International Sunday School March 26 2023 Spring Quarter Lesson 4

Mark 5:1-13 ESV  They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes.  (2)  And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.  (3)  He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain,  (4)  for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.  (5)  Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.  (6)  And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.  (7)  And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.”  (8)  For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”  (9)  And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”  (10)  And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country.  (11)  Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside,  (12)  and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.”  (13)  So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.

Mark 5:1-13 ESV 

Mark 5:18-20 ESV  As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him.  (19)  And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”  (20)  And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

Mark 5:18-20 ESV 

Notes

Background

• The messianic secret did not apply here.
• Some healed folks became part of the traveling team but not this one.

Possessed — Mark 5:1-2

• Happened right after calming the sea — Mark 4:39 (ESV) And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
• Preacher In one passage only (Act 10:38) mention is made of the healing of “all that were oppressed of the devil.” But in all other like passages there is no mention made of “the devil,” but of “unclean spirits” or “demons.”

Among Tomb — Mark 5:3-4

• Numbers 19:16 (ESV) Whoever in the open field touches someone who was killed with a sword or who died naturally, or touches a human bone or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

Crying Out — Mark 5:5

• Self-mutilation — 1 Kings 18:25-28 (ESV) Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” [26] And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. [27] And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” [28] And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.

Come Out — Mark 5:6-8

Legion — Mark 5:9-10

• Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV) “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. [44] Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. [45] Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

The Pigs — Mark 5:11-13

• Legion might have been planning on coming back into the man — 2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV) so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Go and Testify — Mark 5:18-19

• Psalms 66:16 (ESV) Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

The Word Spreads — Mark 5:20

International Sunday School March 19 2023

John 4:7-15 (ESV) A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” [8] (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) [9] The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) [10] Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” [11] The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? [12] Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” [13] Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” [15] The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

John 4:7-15 (ESV)

John 4:28-30 (ESV) So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, [29] “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” [30] They went out of the town and were coming to him.

John 4:28-30 (ESV)

John 4:39-41 (ESV) Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” [40] So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. [41] And many more believed because of his word.

John 4:39-41 (ESV)

Notes

Flesh and Blood — John 4:7-8

• Human body — John 4:6 (ESV) Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

Samaritans – John 4:9

Living Water – John 4:10

• John 7:37-38 (ESV) On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. [38] Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Greater than Jacob – John 4:11-12

• Hebrews 3:3 (ESV) For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.

Eternal Life — Jon 4:13-14

• Romans 8:16-17 (ESV) The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Give Me this Water — John 4:15

• James 4:3 (ESV) You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Evangelist — John 4:28-30

• She became convinced that he was the Christ
• Revelation 22:17 (ESV) The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Revival — John 4:39-41

• John 6:63 (ESV) It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

International Sunday School Lesson March 12 2023 Spring Quarter #2

Matthew 18:1-9 ESV  At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  (2)  And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them  (3)  and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  (4)  Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  (5)  “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,  (6)  but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.  (7)  “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!  (8)  And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.  (9)  And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

Matthew 18:1-9 ESV

Notes

Background

• We seldom see jealousy and ambition in the apostles but it did exist.
• It may have been the reason that the Lord picked primarily working people as apostles.

Who is the Greatest — Matthew 18:1

• They had some shame at this at one time — Mark 9:34 (ESV) But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

Become like Children — Matthew 18:2-3

• Psalms 131:2 (ESV) But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Humble — Matthew 18:4

• 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Cause to Stumble — Matthew 18:5-6

• Romans 15:1-3 (ESV) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. [2] Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. [3] For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

Cut it Off — Matthew 18:7-9

• Individual Application — computers or cable TV and pornography. Get it out of your house if it is causing you to stumble.
• Group Application Pergamum — Revelation 2:14 ESV But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.
• Matthew 18:15-20 ESV “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (16) But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (17) If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (18) Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (19) Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. (20) For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

International Sunday School Lesson March 5 2023 Spring #1

Luke 15:11-32 ESV  And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.  (12)  And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.  (13)  Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.  (14)  And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.  (15)  So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.  (16)  And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.  (17)  “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!  (18)  I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.  (19)  I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’  (20)  And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  (21)  And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  (22)  But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  (23)  And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  (24)  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.  (25)  “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.  (26)  And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.  (27)  And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’  (28)  But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,  (29)  but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.  (30)  But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’  (31)  And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  (32)  It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Luke 15:11-32 ESV

Notes

Background

• We are going to include all the parable. The International Sunday School Lesson stops at verse 24 but we will include through verse 32 with the older brother’s reaction.
• The main point of the parable is the reaction of the brother that stayed.

I Want it Now — Luke 15:11-12

• Clarke it is considered, that it has been an immemorial custom in the east for sons to demand and receive their portion of the inheritance during their father’s lifetime; and the parent, however aware of the dissipated inclinations of the child, could not legally refuse to comply with the application.

Consequences — Luke 15:13-14

• Proverbs 29:3 (ESV) He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
• Proverbs 21:17 (ESV) Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Rock Bottom — Luke 15:15-16

• Malachi 2:8-9 (ESV) But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts, [9] and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Came to Himself — Luke 15:17-19

• 1 John 1:9-10 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Forgiveness — Luke 15:20-24

• 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Resentment — Luke 15:25-27

• Luke 7:37-39 (ESV) And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, [38] and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. [39] Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

Cause for Resentment — Luke 15:28-30

Your Brother is Now Alive — Luke 15:31-32

• Isaiah 35:10 (ESV) And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Conclusion

• Do not be harsh or judgmental on those repenting and coming back.
• Be careful of wolfs dressed as sheep though. There are some people who will pretend to repent to gain resources or lessen penalties.

International Sunday School February 26 2023 Lesson 13

1 Peter 2:1-10 ESV  So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.  (2)  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—  (3)  if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.  (4)  As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,  (5)  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (6)  For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”  (7)  So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”  (8)  and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.  (9)  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  (10)  Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:1-10 ESV 

International Sunday School Lesson February 19 2023 Winter #12

James 2:1-12 ESV  My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.  (2)  For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,  (3)  and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,”  (4)  have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  (5)  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?  (7)  Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?  (8)  If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.  (9)  But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.  (10)  For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.  (11)  For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  (12)  So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.

James 2:1-12 ESV

Notes

Background

• Adam Clarke It is supposed that these were children of Joseph, by a former marriage; this is a very ancient opinion; as there is nothing improbable in the supposition that Joseph was a widower when he married the blessed virgin.
• They are supposed to have been children of Joseph and his wife Mary; all born after the birth of our Lord. This is an opinion extremely probable: see some reasons for it in the note on Mat 13:55 (note); see also on Mat 1:25 (note).
• That they were called our Lord’s brethren, because children of Joseph by the wife of one of his brothers, who had died childless, and whose widow Joseph took, according to the Mosaic law, to raise up seed to his deceased brother. This is very unlikely, because, in this case, it would have been only requisite for Joseph to have had one male by his brother’s wife; but here we find four, besides several sisters.
• That Cleophas, called also Alpheus, married a sister of the blessed virgin, called also Mary, by whom he had the above issue; and that these were called brethren of our Lord, from the common custom among the Hebrews, to term all the more immediately cognate branches of the same family, brothers’ and sisters’ children, i.e. cousins-german, brethren. These, therefore, being aunt’s children of our Lord, are, according to this usage, called his brethren. The first and second of these opinions appear to me the most probable; though most modern writers are of the latter opinion.

Partiality — James 2:1

• Deuteronomy 1:17 (ESV) You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’
• 1 Timothy 5:21 (ESV) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

Rich and Poor — James 2:2-3

• Proverbs 30:8-9 (ESV) Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, [9] lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Poor Judge –James 2:4

• John 7:24 (ESV) Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Poor but Rich — James 2:5

• Matthew 11:3-5 (ESV) and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” [4] And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: [5] the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

Oppress You — James 2:6-7

• Cover up for rich and powerful
• Remember Nathan and David

Love your Neighbor — James 2:8-9

• Galatians 5:14-15 (ESV) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Failing at One Point — James 2:10-12

• Matthew 5:18-19 (ESV) For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. [19] Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

International Sunday School Lesson February 12 2023 Lesson 11

2 Timothy 1:3-14 ESV  I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.  (4)  As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  (5)  I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  (6)  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,  (7)  for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.  (8)  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,  (9)  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,  (10)  and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,  (11)  for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,  (12)  which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.  (13)  Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  (14)  By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

2 Timothy 1:3-14 ESV 

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.