International Sunday School Lesson February 5 2023 Lesson #10

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ESV  For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  (19)  For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”  (20)  Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  (21)  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.  (22)  For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,  (23)  but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,  (24)  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  (25)  For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  (26)  For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  (27)  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;  (28)  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,  (29)  so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  (30)  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,  (31)  so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ESV

Notes

Background

• The city was very rich.
• It controlled the transportation of goods from Asia to Italy.
• It had these super wealthy and also had a large number of normal working folks.
• It had these super wealthy and also had a large number of normal working folks.
• It had a very bad reputation for sexual vices.
• JFB That Church was founded by Paul on his first visit (Act 18:1-17). He had been the instrument of converting many Gentiles (1Co 12:2), and some Jews (Act 18:8), notwithstanding the vehement opposition of the countrymen of the latter (Act 18:5), during the year and a half in which he sojourned there. The converts were chiefly of the humbler classes (1Co 1:26, etc.). Crispus (1Co 1:14; Act 18:8), Erastus, and Gaius (Caius) were, however, men of rank (Rom 16:23).

False Folly — 1 Corinthians 1:18-19

• Acts 17:16-18 (ESV) Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. [17] So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. [18] Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

Save Those that Believe — 1 Corinthians 1:20-21

• Dake [world]Greek: aion(G165), age. The age was one of speculation (Act 17:21). The word for “disputer” in Hebrew is darshan (from darash(H1875)), and in Greek: suzetetes(G4804), propounder of questions; the seeker of allegorical, mystical, metaphysical, and cabalistical interpretations of the Scriptures by Jewish rabbis and Greek philosophers.

Preach Christ Crucified — 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

• JFB Greeks seek … wisdom — namely, a philosophic demonstration of Christianity. Whereas Christ, instead of demonstrative proof, demands faith on the ground of His word, and of a reasonable amount of evidence that the alleged revelation is His word. Christianity begins not with solving intellectual difficulties, but with satisfying the heart that longs for forgiveness. Hence not the refined Greeks, but the theocratic Jews were the chosen organ for propagating revelation. Again, intellectual Athens (Act 17:18-21, etc.) received the Gospel less readily than commercial Corinth.

Stronger than Man — 1 Corinthians 1:25

• 2 Corinthians 13:4 (ESV) For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

Not Many — 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

• James 2:5-6 (ESV) Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? [6] But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?

Boast in the Lord — 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

• Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, [24] but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”

Conclusion

• Don’t be prideful.
• Focus on the lord.

International Sunday School Lesson January 29 2023 Winter #9

Joel 2:21-27 ESV  “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things!  (22)  Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield.  (23)  “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.  (24)  “The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.  (25)  I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.  (26)  “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.  (27)  You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

Joel 2:21-27 ESV

Notes

Background

• Scofield: Joel, a prophet of Judah, probably exercised his ministry during the reign of Joash (2Ch_22:-12.). In his youth he may have known Elijah, and he certainly was a contemporary of Elisha. The plagues of insects, which were the token of the divine chastening, give occasion for the unveiling of the coming “day of the Lord” (Isa_2:12, refs.), in its two aspects of judgment on the Gentiles and blessing for Israel.
  Joel is in three chief parts: (1) The plague of insects, Joe_1:1-20. (2) The day of the Lord, Joe_2:1 to Joe_3:8. (3) Retrospect of the day of the Lord, and full kingdom blessing, Joe_3:9-21.
• JFB. His predictions were probably delivered in the early days of Joash 870-865 b.c.; for no reference is made in them to the Babylonian, Assyrian, or even the Syrian invasion; and the only enemies mentioned are the Philistines, Phoenicians, Edomites, and Egyptians (Joe_3:4, Joe_3:19). Had he lived after Joash, he would doubtless have mentioned the Syrians among the enemies whom he enumerates since they took Jerusalem and carried off immense spoil to Damascus (2Ch_24:23, 2Ch_24:24). No idolatry is mentioned; and the temple services, the priesthood, and other institutions of the theocracy, are represented as flourishing.
• The first chapter of Joel prophesies about the locust and attack on the crops as punishment for the sins of the people.

Fear Not — Joel 2:21-22

• Psalms 126:1-6 ESV A Song of Ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. (2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (3) The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. (4) Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! (6) He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Rejoice in the Lord — Joel 2:23

• Philippians 4:4 ESV Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
• Romans 12:11-12 ESV Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Restoration — Joel 2:24-25

• Amos 9:13-14 (ESV) “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. [14] I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

Eat in Plenty — Joel 2:26

• Psalms 22:26 (ESV) The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!

In the Midst — Joel 2:27

• Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV) The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

International Sunday School Lesson January 22 2023 Winter #8

Isaiah 58:6-10 ESV  “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  (7)  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?  (8)  Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.  (9)  Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,  (10)  if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

Isaiah 58:6-10 ESV

Notes

Background

• The main thrust of today’s lesson is empty religious form without a true connection to God. This is what God was saying to the children of Israel through Isaiah.
• God was saying to the children of Israel through Isaiah.
• McGhee — My friend, I am of the opinion that the Lord could stop many church services today and say, “Listen, let’s cut this out. Why are you going through this form? You are not getting close to me. You are not pleasing Me. When you leave this service, you gossip, you have bitterness in your heart, you are not moral in your conduct, and you are living loose lives. You think you are pleasing Me by your religious form. I want you to know that you are not pleasing Me. That is the reason I am rejecting you.”

The Fast I Choose — Isaiah 48:6

• Matthew 6:16-18 ESV “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (17) But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, (18) that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Share Your Bread — Isaiah 48:7

• Matthew 25:31-46 ESV “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. (32) Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. (34) Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (35) For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, (36) I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ (37) Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? (38) And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? (39) And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ (40) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (41) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (42) For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, (43) I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ (44) Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ (45) Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (46) And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Light Break Forth — Isaiah 58:8

• Light Shine — Isaiah 60:1-3 ESV Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. (2) For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. (3) And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
• Rear Guard — Exodus 14:19 ESV Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them,
• JFB glory … reward — like the pillar of cloud and fire, the symbol of God’s “glory,” which went behind Israel, separating them from their Egyptian pursuers (Isa_52:12; Exo_14:19, Exo_14:20).

The Lord Will Answer — Isaiah 58:9

• Compared to — Isaiah 58:3 ESV ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.
• Cambridge — the putting forth of the finger] a gesture of contempt (Pro_6:13) towards the oppressed mentioned in Isa_58:6-7. Compare (with Gesenius) the infamis digitus (Pers. 11. 33).

Satisfy the Desires of the Afflicted — Isaiah 58:10

• Proverbs 28:27 ESV Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Concluding Thoughts

• Focus on doing right both personally and in your relationships than ceremonially religious.

International Sunday School Lesson January 15 2023 Winter #7

Isaiah 48:3-8 ESV  “The former things I declared of old; they went out from my mouth, and I announced them; then suddenly I did them, and they came to pass.  (4)  Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass,  (5)  I declared them to you from of old, before they came to pass I announced them to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol did them, my carved image and my metal image commanded them.’  (6)  “You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known.  (7)  They are created now, not long ago; before today you have never heard of them, lest you should say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’  (8)  You have never heard, you have never known, from of old your ear has not been opened. For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously, and that from before birth you were called a rebel.

Isaiah 48:3-8 ESV 

Isaiah 48:17 ESV  Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17 ESV

Notes

Background

• Pulpit: The present chapter, which terminates the second section of Isaiah’s later prophecies, consists of a long address by God to his people, partly in the way of complaint, partly of combined premise and exhortation. The address is divided into three portions, each commencing with a call on Israel to pay attention
• God is in control not us or something else. Trouble and difficulty is a teacher.

You are Obstinate — Isaiah 48:3-4

Hard heart
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV) Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. [13] But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

God’s promises are true
Joshua 23:14-15 (ESV) “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. [15] But just as all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the LORD will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land that the LORD your God has given you,

Announced Beforehand — Isaiah 48:5

• Pulpit Mine idol … my molten image. It has been already observed (see the comment on Isa 40:18) that there was a strong tendency to idolatry among the Jews, not only before, but during the Captivity. Ezekiel says that those among whom he lived were “polluted after the manner of their fathers, and committed whoredom after their abominations; made their sons pass through the fire, and polluted themselves with all their idols” (Eze 20:30, Eze 20:31); nay, went so far as to declare boldly, “We will be as the heathen, as the inhabitants of the countries, to serve wood and stone” (Eze 20:32).

New Things — Isaiah 48:6-7

• The Gospel Unexpected –1 Corinthians 2:8-10 (ESV) None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [9] But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— [10] these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

Called a Rebel — Isaiah 48:8

• We were all rebels — Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Teaches Us — Isaiah 48:17

• Romans 5:3-6 (ESV) Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. [6] For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Concluding Thoughts

• Look to God for Deliverance
• Give the credit to God
• Hardship Teaches Us