Mature Christians press on to perfection and strive for it. In this session we examine the concept of perfection by starting in the Hebrew Scriptures, and then turning to passages in the New Testament.

Dr. Davis discusses the research she conducted before writing her book on Romans 9-11. She suggests that Rom 9:1-11:12 is addressed to Jewish believers, and Paul uses halachic midrash and artistry of language that the Jewish believers would have understood. For us to understand these chapters today, we must “think Hebrew, not Greek.”

Galatians 5:1 declares that Christ has set us free. When did this occur, and how? And what does it mean to “be free.” Then Paul warns us not to be subject to bondage again. What does this mean?

A chiastic structure in Galatians 3:1-5 offers instruction about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Law.

We first meet Satan’s giant army in Genesis 6:4. God caused a flood to destroy these evil giants but some survived, and they continue to appear in the biblical narrative. At some future time, possibly after the Millennial Kingdom, the armies of God and Satan will meet in a final battle.

King Jehoiachin was cut off from the rulership of Judah and carried into exile for his disobedience, which then necessitated a virgin birth.

Trees in Scripture are metaphors for rulers and The Fig Tree in particular represents the leadership of Judah.

The sanctity of trees in the land of Israel in the fourth year were Holy and set apart to God because of their first fruit status.

Leviticus 19:23-25 outlines the sanctity of trees grown in the land of Israel.  In the first three years the trees were considered forbidden or uncircumcised.

Many of the physical traits of the Fig Tree can be compared to the character qualities of the believer.