Now Blogging at Literal Bible Org

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Len

A Few Thoughts about John 9

​​​​​​​Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

John 9

1 As Jesus left, he saw a man who was blind from birth.

2 His disciples asked him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

B1 The disciples had been taught this belief by their rabbis.

B2 Sin does have consequences.

B3 Sin does deserve a punishment.

B4 But who is punished? Is it the sinner or others?

B5 The sinner will be punished not others. Compare Ezekiel 18:19-20.

B6 Sin does affect others though.

C1 If a person drinks until they are drunk, then have an accident hitting another vehicle.

C2 The drunk will suffer the consequences.

C3 But others may too. Some of these may be passengers, the other vehicle, family members who suffer a loss, etc.

B7 But medical or other issues that happen at birth or a so-called act of God are not a result of someone else’s sin.

B8 The things we suffer may be the result of our foolish decisions, someone else makes a foolish decision, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The last reason is because the universe is cursed because of Adam’s sin. See Romans 5:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:22.

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, on the contrary [it was] that the works of God might be made evident in him.

B1 Jesus does not give a yes or no answer. He instructs them on the truth.

B2 What the disciples believed was due to false interpretation or application of Scriptures.

B3 Being poor, sick, or of little influence was considered to be God’s curse. Being rich, healthy, and of great influence was considered to be God’s blessing. The rabbis may have misinterpreted Deuteronomy 28 and Proverbs 10:22.

B4 While it is true that those things might be blessings, it is false that the former are a curse.

4 “I must be busy doing the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night comes when no one can work.

B1 The word “day” conveys opportunity, while night conveys a barrier or closed doors.

B2 Day spiritually has the idea of God’s way, while night shows those things which are not God’s way. Consider day and light in 1 Thessalonians 5:5, Luke 16:8, Psalm 18:28, and John 12:46. Then also see night and darkness in 1 John 1:5, Colossians 1:13, and Ephesians 5:11.

5 “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

B1 Now we have the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. (John 1:9 and Hebrews 6:4).

B2 Christians are also to be light. See Matthew 5:14-16.

6 After he said this, he spit on the ground and made clay from the spit, then he spread the clay on the eyes of the blind man and told him,

7 “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam,” which translated means “Sent.” So, he left, washed, and came seeing.

B1 Take note how God deals with each person individually. God does not use one method repeatedly as in a ritual or casting a spell. This same understanding is true in how God presents the Gospel dealing with every individual differently.

B2 God knows each person perfectly.

8 Then the neighbors and those who had previously seen him that was blind said, “Isn’t this he who sat and begged?”

9 Some said that this is the one but others that he is similar to him. He emphatically said, “I am [that man].”

10 So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”

11 He answered and said, “A man named Jesus made clay, coated my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash,’ so I went, washed, and received sight.”

B1 He no doubt knew the hatred the Jewish leaders had for Jesus.

B2 He was bold in telling the truth—reality.

12 Then they said to him, “Where is he?” “I do not know,” he said.

Jewish Leaders Question the Healed Man

13 They brought him, who used to be blind, to the Pharisees.

14 Now, it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.

B1 Jesus did several miracles on the Sabbath. I believe He did 7 that are recorded in the Gospels. See Luke 4:31-37, Luke 4:38, Luke 6:6-11, John 5:1-18, Luke 13:10-17, Luke 14:1-6, and here in John 9.

B2 The Jews taught that healing on the Sabbath was evil. The Scriptures did not teach that; it was their wrong interpretation and application.

B3 Jesus was the light to correct their faulty interpretation.

B4 See Luke 14:1-6 for the great error of these Jewish leaders.

15 So the Pharisees asked him again how he had received his sight. “He put clay on my eyes, I washed, and I see,” he said to them.

16 Then some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not comply with the Sabbath Day.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such miracles?” So, there was a division among them.

B1 So be it. But one must have a standard to judge by. What standard did these Jewish leaders have? It was their interpretation, not the Scriptures.

B2 This misinterpretation was used in all sorts of evil ways. Consider Matthew 15:1-9 and Matthew 23:16-18.

17 So once more they ask the blind man, “What do you say about him who opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

18 Now the Jews did not believe [the things] about him who had been blind and received sight until they called the parents of him who had received his sight.

B1 This was a widespread problem. The one who was born blind and is now healed tells the truth, but these leaders have a different definition of truth—their teaching, themselves.

B2 They had seen others healed. See Luke 5:17, etc.

19 They asked them, saying, “Is this your son, whom you claim was born blind? How then can he now see?”

20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind,

21 “But how he now sees, we don’t know or who opened his eyes, we don’t know either. Ask him, he is an adult and can speak for himself.”

22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed that he was Christ, then he should be expelled from the synagogue.

23 That is why his parents said, “He is an adult; ask him.”

B1 Sounds like John was an eyewitness or received a report from an eyewitness.

B2 The fear of man brings us many problems. See Proverbs 29:25, John 7:13, and John 12:42.

24 Then again they called for the man who had been blind and said, “Give God the praise. We know that this man is a sinner.”

B1 According to which standard? It cannot be the 10 commandments or any of the 613 commandments of the Old Testament. The standard used is the Jewish leader’s commandments.

B2 Such judgment Jesus warned people not to use. Matthew 7:1-2 NLT Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

25 He answered and said, “I don’t know if he is a sinner. I do know that I was blind, and now I see.”

26 So again they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

27 He answered them, “I have already told you, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to be his disciples, too?”

B1 A little sarcasm here, but necessary in light of their evil. God can use sarcasm. See Judges 10:10-14.

B2 The important part is our attitude. We want to love them, present the truth, and pray that they will believe the Gospel.

28 Then they lashed out at him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.

29 “We know God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where he comes from.”

B1 If this is so, why didn’t they use the same standard on the life and teaching of the Lord Jesus?

B2 This is also a lie. See Luke 2, Matthew 2:4, and John 7:40-42. They could have checked the genealogical records.

30 The man answered and said to them, “This is really strange that you don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes!

31 “Now we know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, he listens to him.

32 “Since the world began, no one has heard that anyone has opened the eyes of one born blind.

33 “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

B1 A wonderful message from the man.

B2 The arrogance of these leaders prevented them from even examining the facts. Let us not imitate them.

B3 See John 3:2. Compare Acts 4:19 with Psalm 78:8 and Psalm 78:37.

34 They answered him and said to him, “You were wholly born in sins, and you teach us?” Then they threw him out.

The Healed Man Believes and Worships Jesus

35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out and finding him said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

B1 As God likes to do, He searches for people to help them.

B2 Note how Jesus deals with man regarding belief in Jesus (responding to the Gospel).

B3 Being thrown out of the congregation had severe consequences for Jews. One of the reasons the Jews could justify their actions is the teaching that people must obey their rulers. We must obey God first. It is our loyalty and oath we gave by believing Jesus’s message of salvation.

36 He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I can believe in him?”

37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and he is the one talking with you.”

38 He spoke out, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

B1 Believing, as this man, did is reality. He placed his faith and trust into Jesus.

B2 Worship shows the response of acknowledging who Jesus is and Jesus being THE Messiah.

B3 Belief often comes with a cost, rejection by others for example.

B4 Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (2004) defines worship as:

This is the underlying idea in the human being's worship of God. People humble themselves before their Creator as those who serve, honour, fear and adore him. They worship as those who appreciate God's infinite worth (Gen 24:26-27; Exo 4:31; 12:27; Psa 95:6; Mat 2:2; 28:9; Rev 4:10; 5:14; 11:16). Yet worship is not something grim, dull or cheerless. It is something joyful, for it is the enjoyment of God himself (Psa 89:15-16; 98:4-6; Luk 1:46-47; 1Pe 1:8).

39 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.”

B1 Jesus teaches the truth. This is the true understanding (correct interpretation and application) of the Old Testament or new revelation which is authenticated by Jesus’s life.

B2 Judgment happens when truth is spoken of. People either accept or reject. People, after God initiates salvation, can resist or not resist, believe or not believe, serve or not serve.

B3 Jesus’s teaching is a divider. See Matthew 10:34-39.

40 Those Pharisees, who were with him, heard this and said to him, “We aren’t blind, too, are we?”

41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have had no sin, but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore, your sin remains.”

B1 We learn that spiritual blindness is a punishment. Rejecting truth leads to hardening, hardening leads to destruction.

B2 See 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Ephesians 4:18, Zechariah 12:4, and Romans 1:18-21 NLT But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.

We learn

1. Jesus is Messiah
2. Jesus can heal
3. Spiritual healing is greater than physical healing
4. People do reject the obvious
5. Loyalty to God is of greater importance than loyalty to teachers
6. Jesus does seek and help us. (The Holy Spirit is our comfort in this age).
7. The more we study the truth (the Bible), the more we are able to see the right ways to live and believe. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
8. Let us be faithful to God just as the blind man was, even when threaten with excommunication.

A Few Thoughts about Habakkuk

There is much violence today. The stories of abuse—financial, physical, marital, pastoral, etc. are increasing daily. Attitudes are worse. People yell and scream at each other of different opinions. There is road rage. The traits of sympathy and empathy are diminishing in the public forum. Government leaders are becoming more callous in many countries. Businesspeople make money more important than safety. The Scripture is becoming more true daily. 2 Timothy 3:1-6 NLT You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.

Habakkuk noted this in Judah shortly before God’s judgment. The Defender’s Study Bible notes: He was evidently a contemporary of Jeremiah, in the closing years of Judah’s partial independence before the Babylonian exile. He clearly predicted the imminent Babylonian invasion and captivity (Hab_1:5-11). His ministry was probably in the turbulent years just following good king Josiah’s death.

Habakkuk was concerned about God’s apparent indifference to the violence of society. Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.

Yahweh responds that judgment is coming in Habakkuk 1:5-11. We see God’s patience. He wants repentance. He wants people to comprehend that their own ways lead to destruction, but God’s ways lead to life. Romans 2:4-6 NLT Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done.

The revelation of punishment coming shortly strikes fear into the prophet that the Jews will be annihilated, so he complains of this in Habakkuk 1:12-2:1.

Yahweh then reinforces that wealth cannot save from God’s wrath, nor any human effort—philosophy, technology, science, experts, etc.

What can save is faith. Faith is believing God. It is obeying God’s call to repent and live according to His ways. This salvation is forgiveness of sins yet has the effect of improvement in society. Habakkuk 2:4 NRSV  Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.

Yahweh then informs the prophet that even though he is utilizing Babylon to punish Judea, He will punish Babylon for their sins as well.

Yahweh is in His holy Temple (the heavenly Temple) and is ready to save. Those coming should be quiet and rest. Idols are useless, they can do nothing. They cannot teach, see, move, or save. Habakkuk 2:19-20 NLT What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’ To speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside. 20 But the LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.

Habakkuk then, in chapter 3, writes and sings a song as a prayer.

• He praises God for His being and character. Habakkuk 3:1-4

• He notes God’s righteousness in punishment. Habakkuk 3:5-12, 14-16

• He notes God’s salvation for those who call out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). Habakkuk 3:13

• He then rejoices that even though he (the prophet) suffers, he recognizes God’s goodness and salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-19.

We learn

• God punishes sin.

• God makes opportunity for all to repent, believe, and ask for mercy.

• God’s people grieve at the evil in society.

• Humans are evil. See Romans 1:18-32.

• God gives grace to believers to remain steadfast and faithful. See Isaiah 25:8-10, Revelation 21:4, Psalm 94:19, and 2 Corinthians 1:4-6.

A Few Thoughts about Habakkuk

Habakkuk, Sin, Evil in society, Punishment for sin, Comfort for believers

21 Feb 21 by Len

A Few Thoughts about the Nephilim

Some questions

B1 Who are the Sons of God in Genesis 6:2?

B2 Who are the giants (also named nephilim and) mentioned in Genesis 6:4?

B3 Why did God bring the flood (Noah’s flood)?

B4 What is the wickedness spoken of?

B5 Can spirit beings have sex?

B6 Can spirit beings have sperm?

B7 Can the offspring of these be saved? Could they have entered the ark?

B8 How does Peter relate to Noah’s flood and the “spirits?” See 2 Peter 2 and Jude 1:6.

B9 What principles can we learn from this history?

Some study

B1 Who are the Sons of God in Genesis 6:2?

C1 Basic context

D1 Population of humans increase in Genesis 6:1.

E1 The people are following God’s command.

E2 When you live as long as these people did, the population expands rapidly. Because of the generations given in the preceding chapters on father begetting son, the age of the father, and the use of the word generations used in Jude 1:14, it seems most reasonable that people did really live for hundreds of years.

E3 Genesis 1:28 NRSV God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.

D2 Daughters are mentioned because of verse 2.

D3 Sons of god. They might be

E1 Angels specially fallen angels (as here).

E2 Righteous people in Seth’s lineage.

F1 Compare Nehemiah 13:23-27 and Joshua 23:12-13.

F2 This is the principle of separation. 2 Corinthians 6:17 GNB And so the Lord says, "You must leave them and separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with what is unclean, and I will accept you.

E3 Compare the term “sons of god.”

F1 The following verses having the phrase “sons of god” are most likely spirit beings. Compare Job 1:6, Job 2:1, and Job 38:7.

F2 The following passages having the phrase “sons of god” are most likely human beings. Compare John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, and 1 John 3:1-2. See also Hosea 1:10.

D4 Genesis 6:3, 5 reveals God’s anger against people (humans), not spirit beings.

B2 Who are the giants (also named Nephilim and) mentioned in Genesis 6:4?

C1 Genesis 6:4 mentions “giants.”

D1 The Hebrew word is נְפִיל nᵉphîyl. It means giants, tyrants, wonderful, strong, etc. TWOT (1393a) has this sentence, “The word may be of unknown origin and mean “heroes” or “fierce warriors” etc.” It is used in 2 verses Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33.

D2 Various translations have giants, Nephilim, fallen ones (YLT), etc.

D3 Some comments

E1 Clarke (see link to read more): There were giants in the earth - נפלים nephilim, from נפל naphal, "he fell." Those who had apostatized or fallen from the true religion. The Septuagint translate the original word by γιγαντες, which literally signifies earth-born, and which we, following them, term giants, without having any reference to the meaning of the word, which we generally conceive to signify persons of enormous stature. But the word when properly understood makes a very just distinction between the sons of men and the sons of God; those were the nephilim, the fallen earth-born men, with the animal and devilish mind.

E2 Utley:

This NOUN may be from the root, "fall" (BDB 656, i.e., "the fallen ones"). It seems to me that they are analogous to the giants.

However, other interpreters such as Martin Luther and H. C. Leupold assert that this term should be interpreted "tyrants," which implies the powerful kings of Cain's line who had large harems. See notes on "Mighty Men" and "Men of Renown" below.

J. Wash Watts in Old Testament Teaching, pp. 28-30, says "Nephilim refers to Noah and his family as those who separated themselves from those of Cain's line and Seth's line who were intermarrying. In this interpretation Nephilim are the sons of the "One true God" (cf. "the God" Gen. 5:22,24; 6:9).

E3 There are tens maybe hundreds of interpretations, so study the Bible and take the most reasonable understanding. This is not an issue of arguing among fellow Christians.

D4 That these “sons of god” are human suits the other use of the word in Numbers 13:33, which is to be understood as great warriors and large people. Compare Goliath, etc.

B3 Why did God bring the flood (Noah’s flood)?

C1 Various theories exist as evil, corruption of human DNA, etc.

C2 It is human evil, human actions, human thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. God mentions humans not half spirit, half human beings.

D1 Genesis 6:5–7 NIV The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them. [Emphasis is mine].

D2 Humanity was corrupt and full of violence. Genesis 6:11-13 GW The world was corrupt in God's sight and full of violence. 12 God saw the world and how corrupt it was because all people on earth lived evil lives. 13 God said to Noah, "I have decided to put an end to all people because the earth is full of their violence. Now I'm going to destroy them along with the earth. [Emphasis is mine].

C3 Evil. The Hebrew word is רַע raʻ. It means evil and bad in many senses as trouble, sadness, etc., but one of the main uses is doing the opposite of what God has commanded. Some evils in the Old Testament: false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:5, adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22-24), kidnapping is called evil (Deuteronomy 24:7), etc. Some love evil, see Psalm 52:3. We are to hate evil, see Psalm 97:10. Fearing the Lord is to hate evil, see Proverbs 8:13. See Romans 1:18-32 for the downhill course of evil. A standard is needed. This standard is God’s law, which is summarized in the 10 Commandments. Even before they were written, these laws were known and in force; see Romans 2:14-15.

C4 Every action and every thought were evil.

D1 Genesis 6:5 NRSV The LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.

D2 Matthew 15:19 NRSV For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.

B4 What is the wickedness spoken of?

C1 The specific sins are not mentioned.

C2 It is reasonable that every area of sin and rebellion against God’s standard (the 10 commandments) were desired, were planned, and were carried out. See Romans 1:18-32.

C3 It doesn’t appear that spirit beings having sex with human women is the sin.

C4 Evil spirits can seduce, etc. humans to sin. See Ananias in Acts 5:3 GW Peter asked, "Ananias, why did you let Satan fill you with the idea that you could deceive the Holy Spirit? You've held back some of the money you received for the land. In 2 Samuel 24:1 NIV, there is another example of satan leading a person to sin Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah. The he in 2 Samuel 24:1 most likely refers to satan, see 1 Chronicles 21:1 NIV Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.

C5 God judges and punishes people and nations with death because of great wickedness. Some examples include

D1 Er in Genesis 38:7 NIV But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the LORD's sight; so the LORD put him to death.

D2 Pharaoh in Exodus 14:24-28

D3 Ahab in 1 Kings 22:20 and following verses

D4 God’s enemies as in Isaiah 66:16 GW The LORD will judge with fire, and he will judge all people with his sword. Many people will be struck dead by the LORD.

B5 Can spirit beings have sex?

C1 In mythology, we read that they can, but this is mythology, not Scripture.

C2 Spirits can appear as humans, specifically male. See Genesis 18, Genesis 19:5, Mark 16:5, etc.

C3 There are no verses in the Bible that teach spirits can have flesh. They can inhabit, that is, possess humans, but not being flesh. Luke 24:39 EMTV Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.

B6 Can spirit beings have sperm?

C1 Scriptures don’t say, but it seems unlikely. I suppose spirit beings could take human sperm and manipulate it in some way.

C2 Don’t marry as in Matthew 22:30.

C3 It is not mentioned anywhere in Scriptures that I know of where a spirit being impregnates a woman.

C4 God created everything to reproduce after its kind, that is, species (and possibly genera).

C5 Producing after one’s kind seems the principle of Scripture. This idea is found in 1 Corinthians 15:47-49 NRSV The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.

B7 Can the offspring of these be saved? Could they have entered the ark?

C1 Jesus became a man, completely man, as well as completely God. Jesus is 100% God and 100% man.

C2 Jesus died for humans, not angels or half human-half spirit beings (so called demigods). Compare Romans 8:3, Philippians 2:8, etc.

C3 Noah preached the Gospel for 120 years (so most understand it). 2 Peter 2:5 EMTV and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, the eighth, a preacher of righteousness, when He brought a flood upon the ungodly world.

B8 How does Peter’s passage relate to Noah’s flood and the “spirits?” See 2 Peter 2.

C1 2 Peter 2:4-5 EMTV For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but rather confined them to Tartarus, and delivered them into chains of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, the eighth, a preacher of righteousness, when He brought a flood upon the ungodly world.

C2 There are unclean spirits (demons) who are more evil than others.

D1 Matthew 17:21 EMTV However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

D2 Ephesians 6:12 EMTV For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies.

D3 Daniel 10:13, 20–21 NIV But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. ... 20 So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

C3 In 2 Peter 2, Peter is teaching the people that God punishes sin. Peter gives some examples

D1 False prophets and teachers in 2 Peter 2:1-3

D2 Angels in 2 Peter 2:4

E1 satan sinned because of his pride and covetousness in Isaiah 14:12-15.

E2 satan recruited other angels to rebel against God, which they did willingly. Revelation 12:4 (as most understand the passage).

E3 The specific sin is not mentioned. Some think this refers to Genesis 6:1-6 but that is speculation. Based on Matthew 17:21, it would seem that some have an attitude of such hate and disrespect for God that they go overboard to rage against God, humans, and creation. Compare Matthew 12:45 NIV Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation. [Emphasis is mine].

E4 These eviler angels express increased wickedness as seen in Revelation 9:5 NIV They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes.

F1 See Revelation 9:1-11.

F2 The torment was so great that humans wanted to die but could not. Revelation 9:6.

D3 Another example is the world of humanity before the flood.

D4 Finally, Sodom and Gomorrah

C4 In Jude 1:6, Jude mentions those who did not remain in their proper dwelling. Jude 1:6 NRSV And the angels who did not keep their own position, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains in deepest darkness for the judgment of the great day.

D1 Here Jude warns people about sin, its consequences, and sin’s punishment by giving some examples.

E1 The first example, Jude 1:5, is when God destroyed those Jews who did not believe. See Numbers 26:64-65.

E2 The second are the angels who sinned as we spoke of above.

E3 Sodom and Gomorrah

D2 Estate

E1 The Greek word for estate is ἀρχή archḗ.

E2 It means beginning, place (rank and dignity), rule, magistracy, etc.

E3 It is used in Romans 8:38 NASB For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers.

E4 Ephesians 1:21 MKJV far above all principality and authority and power and dominion, and every name being named, not only in this world, but also in the coming age. (Principality is ruler, here understood by most to refer to evil angelic orders). See also Ephesians 3:10 and Ephesians 6:12.

E5 Colossians 2:11, 15 NKJV In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ... 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

D3 Habitation, proper dwelling, proper limits, etc.

E1 The Greek word is οἰκητήριον oikētḗrion. It means dwelling place. It can be a house, the body (as house for the soul), etc.

E2 Their own habitation can mean heaven (their home at origin), the first heaven (the atmosphere as in Ephesians 2:2), some type of original covering they had, or position in God’s organization.

E3 Benson mentions the idea that satan wasn’t happy with his position and desired a higher and greater place. Isaiah 14:13 NIV You said in your heart, "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.

B9 What principles can we learn from this history?

C1 Choices have consequences.

C2 Sin has consequences.

C3 Sin will be punished. Beings of the past, present, and future will have judgment. We are warned.

B10 Summary

C1 Spirits may appear in human form, but it doesn’t necessarily imply flesh and bones.

C2 Spirits do not have DNA or fleshly material as humans do.

C3 satan and his angels were not content with their position in heaven but wanted a greater authority and position above God’s. We read about this attitude in his temptation of Jesus. Matthew 4:9 NRSV and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.

C4 Sin has consequences.

C5 It seems most reasonable that the phrase “sons of God” refers to humans as in John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, and 1 John 3:1-2. See also Hosea 1:10.

C6 The godly line of Seth left their position and sought the evil line of Cain, as in Nehemiah’s day (Nehemiah 13:23-27). Solomon was led astray as well (1 Kings 11:1-8). The consequence of doing so resulted in God’s anger and then His punishing them.

There are tens maybe hundreds of interpretations, so study the Bible and take the most reasonable understanding. This is not an issue of arguing among fellow Christians.

A Few Thoughts about Standards

A Few Thoughts about Standards

A standard

B1 Defined

C1 something that is considered to be a model for measurement or comparison or serve as an accepted authority. (Source)

C2 a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated (Source)

B2 Think how standards are applied in science, medicine, sports, finance, etc.

B3 It is a common language, in that sense, for measurement, medicine, pharmacology, etc.

B4 There are also standards for truth, morality, traffic laws, etc.

B5 If there are no standards, it results in chaos. How can a building be constructed when different standards of measurement are used?

B6 Imagine the chaos of making a movie or play if the actors do not follow the script.

There was a study done by the Barna group entitled Gen Z Vol 2 showing that moral relativism is the majority opinion of Gen Z. Many organizations wrote about these findings as Moral relativism is the 'majority opinion' of Gen Z, new study reveals.

The idea is that if both consent and it doesn’t hurt anyone, then what a person wants and does is OK. Sometimes we are not aware of the possibilities of being hurt until later. Choices have consequences. (The article mentioned that the majority hold the belief that there are many ways to God and salvation).

These people still submit to standards. It might be from force (coercion), financial coercion, pleasurable seductions or desires, intellectual, brain washing, etc.

People often do what is comfortable to the “me.”

There are those who have no standard but themselves. It is apparent that subjective opinion is their standard and standard of coming generations.

Chaos will be the result.

The Bible uses the word generations. The generations in the Gospels refer mainly to the Jews and can also be applied to all generations. Generations are described as being critical of others no matter what others do or say (Matthew 11:16-19), evil and adulterous (most likely referring to spiritual adultery but possibly physical (Matthew 12:39), wicked (Matthew 12:45), faithless and perverse (Matthew 17:17), sinful and adulterous (Mark 8:38), and rejecting Messiah (Luke 17:25).

Often, they exhibit characteristics as these in Proverbs 12:15 GNB Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice.

Self is first so states 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

They will listen to what they want to hear.

For Christians (because it is a most reasonable faith, not blind faith), the standard is the New Testament plus principles and examples from the Old Testament. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NRSV All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

There will come a time and perhaps is now when 2 Peter 3:3-4 NRSV First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!

The Jews of Jesus’s days didn’t like His rules. They liked their interpretation of God’s rules. Luke 19:14 NRSV But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to rule over us.'

Chaos is what evil leaders plan and execute. Chaos and anarchy leave people crying out for help as they cannot solve these problems and fear. The solution is then applied. So, Hegel worded it—Problem, reaction, solution.

The benefits of a routine are numerous. Routine is a standard. A standard of morals brings similar benefits. People know what to expect, how to act, safety, etc. Consider:

B1 Why routines are good for your health

B2 The Importance of Routine in Childhood

B3 The Power of Routines in Your Mental Health

Standards is the design and wish from the Creator.

B1 He has a standard.

C1 Psalms 40:8 NRSV I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

C2 Compare Hebrews 10:7 and Matthew 26:19.

B2 He had a routine. Luke 22:39 NRSV He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him.

C1 It was His routine to pray after ministering during the day.

C2 This is a principle for us, too. After our day at work, we meet with our spouse, close friend, family, whoever will listen and can share the day of good and bad things.

Not having standards may lead to a death of personality, family ties, financial safety, etc.

B1 Proverbs 14:12-13 NRSV There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.

B2 Consider Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:36-37 and Belshazzar in Daniel 5.

The importance of rules

B1 The reasons for rules are similar to routines.

B2 It leads to safety, knowledge of what to expect, tends to calmness, etc.

B3 Consider: Social Roles

B4 Importance of Bible interpretation is another important rule. This is so all can interpret the Bible equally as possible. See Hermeneutics: The Eight Rules of Biblical Interpretation

Psalms 119:143 NIV Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.

A Few Thoughts about Standards

necessity of rules, having standards

A Few Thoughts about Lust

A Few Thoughts about Lust

Lust is desire

Evil lust

B1 Sex, money, power, anything to satisfy sinful pleasures.

B2 The more one thinks about their pleasureful object, the more they want it, the more they seek it, and the more they will do anything to get it.

C1 They will seek in themselves. Some ways people work to get what they want.

D1 They will love bomb.

D2 They will manipulate.

D3 They will push boundaries.

D4 They will seduce.

D5 They will blackmail.

D6 They will lie.

D7 They will threaten.

D8 They will punish, abuse, use, control, etc.

C2 They will seek out others who have or do these things to help them.

C3 They will seek, even pay money, to pay those who supply such pleasures.

C4 They will turn to the devil and sell their soul.

B3 A list of some sinful pleasures. Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sins, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

B4 James 1:14-15 NLT Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

B5 These actions have consequences. No matter how one may justify them, there will be consequences in this life and the next. Romans 6:23 NKJV For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Emphasis is mine]

Good lust

B1 Pastor

C1 1 Timothy 3:1 WEL This is a trustworthy saying, if anyone desires the oversight [of the church], he desires a good work.

C2 The qualifications, duties, attitudes, work, methods, etc. are given by God in 1&2 Timothy and Titus. Pragmatic and business models may bring numbers but are not usually in God’s plan. There are wrong motives, wrong goals, and many times fake results.

B2 Kingdom of God

C1 Matthew 6:33 GW But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.

C2 To come. This is the kingdom where God rules. It is the kingdom of His worldview, lifestyle, and rules. It is the kingdom that brings, not necessarily happiness, which is temporary, but joy.

D1 Mark 1:15 EMTV and saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

D2 Galatians 5:22–23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

D3 Philippians 2:17–18 NLT But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

D4 Isaiah 61:10 GW I will find joy in the LORD. I will delight in my God. He has dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He has wrapped me in the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom with a priest's turban, like a bride with her jewels.

C3 To be lived. We can live a life of living according to sinful pleasures or a life of godly pleasures.

D1 Psalm 16:11 CSB You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.

D2 2 Timothy 3:4 CSB ...traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God...

B3 Souls be saved. There is pleasure and joy in

C1 God Isaiah 42:11 The LORD says, “Here is my servant, whom I strengthen— the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my Spirit, and he will bring justice to every nation. (GNB92)

C2 Angels (God’s angels) Luke 15:10 GNB In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.

C3 Humans Jeremiah 9:23–24 CSB This is what the LORD says: The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth. 24 "But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the LORD, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the LORD's declaration.

B4 These derive from pleasures that glorify God and help others with or without gaining anything for ourselves.

Let us find contentment in what we have in this life, in our salvation, and in God’s promises for our future.

B1 1 Timothy 6:8 GNB So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us.

B2 Hebrews 13:5 NRSV Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you.

B3 1 Timothy 6:6 NLT Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

B4 Isaiah 26:3 NLT You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

B5 Matthew 6:19-21 NLT Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

B6 John 5:24 NRSV Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

A Few Thoughts about Lust

lust, Christian life

A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34

A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34

Luke 23:34 EMTV Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And dividing His garments, they cast lots.

Jesus’s prayer does not mean that these evil people have the sins forgiven and are now enjoying fellowship with God in heaven.

These evil people deserved to be killed instantly, but Jesus prays that this not happen. He prays for them to live longer in hopes that they might come to their senses, repent, believe, and trust in Jesus for salvation.

These evil people knew He was Messiah. They just didn’t like this Messiah but looked for a warrior type that would deliver them from Rome and let them sin (practice religion as they interpreted it).

This ignorance is because they didn’t know what any Messiah was doing by dying nor what this crucifixion meant in the future for Israel and their souls.

There is no such thing as forgive and forget. If a sin has been committed, it needs to be punished.

We pray for their salvation, but no one is required to stay in abuse or any other crime.

It is OK to flee. King David needed to flee from Saul, Elijah needed to flee from Ahab and Jezebel, the early believers needed to flee, etc. They were persecuted, threatened, and abused; all of which are reasons to flee.

It is OK to divorce.

A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34

forgiveness, forgive and forget

A Few Thoughts about Luke 20:41-44

Luke 20:41-44 WEL

41 He said to them, “How can it be said that Christ is David’s son?

42 “David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord [Hebrew Yahweh] said to my lord,’ “Sit at my right hand,

43 “Until I make your enemies your footstool [Psalm 110:1],”’

44 “Therefore, David calls him, ‘lord,’ how is he then his son?”

Jesus is speaking to the Jewish crowd in particular to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the scribes, and the influencers.

He has shown them for many months the proofs of His Messiahship authenticated by His miracles. They have rejected Him.

He asks a question of these experts in the Scriptures.

How can Messiah be David’s son? How can David’s son be David’s superior?

They never answered.

The quote is from Psalm 110:1.

The LORD is Yahweh. The lord is boss, a superior, one who has greater authority than King David. According to the context of Psalm 110, this “Lord” is greater than David.

Yahweh is saying to King David’s superior to sit at Yahweh’s right hand. This is the hand of greatest honor. The Messiah has greater honor than King David.

Messiah sits there until Messiah’s enemies submit to Messiah. Yahweh will accomplish this. Yahweh does not say how long Messiah was sit there before He begins to rule.

The greatest religious scholars of the day could not answer Jesus’s question because their method of Bible interpretation was incorrect.

In studying the context of the Psalm and Jesus’s message, it becomes clear that Psalm 110 is Messianic.

We learn

• Jesus authenticates His credentials of Messiahship but fulfilled prophecy, message, life, and deeds.

• Context is important.

• Truth is important.

• We can believe a lie or the truth. We can accept what is most reasonable or make excuses for the truth.

• We can have confidence that Jesus is Messiah.

The Jewish interpretation is here. (Note how they miss the context).

The Christians interpretation is here and here.

A Few Thoughts about Luke 20:41-44

Bible study, David’s son, Jesus

A Few Thoughts about Psalm 119_153-154

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. Psalms 119:153-154 NIV​​​​​​​

Two things to learn

B1 God’s blessings

C1 Come from obeying God’s law. Deuteronomy 28:2 NIV All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.

D1 The Psalmist, as any good Jew, would know of God’s promises that are found in God’s laws. Blessings come from obedience and curses come from disobedience. So, in his plea to God, the Psalmist mentions his obedience and understands that God will help him.

D2 We learn from the Lord Jesus that obedience to His worldview, lifestyle, and rules is because we love him. John 14:23 NLT Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

D3 We can’t expect God’s blessings unless we do what Jesus commanded by His teaching on life, rules, worldview, etc. These must be in thoughts, words, desires, and deeds in public and private. No one is sinless, but we can be blameless with God’s help.

C2 May be delayed, for example in the coming of Messiah, the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, and the raising of Lazarus from death.

C3 God doesn’t guarantee our prayers will be answered according to our wishes. All His decisions are from wisdom, love, and holiness. He may decide to wait, or do differently.

B2 The Psalmist recognizes that true blessing comes from a standard. How can we know what is good and wonderful without an objective standard to judge it? Many have wonderful plans and visions for society, but how do we know if it is the best? Science can be manipulated, selfishness can corrupt (big business, etc.), and evil desires can override altruism.

Two things to remember

B1 God judges us by His standards. He is King of all kings and judge of all judges. Jeremiah 11:20 NIV But you, LORD Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

C1 The heart is the motives of what we do. We can do what is right but for wrong reasons such as deception, manipulation, etc.

D1 Matthew 23:23 NIV Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

D2 Matthew 7:21 NIV Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

C2 The mind is the attitudes. We can do what is right but with a bad attitude.

D1 Luke 11:39 GW The Lord said to him, "You Pharisees clean the outside of cups and dishes. But inside you are full of greed and evil.

D2 Proverbs 20:6 AFV Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but a faithful man who can find?

B2 God is the only defender of our lives.

C1 Life is more than breathing. It is the essence of every human. It is our humanness.

C2 We can rest contentedly.

D1 Matthew 10:28 NIV Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

D2 Hebrews 13:5 NRSV Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you.

1 John 2:1 NRSV My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

John 14:16-17 GNB I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you.