2 Cor 3:1-18

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3 promises: 2 Cor 3:16-18

v 18 Changed: ((Gk) kapeleuo, adulterate, only mentioned here), but the word kapelos occurs in the Sept. in Isa 1:22 of taveren-keepers who mix wine and water. The idea here is that the false apostles who were disturbing the Corinthians (11:13-15) were mixing the word of God with their own inventions/beliefs and were explaining it away to accomodate their hearers to get gain. Much of the word of God is being alulterated today in many ways in social media, and wolves in sheeps clothing (2 Tim 4:1-4), to obtain a following of their own, building their own kingdom.

If we do not know the word of God in correct context we will be led astray from the purity of God and His kingdom.

We are to be changed to the image of God and Messiah and follow his ways, the transformation will be evident by the fruit. We endeavor to attain purity, getting rid of the dross to become clean vessels and establish His purpose.

Gen 1:26 … making mankind in His image …

 

 

 

1 Cor 10:1-13

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6 commands: 1 Cor 10:6-10, 12, 14. v7 corresponds to Ex 32:6

1 promise: 1 Cor 10:13

Warning: Against pride and idolatry

5 Major sins:

1. Lust for evil things: (v6; Num 11:4-15; Ps 106:14; Gal 5:19-21; 1 Cor 6:9-11; Rom 1:29-32; Col

3:5-10; Mk 7:19-21)

2. Idolatry: (v7; Ex 32:6-25; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5; Col 3:5; 1 Cor 6:9)

3. Fornication: (v8; Num 25:1-9; Gal 5:19-21; 1 Cor 3:5)

4. Tempting God and Messiah: (v9; Ex 17:2, 7; Num 14:22; 21:4-10; Dt 6:16; Ps 78:17-18, 41, 56; 95:8-9; 106:14)

5. Murmuring: (v10; Ex 15:24; 16:2-12; 17:3; Num 14:2, 27-29, 36; 16:11, 41; 17:5 , 10; Dt 1:27; Phil 2:14)

8 of many ways of tempting God:

1. Murmuring Ex 17:2

2. Unbelief (Ex 17:7; Heb 4:1-11)

3. Rebellion (Num 14:22; 21:1-9)

4. Provoking God (Ps 78:17-18, 66)

5. Backsliding (Ps 78:41, 56)

6. Hardening heart (Ps 95:8-9)

7. Lust and sin (Ps 106:14; Ex 32)

8. Idolatry (v18-22)

 

 

 

 

Haftarah 21 Ki Tissa: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 18:1-39

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Six commands in this section. 1 Kings 18:1, 11, 25, 30 (5th miracle), 33, 34.

16th prophecy in 1 Kings 18:4; 15th 18:1 (17:9 fulfilled). The one prediction here was that a widow would sustain Elijah during the remainder of the famine.

KEY TERMS and WORDS

Eliyahu/Elijah = “my God is Jehovah” or “Yah(u) is God”.

Ach’av/Ahab = “father’s brother”

1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel
2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah

Ovadyah/Obadiah = “servant of Jehovah”

The 4th of the 12 minor prophets.

Izevel/Jezebel = “Baal exalts” or “Baal is husband to” or “unchaste”

Wife of Ahab, 1 Ki 16:31. Daughter of Ethbaal. With Baal, a king of Sidon (B.C. 940) father of Jezebel. He is said to have been also a priest of Astarte, whose worship was closely allied to that of Baal, and this may account for his daughter’s zeal in promoting idolatry in Israel. The marriage to Ahab was fatal to both Israel and Judah.

18:19 Asherah fertility goddess. A goddess of the Phoenicians and Syrians. Worship was lewd and associated with that of Baal (Ex 34:13; 1 Kings 16:29-33). Unfortunately was taken over by the Israelites when they fell into idolatry. Asherah was wrongly translated “grove” in the KJV.

Karmel/Carmel = “garden-land”. A mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa.

18:24 fire אשׁ esh pronounced aysh.

18:27 ridiculing/mocking התל hathal pronounced haw-thal

18:28 Among the ANE (Ancient Near East) it was customary to make lacerations in the flesh, not only as a mark of mourning for the dead (Lev 19:28), but also as an act of idolatrous worship. The custom originated in Syria, and is still practiced among some in different countries.

With and in faith Elijah prayed and trusted God’s response. 18:36, 37. The consumable fire burnt from top down. Normally a fire will burn from bottom up.

Proverbs 10:17 says, “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life”. But he who refuses reproof goes astray”.

The hebrew word for astray is תעה ta‘ah pronounced taw-aw.

The word for correction שׁבט shebet pronounced shay’-bet, can be taken as positive or negative word. 

1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe.

Looking ahead, Yeshua left the 99 to retrieve the one.

At the altar of our heart, purity is revealed and inner motives exposed. In key moments of our life, we have corrective opportunities to set our heart straight to be able to grow and be restored. We must cultivate our character through reproof. The Greek word for correction is El-eng-kho. If we don’t willingly purify our heart, a person and/or circumstance will be provided, a life changing experience.

Ezekiel 43:10-27

In depth Torah Study

In the millennial temple there is nothing said about a golden altar of incense or the seven branched golden lampstand. The altar of incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people ascending to the Lord (Ps 141:2; Rev 8:3). Since the Lord is present with them in Revelation, there is no symbolic prayer. As for the lampstand, which symbolized the light of God’s truth, the shekinah glory was prsent in the temple of the Lord.

Ezekiel had seen the glory depart from the temple, but now he saw the glory return (Ezek 43:1-12). His guide took him back to the eastern gate in the outer court, and when he looked out, he saw the glory approaching. Along with the sight of the glory, came the voice “like the noise/roar of many waters” (Rev 1:15; 14:2; 19:6). Ezekiel prostrated himself to the ground as he did when he saw the glory throne at the beginning of his calling. (Ezek 1:28; 3:23; 9:8; 11:13). Then the temple was filled with God’s glory, and the Spirit transported Ezekiel back into the inner court.

In both the tabernacle and the temple, God’s glory was “enthroned” on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies (Ex 25:22; Ps 80:1; 99:1). In the millennial temple there is no mention of the ark and mercy seat. The temple will still be God’s throne (Ezek 43:6-7), and the Messiah will still reign (Zech 6:9-13). Ezekiel describes the glory of the temple in detail and wrote it down so God’s people will get the message and want to obey the Lord. A similar admonition is found in (Ezek 44:4-8) when Ezekiel was at the North Gate. We need to take heart not to be complacent when it comes to the things of God.

Putting faith in the Lord (Heb 11; Ps 51:16-17; Hab 2:4) shows lessons that can be learnt.

Genuine success is found in establishing a relationship with God, discovering who He created you to be, then developing talents and gifts He has given you, just like Ezekiel pursued. It’s all about Trust, obeying and being content in amongst the circumstances.

T’rumah (Contributions) 25:1-27:19

In depth Torah Study

(Ex 25:10-22; 37:1-9) God must be put first in everything.

We notice that 6 is representional number of man. There were six pieces of furniture assocated with the Tabernacle and the ark of the covenant is mentioned first.

The ark had many names besides “the ark of the covenant” (Num 10:33). It was called “the ark of God” (1 Sam 3:3),  “the ark of the Lord” (Josh  3:15), “the ark of the Lord God” (1 Kings 2:26), “the ark of the testimony” (Ex 25:22), because the tables of the law were in it , “the Holy ark” (2 Chron 35:3), and “the aark of God’s strength (Ps 132:8). The ark represented the power and authority of God in the camp of Israel, and this is why its named first. This is an illustration of Matthew 6:33.

The ark also teaches us about Messiah. It was made of wood, which speaks of humanity, but was completely overlaid with gold, which speaks of His diety. According to Heb 9:4, within the ark were the tablets of the law (Ex 25:16), a pot of manna (16:32-34), and Aharon’s rod that budded (Num 16-17). These objects tell us that the law of God was in Yeshua’s heart and He perfectly obeyed and fulfilled it. (Ps 40:6-8; Heb 10:5-9); He is the bread of Life who gives eternal life to all who receive Him (John 6:32); and He lives by the pow3r of an endless life so we can be fruitful for God (Heb 7:16).

The golden mercy seat upon the ark had a cherub at each end and their wings overshadowed the ark. (View notes in Kings re: shadow).

Frequently in scripture you find the image of finding safety “under His wings”. (Ps 57:1; 63:7; Matt 23:37; Lk 13:34), but it can also refer to being under the wings of the cherubim in the holy of holies (Ruth 2:12; Ps 17:8; 36:7-8; 61:4; 91:1, 4).

In one’s journey through this life, people of God get their directions from the throne of God and attempt to follow the glory of God.

“Seek  first the kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33) is a central command from Yeshua to prioritize God’s rule, righteousnes and will over worldly concerns, anxiety and material pursuits. It means that loving God and others is the driving force of life, and trusting, that God will provide the necessary needs.

God is present to nourish His people (Ex 25:23-29; 37:10-16).

It’s never too late to make a new start in your spiritual life. Genuine success is found in establishing a relationship with God, discovering who He created you to be, then developing your talents and gifts He has given you!

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose” (Ps 20:4).