Matthew 4:13-16

We celebrate the birth of the baby, not because of what the baby accomplished, but what the Man did for us 30-some years later. Light is a central part of the celebration – tree lights, advent wreath, “radioactive” lawn ornaments. Light is a recurring theme in our common speech; we speak of being

“in the dark” – “it just dawned on me” – “shed some light on it” – “he finally saw the light”

idioms relating to comprehension/understanding, not vision

Light is also a recurring theme in God’s Word as we heard in our text from Matthew.

One promised to the Jewish peopleIsa. 49:6the 2nd reading this evening

not just tobringlight but tobelight

not merely to the tribes of Jacob, but also to the whole world

in spite of how important the Jews thought they were (and theywere, entrusted with the oracles of GodRom. 3:2)

this Redeemer had a far greater mission

his light would not be contained by the borders of Israel

this light would not be overpowered or smothered by any opposing forceJohn 1:5

neither the darkness of evil nor rejection

especially not the darkness of deception or ignorance which light exposes

no loss of power – dead battery, downed electric lines

A. light shows the dangerJohn 3:19-20

living near coastal Maine – Portland Head Light, Two Lights, Spring Point Light, Bug Light, Ram Island Light – all indicate to mariners that danger lies ahead

this Light does more than simply indicate the presence of danger; for those with eyes to see, it identifies the danger

in the Bible: light = life darkness = condemnation/judgment = death

those who “sit in darkness [in] the prison house” (Isa. 42:6-7) are on death row

universal sentence of death first given in the Garden -Gen. 2:16-17;3:19

reaffirmed by Apostle Paul -Romans 3:23

only one Judge can commute their sentence – seeActs 17:31

this one who is Light shines on the reason for darkness/condemnation: sin and its enslaving quality

true for both the one who is still enslaved AND the one who risks entrapment

in the presence of Christ the Light, those trusting in him for salvation see sin for what it really is

B. light illuminates the correct pathJohn 12:35

the one walking in darkness – doesn’t know where he’s going, if he’s on the right road, or even if he is on the road at all

many roads but only one road leads to heavenJohn 14:6

every road but one appears smoother, easier, friendlier

they all appeal to individual’s confidence in self

they all appear to lead to the desired goalProv. 14:12;16:25but end in death

the man is blessed who avoids the “path of sinners”Psalm 1:1

the one walking “in the light” recognizes the wrong roads

benefiting from the light they can discern ways that lead into traps and deception

they understand the sinfulness of taking a road other than the one God has designated

there is a path of lifePsalm 16:11

it is the one that leads

to eternal life

to joy without measure

to genuine and lasting pleasure

to the presence of a holy God, FOREVER

C. light identifies the guideJohn 8:12;12:46

the one in darkness not only can’t find the right road, he is stumbling and fumbling to discover the goal

“pin the tail on the donkey” but with eternal stakes

to compound the difficulty, all the helpers are in the dark also and giving wrong directions

Jesus said “he who followsME“- the one with the light is the Guide

exclusive claim to light-being and bearing: “no man comes to the Father”John 14:6“one God and Mediator”1 Tim. 2:5“whoever believes inHIMshall not perish”John 3:16

Do you see your sin for what it really is? Has the penetrating light of Christ shined on it?

Turn from your sin, trace that beam of light to its source – Jesus – the One who came to save His people from their sins – and follow Him.

the Guide is the one who knows the pathANDgoal

Only Christ can guide us along the right path to bring us safely home to heaven

If Jesus is your guide, then make it your priority to bring others with you, introducing them to the one who is the Light of the world, the only one who can grant eternal life. That is the greatest gift of all, a priceless treasure we can be used of God to give to others.

If Jesus is your guide, then you can sing that song of joyful triumph with the angels who announced “Christ is born in Bethlehem, Glory to the newborn King.”

1. Consult Secondary Sources (a Good Commentary) on Your Passage

   1. Types of commentaries (7:30 ff)
      1. devotional – focus on application
      2. homiletical – helping preacher prepare the message with outlines, illustrations
      3. expository – middle road between technical and practical
         1. most useful for pastors and teachers
      4. technical or critical – detailed study of original language and cultural background
   2. Different commentary series (11:00 ff)
      1. expository
         1. Expositor’s Bible Commentary
         2. New International Commentary
         3. Tyndale Old & New Testament Commentary
         4. New International Biblical Commentary
         5. Anchor Bible Commentary
         6. New Century Bible Commentary
         7. Baker Exegetical Commentary
         8. NIV Application Commentary
      2. technical
         1. International Critical Commentary
         2. Word Biblical Commentary
         3. Hermeneia
         4. New International Greek Testament Commentary
   3. Tips for selecting and using commentaries (12:20 ff)
      1. Evaluating commentaries
         1. Is the commentary well organized and easy to use?
         2. Does it provide a good introduction to the book incl. genre, historical context, purpose, occasion of writing?
         3. Does the author demonstrate competence in original languages?
         4. Does the author discuss interpretational difficulties?
         5. Does the author give a balanced treatment of problems?
         6. Does the work comment on each verse?
         7. Is there a bibliography?
         8. Are the author’s sources documented?
         9. Does the author promote novel interpretations?
         10. Does the commentary follow the stated theme of the book well?
      2. Choosing a commentary
         1. What are your personal needs?
         2. What are your original language skills?
         3. How much time do you have to study the text?
         4. Ask those with more experience
         5. Consult a commentary survey (also, Spurgeon, Commenting and Commentaries)
      3. Using a commentary
         1. Don’t let the commentary replace personal Bible study; check the commentary’s conclusions against the text itself.
         2. Read the text first, take notes, outline etc., then consult the commentary.
         3. Consult more than one commentary if possible, especially for problem passages.
         4. Beware of seeking a commentary that agrees with your personal interpretation.
         5. Be aware of theological biases – your own and the commentator’s.
2. Analyze Syntactical Relationships
   1. How do the sentences relate to each other?
   2. How do the parts of the sentence relate to each other?
      1. Main clause
      2. subordinate clauses and their function
      3. grammatical relationships
3. Analyze Key Terms and Themes
   1. word studies
      1. words that repeat in a particular context
      2. related words (themes) that repeat
   2. more detail next lesson
4. Resolve Interpretive Issues and Problems
   1. determine which issues are essential
      1. does it directly affect the meaning of the passage
      2. types of problems
         1. textual issues
         2. genre identification – Rich man and Lazarus: parable or history
         3. meaning of certain words or issues of syntax
         4. historical questions – which prison, which heresy
      3. resolving problems
         1. follow sound hermeneutical principles
         2. avoid being overly dogmatic
         3. seek illumination from the Holy Spirit
5. Evaluate Your Results From the Perspective of Wider Contextual and Theological Issues
   1. relate the passage to the broader teaching of Scripture
      1. the book as a whole
      2. the author’s body of work
      3. the rest of Scripture on the particular theme under consideration
6. Summarize Your Results
   1. revisit thesis statement, outline, conclusions
   2. revise and refine as necessary in light of understanding gained from the wider context
   3. Don’t forget: Scripture is its own interpreter.
      1. If the Bible contains the interpretation, USE IT!
         1. For example, the parable of the sower.
         2. If an OT passage is quoted in the NT, look for additional light on the subject in the NT context.
            1. For example, Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:16ff.
            2. Psalm 89:26 and Hebrews 1:5

            3. Psalm 110:1 and Matthew 22:43-44, Hebrews 1:13

Hope In the Living God

Daniel 6:18-27

For anyone with a pulse, it comes as no surprise to say that we live in a world where conflict is everywhere; some would even say it is just the way of it. We experience it in the corporate world, on the battlefield, in the city square, in the halls of government, in the church (of all places), in school, even in the home. Conflict or hostility was a consequence of sin: Enmity will I put between you and the woman, between your offspring and hers – and has plagued the human race ever since the fall.

But not everyone handles conflict or difficulty the same way; some seem to have a knack for moving through life unfazed by turmoil around them while others have no fingernails and can’t sleep at night. Our text presents a classic contrast between the one who is at peace and another who cannot seem to find peace even though he decrees it.

A. Daniel

prime minister – over the 2 over the 120 vv. 1-3

excellent spirit

encouraged the king to consider him for vice-regent

palace plot vv. 4-9

jealousy and resentment

appealed to the king’s vanity

power had gone to his head – recent “acquisition” of the Babylonian empire

designed to not just neutralize Daniel but eliminate him altogether – basically a setup

the crisis vv. 10-13

aware of the decree, Daniel followed his usual routine v. 10

the trap is sprung on Daniel v. 11

and on King Darius vv. 12-13

B. Darius

finally understood the plot v. 14

Daniel – the target

Is this constitutional??? Is there precedent to pardon??? Is there any wiggle room???

the pressure increases v. 15

the law requires action

the law cannot be changed

the sentence must be carried out

the king commands vv. 16-17

Daniel is brought without any apparent struggle

consigned to the lion’s den

sealed in place – to guard against treachery on the part of either the king or his ministers

C. Difference

a sleepless and anxious night for Darius vv. 18-20a

no interest in

food

entertainment

no ability to sleep

at the first possible legal moment – off to the lion’s den

anguish, worry, sorrow in his voice

a peaceful night for Daniel vv. 20b-23

Morning, King!

God has taken care of me since I was faithful to him; oh, and by the way, I have been loyal to you, too.

no hint of anxiety in Daniel’s words or actions

no injury found on him

D. Decree

Peace be multiplied v. 25

saw Daniel had something he didn’t

something worth promoting in the kingdom

credited the difference to Daniel’s God

Prince of Peace Isa. 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

not only his name but his character to restore peace to those who live in a world in turmoil

gives us His peace John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

peace the world cannot give or comprehend – peace of heart

made peace Col. 1:19-20 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

made peace possible between God and men

makes us at peace Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

actually brings peace about; applied atonement reconciles sinful man to holy God, no longer enemies of God

If any man will make peace with God, he must take hold of his strength, accept and close with Christ who is the power of God, or he can never make peace. He must be made “nigh by the blood of Christ. But alas! both Christ and faith are strangers to many souls, who yet persuade themselves they are at peace with God: O fatal mistake!Flavel

is our peace Eph. 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

brought peace between people who were former enemies

What, at peace with the Father, and at war with the children? It cannot be. Do not some that hope they have made their peace with God, hate, revile, and persecute the children of God? Surely, in that day we are reconciled to the Lord, we are reconciled to all his people. We all then love a Christian as a Christian, and by this we may know that we are passed from death to life.Flavel

peace is on guard Phil. 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

regardless of circumstances the child of God can be at peace – turmoil in the world, in the neighborhood, in the family, cannot overcome peace of heart and mind when it is guarded by Christ

“ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee;” Isa 26:3

E. Duty

point people to

the eternal King of kings v. 26

the One who delivers and rescues v. 27

who has the power to deliver from the fiercest lion of all – the one who walks about seeking whom he may devour, our adversary the devil1 Peter 5:8

Be filled with tender affections toward the souls of men, with whom you treat for reconciliation: you had need be men of bowels [compassion], as well as men of brains: you see a multitude of poor souls upon the brink of eternal misery, and they know it not, but promise themselves peace, and fill themselves with vain hopes of heaven: and is there a more moving, melting spectacle in the world than this! O think with what bowels of commiseration Moses and Paul were filled, when the one desired rather to be blotted out of God’s book, and the other to be accursed from Christ, than that Israel should not be saved. Think how the bowels of Christ yearned over Jerusalem, and over the multitude.Flavel

God’s message by way of the angel as recorded in Luke 2 was designed to bring joy to its hearers. It was an

unlikely message

unto you is born… the Lord in an

unlikely location

lying in a manger proclaimed to

unlikely messengers

shepherds who then by an

unlikely act

made the message widely known that a Savior was born.

For a news report to bring joy to someone, it must be relevant to the individual; it must meet a genuine need they have, and it must offer hope. It is virtually impossible to experience joy in the absence of hope. If we are to have joy, then, we must first have hope; if we are to have lasting joy, it must be based on a hope that transcends our circumstances.

Shop – deviated part – cause and corrective action. Goal:notsimply fix the defect (if possible) but to improve the overall quality of the product line. To achieve that – necessary to determine the root cause, then identify the correct action that would prevent a reoccurrence. The same is required when dealing with people issues – in the home, in the church, in the culture: find the root cause and address it, not just the symptoms.

A. The conditions

drought

empty cisterns – no waterv. 3

empty fields – no grassvv. 4-5

empty nurseries – no reservesv. 5

empty prospects – no scent of reliefv. 6

disappointment/shame

tried their own solutions and came up empty

empty jugs, empty fields

Let’s try an economic stimulus package – cash for clunkers – government takeover of banks, automakers – universal healthcare; it hasn’t worked yet, let’s extend it another 10 months

dismay/humiliation

out of ideasANDpowerless to fix what’s wrong

still not recognizing God’s hand in their circumstances – missing the connection between physical/temporal condition and spiritual health

[W]e know that whenever any adversity happens, the causes of it are sought in the world, so that hardly any one regards the hand of him who smites. But when there is a year of sterility, we consult astrology, and think that it is owing to the influence of the stars: thus God’s judgment is overlooked.Calvin

It was a time of “national” calamity – affected the entire economy, people of all strata of society: nobles, servants, small business owners – white collar, blue collar, no collar. Those who were “doing it right” experienced hardship along with everyone else. Indebtedness, unemployment, bankruptcy, foreclosure, hunger, high energy costs, uncertainty and discouragement the lot of every sort of people in every neighborhood.

B. The cause

The prophet sets the example for his people, identifying himself with them and taking their part in a public prayer to God for mercy. In so doing he identifies the cause of their present calamity:

we have sinned against you – guilty as chargedv. 7

iniquities

actual wrongdoing which has incurred real guilt – whatever we say, think or do that breaks God’s laws

Let’s keep it simple: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut. 6:5)AND“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18) were God’s instructions to his people.

idolatry, corruption, injustice, family in-fighting, partisan politics (Babylon or Egypt?)

backslidings – turning away

seeking other sources of protection, provision, pleasure, satisfaction

other gods

other governments

self-centered desires – what do I want, what will make me happy, how can I secure my own future

sins

failure to live up to God’s standard of righteousness

includes doing the right things but with the wrong motives or for wrong reasons

not doing what God requires of us

The situation is desperate, in fact, hopeless, if only the people and their circumstances are considered. Given their guilty standing, confession followed by repentance and throwing themselves on God’s mercy represented their only hope for relief, even though it felt like God had abandoned them.

C. The cure

act, O Lordv. 7

do something to relieve us so we don’t die

for your own name’s sake

look within Yourself, not us, for the reason to spare us

there is nothing within us worthy of sparing

we are totally dependent on your mercy

you are our hopev. 8

save us

don’t be a stranger

we are helpless to save ourselves

we need your abiding presence for our salvation and safety

You are Immanuelv. 9

in our midst – God with us

hidden from view but still present – transcendentANDimmanent

foreshadowing of the one who would be called Immanuel -Isa. 7:14

we are your children

do not leave us

It is only in the saving mercy to be found in Christ Jesus, God with us, that we have any hope. That saving mercy is to be found in Christ Jesus is an incredible message of good news bringing great joy to lost and dying people. The reason it is good news is that saving mercy is what lost and dying people need most. It is the only source of genuine hope that reaches eternity; the cross of Christ is the only place fallen man can find reconciliation with a holy God. Understanding that God not only saves sinners, he has savedMEis cause for great joy that cannot be concealed.

D. The charge

If you are a sinner saved by the limitless grace of God, you have a charge:

Go tell the good news of great joy as the shepherds did

If we have great joy, it should be evident in word and deed.

joy and sorrow are not mutually exclusive

joy that we are sinners saved by grace can be evident in how we deal with sorrow and loss

We have opportunities now to share the Gospel

the economy, the season, increased circle of social activities, times of personal loss – people are more receptive and we are in contact with more of them

Pray God will give us eyes to discern hopelessness in others

those who are truly hopeless, conscious of their own helplessness, are prime candidates for the gospel

they are the ones most in need of genuine hope

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Micah 5:2-5

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for meone who will be rulerover Israel,whose origins arefrom of old,from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.He willstand andshepherd his flockin the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.And he will be their peace.

The Christmas story – filled with details and connections that make us go “huh? That’s not what I expected! Is that possible?”

A Ruler

humble, obscure earthly beginnings

out of the tribe of Judah – the royal line but,… this poor family?

from the town of Bethlehem – called Jesus of Nazareth,butthat does not indicate place of birth

An Ancient Origin

a mystery: an eternal one coming from Bethlehem

the God-man? Isn’t that a contradiction in terms?

“Unto you isbornthis day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ, theLord“

A Shepherd

a benevolent ruler – a good Shepherd

gave his life for his sheepJohn 10:11

Their Peace

Prince of PeaceIsa. 9:6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

not only his name but his character to restore peace to a world in turmoil

gives us His peaceJohn 14:27Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

peace the world cannot give or comprehend – peace of heart

made peaceCol. 1:19-20For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

made peace possible between God and men

makes us at peaceRom. 5:1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

actually brings peace about; applied atonement reconciles sinful man to holy God, no longer enemies of God

is our peaceEph. 2:14For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

brought peace between people who were former enemies

peace is on guardPhil. 4:7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

regardless of circumstances the child of God can be at peace – turmoil in the world, in the neighborhood, in the family, cannot overcome peace of heart and mind when it is guarded by Christ

“ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee;”Isa 26:3

Proverbs 1:20-33

Verses 8-19 – a warning against rejecting or despising “the fear of the Lord”, listening to the enticements of sin and Satan. Verses 20-33 – Wisdom takes the stage, warns of the dangers found in rejecting the call of God and his wise counsel. More extended invitation/exhortation from Wisdom in Proverbs 8-9. It is helpful to consider who embodies divine wisdom:

Isa. 11:2The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him– the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

Luke 2:40Andthe Childgrew andbecamestrong in spirit,filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Col. 2:2-3My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely,Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 Cor. 1:23-24but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The full-orbed comprehensive revelation of wisdom is to be found in the Word of God – living and written. True wisdom has an innate religious character – apart from God, there is no absolute standard of right/wrong, good/evil, justice/injustice.

The words of men may be wise ; but when God speaks, Wisdom itself addresses us. —Lawson.

A. Wisdom’s action

loud public pointed repeated appeal (ongoing action)

how

calls aloud

raises her voice

cries out

speaks

where

outside (in the street)

open squares (plazas, public squares)

chief concourses (noisy streets, commotion)

city gates

But the wisdom of God is a manifold wisdom. While it centres bodily in Christ, it is reflected and re-echoed from every object and every event. …From many a ruined fortune, Wisdom cries, “Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy.” From many an outcast in his agonies, as when the eagles of the valley are picking out his eyes, Wisdom cries, ” Honour thy father and mother, that thy days may be long.” From many a gloomy scaffold Wisdom cries, ” Thou shalt not kill.” —Arnot.

B. Wisdom’s audiencev. 22

simple

do not fear God – practical atheists

have no comprehension of the value of their souls – life stinks, then you die

resist attempts to “enlighten” them – don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up

scoffer/scorner

religion is weakness – opiate of the masses (Karl Marx)

captain of my soul – Invictus, William Henley

The conscious self-sufficiency of his ungodly thoughts and deeds distinguishes him from the simple, who has been only misled, and may therefore be reclaimed (Prov. xix. 25; xxi. 11). His disowning the Holy, in opposition to a better knowledge and better opportunities, distinguishes him from the foolish.Lange

fool

those captive to their worldly desires

desiring to avoid contact with anyone or anything godly

godly knowledge (and, by extension, wisdom) is distateful, odious, unappealing

who reject that which would heal them

All classes of mankind in his natural state covered here; all stand in need of wisdom. Wisdom’s exhortation leaves all men without excuse.

Lapsed man is not only deep in misery, but grossly ignorant, both that he is so, and how to recover himself from it: Sin hath left him at once senseless of his state, and at a perfect loss about the true remedy. John Flavel, The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption

C. Wisdom’s expectations

continued rejection – how long will you…. v. 22

expects to be ignored, rejected, despised, at least for a time

response can be predicted with certainty

because of the basic nature of those being addressed

by nature children of wrath -Eph. 2:1-3

unable to understand the sense found in divine wisdom -1 Cor. 2:13-14

expects some among the crowd to respond v. 22, 32

continues pleading anyway – how long, if only

“whoever listens” – followed by a promise, implies positive response

persists but only for a time v. 24, 28

only until the time of recompense – when consequences come

calamity, terror, destruction, distress, anguish

then it’s time to say “I told you so”

NOT time to devise a bailout scheme

consequences MAY be God’s means of “cornering” the individual so that repentance is the only way out

D. Wisdom’s strategy

for those who respond to Wisdom’s appeal

if you listen, then v.23, 33

Wisdom will make us wise

To cure this, Christ is made to him wisdom, not only by improvement of those treasures of wisdom that are in himself, for the benefit of such souls as are united to him, as an head, consulting the good of his own members ; but also, by imparting his wisdom to them by the Spirit of illumination, whereby they come to discern both their sin and danger; as also the true way of their recovery from both, through the application of Christ to their souls by faith. Flavel, Ibid.

repentance results in increased spiritual understanding

proximity to God brings blessing

knowledge of him, his ways

safety and security -Psalm 91:5-7

otherwise… v. 24-27, 31-32

no sympathy in the face of repeated rejection

after all possible has been done to warn of and avert disaster

don’t forget, it is justice at work

it MAY result in a change of direction

ultimately suicide for the unrepentant

their end is a fitting consequence of their choices

God is sovereign AND man is responsible

there is a point of no return v. 28

“My spirit will not contend with man forever”Gen. 6:3

“I will harden Pharaoh’s heart” “The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh” 9x in Exodus

“God gave them up to uncleanness”Rom. 1:24

E. Our duty

respond to Wisdom’s appeal

don’t behave like the simple, scoffer, fool

offer wise counsel when opportunity affords

e.g. Brandy, contra Jay Adams

refrain from interfering with rightful consequences

easy articulation, challenging implementation

there’s a time to leave the boy in jail and not bail him out!

Bethlehem/Preparation

Hebrews 11:39-12:3

For nearly 4 months we have considered the examples of faith given to us in the lives of saints spanning more than 3 millennia of human history. From the second child of the first parents to the prophets, patriarch and matriarch, Jew and Gentile, prominent and obscure, each of these remind us that:

“We’re pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace.”

Before you get too sentimental for the “good old days”, remember the great struggles these saints endured for the sake of the Gospel. Remember, also, just how faint and obscure at times was the picture of Christ they possessed. Yet they had faith in something better, something God was preparing and for which he was preparing them throughout the centuries. In fact,the preparations continue even now – remember what Jesus told his disciples: “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”

Verse 2 of Chapter 11 tells us it was by faith the saints of old received a good testimony; verse 39 repeats the same theme, indicating that all of the saints highlighted in the intervening verses actually did obtain a good testimony even though they did not have opportunity during their lifetime to experience the fulfillment of what God had promised. That was kept in store for future generations.

We have a much clearer picture of the Promised One than Old Testament saints held; however it is still obscure in many respects. The best is truly yet to come, “when he appears [and] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”1 John 3:2But we still live in the here and now, works in progress like Abraham and Noah and Rahab and the prophets. God is preparing each of us to be fit residents in the place he is preparing for us.

In God’s dealing with us, his saints on this side of the Incarnation, he has provided us with something better. God has issued a challenge to us and along with it given us the perfect encouragement.

A. Something better11:39-40

God in the flesh

not just a vague promise, a specific individual

God who became one of us

God’s ultimate revelation of himself to us -Heb. 1:1-3; also Col. 1:15,2:9

Promise fulfilled

the reality exactly matching the promises

encouragement to faith: God keeps his promises

Redemption accomplished

animal sacrifices, Levitical priesthood no longer necessary

OT ceremonies fulfilled in Christ, the only one whose sacrifice could deal with sin once for all

Access provided (Heb. 4:16;10:19-22)

Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished what previous sacrifices could not

gave him legitimate and permanent entrance into Most Holy Place

the believer’s union with Christ

gives entrance to the holy of holies

B. Our challenge12:1

Since we are:

“Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who’ve gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives.”

We must, then, if we are to leave behind a heritage of faithfulness, live lives characterized by personal holiness. We cannot be content simply to rely on a profession of faith made long ago to enable us to coast into heaven. It’s a race, a marathon that requires endurance and perseverance, for which God gives us the encouragement of this cloud of witnesses who challenge us to run the race in a particular way:

run from

anything that slows down growth in holiness

whatever consumes time or resources that should be devoted to becoming more Christ-like

only 24 hours in the day – how will be be good athletes, using all the time to run toward the goal

shortest distance between two points – a straight line

anything that contributes to or represents sinful choices

whatever encourages us to become more like the world

decreases our resistance to temptation

run with

endurance

constant progress in a given direction

patiently maintaining focus

resisting opposition and distraction

run to

the goal – the end of the race; see Phil. 3:14 “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

so we can say with Paul: 2 Tim. 4:6-8 “the time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”

C. Perfect encouragement12:2-3

who he is

Savior

the front-runner, Christ Heb. 6:19-20

the only true source of assistance, strength, guidance

the source of faith

once begun, he will bring it to completion Phil. 1:6

what he’s done

endured the cross

endured verbal opposition, contradiction

false accusations resulting in his conviction as a common criminal

rejection as the Son of God

where he is

seated at the right hand of the Father

the place of honor, influence, and authority

the source of protection and provision

what he expects

consider him – ponder, meditate, consider well

be encouraged – considering Christ is the antidote to weariness and discouragement

If the saints of old, possessing only shadows of the full truth, persevered in their faith, we should far outstrip them given the amount of “light” we have.

If they on whom the light of grace had not as yet so brightly shone displayed so great a constancy in enduring evils, what ought the full brightness of the Gospel to produce in us? A small spark of light led them to heaven; when the sun of righteousness shines over us, with what pretense can we excuse ourselves if we still cleave to the earth? Calvin

Our prayer should be like that of the hymn-writer who, although content with his lot in this life, still couldn’t wait for the day when faith would be sight, when he would see his Savior face-to-face.

The goal – identify the meaning of the text in its original context.

1. Ten Steps for English Exegesis

   1. Identify the Genre (the Literary Form)

      1. Wrong identification leads to looking for the wrong thing, reaching the wrong conclusion

         1. promises rather than principles from proverbs – train up a child…

         2. what is normative from historic narrative – perhaps, perhaps not; Pentecost, e.g.

      2. Genre determines the rules for understanding a literary form

         1. epistle vs narrative

            1. 1 ^st (primarily singular) & 2 ^nd person pronouns in an epistle rather than 3 ^rd common in narrative

            2. Beginning salutation/introduction of an epistle

            3. Dates – in the x year of King so-and-so (narrative)

            4. narrative uses past tense extensively

         2. poetry vs proverbial literature

            1. typesetting

               1. showing the metrical form of poetry

               2. emphasizing the form of comparison or parallelism

            2. common use of figures of speech in poetry: esp. personification, metaphor, imagery, alliteration

            3. simile most common in proverbs

         3. didactic vs apocalyptic (didactic = instructive; from Gk. didaskein “teach”)

            1. imperative verbs, authoritative phrases (I say to you) in didactic passages

            2. “I saw”, “I heard”, “I was …” in apocalyptic (from Gk. apokalupsis , revealing, uncovering) literature

            3. extensive use of figurative language in apocalyptic literature, little to none in didactic

         4. prophetic

            1. “Thus says the Lord”

            2. future tense

      3. looking for:

         1. facts (historic narrative)

         2. moral lesson (parable)

         3. general truths (proverb)

         4. guidelines or rules of behavior (didactic)

         5. Don’t forget there is spiritual truth to be understood as well; that is emphasized later in the process

   2. Get the Big Picture: Establish the Historical and Literary Context

      1. Historical Context

         1. read entire book (one sitting if possible) to get overview of the book

            1. epistle: look for author, recipients, occasion and purpose of letter, main theme(s)

            2. gospel: look for historical & political setting, portrait of Jesus, important settings (geographical), plot

            3. prophetic: understanding historical setting w/i Israel’s history, central message, purpose in writing, what is provoking writing, key theme(s)

         2. consult commentaries, introductions

      2. Literary Context

         1. progress of the book through the plot or argument

         2. can be helpful to outline the basic structure of the book

            1. break book down into paragraphs and summarize

            2. group related paragraphs into sections by theme and summarize

            3. see if groups can be further grouped and summarize

            4. reverse to develop outline

      3. not enough time? Need some help?

         1. Use resources

            1. introductions, surveys, dictionary, study Bible, reference tools

            2. Bible handbook

   3. Develop a “Thesis Statement” (on individual passage)

      1. identify the central idea in one sentence (subject)

      2. identify what the passage says about the central idea (complement)

      3. How to find it

         1. Ask the question – what one theme gives the passage unity

         2. look for repeated statements, especially at beginning and end

         3. outline the progress of thought in the passage

         4. test out the theme

            1. does every verse relate to the theme

            2. does every line/sentence relate to the theme

         5. turn the subject into a question; the complement should answer it

Hebrews 11:32-38

It’s easy when reading through Hebrews 11 to see the individuals portrayed there as larger-than-life, heroes and heroines of truly Biblical proportions who accomplished amazing things of which we can only dream or read about. After all, which of us will ever lead a 300-man strong special forces unit against an occupying army numbering in the tens of thousands? Or head the charge of poorly armed men against a force of 900 tanks, er, chariots? Or capture 300 foxes, tie their tails together in pairs with lit torches, and send them through a corn field? Pretty tough acts to follow, aren’t they?

Even the current day experience of Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh will likely not be ours to endure -VOMarticle.

Yet we must recognize some things about these and the other individuals identified in our text this morning. The Holy Spirit did not provide Hebrews 11 to intimidate or discourage us; rather, quite the opposite. Chapter 12 of Hebrews begins with an exhortation to persevere – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”ESV

So what are some of the things God would have us learn from the example of these faithful saints of another time?

Ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things by faith

Gideon – born to an obscure idol-worshipping family of farmers; threshed his wheat in a winepress so the Midianites wouldn’t take it away from himJudges 6:11,25

Samson and Samuel – both given by God in response to the prayers of barren women and devoted to God’s service from before birthJudges 13:2;1 Samuel 1:9-11

Jephthah – unknown until he appears on the scene as the son of a prostitute, driven from the family home by his half-brothers, then called upon by residents of Gilead to to deliver them from the AmmonitesJudges 11:1-6

David – the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd by occupation; not of the apparent royal line1 Samuel 16:11-13

Similarly, little is known about a number of the prophets apart from their ministry and the barest minimum of details included in their written record.

Joel, the son of PethuelJoel 1:1
Amos, one of the sheepbreeders of TekoaAmos 1:1
Jonah, the son of AmittaiJonah 1:1
Micah of MoreshethMicah 1:1
Nahum the ElkoshiteNahum 1:1

Obscure men from obscure backgrounds who appeared on the world stage with an enduring message from God as their only legacy

Like every other man or woman, boy or girl born since the beginning, each of these men of faith had their sin issues for which they needed God’s forgiveness.

Gideon’s making of the ephod out of the spoils of the Midianites cannot be excused, and is condemned by the Holy Ghost,Judges 8:27. Jephthah’s rash vow, and (as is supposed) more rash accomplishment of it, enrols him among sinners,Judges 11. Samson’s taking a wife of the PhilistinesJudges 14:2, then keeping company with a harlotJudges 16:1, were sins of a high provocation, not to mention the killing of himself at the close of allJudges 16:29-30, for which he seems to have had a divine warrant. And it is known what great sins David himself fell into.Owenbesides Samuel’s great lack of good judgment regarding his sons1 Samuel 8:1-5and the necessity of Deborah to prod Barak into actionJudges 4:8-9.

Yet each of these individualsby faithaccomplished great things in the service of the King of kings. They were God’s instruments for the deliverance and guidance of his people and they serve the church still by their example recorded in Holy Writ. The message of God through his prophets preserved for centuries and given to us in our own language inspires generation after generation to wait in confident hope for God to bring about the next great action in his plan.

Faith that overcomes and endures is nourished by a gracious God

God does not expect his people to maintain a strong faith in a vacuum. He provides resources to strengthen and nourish their faith, to provide hope when it all seems hopeless. Each message given added more light, more information and more encouragement about what God had purposed to do. As the initial recipients of the word from God the prophets themselves were the first ones strengthened in their faith by a gracious God.

Then by virtue of their office, those faithful men of God in turn encouraged the faith of others, a ministry that continues even in our day. Men like Isaiah not only saw God, they recorded spine-tingling details about the Promised One whom God would send, the one who would bring hope to a world in darkness. Even more remarkable is the fact that the hope offered to those who would believe transcends this present world – hope of deliverance not only from oppression and injustice but more importantly from slavery to sin and death.

Listen again to the incredible description of the Promised One given by the prophet Isaiah:

a Child is born – a virgin shall conceive

a Son is given – and shall call his name Immanuel

the government will be upon his shoulder – the Son of David, rightful heir to the throne

His name (character) shall be called:

Wonderful Counselor- one who in his very being and person is a Wonder, a worker of miracles

Mighty God- a Child who is God over all gods – the mystery of the incarnation

Everlasting Father- one who is eternally a Father to his people – in relationship with them in this lifeandthe next, guarding and nourishing and providing for the needs of those who are his

Prince of Peace- the one who will restore peace to the world and rule in peace; requires overcoming the enemy at the root of all conflict (between God and men, between man and man) – sin and its embodiment Satan

a government universal in its extent and prosperity

characterized by perfect justice and righteousness

Desperate times whether under the government of an ungodly king or president requires a supernatural Deliverer. The prophets were looking strictly forward to their hope represented in two advents. We understand that our Deliverer has already come and is yet to come again; we live in that time of tension between his comings, experiencing a partial fulfillment of the Promise and awaiting its consummation on the last day.

Overcoming enduring faith is grounded on the zeal of an omnipotent God

Jealous and exclusive love of an all-powerful God who will permit no opposing force to thwart his purpose

For our faith to enable us to endure whatever the world throws our way without caving in and losing hope requires the right object for that faith – one that has the ability to prevail and overcome all obstacles. One that is able to overcome the greatest enemies of all – sin and death.

Only the Sovereign God of the universe is not limited by means or circumstances and has already triumphed over sin at the cross and death at the empty tomb. For God to accomplish that on man’s behalf required that he be born of a virgin, assume a human nature and form, and live a life of perfect obedience in full view of his heavenly Father. Then he must offer himself as the only acceptable substitute, the God-man who sacrificed himself on behalf of his people.

It’s during time of greatest darkness that individual faith shines brightest

Consider what they suffered: mocking, flogging, chains, imprisonment, stoning, sawing in two, death by the sword, destitution, affliction, mistreatment. Despicable treatment to be sure.

But consider what all this means about those who were inflicting such treatment on God’s prophets. The sort of culture, society, in which this kind of thing could occur. When those who should be held in the highest regard because they are the emissaries of the Most High God are despised.

It was because of the proliferation of evil and disobedience that God sent prophets with his message of repentance and hope. Those who were wallowing in rebellion needed to hear the truth that they were headed for certain disaster unless they repented of their sin and turned to God in faith. At the same time the faithful needed reassurance that God had not forgotten them, that he was surely moving toward his determined goal of providing a Saviour to the world.

It is against this backdrop of pervasive evil that the heroes of faith are especially noteworthy, those in the minority who publicly stand virtually alone against overwhelming wickedness. Much of the time it’s the ones who appear most unlikely who shine the brightest, those who are “made strong out of weakness”:

CNN reports that a Pakistani school is revering their Christian janitor as a hero after he died preventing a suicide bomber into the girls’ school cafeteria. On Oct. 20, two suicide bomber’s tried to enter Islamabad’s International Islamic University, but the one targeting the women’s side of campus met Pervaiz Masih, the school’s new janitor. Masih stopped the bomber after he shot the guard on duty, arguing with the bomber when he tried to proceed. The bomber then self-detonated, killing himself, Masih, and three girls – far fewer than intended. “Between 300 to 400 girls were sitting in there,” said Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik, the rector of the university. “Despite being a Christian, [Pervez Masih] sacrificed his life to save the Muslim girls.” Masih’s family, who depended on his $60 a month job, had to borrow money to bury him.Religion Today Summaries, 11/24/09

According to estimates by the Network for Strategic Missions and the US Center for World Mission, the percentage of Christians in the world has remained relatively constant over the last 100 years at about 30%. But we must remember two additional details – the total world population has more than tripled (from 1.7 bil. to over 6.1 bil.) in that same period.Andit is estimated that only one-third of those who claim to be Christian, that amounts to about 10% of the world’s population, are “[t]rue Christians, available as a work force, through discipleship and equipping”.

If we are to have this sort of faith, it begins with a recognition of our need, our utter helplessness and unworthiness before a holy God. We must acknowledge our need for a Savior, this Promised One, the hope of Israel, who took on the form of a man that he might go to the Cross on our behalf. It is only by faith in Jesus that we can have victory over sin, that we can like the saints of old overcome obstacles and endure the trials of this life, and share with our Savior the ultimate victory over death. This is the message we must bring to 90% of the world who live outside the walls of this sanctuary, that they, too, can have victory in Jesus because He has gained the victory over sin on their behalf.

Psalm 136

Hymn Come, Ye Thankful People #111

Prayer of Invocation

Reading of Historic Thanksgiving Proclamations

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The First Thanksgiving Proclamation – June 20, 1676

On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks to God, for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.

“The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgements he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard…”

The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God’s Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being perswaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and soulds as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ.”

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Thanksgiving Proclamation

[New York, 3 October 1789]

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country…

George Washington

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Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.  To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God….

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.  They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people.  I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.   And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

Abraham Lincoln

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…this verb (yadah)was predominantly employed to express one’s public proclamation or declaration (confession) of God’s attributes and his works. This concept is at the heart of the meaning of praise. Praise is a confession or declaration of who God is and what he does. This term is most often translated “to thank” in English versions, but such is not really a proper rendering. …it is clear that the O.T. does not have our independent concept of thanks. The expression of thanks to God is included in praise, it is a way of praising. …Thanksgiving follows praise, for when one declares God’s attributes and works, he cannot help but be thankful for these. Praise leads regularly to thanksgiving.TWOT, 847

Scripture and PraisePsalm 136:1-3

Praise God for who he is

good

sovereign ruler

providential governor

Scripture and PraisePsalm 136:4-9

Praise God for what he can do and has done

the ONLY true miracle-worker

the Lord’s incomparability and uniqueness in his exclusive claim to deity as seen in his extraordinary worksTWOT

what is explainable only by God

creator

gracious governor – day and night (work and rest)

Hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #3

Scripture and PraisePsalm 136:23-25

Praise God for his grace in times of calamity

remembered us when we were down – personal mercies

Our state was once so low as to be at hell’s mouth; since then it has been low in poverty, bereavement, despondency, sickness, and heart-sorrow, and we fear, also, sinfully low in faith, and love, and every other grace; and yet the Lord has not forgotten usCHS

rescued us from enemies

redeemed from sin by the blood of Christ

Satan by the power of Christ

and the world by the Spirit of Christ

universal goodness of God in feeding all his creatures -Let All Things Now Living

if He cares for all, he will especially care for us, his family

proof of the providence, wisdom and goodness of God

Hymn He’s Got the whole World in His Hands #328

Scripture and PraisePsalm 136:26

Praise him that he is the God of heaven

He rules heaven and rules earth from heaven

His mercy in providing heaven for his people is more than all the rest. -John Trapp

If God will but continue to be merciful to me, will a poor soul say, I have enough. …Hath God pardoned thee hitherto? but hast thou sinned again? Can he stretch his goodness and mercy a little further? Why, he will stretch them out unto eternity, unto everlasting; and if oneeverlastingbe not enough, there are twenty-six everlastings in this one Psalm.Thomas Goodwin.

Thanksgiving Meditation1 Corinthians 4:7

We are indebted to God for everything:

The air we breathe, the world we dwell upon, our food, clothing, and shelter, our “prosperity” as we fondly call it, — these things are lent to us by God. So also our powers — yea, our very existence is not of ourselves, but of God. If we were to have taken away from ourselves all that we have received through the free benevolence of God, what would be left? Our salvation, our spiritual joys, our glad prospects, are also of him.E. Hurndall, Pulpit Commentary

Remembering that will:

curb pride

if it’s a gift, we owe God the thanks and not self

if we are to boast, then boast in what God has done for us

encourage responsible stewardship

we should desire to use well what is entrusted to us

not “I earned it, it’s mine, I can do with it as I please”

but “It’s a gift from God, how would he have me use it?”

inspire gratitude

God is our father, not employer

we have because God loved us, not because we worked for it or earned it

his provision is abundant, we should be thankful

increase faith

God has promised to take care of us

He has a perfect track record

He is unchanging, we have nothing to fear or doubt

Hymn We Give Thee But Thine Own #435

Prayer of Benediction