LHIM Weekly Bible Teaching

Jeremiah 32:16-25   Jeremiah began his prayer by speaking of God’s awesome power in creation and in bringing Israel out from Egypt. With Jerusalem facing an invading Babylonian army, Jeremiah rightly understands this as another act of God’s power. Even so, he believes that afterwards the people will return, and God will bring them back to the land.

Exodus 7:17-18; 8:10, 22; 9:14, 16; 10:2; 14:4, 18; 15:1-2   God repeatedly made clear that His plagues were to demonstrate to the Egyptians, His own people, and the broader world who He is. Thus, God’s power is inextricably linked to His identity as Yahweh the Almighty.

Psalm 33:6, 9; 8:1, 3-4; 19:1-4; 148:1-6; Isaiah 40:21-22, 25-26; 1 Chronicles 16:28-31   God’s power is supremely on display in His creation of the universe from the moon to our planet to the stars above. Understanding just how powerful God is helps us gain perspective on our problems.

Habakkuk 3:17-19   When we recognize God as our source of strength, we can overcome and even have joy in the midst of turmoil and difficulty. If the Lord is your strength, you can tread on high places.

Mark 12:28-31

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

NET note: The kidneys and heart were viewed as the seat of one’s volition, conscience, and moral character.

REV notes: Rev 2:23, Pro 15:21 [revisedenglishversion.com]

Deuteronomy 10:12

Deuteronomy 11:13, 22

New Bible Dictionary-Love Towards God: love for God with the whole personality is God’s demand; though this is not to be understood as meaning a punctilious observance of an impersonal divine law but rather as summoning to a relationship of personal devotion created and sustained by the work of God in the human heart.

Psalm 27:4

1 Timothy 1:5

1 John 2:15; 3:1, 11, 17-18

“True love places constraints on the lover, for love is essentially self-giving. And this brings us to a startling Christian paradox. True freedom is freedom to be my true self, as God made me and meant me to be. And God made me for loving. But loving is giving, self-giving. Therefore, in order to be myself, I have to deny myself and give myself. In order to be free, I have to serve. In order to live, I have to die to my own self-centeredness. In order to find myself, I have to lose myself in loving. True freedom is, then, the exact opposite of what many people think. It is not freedom from all responsibility to God and others, in order to live for myself. That is bondage to my own self-centeredness. Instead, true freedom is freedom from my silly little self, in order to live responsibly in love for God and others.” – The Contemporary Christian, John Stott

1 John 4:10, 19-21

1 John 5:1-3

1 Kings 19:1-18   Elijah was discouraged because his greatest public success did not appear to change anything. God worked with him by sending an angel and then commissioning him with purpose.

Exodus 5:1-9, 20-23; 6:1-8   After Pharaoh rejected Moses’ demand to “let my people go,” he increased the suffering of the people. In discouragement, Moses complained to God, “Why did you ever send me? You have not delivered your people at all?” God answered by reminding Moses whom he is dealing with and what He promises to do.

Mark 14:32-36   Even Jesus himself had low points throughout his life. Probably his moment of greatest discouragement was in Gethsemane, waiting for Judas to lead the authorities to his location to arrest him. We can learn from Jesus that the best course of action in our discouragement is to turn to God.

Romans 8:35-39   When you go through tough times, remember that God’s love is neither thin nor temporary. Neither death nor life nor anything else in creation can separate us from God’s love in Christ. This is a truth worth meditating upon in our worst times so that you may take courage.

1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14   In addition to getting encouraged, let’s encourage one another! Don’t underestimate the sheer power of an edifying word spoken to someone who needs to hear it.

Luke 2:1-7   The birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-5; 42:1-4). Bethlehem was a small village. Nazareth in Galilee was considered an insignificant place (John 1:46; 7:41, 52), but it fulfilled prophecy (Micah 5:2).

Luke 1:26-38   Mary was an ordinary woman with bold faith. Her miraculous pregnancy could have caused shame and destroyed her relationship with Joseph. Despite this, she said to the angel, “Let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Luke 2:8-20   Mary and Joseph had 9 months of anticipation during which they may have suffered ridicule. Unable to secure lodging, they laid the child in a manger. This must have been difficult. The arrival of shepherds who had also seen an angel must have encouraged Mary and Joseph. Shepherds lived on the margins of society. Yet, God chose them to be first to see the Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31   God doesn’t choose the most qualified. He chooses people who have the humility to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

God could have chosen anyone to bring His Son into the world. Instead of monarchs, He chose ordinary people. Instead of an imperial capital, He chose a small village. Instead of royal fanfare, He sent shepherds.

We serve a big God for little people. He looks at your heart – not your intelligence, wealth, or social status. God can use anyone who has simple, childlike faith. He exalts the humble (James 4:6).

Matthew 1:18-19   The birth of Christ begins with a scandal. Mary is found pregnant though she’s betrothed. Joseph decides to divorce her quietly. The law was clear about this situation (Deut 22:13-14, 20-21; 22:23-24).

Matthew 1:20-21   In Hebrew, “Jesus” sounds like the word “salvation.” Jesus will save his people from their sins. Just like the Joseph in the book of Genesis, this Joseph is a dreamer.

Matthew 1:22-23   In Isaiah’s time, the kingdom of Judah faced an alliance between the kings of Israel and Syria. God provided a sign child to indicated He was with His people and would deliver them (Isaiah 7:14-16). Jesus likewise was a sign child.

Matthew 1:24-25   Joseph believes in the dream and acts accordingly. Even though there would be scandal, he chose to obey God.

Matthew 2:1-2   The wise men (magi) came from the east, probably from Arabia. They came to pay homage to the king of the Jews.

Matthew 2:3-8   Herod was a shrewd politician with a good deal of paranoia, especially in his old age. He carefully weaves a net to catch this so-called king.

Matthew 2:9-12   How encouraging it must have been to Joseph and Mary to have these visitors come! Their gifts would fund their escape and sojourn in Egypt.

Matthew 2:13-18   Another dream instructs Joseph to flee. He does not take his time but gets up and goes. In the meanwhile, Herod slaughters innocent children in Bethlehem. It’s telling that God didn’t exempt His son from difficulty throughout his life. Jesus understood human suffering.

Who you were – Romans 3:10-18

What you did – Ephesians 2:1-3, 11, 12 “Nature” is the basic or inherent

Why you were this way – Romans 5:12-21 You cannot fix yourself.

Who you are now – Romans 3:23-24 “Propitiation” is the act of gaining

Ephesians 1:7, 14; Col. 1:13-14

Because you are redeemed, you are a new creation, reconciled to God, at

What you do now – Galatians 6:14-18; 5:13-17 You are what God says

Why the change – God’s grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, the

God did what He could to communicate with Israel to choose life.

Numbers 14:22-23 …put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to

1. (Exodus 14:10-12) God parted the sea.

Deuteronomy 29:1-17, 29 They had all these godly experiences to build faith.

Deuteronomy 30:1 This chapter foretells Israel’s future, some of which has

2-10 This is a simple concept: turn to Yahweh and obey and He will bless you.

14 No work is required. It is right in front of you; just obey.

16-4:1; 6:5 The choice is simple, so do it!

Hosea 1:9 They became Lo-Ammi – “for you are not My people and I am not

Hosea 3:1-5 To this very day, Israel does not have a king, nor are they able to worship according to the law because there is no temple.

Romans 10:1-13 They still do not get it, but they will.

Romans 11:7-12, 25-32; Isaiah 29:9-13

Zachariah 2:1-13; 6:12-13; 8:1-15

Revelation 14:1ff Their hope fulfilled

Deuteronomy 12:1-3 Upon entering the promised land, God told Israel to tear down any worship objects they encounter. (See also Deuteronomy 32:16-17, 37-39; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.)

Deuteronomy 12:4-7 Although some sacrifices atoned for guilt, most of the sacrifices and offerings came from a heart of gratitude and generosity.

Deuteronomy 12:11-12 God wanted the whole family to participate in the sacrificial offerings, including children, servants, and even the local Levite.

Deuteronomy 12:15-19 Sacrifices weren’t to appease God’s wrath or curry favor so He would make the rain fall on time. Rather than manipulation, sacrifices were ways to say thank you to a God who faithfully cared for His people.

Deuteronomy 12:26-27 Animal sacrifices (apart from burnt offerings) involved feasting by everyone involved in the act.

Deuteronomy 16:1-3, 9-11, 13-15, 17 Built into the annual calendar were three major festivals when Israelites would sacrifice animals and feast with great rejoicing. The rule for giving was that people should give as they were able “according to the blessing of the LORD” (16:17).

Deuteronomy 17:1 Giving defective or blemished animals is detestable to God.

Deuteronomy 18:1-5 The priests were provided for out of people’s sacrifices and offerings. While we no longer offer sacrifices, we do still give today. Jesus was clear that when we give, we shouldn’t call undue attention to ourselves (Matthew 6:1-4). However, the mindset should be the same. Rather than reluctantly or under compulsion, we give voluntarily from a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

Deuteronomy 5:22-29   God first introduced himself to Israel through the ten plagues when He delivered the people from Egypt. Once they arrived at Mount Sinai, God came down in a flurry of fire, thunder, and earthquake. He spoke to them audibly from the midst of the fire atop the mountain. The people responded with a heart eager to listen and obey.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 18, 24-25   God instituted instructions on how Israel should pass on the commandments and Torah-lifestyle to the next generation. These included repeating His commands throughout the day, wearing them on their arms and heads, and writing them on their doorposts. God’s commandments were not to burden the people or control them. They were for their good—that it may go well with them.

Deuteronomy 27:4-8, 11-15   At the end of Deuteronomy, we find the final instructions in the covenant. Israel will build a monument of stone and plaster on which they will write “all the words of this law very plainly” (27:8). They will also climb two mountains and shout the blessings from one and the curses from the other. The community ceremony will impress the importance of obeying God’s commands in the land.

Deuteronomy 4:23; 6:10-15; 8:11   Over and over God expresses the concern that His people will forget how to worship Him and how to obey His just laws. What practices do you have in your life to not forget how to worship God and live righteously?

Deuteronomy 4:31   Thankfully, God does not forget us. He is a merciful God who is eager to forgive when we fail.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19   God is just, and He wanted Israel to be just as well. Injustices become possible when dealing with vulnerable people. God claims justice for the fatherless, the widow, and the sojourner.

Deuteronomy 15:1-11   Here we encounter the fourth member of the quartet of the vulnerable—the poor. God designed a debt-forgiveness program as part of the rhythm of Israel’s calendar. Every seven years, they were to cancel all debts. Even when it came close to the year of release, God still wanted His people to care for the poor instead of hardening their hearts against them.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15   Oppressive workplace practices may bolster profit or make it easier for managers, but ancient Israelite workers were protected. God didn’t want powerful employers to mistreat their workers.

Deuteronomy 24:16   Justice means the people who commit crimes pays for them, not their parents or children.

Deuteronomy 24:17-22   God motivates justice in Israel by reminding them of the injustice they experienced when the Egyptians enslaved them. Thus, by remembering they were slaves in Egypt, they can have compassion on the vulnerable sojourners, fatherless, widows, and poor. In addition to leaving the edges of their fields unharvested, Israelites also paid a tax to take care of the poor (Deut 14:28-29).

Deuteronomy 27:18-19   Those with disabilities are vulnerable in any society. In ancient Israel, God made the people call a curse down on anyone who took advantage of the vulnerable.

Deuteronomy 15:12-18; 23:15-16; 24:7   Slavery was a mainstay in the ancient Near East. Civilizations made laws to regulate slavery. Israel’s laws stand out as remarkably generous to slaves, even protecting runaway slaves from extradition.

When we consider all that God put in Deuteronomy to protect the vulnerable, we must ask ourselves, “What’s my attitude to disadvantaged people today?” Do you harden your heart or have compassion?