (chap. 21)
D. The third cycle of speeches (chaps. 22-31)
1. Eliphaz’ third speech (chap. 22)
2. Job’s third reply to Eliphaz (chaps. 23-24)
3. Bildad’s third speech (chap. 25)
4. Job’s third reply to Bildad (chaps. 26-31)
E. Elihu’s four speeches (chaps. 32-37)
F. God’s confrontation (38:1-42:6)
1. God’s first speech (38:1-40:2)
2. Job’s first reply to God (40:3-5)
3. God’s second speech (40:6-41:34)
4. Job’s second reply to God (42:1-6)
III. Epilogue (in prose) (42:7-17)
A. God and Job’s friends (42:7-9)
B. God and Job’s fortunes (42:10-17)
Discussion: How did Job’s suffering point to the need for resurrection and for a mediator? (see 5:1; 9:33-35; 16:18-21; 19:25-27; 33:23-30)
Job 28 is a magnificent poem on the true source of wisdom. Brilliant and beautiful expression of the genius of the author.
Interpreting the Book of Job
The Problem with the book of Job
Satan challenges God by stating that blessing is counterproductive to the development of true righteousness. It messes with people’s motives.
God’s policies are on trial. Job is the example of this test. The problem though has to do with the fact that in this story God assents to the destruction of Job’s possessions, family and health. God gives verbal assent to satan to wreak havoc on all that Job has. So this calls into question the goodness of God. Is He good? Is He not incapable of harming His children since His very nature is one of love? Is He not just? Where is the justice in this? Where is His protection? Can I trust Him?
The Purpose
Many say that Job answers the question of why the righteous suffer.
The answer to this question could be “Because He lets them suffer.”
I think the question that this book really addresses is “Why should a person serve God?” Satan asked, does Job fear God for nothing? (1:9). Satan sneers at Job’s piety as being an expression of self-interest.
To be blessed?
To have an easy life?
Does virtue hinge on a universe operated by the principles of reward and punishment?
Satan begins by contending that people are righteous only to be blessed. That righteousness does not exist for righteousness’ sake.
Job’s friends served God because it is the safe thing to do. It makes one prosperous. It keeps one from God’s anger. This is what Job’s friends believed and what Job believed (1:5) – at least at first.
This book was written to debunk this myth.
It was also written to end the misguided theory that suffering is a sign of God’s displeasure. We don’t always get what we deserve.
It is not written to solve the problem of suffering. We can deal with this issue, but not from this book alone. Even God does not address this issue during the Divine speeches.
Purpose of Job:
1. To answer the question, “Why serve God?”
2. To debunk the myth that blessing and suffering are directly linked to one’s righteousness and to God’s approval.
Discussion:
How has hardship enabled you to see God more clearly?
How can hardship take God from the theoretical to the experiential?
Do believers today continue to hold onto a view of God that correlates personal suffering to one’s sin and personal blessing to one’s righteousness?
Solutions
Keys to Interpretation:
A basic understanding of progressive revelation:
The earliest writers of the books of the Bible, even though they were inspired to write, had a view of God that was limited to the revelation of that time. Job is considered to be one of the oldest books of the Bible. So his understanding of God was based on a limited revelation.
· What was the Job and the author’s understanding of God?
· What is the main point of what is being taught?
Options for interpretation:
A literalist view
A non-literalist view
Dramatist view
Exceptional instance view
Literalist: The view that God was and is responsible for good and evil. Satan has access to God. God is to be worshiped even when He makes us suffer. A literalist sees that God will occasionally make us suffer and it is up to us to praise Him in the middle of our suffering. When someone dies this person sees God’s hand in that death and their faith in Him will not be shaken. The literalist will also see the dragon in Job 41 as evidence that dragons once lived on the earth.
Non-literalist explanation: The dialogue is not offered as a direct transcript quoting the precise words of each person involved. The literary genre is “wisdom literature” which as we have seen, includes some allegory, metaphor, stories/scenarios written to make a point, etc. Some would see this entire book as a story told by God to make the main points debunking the myth that prosperity is directly linked to righteousness and suffering is the result of justice.
Secondly, it challenges us all to serve God for who He is, not what He does for us. This view focuses on the main point and balances the “problems” against the whole revelation of God. Asks the question, “Could God have inspired a drama/story like this in order to communicate the primary messages of the book, which include the facts that this is not a system of merits, blessing and punishment, good people do suffer, our motivation to serve God is for He alone, etc.
Dramatist explanation: Similar to the non-literalist: This person sees this is a divinely inspired drama, with rich characters, imagery, powerful emotions – given by God as a mean of communicating the truths of the message of Job, although not meant to be taken as a full disclosure of God’s character or satan’s power.
Exceptional instance explanation: This view believes that the events of Job took place as written in order to communicate the main messages of the book. Proponents of this view affirm God’s goodness and justice and would say that in Job’s case God did something unusual in order to communicate the message of this book. It is not to be taken as normative or as an explanation of why people suffer or as a statement of God arbitrarily allowing Satan to have his way.
Conclusion (Chapters 38-42)
The message of the book of Job:
Did Job fear God for nothing? (Getting back to Satan’s question)
No.
We do not serve God for the dangling carrot. This faith will outlast any eventuality. Even innocent suffering should not quench the fires of our devotion.
Job learned that the real benefit of serving God was not in what He does for you – it isn’t about your health or wealth or kids – it is about God Himself. He is the benefit. Job meets suffering and sorrow with unwavering trust.
Job learned that even if serving God meant losing everything he had, he could still trust God. For he still had God, and God was enough.
Key verse: 42:5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
Through suffering God had moved from the theoretical to the real.
Furthermore, we learn that God is not under an obligation to reward the righteous for their righteousness.
In the end we see that Job is able to maintain integrity even when he is not being blessed for it. He vindicates himself, and God.
God’s practice of blessing the righteous is not a hindrance to true righteousness.
No one is wise enough to call God’s justice into question – and we don’t need to question His justice. Now we know about the cross, the mediator, justice, His goodness, we know so much more than Job knew.
What does the book offer as an appropriate response to suffering?
What is the difference between serving God for God Himself and serving Him in order to be blessed? How does Job help us see the difference? Close in prayer
Friday, October 12, 2007
Lost?
I am speaking at Eastside on October 20-21 and will be addressing the topic of effective personal evangelism. This video introduces the topic well.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wisdom Through Passionate Worship -- The Psalms
Introduction:
Do you enjoy reading the Psalms?
Have someone in your group read a Psalm out loud.
What is it that you enjoy about reading or hearing the Psalms?
The Psalms are wonderful to read, but do not forget that they are songs and are therefore also poetry – meant to be sung. Singing stirs the emotions.
They also deal with almost every emotion the believer encounters in life; anguish, fear, joy, anger, sorrow, hope, penitence over sin, joy over grace, and thanksgiving (to name just a few). Furthermore, God is presented as having emotions as well.
Authorship
We know the authors from the titles. Of the 150 Psalms, all but 34 have titles, and of the 116 titles, 100 of them name the author. Titles also include musical information, titles, etc.
David authored many (73) of them, and is also thought to have compiled the collection of them. His name is referenced in the headings of 72 of the Psalms.
David was a musician and a poet.
Discuss: What do you learn about David from each of these passages? What do you learn about the writing of the Psalms?
1 Samuel 16:17-23, 2 Sam 1:17-27, 22:1-51, 23:1-7.
A study of the life of David through the Psalms would make an interesting study. I feel like I am often reading his journal. I think we really are. I don’t believe he was always thinking about writing a song as much as he was about just pouring his heart out before God. But his life story, for an intimate perspective, can be gained as one reads the Psalms. David the Shepherd, David the wanted man, angry, repenting, broken, celebrating. I feel like I am reading his heart.
Associated with the organization of worship (Ezra 3:10 – quote, Nehemiah 12:24-, 1 Chronicles 15:16-29)
Other authors include:
Asaph (50, 73-83) One of David’s chief musicians – see 1 Chron. 6:39, 15:17
Sons of Korah (42, 44-49, 84-85, 87) – Temple singers who collected the Psalms – see 2 Chr. 20:19
Solomon (72, 127)
Moses (90)
As was the case in the book of Proverbs, we see Psalms repeated. This reflects that fact that Psalms is a collection of collections of Psalms (14 and 53, 40:13-17 and 70; 108:1-5 and 57:7-11; 108:6-13 and 60:5-12.
Authors, not to be confused with the editor – the editor is the person or persons who would have collected and organized the psalms. The Psalms are further divided into smaller collections which the editor would have taken and placed into the 5 book format and then woven them together to produce this book.
Date
The Psalms were written over a span of hundreds of years. A copy was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls, leading most scholars to agree that they were compiled (edited) prior to the 2nd Century B.C. Jesus and the NT writers saw the Psalms as authoritative. Psalms was recognized at the council of Jamnia in AD 90.
Purpose(s)
Used in the temple worship at Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple and in Herod’s Temple.
They were used in Jewish synagogues and homes
They were recited by pilgrims coming to Jerusalem to observe Passover
They were frequently used by the Dead Sea scroll community
They were quoted by Jesus and even sung by him at the Last Supper (Ps. 113-118 – this group of Psalms, called the Hallel, were sung at the feasts of Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles, and Dedication. At Passover, Ps 113-114 are sung before the meal and Ps 115-118 are sung after it. Matt. 26:30 and Mark 14:26 reference that Jesus and the Disciples sung a hymn after the Last Supper.
Meditated on while on the cross (Ps. 22:1)
Quoted when He died (Ps 31:5)
Paul advised the singing of Psalms to the early churches (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)
Along with Isaiah, Psalms is the most frequently quoted OT book, in the NT.
Simply, they are guidebooks of worship and devotion. (Reference handout 353)
They are written to assist us in our highest calling – to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Features
Titles: Associations to the authors, the type of psalm, musical directions, names of the melodies, or the liturgical use the Psalm.
Poetic Structure of Psalms
Rhythm: A sequence of words that are stressed (3+2, 3+3 etc.)
“Here my prayer, O God;
give ear to the words of my mouth”
Poetic Structure of Psalms
Parallelism: The lines or parts of lines have a particular relationship to each-other
3 Types of Parallelism
Synonymous
Hear this, all peoples!
Give ear, all inhabitants of the world
Antithetic
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish
Synthetic-(Supplements)
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and He answers me from his holy hill
Acrostics (Psalm 119)
Types of Psalms
3 General Categories:
Praise Psalm
Lament (74, 83 – national; individual – 13, 5, 51)
Wisdom Psalm: 1, 37, 39, 49, 73
Psalm 22 is a combination of a lament and a praise psalm.
Laments almost always begin with the vocative “O Lord…”
Why is bringing out of the darker emotions a critical element in the worship of God? (Discuss)
By being open to God, He is then able to bring resolution to the conflicting thoughts that when oppressed will continue to torment us – see Psalm 73:16.
Praise psalms generally begin with the imperative: Sing to the Lord, etc.
Laments follow a consistent pattern including the elements of complaint, petition, confession of trust and vow of praise.
Some can be more obscure, including wisdom psalms, doxology, Royal Psalms, cry for help…
Other Types of Psalms:
Hymns: For the whole congregation (Ps 105). Includes victory songs (Ps 68), processional hymns (sung by worshipers coming into the temple area – Ps 24), Zion songs (Ps 48), songs of the Lord’s reign (which all being with the term the Lord reigns) (Ps 99), hallelujah hymns (which begin or end with those words (Ps 146), and antiphonal hymns (chant/response hymns (Ps 136)).
Royal Psalms: Centered on the king
Torah Psalms
Group activity…Identify each of these: a lament, a song of thanksgiving, a hallelujah psalms, and a wisdom Psalm...Give them the Psalms and have them match them up. Who can come up with the most correct matches – your table will win a prize.
Then, handout 26/27
Outline
Psalms is divided into five books: 1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150.
At the end of each of these books, except for the 5th one, there is a doxology, or a statement of praise. However, Ps 150, may be itself considered to be a doxology. The book of Psalms is divided into five collections or books – a possible intentional division designed to parallel the five books of the Torah. Divided by its closing doxological verses in Ps. 41:13, 72:18-19, 89:52, 106:48, 150:1-6.
Collections may have been organized as Psalms of David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, and the 15 songs of ascents, and the 15 Hallelujah Psalms.
How to Read the Psalms
Read them as prayers to God, and ask, “Could I pray this prayer?”
“Have I felt these feelings?”
What feelings are in me as I read these words?
Read them as “therapy” for the soul
Rather than trying to cover up our weaknesses, bring them to God, who alone has the power to heal
Read them as a “summons” to praise
Allow the content of the words to realign our inner attitudes
When the ancient Hebrews encountered something beautiful or majestic, their natural response was not to analyze it, but rather to praise God for it.
Read them as an “invitation” to God-inviting Him to be involved in every area of your world
David assumed that the details of his life mattered to God-and he called God to come through
The psalms contain the anguished journals of people who want to believe in a loving, gracious, faithful God while the world keeps falling apart around them.
There is a process to be learned of “letting God in” on every detail of life. Somehow, David and the other poets managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to God.
Learning from the Psalms: Writing your own Psalm
Choose a type of Psalm. Use alliteration. Address God. Express emotion. Be honest.
Do you enjoy reading the Psalms?
Have someone in your group read a Psalm out loud.
What is it that you enjoy about reading or hearing the Psalms?
The Psalms are wonderful to read, but do not forget that they are songs and are therefore also poetry – meant to be sung. Singing stirs the emotions.
They also deal with almost every emotion the believer encounters in life; anguish, fear, joy, anger, sorrow, hope, penitence over sin, joy over grace, and thanksgiving (to name just a few). Furthermore, God is presented as having emotions as well.
Authorship
We know the authors from the titles. Of the 150 Psalms, all but 34 have titles, and of the 116 titles, 100 of them name the author. Titles also include musical information, titles, etc.
David authored many (73) of them, and is also thought to have compiled the collection of them. His name is referenced in the headings of 72 of the Psalms.
David was a musician and a poet.
Discuss: What do you learn about David from each of these passages? What do you learn about the writing of the Psalms?
1 Samuel 16:17-23, 2 Sam 1:17-27, 22:1-51, 23:1-7.
A study of the life of David through the Psalms would make an interesting study. I feel like I am often reading his journal. I think we really are. I don’t believe he was always thinking about writing a song as much as he was about just pouring his heart out before God. But his life story, for an intimate perspective, can be gained as one reads the Psalms. David the Shepherd, David the wanted man, angry, repenting, broken, celebrating. I feel like I am reading his heart.
Associated with the organization of worship (Ezra 3:10 – quote, Nehemiah 12:24-, 1 Chronicles 15:16-29)
Other authors include:
Asaph (50, 73-83) One of David’s chief musicians – see 1 Chron. 6:39, 15:17
Sons of Korah (42, 44-49, 84-85, 87) – Temple singers who collected the Psalms – see 2 Chr. 20:19
Solomon (72, 127)
Moses (90)
As was the case in the book of Proverbs, we see Psalms repeated. This reflects that fact that Psalms is a collection of collections of Psalms (14 and 53, 40:13-17 and 70; 108:1-5 and 57:7-11; 108:6-13 and 60:5-12.
Authors, not to be confused with the editor – the editor is the person or persons who would have collected and organized the psalms. The Psalms are further divided into smaller collections which the editor would have taken and placed into the 5 book format and then woven them together to produce this book.
Date
The Psalms were written over a span of hundreds of years. A copy was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls, leading most scholars to agree that they were compiled (edited) prior to the 2nd Century B.C. Jesus and the NT writers saw the Psalms as authoritative. Psalms was recognized at the council of Jamnia in AD 90.
Purpose(s)
Used in the temple worship at Solomon’s Temple, the Second Temple and in Herod’s Temple.
They were used in Jewish synagogues and homes
They were recited by pilgrims coming to Jerusalem to observe Passover
They were frequently used by the Dead Sea scroll community
They were quoted by Jesus and even sung by him at the Last Supper (Ps. 113-118 – this group of Psalms, called the Hallel, were sung at the feasts of Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles, and Dedication. At Passover, Ps 113-114 are sung before the meal and Ps 115-118 are sung after it. Matt. 26:30 and Mark 14:26 reference that Jesus and the Disciples sung a hymn after the Last Supper.
Meditated on while on the cross (Ps. 22:1)
Quoted when He died (Ps 31:5)
Paul advised the singing of Psalms to the early churches (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)
Along with Isaiah, Psalms is the most frequently quoted OT book, in the NT.
Simply, they are guidebooks of worship and devotion. (Reference handout 353)
They are written to assist us in our highest calling – to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Features
Titles: Associations to the authors, the type of psalm, musical directions, names of the melodies, or the liturgical use the Psalm.
Poetic Structure of Psalms
Rhythm: A sequence of words that are stressed (3+2, 3+3 etc.)
“Here my prayer, O God;
give ear to the words of my mouth”
Poetic Structure of Psalms
Parallelism: The lines or parts of lines have a particular relationship to each-other
3 Types of Parallelism
Synonymous
Hear this, all peoples!
Give ear, all inhabitants of the world
Antithetic
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish
Synthetic-(Supplements)
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and He answers me from his holy hill
Acrostics (Psalm 119)
Types of Psalms
3 General Categories:
Praise Psalm
Lament (74, 83 – national; individual – 13, 5, 51)
Wisdom Psalm: 1, 37, 39, 49, 73
Psalm 22 is a combination of a lament and a praise psalm.
Laments almost always begin with the vocative “O Lord…”
Why is bringing out of the darker emotions a critical element in the worship of God? (Discuss)
By being open to God, He is then able to bring resolution to the conflicting thoughts that when oppressed will continue to torment us – see Psalm 73:16.
Praise psalms generally begin with the imperative: Sing to the Lord, etc.
Laments follow a consistent pattern including the elements of complaint, petition, confession of trust and vow of praise.
Some can be more obscure, including wisdom psalms, doxology, Royal Psalms, cry for help…
Other Types of Psalms:
Hymns: For the whole congregation (Ps 105). Includes victory songs (Ps 68), processional hymns (sung by worshipers coming into the temple area – Ps 24), Zion songs (Ps 48), songs of the Lord’s reign (which all being with the term the Lord reigns) (Ps 99), hallelujah hymns (which begin or end with those words (Ps 146), and antiphonal hymns (chant/response hymns (Ps 136)).
Royal Psalms: Centered on the king
Torah Psalms
Group activity…Identify each of these: a lament, a song of thanksgiving, a hallelujah psalms, and a wisdom Psalm...Give them the Psalms and have them match them up. Who can come up with the most correct matches – your table will win a prize.
Then, handout 26/27
Outline
Psalms is divided into five books: 1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150.
At the end of each of these books, except for the 5th one, there is a doxology, or a statement of praise. However, Ps 150, may be itself considered to be a doxology. The book of Psalms is divided into five collections or books – a possible intentional division designed to parallel the five books of the Torah. Divided by its closing doxological verses in Ps. 41:13, 72:18-19, 89:52, 106:48, 150:1-6.
Collections may have been organized as Psalms of David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, and the 15 songs of ascents, and the 15 Hallelujah Psalms.
How to Read the Psalms
Read them as prayers to God, and ask, “Could I pray this prayer?”
“Have I felt these feelings?”
What feelings are in me as I read these words?
Read them as “therapy” for the soul
Rather than trying to cover up our weaknesses, bring them to God, who alone has the power to heal
Read them as a “summons” to praise
Allow the content of the words to realign our inner attitudes
When the ancient Hebrews encountered something beautiful or majestic, their natural response was not to analyze it, but rather to praise God for it.
Read them as an “invitation” to God-inviting Him to be involved in every area of your world
David assumed that the details of his life mattered to God-and he called God to come through
The psalms contain the anguished journals of people who want to believe in a loving, gracious, faithful God while the world keeps falling apart around them.
There is a process to be learned of “letting God in” on every detail of life. Somehow, David and the other poets managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to God.
Learning from the Psalms: Writing your own Psalm
Choose a type of Psalm. Use alliteration. Address God. Express emotion. Be honest.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Practical Wisdom in a Foolish World -- The Book of Proverbs
Practical Wisdom in a Foolish World (Proverbs)
By Matt Messsner
Eastside School of the Bible
October 3, 2007
Welcome, prayer, opening discussion:
Share with your group one Proverb that stands out to you or has had a significant impact on your life. (Each table needs to come up with one example to share from their group). Share your experience with Proverbs 3:5-6, 4:23
Background of the book of Proverbs
Authorship
The principle author of this book is Solomon (The source of his wisdom was God Himself; 1 Kings 3:5-15, 1 Kings 4:29-34).
As a patron of science and wisdom, he is credited for the popularization of the wisdom tradition with the Hebrews.
Other authors are identified as Agur (Prov. 30) and Lemuel of Massa (Prov. 31:1-9). It is likely they were members of the northern Arabian tribe of Massa, descendants of one of the sons of Ishmael (Genesis 25:14, 1 Chron. 1:30). They are evidence of the international character of wisdom and the acceptance of truthful words from those who were not Jewish (Another example of non-Israelite wisdom is Job who was an Edomite, and these (Lemuel and Agur)were of Arabian origin).
The un-named Wise Men (24:23-34, 31:10-31).
Date
The different sections of Proverbs were written at different times – Hezekiah’s scribes were involved in putting part of the collections together, around the end of the 8th century B.C. – Prov. 25:1. This section was written long after the death of Solomon – Hezekiah was the King of Judah following the fall of the Kingdom of Israel. (950 BC - Solomon, 700 BC – Hezekiah) Other sections were collected by Solomon, and then most feel that the anonymous sayings and the appendices of 30-31 were compiled later than the section that was collected by Hezekiah’s men, so it was written over a span between the 10th Century to the 6th century B.C.
Purpose
Textbook for the children of the royal court?
The “wise men” or “sages” generally were associated with the royal court and functioned as the one who compiled and taught wisdom, especially to the next generation of Hebrew leaders. Some say it was a textbook for the children of the royalty. In ancient times collections of traditional wisdom were the textbooks for educating young men. Proverbs often implies that it was written for young men for a similar purpose.
We know that it is written to young people and the message of this book hinges on the belief that wisdom can be taught and passed from one generation to the next. This is evident in the way the narrator appears frequently as a father speaking to his son.
More than a collection of individual proverbs. Every culture has its own proverbs and traditional wisdom – We have records from Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece.
Unique in that it asserts God to be the starting point in the search for true wisdom: Prov. 1:7. Proverbs deals with the practical concerns of an individual who knows God.
Written primarily to young people, but in the first seven verses it challenges the young and simple as well as the wise and discerning.
Written to help us deal with the ordinary matters of life as well as an examination of moral issues. It is very practical.
One commentator described it this way: “It is a book that (like the figure Wisdom) calls across to you in the street about some everyday matter or points things out at home. It puts godliness in working clothes.
It reflects God’s appointed school of character – not as legalistic alternatives of grace, but the means and expression of it.”
The Purpose of this Book (1:2-7)
Group activity: Analyze these verses and identify the purpose(s)
I. To know wisdom and discipline;
II. To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity
III. To help the simple gain prudence and the youth to gain knowledge and discretion
IV. To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding
V. To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings and riddles
VI. To learn the fear of the Lord
These verses serve as an introduction to the entire genre of Biblical wisdom literature.
Keep them open
Many key words in these verses…with key points…Here are some of them.
1. Instruction/training (NIV – Discipline): (musar): Linked to correction or reproof. To discipline with a focus on the outcome.
2. Understanding/Insight (bina, tebuna): discernment between good and evil, right and wrong.
3. Prudence: Wise dealing: good sense, practical wisdom, cautious, calculated. Opposite of the Simple.
4. Shrewdness/knowledge/discretion: the power of forming good plans.
5. Knowledge and learning: An informed mind as knowing of truth and knowing God.
It is an examination of one question: Is this (behavior) wisdom or folly?
Do we not agree that we have an obligation to offer instruction to all our young people on the importance of good character?
Wisdom is for anyone who wants it. Fools are invited to come and learn.
Definitions
A “Proverb”: The Hebrew word, masal, has two meanings.
1. A simile or a powerful word. To be like
2. “To rule”
The first emphasizes the way proverbs tend to be analogies or comparisons.
The second emphasizes the authoritative nature of these sayings.
A working definition then would be that a proverb is a saying founded on experience and containing a truth.
It is a winged word linking two times – one generation to another. They link two ages and two realms. The age of experience and youth, and the realms of God and humankind.
Not always to be taken as an absolute promise but they are general principles for living based on careful observation of the human experience.
It contains the following types of expressions:
Proverbs (short, carefully constructed ethical observation or teaching. A short sentence founded on long experience, communicating truth – making it valuable information.
Admonition: A command written as either a short proverb or as part of a long discourse.
Numerical Saying: Items that have something in common.
Better Saying: A better saying follows the pattern A is better than B: See 21:19
Rhetorical Question: One with an obvious answer which draws the reader in to deeper reflection (Pr. 30:4)
Wisdom Poems: Teach moral lessons. Often acrostics.
Example story: 7:6-27.
Major Themes
The Fear of the Lord, life
Key verses: 1:7, 8:35
The Fear of the Lord
Once again, this is a worshiping reverent submission to the God of the covenant. It is part of a right relationship to God – one of obedience to his covenant stipulations which creates right thought and right behavior.
Common themes:
(Discussion – come up with the list…Then assign a theme to each table and see what references they can tie into that theme)
Warnings!!...folly, the adulteress,
Invitations to learn…
Life (full): Material, personal, psychological, moral, spiritual
The fear of the Lord
Paths (of the wicked and of the righteous, adulteress, )
Weathly
Honor the Lord
Honor
Justice
The motley crew of the Fool, the Simple, The Scoffer 17x – un-teachable. , the Sluggard: The simple: The gullible. One who is easily led astray. Inexperienced and drifting into temptation, even courting it. One who is dull and obstinate, a menace
Sluggard vs. Discipline: Lazy with ridiculous excuses. Does not initiate, does not complete things and avoids things.
Reputation/name
Work ethic and personal finance
Parent/Child relationships: Disciplines,
Family: The marriage/husband and wife.
Human Sexuality
Words/Speech (Words have great power – 18:21)
Companionship and friendship: The good friend/good neighbor: Constancy, candour, counsel.
Humility vs. pride
Book Outline
The Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs is a collection of several books:
I. Title and Purpose: Proverbs 1:1-7
II. A Father’s Reflections on the Way of Wisdom
a. Discourses on Wisdom (1:8-4:27)
b. Instructions on Marriage and Warnings Against Adultery (5-7)
c. Wisdom Personified (8-9)
III. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16)
IV. Anonymous Wise Sayings (22:17-24:22)
V. Further Anonymous Wise Sayings (24:23-34)
VI. More Proverbs of Solomon (copied by Hezekiah’s men) (25-29)
VII. Appendices
a. Sayings of Agur (30)
b. Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1-9)
c. Acrostic Poem on the Nobel Wife (31:10-31)
The Purpose of this Book (1:2-7)
To know wisdom and instruction
To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity
To help the simple gain prudence and the youth to gain knowledge and discretion
To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding
To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings and riddles
To learn the fear of the Lord
1:8-19 Interesting section in chapter one that addresses the lure of quick profits through violence, the appeal of gangs, the conflict between youth and parents.
The father is passionately concerned for his son’s life, and the preservation of the community of God.
Proverbs 2: Parental discourse.
Marital faithfulness (Proverbs 5) – Develop this theme . Sexual purity, fidelity in marriage. 6:20-7:27! Continues with a narrative as well. Against a high view of marriage, sexual sin is presented in its true ugliness. As a parting of ones honor, a taste of death, a squandering of ones best years, of courting physical danger and social disgrace.
Personification #1: Proverbs 1:20-33, #2: 4:6-9, #3: 7:4, #4: 8:1-36, #5: 9:1-12
This personification of wisdom is a uniquely Biblical. No other god or goddess existed by that name.
The noun is feminine and contrasted to the woman Folly, who is a personification of sin.
Wisdom’s discourse (Proverbs 8): The personification of wisdom. (Read it): The personification of the teaching of the sages. Interesting figure in a male centered society. Who is this?
By her instruction her students, the foolish become wise, politicians gain wisdom, and those who listen and learn are crowned with honor and riches.
Contrast Pr. 9:4-6 (The Woman Wisdom) and 9:13-18 (the Woman Folly)
Discuss:
What are the characteristics of the Person Wisdom?
In what ways does she contrast the Woman Folly?
In what ways does the Woman Wisdom remind you of Christ?
Many have taken this as a description of Jesus.
Proverbs 10 marks a sectional break: The Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16)
Why the repeated Proverbs?: This is a compilation of several books and so some of the proverbs were included in more than one book.
A very practical section dealing with speech, work, finances, etc.
13:12 “Hope deferred make the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” 16:25
15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.”
16:8 “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe
18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
18:22 “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem.
What does Proverbs 31:10-31 suggest about the role of women in ancient Israel?
Read it.
Conclusion
Prayer:
Has this study caused you to recognize an area in your life where you need to apply the lessons of Wisdom? Share this at your table and pray for one another.
Next week: Wisdom Through Passionate Worship: The Book of Psalms
By Matt Messsner
Eastside School of the Bible
October 3, 2007
Welcome, prayer, opening discussion:
Share with your group one Proverb that stands out to you or has had a significant impact on your life. (Each table needs to come up with one example to share from their group). Share your experience with Proverbs 3:5-6, 4:23
Background of the book of Proverbs
Authorship
The principle author of this book is Solomon (The source of his wisdom was God Himself; 1 Kings 3:5-15, 1 Kings 4:29-34).
As a patron of science and wisdom, he is credited for the popularization of the wisdom tradition with the Hebrews.
Other authors are identified as Agur (Prov. 30) and Lemuel of Massa (Prov. 31:1-9). It is likely they were members of the northern Arabian tribe of Massa, descendants of one of the sons of Ishmael (Genesis 25:14, 1 Chron. 1:30). They are evidence of the international character of wisdom and the acceptance of truthful words from those who were not Jewish (Another example of non-Israelite wisdom is Job who was an Edomite, and these (Lemuel and Agur)were of Arabian origin).
The un-named Wise Men (24:23-34, 31:10-31).
Date
The different sections of Proverbs were written at different times – Hezekiah’s scribes were involved in putting part of the collections together, around the end of the 8th century B.C. – Prov. 25:1. This section was written long after the death of Solomon – Hezekiah was the King of Judah following the fall of the Kingdom of Israel. (950 BC - Solomon, 700 BC – Hezekiah) Other sections were collected by Solomon, and then most feel that the anonymous sayings and the appendices of 30-31 were compiled later than the section that was collected by Hezekiah’s men, so it was written over a span between the 10th Century to the 6th century B.C.
Purpose
Textbook for the children of the royal court?
The “wise men” or “sages” generally were associated with the royal court and functioned as the one who compiled and taught wisdom, especially to the next generation of Hebrew leaders. Some say it was a textbook for the children of the royalty. In ancient times collections of traditional wisdom were the textbooks for educating young men. Proverbs often implies that it was written for young men for a similar purpose.
We know that it is written to young people and the message of this book hinges on the belief that wisdom can be taught and passed from one generation to the next. This is evident in the way the narrator appears frequently as a father speaking to his son.
More than a collection of individual proverbs. Every culture has its own proverbs and traditional wisdom – We have records from Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece.
Unique in that it asserts God to be the starting point in the search for true wisdom: Prov. 1:7. Proverbs deals with the practical concerns of an individual who knows God.
Written primarily to young people, but in the first seven verses it challenges the young and simple as well as the wise and discerning.
Written to help us deal with the ordinary matters of life as well as an examination of moral issues. It is very practical.
One commentator described it this way: “It is a book that (like the figure Wisdom) calls across to you in the street about some everyday matter or points things out at home. It puts godliness in working clothes.
It reflects God’s appointed school of character – not as legalistic alternatives of grace, but the means and expression of it.”
The Purpose of this Book (1:2-7)
Group activity: Analyze these verses and identify the purpose(s)
I. To know wisdom and discipline;
II. To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity
III. To help the simple gain prudence and the youth to gain knowledge and discretion
IV. To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding
V. To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings and riddles
VI. To learn the fear of the Lord
These verses serve as an introduction to the entire genre of Biblical wisdom literature.
Keep them open
Many key words in these verses…with key points…Here are some of them.
1. Instruction/training (NIV – Discipline): (musar): Linked to correction or reproof. To discipline with a focus on the outcome.
2. Understanding/Insight (bina, tebuna): discernment between good and evil, right and wrong.
3. Prudence: Wise dealing: good sense, practical wisdom, cautious, calculated. Opposite of the Simple.
4. Shrewdness/knowledge/discretion: the power of forming good plans.
5. Knowledge and learning: An informed mind as knowing of truth and knowing God.
It is an examination of one question: Is this (behavior) wisdom or folly?
Do we not agree that we have an obligation to offer instruction to all our young people on the importance of good character?
Wisdom is for anyone who wants it. Fools are invited to come and learn.
Definitions
A “Proverb”: The Hebrew word, masal, has two meanings.
1. A simile or a powerful word. To be like
2. “To rule”
The first emphasizes the way proverbs tend to be analogies or comparisons.
The second emphasizes the authoritative nature of these sayings.
A working definition then would be that a proverb is a saying founded on experience and containing a truth.
It is a winged word linking two times – one generation to another. They link two ages and two realms. The age of experience and youth, and the realms of God and humankind.
Not always to be taken as an absolute promise but they are general principles for living based on careful observation of the human experience.
It contains the following types of expressions:
Proverbs (short, carefully constructed ethical observation or teaching. A short sentence founded on long experience, communicating truth – making it valuable information.
Admonition: A command written as either a short proverb or as part of a long discourse.
Numerical Saying: Items that have something in common.
Better Saying: A better saying follows the pattern A is better than B: See 21:19
Rhetorical Question: One with an obvious answer which draws the reader in to deeper reflection (Pr. 30:4)
Wisdom Poems: Teach moral lessons. Often acrostics.
Example story: 7:6-27.
Major Themes
The Fear of the Lord, life
Key verses: 1:7, 8:35
The Fear of the Lord
Once again, this is a worshiping reverent submission to the God of the covenant. It is part of a right relationship to God – one of obedience to his covenant stipulations which creates right thought and right behavior.
Common themes:
(Discussion – come up with the list…Then assign a theme to each table and see what references they can tie into that theme)
Warnings!!...folly, the adulteress,
Invitations to learn…
Life (full): Material, personal, psychological, moral, spiritual
The fear of the Lord
Paths (of the wicked and of the righteous, adulteress, )
Weathly
Honor the Lord
Honor
Justice
The motley crew of the Fool, the Simple, The Scoffer 17x – un-teachable. , the Sluggard: The simple: The gullible. One who is easily led astray. Inexperienced and drifting into temptation, even courting it. One who is dull and obstinate, a menace
Sluggard vs. Discipline: Lazy with ridiculous excuses. Does not initiate, does not complete things and avoids things.
Reputation/name
Work ethic and personal finance
Parent/Child relationships: Disciplines,
Family: The marriage/husband and wife.
Human Sexuality
Words/Speech (Words have great power – 18:21)
Companionship and friendship: The good friend/good neighbor: Constancy, candour, counsel.
Humility vs. pride
Book Outline
The Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs is a collection of several books:
I. Title and Purpose: Proverbs 1:1-7
II. A Father’s Reflections on the Way of Wisdom
a. Discourses on Wisdom (1:8-4:27)
b. Instructions on Marriage and Warnings Against Adultery (5-7)
c. Wisdom Personified (8-9)
III. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16)
IV. Anonymous Wise Sayings (22:17-24:22)
V. Further Anonymous Wise Sayings (24:23-34)
VI. More Proverbs of Solomon (copied by Hezekiah’s men) (25-29)
VII. Appendices
a. Sayings of Agur (30)
b. Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1-9)
c. Acrostic Poem on the Nobel Wife (31:10-31)
The Purpose of this Book (1:2-7)
To know wisdom and instruction
To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity
To help the simple gain prudence and the youth to gain knowledge and discretion
To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding
To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings and riddles
To learn the fear of the Lord
1:8-19 Interesting section in chapter one that addresses the lure of quick profits through violence, the appeal of gangs, the conflict between youth and parents.
The father is passionately concerned for his son’s life, and the preservation of the community of God.
Proverbs 2: Parental discourse.
Marital faithfulness (Proverbs 5) – Develop this theme . Sexual purity, fidelity in marriage. 6:20-7:27! Continues with a narrative as well. Against a high view of marriage, sexual sin is presented in its true ugliness. As a parting of ones honor, a taste of death, a squandering of ones best years, of courting physical danger and social disgrace.
Personification #1: Proverbs 1:20-33, #2: 4:6-9, #3: 7:4, #4: 8:1-36, #5: 9:1-12
This personification of wisdom is a uniquely Biblical. No other god or goddess existed by that name.
The noun is feminine and contrasted to the woman Folly, who is a personification of sin.
Wisdom’s discourse (Proverbs 8): The personification of wisdom. (Read it): The personification of the teaching of the sages. Interesting figure in a male centered society. Who is this?
By her instruction her students, the foolish become wise, politicians gain wisdom, and those who listen and learn are crowned with honor and riches.
Contrast Pr. 9:4-6 (The Woman Wisdom) and 9:13-18 (the Woman Folly)
Discuss:
What are the characteristics of the Person Wisdom?
In what ways does she contrast the Woman Folly?
In what ways does the Woman Wisdom remind you of Christ?
Many have taken this as a description of Jesus.
Proverbs 10 marks a sectional break: The Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16)
Why the repeated Proverbs?: This is a compilation of several books and so some of the proverbs were included in more than one book.
A very practical section dealing with speech, work, finances, etc.
13:12 “Hope deferred make the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” 16:25
15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.”
16:8 “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe
18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
18:22 “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem.
What does Proverbs 31:10-31 suggest about the role of women in ancient Israel?
Read it.
Conclusion
Prayer:
Has this study caused you to recognize an area in your life where you need to apply the lessons of Wisdom? Share this at your table and pray for one another.
Next week: Wisdom Through Passionate Worship: The Book of Psalms
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