The Finished Work of Christ - Chapter 1 - Introduction and Theme
Fellow Journeyers,
We are embarking on a new and exciting study of Romans Chapters 1-8. Our primary study guide will be The Finished Work of Christ by Francis Schaeffer. I will supplement this with occasional thoughts from William Barclay and his commentary on Romans.
Let's jump right in...
I. Introduction
A. Introduction to The Finished Work of Christ
B. Chapter 1 - Introduction and Theme
II. Introduction to The Finished Work of Christ
A. Book, while published in 1998, is actually the result of some of the earliest systematic studies by Dr. Schaeffer.
B. Book derived from tapes recording a bible study led by Dr. Schaeffer in the 1960s in Lausanne, Switzerland.
C. Book covers first eight chapters of Romans. This is a sermon by Paul covering his most basic and fundamental beliefs. Barclay classifies the first eight chapters as 'dealing with the problem of righteousness'.
D. Dr. Schaeffer's book will walk us through these first eight chapters verse by verse.
E. A little introduction to the book of Romans
1. Believed to have been written by Paul around 58 AD as he was wrapping up his stay in Corinth and preparing for his trip to Jerusalem.
2. Letter was written to a congregation he had never met. Thus, no personal callout greetings, no references to specific problems that congregation was experiencing.
3. Letter served as an introduction of who Paul was and what he believed.
a. He wanted to eventually visit the church at Rome
b. Wanted them to be well grounded on the principles of their faith in Jesus
III. Chapter 1 - Introduction and Theme
A. Covers first 17 verses of chapter 1 in Romans
B. Romans 1:1 - Paul identifies himself as "servant" or "slave" of Christ
1. Schaeffer points out Paul is not a slave to Christ because he has to be but because he wants to be. He wants to be because of what Christ has done for him.
2. Schaeffer says we too must adopt this attitude if we are fruitful in the things of God.
3. As Christ's servant Paul is "separated unto the Gospel"
1. Schaeffer says this is separation from and separation to, "Many things can keep us away from God, and it is not possilbe to be separated to God unless we are separated from such things.
2. Hmmm...reminds me of the saying "being in the world but not of the world"
C. Romans 1:2 - "promised afore by his prophets"
1. Schaeffer says despite this verse being parenthetical it is a very important verse.
2. It emphasizes the continuity of the Old Testament and the New Testament
a. Schaeffer points out that God had a plan for our salvation immediately after the Fall in the Garden of Eden. He promised the Messiah.
b. Read Genesis 3:15
D. Romans 1:3-4 - "made of the seed of David..."
1. Paul declares both human and divine side of Christ
a. Human - made of the seed of David (both Mary and Joseph)
b. Divine - having been resurrected from the dead shows Christ's divinity
2. "according to the spirit of holiness"
a. Paul is referring to Christ's relationship with the Holy Spirit
E. Romans 1:5-6 - "By whom we have received grace and apostleship..."
1. "among all nations" - all who believe, Jews and Gentiles alike, can receive God's grace
2. Including the people of Rome
F. Romans 1:7 - "called Saints"
1. Schaeffer says, "As soon as we accept Christ as our Savior we are saints in God's sight.
a. Based on Christ's passive obedience - taking the punishment (death) for our sins
b. Also based on His active obedience - of keeping the law for us while he was among on earth.
2. When we accept Christ as our saviour, because Christ was without sin, we put on the righteousness of Christ. In God's eyes' we are without sin.
3. Christ has taken your guilt and you are clothed in His perfection.
G. Romans 1:7b-8 - "thank God for you"
1. He has heard of the faithfulness of the Christians in Rome and gives thanks to God for them.
H. Romans 1:9-10 - "make mention of you always in my prayers"
1. thanks God for them
2. prays on their behalf
3. prays that he might be able to visit them
I. Romans 1:11-12 - "may impart unto you some spiritual gift"
J. Romans 1:13a - Wants to bless them more "but was let hitherto..."
1. "let" means hindered.
2. Wants to come visit them but thus far has been hindered from doing so.
K. Romans 1:14 - "debtor both to Greeks and Barbarians, both to the wise and unwise"
1. Rather than feeling he is doing something special for them by telling them of the Gospel, he feels indebted to preach the Gospel to everyone.
L. Romans 1:15 - "ready to preach the Gospel to you..."
1. Ready and excited to come to Rome to teach them, regardless of the cost (his life)
M. Romans 1:16-17 - "the Gospel of Christ...is the power of God unto salvation..."
1. Schaeffer states key to understanding first 8 chapters of Romans can be found in v. 16-17
2. Barclay echos this sentiment by saying, "There are only two verses here, but they contain so much of the very essence of Paul's gospel..."
3. When we accept Christ as our Saviour we are justified, our guilt is gone
4. Schaeffer says, "...God declares that are guilt is gone on the basis of the finished work of Jesus Christ"
5. Goes on to say our salvation is much wider than just justification. Three tenses:
a. Past - past act of salvation for the Christian, which is justification
b. Present - santification
c. Future - glorification
6. Salvation to everyone (Jew and Gentile alike) who believes
7. Just shall live by faith - we are to live by faith now.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. The Finished Work of Christ, 1998, Francis Schaeffer, Good News Pubishers, Wheaton, IL
2. The New Daily Study Bible - The Letter to the Romans, 1955, William Barclay, Westminster Press, Louisville, KY
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History - Ch. 11
Chapter 11 - The Cities of Refuge
I. Introduction
A. Next Study - Options
B. Recap Last Week - East and West of Jordan
C. This Week - The Cities of Refuge
II. Next Study - Options
A. Other Studies by Francis Schaeffer
1. Genesis in Space and Time - covers first 11 chapters ($11.25 + tax/shipping)
2. The Finished Work of Christ - covers first 8 chapters of Romans ($18.99 +)
B. Revelation - did this many years ago, try again?
C. Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication
1. 24 lessons via audio/video
2. 30 minutes per lecture
3. Would be followed by discussion
III. Recap Last Week - East and West of the Jordan
A. Most everone got their land
B. Determined by lot - God had a hand in who got what
C. Joseph's descendants got two areas (Manassah and Ephraim)
D. Levites and tribe of Simeon left out because of previous sin
IV. The Cities of Refuge
A. Levite cities - all part of God's plan
1. 48 cities - split amongst descendant of Levi's three sons
a. Gershon - 13 cities
b. Kohath - 23 cities (13 for the priests, 10 for remainder of family)
c. Merari - 12 cities
2. Six cities of the 48 were designated cities of refuge
a. 3 on either side of the Jordan
b. Purpose of cities described in Joshua 20:1-6,9)
c. Definition of murder described in Deuteronomy 19:1-13
d. How long was to work described in Numbers 35:4-5,15-30
B. Christ and the Cities of Refuge
1. Five similarities
a. Christ is easy to reach - OT cities of refuge had to be easily accessible (i.e, good, well marked, easy to travel roads leading to the city of refuge)
b. Christ is open to all - OT cities of refuge were open to Jew and Gentile alike
c. Christ never locks his gates - OT cities of refuge did not close their gates
d. Christ is a totally sufficient refuge - OT cities of refuge were capable of meeting refugee's every need (food, water, shelter)
e. No help for us if we do not flee (accept) to the refuge of Christ - OT if accused did not make it to the city of refuge there was no recourse
2 Two big differences
a. Christ protects ALL who believe and accept him, guilty and innocent alike - OT cities of refuge protected only the innocent (wrongly accused)
b. Christ is nearer than any city of refuge, all we have to do is call on him, even on our death bed - OT cities of refuge, you had to travel to get there, took time, if avenger wass faster or stronger than you, too bad, so sad.
3. When do we enter this refuge? Schaeffer suggests three times
a. One - when we accept Christ as our savior
b. Second - every time we sin
c. Three - final moment when we die or Christ returns (whichever comes first)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
I. Introduction
A. Next Study - Options
B. Recap Last Week - East and West of Jordan
C. This Week - The Cities of Refuge
II. Next Study - Options
A. Other Studies by Francis Schaeffer
1. Genesis in Space and Time - covers first 11 chapters ($11.25 + tax/shipping)
2. The Finished Work of Christ - covers first 8 chapters of Romans ($18.99 +)
B. Revelation - did this many years ago, try again?
C. Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication
1. 24 lessons via audio/video
2. 30 minutes per lecture
3. Would be followed by discussion
III. Recap Last Week - East and West of the Jordan
A. Most everone got their land
B. Determined by lot - God had a hand in who got what
C. Joseph's descendants got two areas (Manassah and Ephraim)
D. Levites and tribe of Simeon left out because of previous sin
IV. The Cities of Refuge
A. Levite cities - all part of God's plan
1. 48 cities - split amongst descendant of Levi's three sons
a. Gershon - 13 cities
b. Kohath - 23 cities (13 for the priests, 10 for remainder of family)
c. Merari - 12 cities
2. Six cities of the 48 were designated cities of refuge
a. 3 on either side of the Jordan
b. Purpose of cities described in Joshua 20:1-6,9)
c. Definition of murder described in Deuteronomy 19:1-13
d. How long was to work described in Numbers 35:4-5,15-30
B. Christ and the Cities of Refuge
1. Five similarities
a. Christ is easy to reach - OT cities of refuge had to be easily accessible (i.e, good, well marked, easy to travel roads leading to the city of refuge)
b. Christ is open to all - OT cities of refuge were open to Jew and Gentile alike
c. Christ never locks his gates - OT cities of refuge did not close their gates
d. Christ is a totally sufficient refuge - OT cities of refuge were capable of meeting refugee's every need (food, water, shelter)
e. No help for us if we do not flee (accept) to the refuge of Christ - OT if accused did not make it to the city of refuge there was no recourse
2 Two big differences
a. Christ protects ALL who believe and accept him, guilty and innocent alike - OT cities of refuge protected only the innocent (wrongly accused)
b. Christ is nearer than any city of refuge, all we have to do is call on him, even on our death bed - OT cities of refuge, you had to travel to get there, took time, if avenger wass faster or stronger than you, too bad, so sad.
3. When do we enter this refuge? Schaeffer suggests three times
a. One - when we accept Christ as our savior
b. Second - every time we sin
c. Three - final moment when we die or Christ returns (whichever comes first)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History - Ch. 10
Chapter 10 - East and West of Jordan
I. Introduction
A. Recap last week - Caleb
B. The lesson this week - Dividing up the promised land
II. Caleb's Faithfulness
A. Believed in God throughout his life
B. God rewarded him for his faithfulness
III. East and West of Jordan
A. Land divied up on three separate occasions
1. First - East of the Jordan by Moses
2. Second - West of the Jordan by Joshua at Gilgal
3. Third - West of the Jordan by Joshua at Shiloh
B. East of the Jordan by Moses
1. Read Deuteronomy 3:8-22
2. This is recapped in Joshua 13:15-31
3. Interesting to note Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh's men of warrior age crossed over the Jordan with the other tribes, leaving behind their women, flocks, and old men to occupy their new territory.
4. Fought alongside their brethren for seven years before returning to their own land!
C. West of the Jordan by Joshua at Gilgal
1. Judah, Ephraim, and other half of Manasseh awarded land by lot at Gilgal
2. 'By lot' implies man did decide allocation of land, God did.
3. All of this described in detail in Joshua ch. 14-17
4. Read Joshua 14:1-5
D. West of the Jordan by Joshua at Shiloh
1. Remaining seven tribal lands distributed
2. Described in Joshua ch. 18-19
3. Read Joshua 18:1-10
E. Why Joseph's descendents receive two parcels of land
1. Ephraim and Manasseh not son's of Jacob but rather of Joseph
2. How did this happen?
3. Read Genesis 48
F. Author shows how Jacob's 'blessing' back in Genesis is actually a prophecy
1. Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49 is fulfilled in the drawing of the lots
2. Read Genesis 49
3. Fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy is actually part of God's plan
a. Reuben defiled his father's bed - thus his ancestors will not draw the first lot. End up east of the Jordan.
b. Simeon and Levi strategized and conceived a plot to kill Shechem's people (Genesis 34)
c. As a result they were not to receive a whole body of land but rather would be dispursed in cities throughout everyone else's land.
d. This leaves Judah as the next in line destined to draw the first lot.
e. Zebulun called out by Jacob to be sailors and thus receive land by the sea.
IV. Conclusion - Lesson emphasizes two points
A. Continuity of prophecy in the flow of history
B. Importance of right action among the people of God
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
I. Introduction
A. Recap last week - Caleb
B. The lesson this week - Dividing up the promised land
II. Caleb's Faithfulness
A. Believed in God throughout his life
B. God rewarded him for his faithfulness
III. East and West of Jordan
A. Land divied up on three separate occasions
1. First - East of the Jordan by Moses
2. Second - West of the Jordan by Joshua at Gilgal
3. Third - West of the Jordan by Joshua at Shiloh
B. East of the Jordan by Moses
1. Read Deuteronomy 3:8-22
2. This is recapped in Joshua 13:15-31
3. Interesting to note Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh's men of warrior age crossed over the Jordan with the other tribes, leaving behind their women, flocks, and old men to occupy their new territory.
4. Fought alongside their brethren for seven years before returning to their own land!
C. West of the Jordan by Joshua at Gilgal
1. Judah, Ephraim, and other half of Manasseh awarded land by lot at Gilgal
2. 'By lot' implies man did decide allocation of land, God did.
3. All of this described in detail in Joshua ch. 14-17
4. Read Joshua 14:1-5
D. West of the Jordan by Joshua at Shiloh
1. Remaining seven tribal lands distributed
2. Described in Joshua ch. 18-19
3. Read Joshua 18:1-10
E. Why Joseph's descendents receive two parcels of land
1. Ephraim and Manasseh not son's of Jacob but rather of Joseph
2. How did this happen?
3. Read Genesis 48
F. Author shows how Jacob's 'blessing' back in Genesis is actually a prophecy
1. Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49 is fulfilled in the drawing of the lots
2. Read Genesis 49
3. Fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy is actually part of God's plan
a. Reuben defiled his father's bed - thus his ancestors will not draw the first lot. End up east of the Jordan.
b. Simeon and Levi strategized and conceived a plot to kill Shechem's people (Genesis 34)
c. As a result they were not to receive a whole body of land but rather would be dispursed in cities throughout everyone else's land.
d. This leaves Judah as the next in line destined to draw the first lot.
e. Zebulun called out by Jacob to be sailors and thus receive land by the sea.
IV. Conclusion - Lesson emphasizes two points
A. Continuity of prophecy in the flow of history
B. Importance of right action among the people of God
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History - Ch. 9
Chapter 9 - Caleb's Faithfulness
I. Introduction
A. Review - last week
1. Gibeonites deception (didn't call on the Lord)
2. Israelites defeat southern kingdoms
B. This week
1. Defeat of the northern kingdoms
2. Caleb's faithfulness and his reward
3. Israelites failure to follow through
4. How we mimic the Israelites
II. Defeat of the Northern Kingdoms
A. Joshua continues to follow God
B. Israelite armies conquer 5 allied kings of the northern territory
III. Caleb's Faithfulness and his Reward
A. Recall Caleb and Joshua were only two who originally said they could conquer the land (40 years prior)
B. God promised Caleb land for his steadfast faith (Numbers 14:24)
C. Caleb was 40 when he was sent in to spy out the land
D Israelites wandered for 38 years
E. Caleb now 85, thus it has taken them 7 years to conquer the land
F. Caleb again does as God commands, takes the land and wholly destroys the people
G. Caleb asks Joshua for land of Hebron. Joshua grants his request (Joshua 14: 6-15).
IV. Israelites Fail to Follow Through
A. God has commanded they drive out the current inhabitants of the land
B. Israelites instead let the people stay
1. Israelites wanted peace
2. Israelites wanted riches (defeated to pay tribute) (Joshua 16:10, 17:12-13)
C. Israelites stopped short of what they were called to do.
1. Had opportunity to fully participate in God's gifts, but instead chose the easy way
2. Based on the conditional portion of the covenant (which we've discussed before) the blessings stopped. Had received the unconditional gift of the land, but failed to follow through and get 'the whole enchilada'!
3. Read Deuteronomy 12:2-4,28
V. How We Mimic the Israelites
A. We, too fail to follow through on God's promises
B. We accept the unconditional portion of the covenent (eternal life simply by believing and accepting God's grace found in the redemption of Jesus the Christ)
C. Fail in accepting the conditional portion of the covenant
D. Like the Israelites all we want is earthly peace and earthly wealth
E. Holy Spirit lives in us, however we fail to seek the fruits of His presence
1. Read John 14:18
2. Read Galations 5:22-25
3. Read Luke 8:14-15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
I. Introduction
A. Review - last week
1. Gibeonites deception (didn't call on the Lord)
2. Israelites defeat southern kingdoms
B. This week
1. Defeat of the northern kingdoms
2. Caleb's faithfulness and his reward
3. Israelites failure to follow through
4. How we mimic the Israelites
II. Defeat of the Northern Kingdoms
A. Joshua continues to follow God
B. Israelite armies conquer 5 allied kings of the northern territory
III. Caleb's Faithfulness and his Reward
A. Recall Caleb and Joshua were only two who originally said they could conquer the land (40 years prior)
B. God promised Caleb land for his steadfast faith (Numbers 14:24)
C. Caleb was 40 when he was sent in to spy out the land
D Israelites wandered for 38 years
E. Caleb now 85, thus it has taken them 7 years to conquer the land
F. Caleb again does as God commands, takes the land and wholly destroys the people
G. Caleb asks Joshua for land of Hebron. Joshua grants his request (Joshua 14: 6-15).
IV. Israelites Fail to Follow Through
A. God has commanded they drive out the current inhabitants of the land
B. Israelites instead let the people stay
1. Israelites wanted peace
2. Israelites wanted riches (defeated to pay tribute) (Joshua 16:10, 17:12-13)
C. Israelites stopped short of what they were called to do.
1. Had opportunity to fully participate in God's gifts, but instead chose the easy way
2. Based on the conditional portion of the covenant (which we've discussed before) the blessings stopped. Had received the unconditional gift of the land, but failed to follow through and get 'the whole enchilada'!
3. Read Deuteronomy 12:2-4,28
V. How We Mimic the Israelites
A. We, too fail to follow through on God's promises
B. We accept the unconditional portion of the covenent (eternal life simply by believing and accepting God's grace found in the redemption of Jesus the Christ)
C. Fail in accepting the conditional portion of the covenant
D. Like the Israelites all we want is earthly peace and earthly wealth
E. Holy Spirit lives in us, however we fail to seek the fruits of His presence
1. Read John 14:18
2. Read Galations 5:22-25
3. Read Luke 8:14-15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History - Ch. 8
Chapter 8 - The Gibeonites
I. Introduction
A. Recap - last week
B. The conquest continues
II. Recap - last week
A. Ch. 7 - Mt. Ebal & Gerizim
B. Blessings and Curses
III. The Conquest Continues
A. Lesson this week focuses on events found in Joshua Ch. 9 and 10.
B. Tale of alliances, deception, and oathes
C. 5 city-state kings unite in attempt to defeat Israelites
D. Gibeonites employ different strategy
1. realize God is on the side of the Israelites and they won't be defeated
2. deceive Israelites and get them to enter an Alliance
3. Israelites don't consult God and take an oath on His name
E. 5 city-state kings jointly attack Gibeonites
1. Gibeonites appeal to their Israelite allies
2. Joshua responds despite protests from the people
3. Save Gibeon but Gibeonites are forced into slavery serving the Israelites
F. 5 kings run away and hide in cave
1. Joshua commands his generals to trap the kings inside the cave
2. Joshua then commands them to attack city states
3. Each is destroyed
4. 5 kings then removed from the cave and killed
G. Life lessons
1. Not much to gather from this chapter
2. Author compares Rahab and Gibeonites
a. they came to believe in the Israelite God and struck bargains with the Israelites to avoid destruction
b. both integrated into the Israelite community
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
I. Introduction
A. Recap - last week
B. The conquest continues
II. Recap - last week
A. Ch. 7 - Mt. Ebal & Gerizim
B. Blessings and Curses
III. The Conquest Continues
A. Lesson this week focuses on events found in Joshua Ch. 9 and 10.
B. Tale of alliances, deception, and oathes
C. 5 city-state kings unite in attempt to defeat Israelites
D. Gibeonites employ different strategy
1. realize God is on the side of the Israelites and they won't be defeated
2. deceive Israelites and get them to enter an Alliance
3. Israelites don't consult God and take an oath on His name
E. 5 city-state kings jointly attack Gibeonites
1. Gibeonites appeal to their Israelite allies
2. Joshua responds despite protests from the people
3. Save Gibeon but Gibeonites are forced into slavery serving the Israelites
F. 5 kings run away and hide in cave
1. Joshua commands his generals to trap the kings inside the cave
2. Joshua then commands them to attack city states
3. Each is destroyed
4. 5 kings then removed from the cave and killed
G. Life lessons
1. Not much to gather from this chapter
2. Author compares Rahab and Gibeonites
a. they came to believe in the Israelite God and struck bargains with the Israelites to avoid destruction
b. both integrated into the Israelite community
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History - Ch. 7
Chapter 7 - Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
I. Introduction
A. Last week covered battles of Jericho and Ai
B. This week Israelites are on the move again, north to Shechem
C. Lesson this week revisits a theme we discussed a couple of weeks ago, the Unconditional Promise and Conditional Promise
II. Short Geography Lesson
A. Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim about 20 miles northwest of Ai
B. Town of Shechem lies between the two mountains
C. Mt. Ebal is north of Mt. Gerizim
D. Only about 500 yards separate the two mountains at their bases
E. Mt. Ebal is 3,007 ft. high, Mt. Gerizim is 2,895 ft. high
F. Later in Jesus' time this is the land of the Samaritans
G. Today it is in the "Left Bank" and home to the Palestinians
III. The Altar on Mount Ebal
A. Read Deuteronomy 27:4-7,11-26
B. Read Joshua 8:33-35
C. God commanded Mt. Gerizim to be marked mountain of blessing and Mt. Ebal mountain of warning (place of the curse)
D. Altar built on Mt. Ebal - symbolized that people would sin and need to come to God's altar for forgiveness
E. Altar was built from uncut stones (world's first "green" construction project)
F. Rough, uncut stones were to remind Israelites that nothing they could do would justify them before God
G. Paul, in Romans, teaches that the Jews tradegies occurred because they kept trying to come to God through the works of the law (represented by Mt. Gerizim) rather than through the altar on Mt. Ebal
H. Read Romans 9:31-10:4
IV. Keeping God's Commands
A. Altar was on mount of cursing because salvation can not come by man's keeping the law.
B. Unconditional promise is represented by the altar on Mt. Ebal
C. By going (accepting) to the altar (Jesus) we receive benefit of God's grace. We can do nothing to earn it, must only be willing to acknowledge we are sinner's, repent at the altar, and accept God's limitless gift of grace.
D. Conditional promise is based on adherence to God's laws. To truly receive God's blessing we must not only accept his unconditional gift of grace but also commit to following His laws. In keeping His laws we are blessed.
E. Read Matthew 7:24-27
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
I. Introduction
A. Last week covered battles of Jericho and Ai
B. This week Israelites are on the move again, north to Shechem
C. Lesson this week revisits a theme we discussed a couple of weeks ago, the Unconditional Promise and Conditional Promise
II. Short Geography Lesson
A. Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim about 20 miles northwest of Ai
B. Town of Shechem lies between the two mountains
C. Mt. Ebal is north of Mt. Gerizim
D. Only about 500 yards separate the two mountains at their bases
E. Mt. Ebal is 3,007 ft. high, Mt. Gerizim is 2,895 ft. high
F. Later in Jesus' time this is the land of the Samaritans
G. Today it is in the "Left Bank" and home to the Palestinians
III. The Altar on Mount Ebal
A. Read Deuteronomy 27:4-7,11-26
B. Read Joshua 8:33-35
C. God commanded Mt. Gerizim to be marked mountain of blessing and Mt. Ebal mountain of warning (place of the curse)
D. Altar built on Mt. Ebal - symbolized that people would sin and need to come to God's altar for forgiveness
E. Altar was built from uncut stones (world's first "green" construction project)
F. Rough, uncut stones were to remind Israelites that nothing they could do would justify them before God
G. Paul, in Romans, teaches that the Jews tradegies occurred because they kept trying to come to God through the works of the law (represented by Mt. Gerizim) rather than through the altar on Mt. Ebal
H. Read Romans 9:31-10:4
IV. Keeping God's Commands
A. Altar was on mount of cursing because salvation can not come by man's keeping the law.
B. Unconditional promise is represented by the altar on Mt. Ebal
C. By going (accepting) to the altar (Jesus) we receive benefit of God's grace. We can do nothing to earn it, must only be willing to acknowledge we are sinner's, repent at the altar, and accept God's limitless gift of grace.
D. Conditional promise is based on adherence to God's laws. To truly receive God's blessing we must not only accept his unconditional gift of grace but also commit to following His laws. In keeping His laws we are blessed.
E. Read Matthew 7:24-27
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History - Ch. 6
I'm back from my one week sabbatical. I'm sure everyone enjoyed the change of pace with Charlie leading you through Ch. 5 and its discussion on the two kinds of memorials. Jack is going to love the lesson this week, it's all about the battles of Jericho and Ai.
I. Ch. 6 - Jericho, Achan, and Ai (a story within a story)
A. Theme 1 - Military history and strategy
B. Theme 2 - God's Judgment
II. Military history and strategy
A. Schaeffer does good job of explaining topography of land
B. Explains similarity between God's strategy and strategy subsequent strategy employed by others through the ages.
C. Hills lie immediately west of Jordan river valley
D. Jericho strategic stronghold at base of hills
E. Ai was high in the hills and would allow Israelites to control surrounding area
F. Also focused on Israelites core strength - light infantry and negated Canaanite strength in chariots.
E. Three Phases to overall strategy
1. Establish bridge-head west of the Jordan
2. Gain a foothold in the mountains west of the river valley
3. Spread out from the secured base on the central ridge to widen the area of occupation for permanent settlement
III. Taking of Jericho
A. God's plan
1. Walk silently around city once each day for 6 days
2. City was small probably only covered about 7 acres
3. Front of the army would probably meet the back of the army as they completed their circuit (i.e, they would have the city surrounded)
4. On seventh day walk around seven times and shout at the sound of the trumpet at the conclusion of the seventh circuit
5. Walls would then fall down and the city would be violently overthrown
B. "Battles of the Bible Explanation"
1. After seeing Israelites walking around city once each day for 6 consectutive days Canaanites would become complacent
2. By seventh day they would be lulled into believing nothing was going to happen, then the Israelites would attack while the Canaanites' guard was down
IV. Battle for City of Ai
A. Did Israelites get cocky or did they have a flawed plan?
B. Battles of the Bible says it was probably both
1. Israelite scouting reports were overly optimistic - only need 3,000 men
2. Underestimated great strength inherent in ruins prepared as defensive positions
C. We'll find out in second half of the lesson the real reason the Israelites failed in their initial attempt to capture Ai
D. Israelites were routed, chased back down the hills, and lost 36 men
V. The Other Story - God's Judgment
A. The city shall be accursed (Joshua 6:17)
1. Hebrew word used means both "accursed" and "devoted" (i.e., given to God)
2. Joshua told to spare Rahab and her family but burn everything else to the ground
3. Nothing was to be taken, no food, no gold, no silver, nothing. The "first fruits" of their victory over the Canaanites was to go to God (Joshua 6:19)
B. Achan's Sin
1. One man from tribe of Judah, Achan disobeyed decree took gold, silver, and Babylonian garment
2. Easy to understand why Achan was tempted to take gold and silver, but why the Babylonian garment - in a word, prestige. Anything Babylonian stood for success and power, it was chic.
3. Achan's sin had two parts, simple theft and pride
4. However, he didn't just steal from anyone. He stole from God!
VI. The Principle of Judgment
A. Four steps
1. When we sin God knows - can't hide it
2. When we sin the blessing stops or slows
3. Judgment will follow - all sin has consequences
4. Turning from sin (repentence) leads to a resumption in the blessing
B. Principle is seen time and time again throughout Bible and our lives today
C. One individuals sin can impact blessing of entire community
1. Achan sinned - Israelites suffered defeat at Ai
2. Not sure its because God punishes all for sins of one but because sin can have unintended consequences. There can and will be "collateral damage".
VII. Other Tidbits from the Lesson
A. Sin always begins in the mind
1. Interestingly Schaeffer points out that the 10th and last commandment is "Do not covet"
2. However, coveting precedes every other sin. "Before we break any of the other nine, we have coveted internally something either of God's or of another person's."
B. Achan's theft of the Babylonian garment
1. Does it teach us to beware of grasping for affluence, for prestige, of trying to be a VIP?
2. When we serve the Lord what is our motive?
a. Do we do it out of love and generosity, wanting to give back in a small way to our God?
b. Or, do we sometimes do it for the recognition, or to stroke our ego?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
(2) Battles of the Bible, Caim Herzog & Mordechan Gichon, Barnes & Noble Publishing 2006
I. Ch. 6 - Jericho, Achan, and Ai (a story within a story)
A. Theme 1 - Military history and strategy
B. Theme 2 - God's Judgment
II. Military history and strategy
A. Schaeffer does good job of explaining topography of land
B. Explains similarity between God's strategy and strategy subsequent strategy employed by others through the ages.
C. Hills lie immediately west of Jordan river valley
D. Jericho strategic stronghold at base of hills
E. Ai was high in the hills and would allow Israelites to control surrounding area
F. Also focused on Israelites core strength - light infantry and negated Canaanite strength in chariots.
E. Three Phases to overall strategy
1. Establish bridge-head west of the Jordan
2. Gain a foothold in the mountains west of the river valley
3. Spread out from the secured base on the central ridge to widen the area of occupation for permanent settlement
III. Taking of Jericho
A. God's plan
1. Walk silently around city once each day for 6 days
2. City was small probably only covered about 7 acres
3. Front of the army would probably meet the back of the army as they completed their circuit (i.e, they would have the city surrounded)
4. On seventh day walk around seven times and shout at the sound of the trumpet at the conclusion of the seventh circuit
5. Walls would then fall down and the city would be violently overthrown
B. "Battles of the Bible Explanation"
1. After seeing Israelites walking around city once each day for 6 consectutive days Canaanites would become complacent
2. By seventh day they would be lulled into believing nothing was going to happen, then the Israelites would attack while the Canaanites' guard was down
IV. Battle for City of Ai
A. Did Israelites get cocky or did they have a flawed plan?
B. Battles of the Bible says it was probably both
1. Israelite scouting reports were overly optimistic - only need 3,000 men
2. Underestimated great strength inherent in ruins prepared as defensive positions
C. We'll find out in second half of the lesson the real reason the Israelites failed in their initial attempt to capture Ai
D. Israelites were routed, chased back down the hills, and lost 36 men
V. The Other Story - God's Judgment
A. The city shall be accursed (Joshua 6:17)
1. Hebrew word used means both "accursed" and "devoted" (i.e., given to God)
2. Joshua told to spare Rahab and her family but burn everything else to the ground
3. Nothing was to be taken, no food, no gold, no silver, nothing. The "first fruits" of their victory over the Canaanites was to go to God (Joshua 6:19)
B. Achan's Sin
1. One man from tribe of Judah, Achan disobeyed decree took gold, silver, and Babylonian garment
2. Easy to understand why Achan was tempted to take gold and silver, but why the Babylonian garment - in a word, prestige. Anything Babylonian stood for success and power, it was chic.
3. Achan's sin had two parts, simple theft and pride
4. However, he didn't just steal from anyone. He stole from God!
VI. The Principle of Judgment
A. Four steps
1. When we sin God knows - can't hide it
2. When we sin the blessing stops or slows
3. Judgment will follow - all sin has consequences
4. Turning from sin (repentence) leads to a resumption in the blessing
B. Principle is seen time and time again throughout Bible and our lives today
C. One individuals sin can impact blessing of entire community
1. Achan sinned - Israelites suffered defeat at Ai
2. Not sure its because God punishes all for sins of one but because sin can have unintended consequences. There can and will be "collateral damage".
VII. Other Tidbits from the Lesson
A. Sin always begins in the mind
1. Interestingly Schaeffer points out that the 10th and last commandment is "Do not covet"
2. However, coveting precedes every other sin. "Before we break any of the other nine, we have coveted internally something either of God's or of another person's."
B. Achan's theft of the Babylonian garment
1. Does it teach us to beware of grasping for affluence, for prestige, of trying to be a VIP?
2. When we serve the Lord what is our motive?
a. Do we do it out of love and generosity, wanting to give back in a small way to our God?
b. Or, do we sometimes do it for the recognition, or to stroke our ego?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History, Frances Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press 1975
(2) Battles of the Bible, Caim Herzog & Mordechan Gichon, Barnes & Noble Publishing 2006
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