This session covers biblical principles, current events, and personal applications from the Book of Luke and other scriptures.
Biblical Principles of Judgment and Building
The teacher reflects on the process of removing evil before rebuilding, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the importance of prayer amid chaos.
- Last week’s focus was Jeremiah 1: God puts words in the prophet’s mouth to set him over nations and kingdoms.
- Sometimes, doing the “dirty work” of judgment is necessary before constructive efforts.
- The current chaos in the world calls for prayer and divine intervention.
- In Iran, over 20 years, approximately 500,000 people converted from Islam to Christianity, indicating spiritual breakthroughs.
- Prayers are believed to be answered by freeing oppressed Christians and opening doors for more conversions.
- Leaders in Iran have faced death and destruction, illustrating Old Testament themes of divine justice.
- God’s justice involves the death of evil-doers to preserve the righteous line for the Messiah’s coming.
- Recent reports from Trans World Radio highlight ongoing violence and oppression in Iran, with hundreds reported killed.
Learning from Biblical Examples and Cultural Context
The teacher discusses lessons from biblical figures, cultural customs, and the importance of applying Scripture practically.
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical culture, such as synagogue customs—standing to read, unrolling scrolls.
- Jesus read from Isaiah 61, focusing on the part about proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor, separating it from future vengeance.
- Christ’s knowledge of Scripture involved understanding and rightly dividing the Word, knowing what was fulfilled and what was future.
- Jesus learned Scripture like humans, growing in wisdom and stature, and had to learn what it meant to have the spirit of God upon him.
- The spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus, enabling him to judge righteously and act without fear.
- Biblical figures like Moses, David, Solomon, and others relied on the spirit of God for wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.
- Proper understanding of the fear of the Lord involves awe, reverence, and respect, leading to obedience and keeping God’s commandments.
- The fear of the Lord is mentioned 260 times in Scripture and is essential for a healthy relationship with God.
- Christ’s delight was in the fear of the Lord, showing reverence and obedience as a model for believers.
The Significance of the Spirit and Learning in Jesus’ Life
The discussion highlights how Jesus learned and relied on the Spirit of God, emphasizing the importance of Scripture and spiritual growth.
- Jesus grew in wisdom, understanding, and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
- He read and learned Scripture from childhood, including Psalms and Isaiah, to understand his mission.
- Jesus knew the entire scroll of Isaiah and understood the distinction between fulfilled and future prophecy.
- The Spirit of God rested upon Jesus, guiding his actions, decisions, and miracles.
- Jesus’ reliance on the Spirit enabled him to walk through danger, resist fear, and perform miracles.
- The spirit of wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord was essential for Jesus’ ministry.
- Jesus’ example shows believers should seek the same spirit to judge rightly, act wisely, and live reverently.
- The learning process involved reading, understanding, and applying Scripture, which Jesus exemplified.
- The spirit’s presence in Jesus was the foundation for his authority, obedience, and miracles.
The Role of Scripture and the Fear of God
The teacher emphasizes the importance of Scripture, the fear of the Lord, and their impact on life and ministry.
- Scripture was written by God through prophets to guide and instruct, with the final command to write and record Revelation.
- Proverbs 2 links receiving and treasuring God’s words with understanding and the fear of the Lord.
- The fear of the Lord is a discipline that requires active pursuit and immersion in Scripture.
- The fear of the Lord involves awe, reverence, and respect for God’s greatness and holiness.
- Proper fear of the Lord leads to obedience and keeping His commandments, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes and Deuteronomy.
- Solomon’s ending in Ecclesiastes: “Fear God and keep His commandments” because God will bring every deed into judgment.
- The fear of the Lord is a positive, valuable attribute that sustains obedience and reverence.
- Christ’s delight in the fear of the Lord reflects His reverence and obedience to the Father.
- Exposure to God’s character and greatness naturally produces the fear of the Lord, fostering awe and respect.
- The fear of the Lord is foundational for understanding holiness, power, and God’s creative greatness, leading to genuine reverence.
Jesus’ Dependence on the Father and Walking by the Spirit
Jesus emphasized complete reliance on the Father, doing nothing on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing, demonstrating walking by the spirit of God upon Him.
- Jesus stated in John 5:30, “I can do nothing on my own,” highlighting His unity and partnership with the Father.
- His judgment was just because He sought the will of the Father, not His own.
- He was guided by revelation and the spirit of God, showing obedience and alignment with God’s will.
- His identity was rooted in the Spirit, fulfilling what was written about Him.
- Jesus walked by the spirit, not by sight or flesh, exemplifying perfect obedience and dependence.
The Role of the Spirit and Scriptural Guidance for Believers
Believers are encouraged to walk by the spirit, guided by the Word of God, and seek wisdom from God, following Christ’s example.
- We have the spirit of God in us, enabling us to walk as Christ did, but we start with the written Word for guidance.
- Galatians 5 urges believers to walk by the spirit, not by the flesh.
- James 1:5 promises that God gives liberally to those who ask for wisdom.
- Walking in the spirit involves the spirit of wisdom, counsel, might, understanding, and the fear of the Lord.
- Believers are called to imitate God and walk in love as Christ loved us, empowered by the spirit of God within.
The Significance of Being Born Again and Christ in Us
Christ’s teaching on being born again emphasizes the need for the spirit of God in believers, restoring the complete body, soul, and spirit lost through sin.
- John 3:3, 5 highlights the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God.
- Humanity was created with body, soul, and spirit; Adam and Eve lost this, and Christ paid for its restoration.
- The spirit of God in believers is Christ in them, the hope of glory.
- Walking by the spirit allows believers to live Christ-like lives, guided by wisdom, counsel, and the fear of the Lord.
Contextual Insights into Nazareth and Its Culture
Understanding Nazareth’s historical and cultural background provides context for Jesus’ upbringing and community.
- Nazareth was a small, conservative, anti-Roman community with 400–1,000 residents.
- The population likely spoke Aramaic, and most were literate.
- Housing consisted of stone foundations and mud bricks, with small rooms and inner courts.
- Occupations included farming, fishing, carpentry, and vine-growing; Jesus was a carpenter and mason.
- Child mortality was high, with 30% dying before age 18; average lifespan was 40–45 years.
- Children played with toys like whistles, spinning toys, and toy animals, and engaged in games like hopscotch and jacks.
- The community used only ceramic and ritually pure artifacts to avoid spiritual impurity.
Closing Reflections and Prayer
The teacher emphasizes the importance of studying the Word and walking by the spirit, trusting in Christ in us, and praying for safety and blessings for families and the nation.
- The Word of God and the spirit enable believers to become more Christ-like daily.
- The community is encouraged to study, remember, and walk in love and obedience.
- A prayer is offered for blessing, safety, and guidance for families, military members, and the country.
- The session concludes with a reminder of the importance of spiritual dependence and study.