Monthly Home Bible Study

The Reverend Ronald F. Marshall

Along with our other regular study of Scripture, let us join as a congregation in this home study. We will study alone than talk informally about the assigned verses together as we have opportunity. In this way we can "gather together around the Word" even though physically we will not be getting together (Acts 13.44).

 We need to support each other in this difficult project. In 1851 Kierkegaard wrote that the Bible is "an extremely dangerous book.... [because] it is an imperious book... – it takes the whole man and may suddenly and radically change... life on a prodigious scale" (For Self-Examination). And in 1967 Thomas Merton wrote that "we all instinctively know that it is dangerous to become involved in the Bible" (Opening the Bible). Indeed this word "kills" us (Hosea 6.5) because we are "a rebellious people" (Isaiah 30.9)! As Lutherans, however, we are still to "abide in the womb of the Word" (Luther's Works 17.93) by constantly "ruminating on the Word" (LW 30.219) so that we may "become like the Word" (LW 29.155) by thinking "in the way Scripture does" (LW 25.261). Before you study, then, pray: "Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in Our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen" (quoted in R. F. Marshall, Making A New World: How Lutherans Read the Bible, 2003, p. 12).

Along with our other regular study of Scripture, let us join as a congregation in this home study. We will study alone than talk informally about the assigned verses together as we have opportunity. In this way we can "gather together around the Word" even though physically we will not be getting together (Acts 13.44).

We need to support each other in this difficult project. In 1851 Kierkegaard wrote that the Bible is "an extremely dangerous book.... [because] it is an imperious book... – it takes the whole man and may suddenly and radically change... life on a prodigious scale" (For Self-Examination). And in 1967 Thomas Merton wrote that "we all instinctively know that it is dangerous to become involved in the Bible" (Opening the Bible). Indeed this word "kills" us (Hosea 6.5) because we are "a rebellious people" (Isaiah 30.9)! As Lutherans, however, we are still to "abide in the womb of the Word" (Luther's Works 17.93) by constantly "ruminating on the Word" (LW 30.219) so that we may "become like the Word" (LW 29.155) by thinking "in the way Scripture does" (LW 25.261). Before you study, then, pray: "Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in Our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen" (quoted in R. F. Marshall, Making A New World: How Lutherans Read the Bible, 2003, p. 12).

 

 

Romans 5.20

January 2008, Number 179

Week I. Read Romans 5.20 noting the line to increase the trespass. Why is this important to do? On this read Romans 7.13 noting the lines through the commandment [sin] might become sinful beyond measure and that sin might be shown to be sin. Why must sin be made sinful beyond measure in order to show that it’s wrong? On this read Hebrews 3.13 noting the phrase the deceitfulness of sin. And what is the deceit? On this read Isaiah 5.20 noting the reversals of good and evil. Why is this done? On this read John 3.19 noting the line men loved darkness rather than the light. What would be a good example of this? On this read Genesis 3.6 noting the three reasons for disobeying God: the forbidden fruit wasn’t poisonous, it was beautiful, and it was brain-food. Now why were these reasons so compelling? On this read Hebrews 11.25 noting the line the fleeting pleasures of sin. Will we then do whatever we have to do to enjoy the sins that we love committing? Does that explain why in 2 Samuel 11.4 David took Bathsheba and in 2 Samuel 11.14 made plans to have her husband struck down on the battlefield?

Week II. Read again Romans 5.20 noting the same line to increase the trespass. How will this increase overcome the deceit that sin isn’t wrong? On this read again Hebrews 11.25 noting the word fleeting this time. Is the happy sinner oblivious to this feature of sin? On this read Luke 12.19 noting the line take your ease, eat, drink, be merry. Is there any concern for the future in this line? If not, why not? On this read 1 John 3.4 noting the word lawlessness. If one doesn’t care about breaking the law, does that imply one isn’t interested in the future either? On this read Leviticus 26.14-16 noting the words but, not, I and will. Since breaking the law includes being punished for one’s sins, which comes in the future, after the infraction has occurred, then lawlessness does imply a disregard for the future. Why not look to the future, then?

Week III. Reread Romans 5.20 noting the word increase. How does the law increase sin? On this read Ezekiel 14.21 noting the line four sore acts of judgment. Add to these the earthquakes in Ezekiel 16.31-23, the fire in Ezekiel 11.1 and the hailstones in Isaiah 30.30. What is the point of these acts of judgment? On this read Matthew 10.28 noting the correlation between the words fear and destroy. Is this like being “scared straight”? On this read Luke 16.28 noting the word warn. Why didn’t the rich man warn his five brothers before he died? On this read Psalm 30.6 noting the correlation of the two words prosperity and never. Here we see how comfort and ease lead to sinful confidence. This correlation is broken by the shock of impending doom. So the rich man in Luke 16 didn’t warn his brothers before he died because he was a happy camper and had no need to warn them. Does this in part explain the rejoicing in Romans 5.3?

Week IV. Read Romans 5.20 one last time noting the phrase grace abounded. Why does grace have to abound? On this read Romans 3.28 noting the words justified, faith, apart and law. Why can’t the law justify us? On this read Romans 7.18 noting the word cannot. So if we are unable to keep the law, then obeying the law, as a system of forgiveness, won’t help us because we can’t deliver. And why aren’t we able to keep the law? On this read Matthew 5.48 noting the word perfect. So if the law were simpler, then we could keep it. On this read Matthew 5.27-28 noting the equation of the words looks and committed. What seems impossible here is to control how we look at each other. Here looking is as bad as talking and touching – while outside of the New Testament it isn’t. On this read Matthew 5.17 noting the word fulfill. Now this word might not mean simply to keep. It might mean instead increase or fill up as it does in Ephesians 1.23. If so, then what? Does Jesus increase the law until it breaks our backs? Is that why grace must abound? How so?  

 

Isaiah 47.10

February 2008, Number 180

Week I. Read Isaiah 47.10 noting the word secure. How does our wickedness make us feel secure? On this read John 3.19 noting the words loved and darkness. Is this security, then, not based on any rational calculation? On this read Proverbs 27.12 noting the words prudent, sees, danger and hides. Is this about looking into the future in order to be prepared? Why wouldn’t a fool do this? On this read Luke 12.19-21 noting the words ample, ease, eat and fool. Is this about being fooled by prosperity? On this read Revelation 3.17 noting the line not knowing you are blind and naked. Why is this veiled and less than obvious? On this read Mark 7.18-23 noting the words understanding, see, outside, in, out, within and defiles. Why can’t we see the point of this key distinction? On this read John 8.44 noting the words father, devil, truth, lies and liar. So is it that we know what is right but ignore it anyway? Do the words about being stiff-necked in Acts 7.51 apply to all of us then? Is that word all quite true in Isaiah 53.6?

Week II. Read again Isaiah 47.10 noting the word wisdom. How can wisdom lead us astray? On this read 1 Corinthians 2.13 noting the words impart, taught, human, wisdom, spiritual, and truths. On this account there are two kinds of wisdom – human and spiritual. Human wisdom is bad for us because it doesn’t – and cannot – impart spiritual truths. What are these spiritual truths that are missing from human wisdom? On this read Ephesians 2.8-10 noting the four prepositions by, through, because and for. So first, we have this saving life with God by grace. This means it’s a gift from God not based on any human exertion, as Romans 9.16 says. Our wretchedness keeps us from being able to deliver ourselves, as Romans 7.24 says. Secondly this gift comes through faith. Even though we cannot fashion this gift or send it our way, we must trust in it, as Romans 3.25 says – we must receive it by faith. Hebrews 11.1 calls this trust an unusual conviction and assurance. It’s not based on rational proof or unassailable evidence. So we must admit that this gift will look like folly to those who don’t believe in it, as 1 Corinthians 1.18 says. Their castigation should therefore never surprise us or sway us. How strange does this spiritual wisdom sound to you so far?

Week III. Reread Isaiah 47.10 noting that same word wisdom. What are the last two prepositions about? The third says this salvation is because of Christ and not good works. Romans 5.9 says it is his death on the cross that overcomes God’s wrath and opens up a saving life with God for us. On this read 2 Corinthians 8.9 noting the interplay between the words rich and poor (remembering that Christ’s poverty is his suffering and death on the cross). Finally this new life with God is not for relaxation but for good works. Ephesians 4.1 says we are to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Luke 9.23 says this includes daily self-denial. John 12.25 calls this self-denial self-hatred. Romans 12.2 says in includes non-conformity with the world. Hebrews 12.28-29 says it includes worshiping God, the consuming fire, with reverence and awe. Luke 10.37 says it includes helping even strangers who are oppressed and beaten down. That completes the four prepositions. Has a good case been made for the superiority of spiritual wisdom over human wisdom? How so?

Week IV. Read Isaiah 47.10 one last time noting the expression I am. This is very egotistical. Note that it says there is no one of any importance besides me! Against this egotism read 2 Corinthians 12.11 noting the expression I am nothing. Why would St. Paul say that? On this read Luke 17.10 noting the category unworthy servant. In this sense we are nothing because of our lost intrinsic value, not our non-existence. What other value might we then have? On this read Galatians 2.20 noting the line it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. This is very strange, to say the least. But it sounds like a positive sort of possession. Do you agree? What then?

Week I. Read Hebrews 9.15 noting the word mediator. Why is Jesus a mediator? On this read Isaiah 59.2 noting the words iniquities and separation. What are the consequences of this separation? On this read 2 Thessalonians 1.5-10 noting the words vengeance, eternal, exclusion and glory. How does Jesus, the mediator, overcome this separation? On this read Colossians 1.20 noting the words making, peace, by and blood. Why is this method used? On this read Hebrews 9.22 noting the words forgiveness and blood. Why is there this correlation? On this read Romans 2.5-11 noting the words impenitent, storing, wrath, render, according, distress and evil. Why doesn’t God refrain from punishing? On this read Romans 7.12 noting the words law, holy and good. So must the goodness of the law be protected by inflicting punishments on the guilty? How so? On this read Luke 16.25-26 noting the words now and chasm. Do those two verses explain the need for punishment? How so if so?

Week II. Read again Hebrews 9.15 noting the category new covenant. What was the old covenant? On this read Romans 3.28 noting the words justified, works, and law. How did this work? On the read Leviticus 26.40-42 noting the words confess, against, humbled, amends, covenant and remember. Why didn’t this old covenant work? On this read Romans 7.18 noting the words nothing, good, me, will, right, cannot and do. How does sin bring about this inability? On this read John 3.19 noting the words loved and darkness. How does this wrong-headed love do so much damage? On this read John 8.34 noting the words commit and slave. How does love enslave us to the wrong? On this read Matthew 26.41 noting the words spirit, willing, flesh and weak. So if this loving yearning is fleshly, then willing against sin won’t work. This is because this fleshly loving is too weak to comply with what the will aims to correct. So the will commands but the flesh fails to follow. Are we then stuck in a rut?

Week III. Reread Hebrews 9.15 noting the line death… redeems. How does Jesus’ death do that? On this read 1 Corinthians 15.56 noting the words sting, death and sin. This verse, along with Romans 6.23, says that death is the punishment for sin – for disobeying God’s word. So when Ephesians 1.7 says we have redemption through his blood, that means Jesus is punished in our place, for our sin, so that we might not be punished for our sins. How does this happen? On this read 2 Corinthians 8.9 noting the line by his poverty you might become rich. This shows that an exchange occurs that transfers our iniquity or poverty onto Christ and his riches or innocence onto us. What does this do to Christ? On this read 2 Corinthians 5.21 noting the line that Jesus became sin who knew no sin. Read also 1 Peter 2.24 noting the line bore our sins in his body on the tree. This impoverishment is his suffering – which far exceeds the physical torments he suffered from the nails and the whips. Why did this happen?

Week IV. Read Hebrews 9.15 one last time noting the line redeems them from the transgressions of the first covenant. Why did this have to happen? On this read Romans 8.3. noting the line what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. Does this mean that keeping the law cannot help us? On this read Hebrews 8.13 noting the words first and obsolete. What makes this way of salvation obsolete? On this read Matthew 5.21-22 noting the words not, kill, but, angry and hell. Is it obvious that anger is the same as killing? What’s the point, then? Is the law against murder being stretched to a radical and fragile extension of itself? Is the disposition to kill really the same as doing someone in? On this read Isaiah 64.6 noting that righteous deeds are like a polluted garment (or filthy rag). How so? Well, if we do good deeds with the wrong attitude – with envy or spite or pride – then they’re tarnished. So by raising the bar, no one can become righteous any more simply by keeping the law. Is this fair? How so?

1 Timothy 4.11

 May 2008, Number 183  

Week I. Read 1 Timothy 4.11 noting the word teach. What does it mean to teach Christianity? On this read 1 Peter 3.15 noting the words reverence, defense, account and gentleness. What does reverence add? On this read Hebrews 12.28 noting the words worship, reverence and awe. How does worship help in teaching? On this read Psalm 95.2-7 noting the words presence, praise, worship and kneel. Is the conclusion then that God is with us when we teach and so we must honor him and depend on him in our teaching and not think we’re in full control of the results of our instruction? On this read John 6.45 noting the phrase taught by God. And what does gentleness add? On this read James 3.17 noting the words gentle, open, reason, without and insincerity. What does this openness provide? On this read Proverbs 19.20 noting the words listen and wisdom. So good instruction responds carefully to any questions or concerns among the taught to help the teaching get through to them. How will reverence and gentleness change your teaching?

Week II. Read again 1 Timothy 4.11 noting the same word teach. Read again 1 Peter 3.15 noting this time the words defense and account. What do they add to our teaching? On this read Luke 1.3-4 noting the words orderly, know and truth. Why is orderliness important in teaching? On the read 1 Corinthians 14.33 noting the words God, confusion and peace. Read also Acts 19.32 noting the words cried, assembly, confusion, not and know. Who benefits from such confusion? On this read 2 Corinthians 4.4 noting the words god and world. What does this god promote? On this read Ephesians 4.14 noting the line tossed to and fro. From these verses we learn then that orderliness serves the truth of God. Therefore what we teach should proceed carefully from one point to the next. And what does making an account add? On this read Luke 24.19-24 noting the words things, concerning and Jesus, and Acts 20.27 noting the category whole counsel of God. From this we learn the importance of completeness in teaching Christianity. What would this concern add to your teaching?

Week III. Reread 1 Timothy 4.11 noting the word command. How does command contribute to teaching? On this read 2 Timothy 4.2 noting the words urgent and convince. Why do these words matter? On this read Luke 11.28 noting the words hear, word and keep. What is keeping the word all about? On this read Matthew 7.21-23 noting the words not, says, enter, does, will, prophesy and knew. Read also Galatians 5.25 noting the words live and walk and 2 Peter 1.5 noting the word supplement. Why are these actions – and not just “book-learning” – required by authentic Christian teaching? On this read Luke 9.23 noting the words follow and cross and Acts 9.2 noting the word Way. Why is our behavior a part of our faith? On this read 2 Corinthians 5.17 noting the term new creation. So if faith is supposed to transform us completely, then our actions must also be included. Does this point also address hypocrisy? How so? See Matthew 7.5.

Week IV. Read 1 Timothy 4.11 one last time noting the same word command. If this word is about changing our behavior to fit our faith, what changes does this require? On this read again 2 Timothy 4.3-4. noting the words endure, sound, teaching, itching, ears, suit, own, likings, turn, truth, wander and myths. Why do our ears itch, and for what? On this read Luke 12.19 noting the words ease and merry. Why are we looking for the happy, easy way? On this read Matthew 7.13 noting the words wide and many. Is it that we want as many included as possible? What teaching would this pit us against? On this read Matthew 22.14 noting the words many and few and Luke 14.28 noting the phrase count the cost. Read also Matthew 13.20-21 noting the words immediately, joy, no, root, tribulation and falls. We therefore long for a life without suffering. Why can’t we have this? On this read John 15.18-19 noting the words hate, world, not, of and out and John 18.36 noting the line my kingship is not of this world. What does this bring?

Week I. Read Psalm 130.5 noting the line in his word I hope. Why is hope grounded in God’s word? On this read Psalm 119.105 noting the words lamp and light. What does this verse imply? On this read Ecclesiastes 9.3 noting the words evil, madness, all and full. Why can’t the world generate its own goodness and light? On this read 1 John 5.19 noting the words whole, world, power and the evil one. So is the world helplessly evil because of who is running it? On this read 2 Corinthians 4.4 noting the words god, this, world and blinded. Read also Luke 4.5-6 noting the words devil, all, kingdoms, glory, authority, delivered and me. And what do we add to the mess the devil has made? On this read Mark 7.20-23 noting the words defiles, within, heart, evil, murder, wickedness, licentiousness and pride. Are we then truly helpless? On this read Romans 7.18 noting the words nothing, good, within and cannot. How does the word deliver in Romans 7.24 follow from Romans 7.18? Note also the words can and nothing in John 15.5.

Week II. Read again Psalm 130.5 noting the same line in his word I hope. What is hope? On this read Romans 8.24 noting the words hope and saved. Does hope save us through what we’re hoping for? On this read 2 Corinthians 5.17 noting the words new and creation. What does this newness overcome? On this read Romans 3.23 noting the word fall. What does this fall do to us? On this read Ephesians 2.3 noting the line by nature children of wrath. How does this transition happen from wrath to newness? On this read Colossians 1.13 noting the words delivered and transferred. Is this done completely for us? On this read Romans 9.16, noting the line it depends not upon man’s will or exertion. Why can’t we help save ourselves? On this read John 8.34 noting the word slave. So in Acts 4.12 when it says no other name can save us, does that include our own names as well, and not just those of other false gods? Is our slavery that severe? On this read Revelation 3.17 noting the words wretched and pitiable. Do you see yourself in this verse? How so?

Week III. Reread Psalm 130.5 noting the line in his word I hope. How does God’s word give us hope? On this read 1 Peter 1.24-25 noting the words withers and abides. Read also Matthew 7.24-28 noting the words rock and founded, sand and fall. What gives God’s word such stability so that the hope that is based on it can save us? What makes this word so reliable? On this read Isaiah 26.4 noting the words trust, Lord, everlasting and rock. So what’s everlasting in God is transferred to his word and the hope it provides all believers. Where do we see this most clearly? On this read 1 Corinthians 10.4 noting the words Rock and Christ. Where is this coupling reinforced? On this read Hebrews 13.8-14 noting the words same, yesterday, today, forever, led, away, no, lasting and city. Does this description of Christ ruin him for you? On this note the word interpretation in 2 Peter 1.20. Why is interpreting bad for us to do?

Week IV. Read Psalm 130.5 one last time noting the same line in his word I hope. What else does Christ do on our behalf if he is our rock? On this read again Jeremiah 23.29 noting the words hammer, breaks, rock and pieces. Note also the word destroy in 1 John 3.8. What rocks are destroyed? On this read John 2.19 noting the words destroy and temple. What does the destruction of the temple of stones and rocks convey? On this read 1 Corinthians 5.7 noting the words paschal, lamb and sacrificed. Read also Hebrews 9.24-26 noting the words our, behalf, repeatedly, blood, own, once, put, away, sin and sacrifice. Furthermore read 1 Peter 2.8 noting the words stone, stumble, fall and disobey. What does it mean that Jesus can trip us up? On this read 2 Corinthians 2.16 noting the contrasting words death and life. What does say about our savoir?

Ephesians 6.11

July 2008, Number 185

Week I. Read Ephesians 6.11 noting the line put on the whole armor of God. Why is this needed? On this read 1 Peter 5.8 noting the words adversary, prowls and devour. What does this verse say? Is this life safe? Is there any need to defend ourselves? On this read 1 Timothy 6.12 noting the word fight. Are Christians aware of this battle? On this read John 3.19 noting the words love and darkness. Are we reckless in our dangerous situation? On this read Revelation 3.17 noting the phrase not knowing. Read also Luke 12.19 noting the line take your ease. What should we do instead? On this read Matthew 7.24 noting the words wise, built and rock. How does one do that? On this read Luke 11.28 noting the words hear and keep. What does that take? On this read 1 Corinthians 9.27 noting the words pommel and subdue. Read also Hebrews 12.11 noting the words discipline and trained. Why is such exertion necessary? On this read Galatians 5.17 noting the words desires, flesh, against, Spirit, opposed and prevent. Does that settle the matter?

Week II. Read again Ephesians 6.11 noting the same word armor. What is armor? On this read Ephesians 6.14 noting the words loins and truth. How does truth defend us? On this read 2 Timothy 4.4 noting the word myths. What truths do these myths cover-up? On this read Romans 3.23 noting the word sinned. What does this imply? On this read John 8.34 noting the word slave. What further truths are we missing? On this read Romans 7.24-25 noting the words deliver and Lord. Does this mean only Christ Jesus can rescue us? On this read 1 Timothy 6.16 noting the word alone. How can this be? On this read John 5.26 noting the twice repeated line life in himself. In Ephesians 6.14 righteousness is also a piece of armor. How does it help us? On this read 1 Corinthians 1:30 noting the words Jesus, our and righteousness. How is this so? On this read Revelation 7.14 noting the words washed, white and blood. What does this bestowed purity require of us? On this read James 1.27 noting the words unstained and world. Note also the word transformed in Romans 12.2.

Week III. Reread Ephesians 6.11 noting the same word armor. What other armor is there? On this read Ephesians 6.15 noting the word peace. How does peace help us? On this read Colossians 1.20 noting the words peace and cross. What does this peace bring? On this read Romans 5.2 noting the line peace with God. What does this overcome? On this read Isaiah 13.9 noting the words destroy and sinners. What does this peace require of us? On this read Philippians 4.7 noting the words passes, understanding, keep, hearts and minds. How does this protect us? On this note the word interpretation in 2 Peter 1.20. Another piece of armor is faith in Ephesians 6.l6. How does it help? On this read Hebrews 11.1 noting the words not, seen, hoped and for. What does this enable us to do? On this read 2 Corinthians 4.16-18 noting the words lose, heart, outer, wasting, inner, renewed, slight, eternal, weight, beyond, seen, unseen, transient and eternal. How strong of a defense is this? On this read Matthew 10.28 noting where true fear belongs.

Week IV. Read Ephesians 6.11 one last time noting the same word armor. Ephesians 6.17 says that salvation is also a piece of armor. How so? On this read Hebrews 12.2 noting the words looking and endured. Why does this help? On this read Romans 5.4 noting the word character. What sort of character is this? On this read 2 Corinthians 5.15 noting the line no longer for themselves. What does this shift in attitude give? On this read John 15.13 noting the term greater love. Now the last piece of armor is the word of God also in Ephesians 6.17. How does this protect us? On this read Hebrews 4.12 noting the words sword, sharper, piercing, discerning and hearts. So this armor first purifies our hearts. Then read Psalm 119.105 noting the words lamp and light. Note also the words darkness and world John 8.12. So, the word, then, secondly fights off the ignorance and deceit around us.

Jeremiah 42.7

August 2008, Number 186

Week I. Read Jeremiah 42.7 noting the name Jeremiah. Why is Jeremiah the recipient of this word from the Lord? On this read Jeremiah 42.2 noting the request of Jeremiah to pray to the Lord your God for us. Why do they think Jeremiah would be good at this? On this read Jeremiah 10:24-25 noting the words correct, just, not, anger, know, not, call, not. Since Jeremiah has interceded for them earlier, they ask him to do it again. But isn’t this against God’s wishes? On this read Jeremiah 7.16, 11.14, 14.11 and 15.1 noting the three uses of the phrase do not pray and the line my heart would not turn. Why, then, does Jeremiah pray for them anyway? On this read Exodus 32.10-14 noting the words alone, but and repented. How is Jeremiah like Moses? And does Jeremiah suffer for his intercession? On this read Jeremiah 15.10-12, 19 noting the words strife, curse, entreated, pleaded, distress, break, iron, return, restore, stand, mouth and turn. Will this happen again in Jeremiah 42? If not, why not?

Week II. Read again Jeremiah 42.7 noting the phrase ten days. Why did Jeremiah have to wait so long for an answer from God? On this read Psalm 62.5-12 noting the words alone, waits, silence, hope, only, rock, trust, all, breath, delusion, riches and power. Is the point that if God answered us quickly we would depend on our powerful prayers and ourselves rather than on him? On this read John 15.5 noting the words apart and nothing. Read also 1 Corinthians 3.6-7 noting the words planted, watered, but, growth, neither, anything, and only. So our diminishment correlates with God’s majesty – making us utterly dependent on him. On this read Psalm 104.29 noting the words hidest and die. So just as our very lives depend on God, so too do all of our projects. What does this mean, then, for our plans and the execution of them – as well as our feelings about the results of our efforts? On this read 1 Corinthians 10.31 noting the words all, glory and God.

Week III. Reread Jeremiah 42.7 noting the line the word of the Lord. What was this word? On this read Jeremiah 42.10-12, 15-20 noting the words if, remain, build, repent, not, fear, Babylon, deliver, mercy, own, enter, Egypt, sword, famine, die, pestilence, evil, anger, wrath, execration, horror, curse, taunt, certainty, warned, astray and cost. This is a double word from the Lord (Luther’s duplex verbum, LW 3:242). But what’s double about it? On this read Exodus 4.11, Deuteronomy 32.39, Job 1.21, 1 Samuel 2.6, Psalm 75.7, Proverbs 10.29, Ecclesiastes 7.14, Isaiah 45.7, Jeremiah 1.10, Lamentations 3.38, Ezekiel 17.24, Matthew 3.12, Luke 1.52, John 9.39, Romans 9.13, James 4.12 and Revelation 3.7 noting the coupling and contrasting and or but. Does this mean that God is two-fisted and can either bash us or bless us? Why is this the answer to Jeremiah’s prayer?

Week IV. Read Jeremiah 42.7 one last time noting the same line the word of the Lord. If this word is double, and can either hurt us or help us, which will it be? On this read Jeremiah 42.10 and 15 noting the repeated little phrase if you. What does that little phrase portend? Does it say that our lot in life depends on whether or not we are obedient? On this Leviticus 26.3 and 14 noting the words walk and hearken. Read as well John 3.36 noting the repeated qualifier he who and John 5.29 noting the other repeated phrase those who have done. On the importance of obedience, read also Matthew 7. 21 noting the line who does the will of my Father and Galatians 5.25 with the stress on walk over live. Does this stress on obedience minimize faith – as in Romans 3.28? On this read 2 Corinthians 6. noting the line do not accept the grace of God in vain. Does this mean that grace and faith do not float free from obedience but rather work together? If so, how so?

John 6.27

September 2008, Number 187

Week I. Read John 6.27 noting the word perishes. What’s wrong with what perishes? On this read John 6.68 noting the words go and eternal. Is it that what perishes cannot give us eternal life? On this read 1 Peter 1.24-25 noting the contrast between the words withers and abides, flower and word. Why not settle for what perishes? On this read John 14.27 noting the words peace, not, world, troubled and afraid. Why do we need this non-worldly peace? On this read Romans 8.19-23 noting the words eager, futility, free, bondage, decay, glorious, groaning, travail, adoption and redemption. Do these verses all add up to fulfillment? On this read John 17.13 noting the word fulfilled. Read also 2 Corinthians 4.16-18 noting the words lose, heart, outer, wasting, inner, renewed, preparing, weight, beyond and unseen. Is this weight fulfilling in a way that none of the flimsy, perishing things are? On this read Matthew 6.19-20 and Luke 12.21 noting the terms treasures in heaven and rich toward God. How is this so?

Week II. Read again John 6.27 noting the line the food which endures to eternal life. What and where is this eternal life? On this read John 17.3 noting the words know, only, true and sent. What is this knowledge about? On this read John 17.6, 11 and 14 noting the little words out, no, in, not and of. If this eternal life is not here, then where is it? On this read John 14.1-14 noting the words Father’s, house, rooms, place, where, way, in, me, dwells, works, go and glorify. If this eternal life is in the Father where Jesus is, then where is that (see John 8.19)? Where is the bosom of the Father (John 1.18)? On this read John 20.17 noting the word ascending. Does this mean that eternity is off the face of the earth? On this read John 13.1 noting the line depart out of this world to the Father and 16.28 noting the line leaving the world. Where is this other world? On this read John 5.26 noting the line the Father has life in himself. All places are apparently dependent on their environs and so they do not have any independent life. For the Father to have such a life would then mean that he isn’t in any specific place. As strange as that may sound, then, this eternal life must be somewhere that cannot be specified or located. On this read John 17.24 noting the words glory, before, foundations and world. Does that sound like someplace which is actually nowhere at all – as far as we can tell, we who have no life in ourselves (Jeremiah 10.23)?

Week III. Reread John 6.27 noting the line the Son of man will give to you. How does Jesus do this? On this read John 8.12 noting the words light, world, darkness and life. How do we receive this light from Jesus? On this read John 9.39 noting the coupling and contrasting words see and blind. Why would Jesus want to blind anyone? On this read John 3.19 noting the words loved and darkness. Would blinding, then, prevent us from going after the darkness? On this read John 8.12 again noting the words follows and walk. Read also John 12.36 noting the word believe. Why is that said? How does it help us?

Week IV. Read John 6.27 one last time noting the word seal. Why is the seal set on Jesus? On this read John 1.14, 18, 3.16, 18 noting the repeated little word only. So the seal means that Jesus is unique. How so? On this read John 14.6 noting the line but by me. Why does it matter that we make it to the Father? On this read John 1.17-18 noting the words grace and truth. If grace means the goodness and blessings of God, then without Christ Jesus, those blessings will be lost. On this read John 3.36 noting the contrast between the words life and wrath. What does this wrath include? On this read John 5.29 noting the term resurrection of judgment. What will that be like? On that read John 3.18 noting the word condemned. On this condemnation see John 10.10 noting the term life… abundantly – which is what is lost in condemnation. How bad is that?

Ecclesiastes 6.7

October 2008, Number 188

Week I. Read Ecclesiastes 6.7 noting the word mouth. Is this really true that we are all only concerned with the material – what we can consume through our mouths? On this read John 6.26 noting the line you seek me... because you ate your fill of the loaves. So even when face to face with Jesus, we miss the spiritual, other-worldly dimension of the Lord! On this sad state of affairs, read 1 Corinthians 15.19 noting the line for this life only. Being only preoccupied with the material would be an illustration of hoping only for this life. On this problem read Romans 8.19-23 noting the words revealing, futility, liberty, adoption and redemption. Do all of these words point to another world unlike the materially obsessed one in which we now live? On this read 2 Corinthians 4.17-18 noting the term eternal weight of glory. What is this eternality? On this read 2 Peter 3.3-13 noting the words scoffers, word, existed, earth, formed, deluged, fire, destruction, elements, dissolved, wait and new. How is this new world unlike our present one? On this read Revelation 21.2-4 noting the words new, heaven, dwelling, God, tear, death, mourning, pain and former.

Week II. Read again Ecclesiastes 6.7 noting the same word mouth. Why is this new world needed that is not governed by our mouths and the material? On this read Philippians 3.19 noting the category god of the belly. What sort of divinity is this? On this read 2 Corinthians 4.4 noting the similar category god of this world. So this world is bad because its god draws us down into the material – the belly. On this read Colossians 3.2 noting the line set your minds... not on things that are on earth. Why is that? On this read James 4.4 noting the question do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Why is that? On this read John 15.19 noting the two little words of and out. Why are we called out of this world? On this read John 18.36 noting the line my kingship is not from the world. Where does this leave us? On this read Philippians 3.20 noting the line our commonwealth is in heaven. Why is that? On this read Hebrews 13.14 noting the word lasting. Why do we need something lasting? On this read Isaiah 43.21 noting the words formed, that and praise. If we were made to praise the eternal God then we ourselves must finally reside in a lasting, eternal city so we can fulfill our destiny for all eternity.

 Week III. Reread Ecclesiastes 6.7 noting the word satisfied. If the material will not satisfy us, what will? On this read Matthew 13.44 noting the words treasure, joy and all. What is it about this treasure that brings us such joy? On this read John 14.27 noting the line peace... not as the world gives. How is this peace so much better? On this read Matthew 6.19-20 noting the double use of the words consume and steal. Note also Luke 10.42 and the line shall not be taken away, as well as Matthew 7.25 and the line it did not fall. Why is such incorruptibility better for us? On this read Jeremiah 10.23 noting the line the way of man is not in himself. Read also 1 Corinthians 15.53 noting the line this perishable nature must put on the imperishable. Why is that? On this read John 20.17 noting the term your Father. What does this mean for us? On this read Romans 6.22 noting the correlation between the words slaves and sanctification. Does this mean that only a life with God can fulfill us – and that all other ways are futile?  If so, why is that?

 Week IV. Read Ecclesiastes 6.7 one last time noting the same word satisfied. What is it like to be satisfied? On this read Matthew 18.3 noting the line unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. What’s so satisfying – so heavenly and salutary – about being childlike? Could it be that it is only when we obediently follow God’s ways that we are in line with our proper design? Could it be that as long as we resist this childlike obedience we will be dysfunctional, unstable, stunted, immature and undeveloped? On this read 1 Peter 2.2 noting the line like newborn babes,... grow up to salvation. Are we then all lost and dissipated if we live apart from God? On this read Isaiah 6.5 noting the line woe is me for I am lost and Matthew 9.36 noting the line helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. It would seem, then, that nothing can satisfy us except following God’s will, way and words. Who would disagree with this and why?  Materialists?

Week I. Read Romans 10.4 noting the line Christ is the end of the law. What is this law that Christ ends? On this read Romans 2.17-20 noting the words law, relation, God, will, excellent, guide, light, corrector, knowledge and truth. The law, then, is the will of God for us that we might be guided and corrected on the basis of what God says the truth is. Why do we need this correcting? On this sad state of affairs, read Romans 1.18 noting the words ungodliness, wickedness, suppress and truth. In what sort of state does this leave us? On this read Romans 2.5 noting the line storing up wrath... on the day of wrath. Note also the words futile and senseless in Romans 1.21 and the categories base mind and improper conduct in Romans 1.28. We therefore have a need for the law – which tells us in our darkness what God’s will is for us. On this read Romans 12.2 noting the line that you may prove what is the will of God. So the law of God cannot be passed off. We are obliged to prove it or follow it in our lives. Without it, we remain in darkness.

Week II. Read again Romans 10.4 noting the little word end. In what sense does the law come to an end? On this read Romans 3.31 noting the contrasting words overthrow and uphold. What would it be like to overthrow the law? On this read Romans 6.1 noting the words continue and abound. By willfully continuing to sin, we cast off the pressure of the law which seeks to constrict our sinful ways. And why would we think, by so doing, that grace would then abound? On this read Romans 2.4 noting the logical connection between the words kindness and repentance. This is an easy mistake to make when God’s requirements for those whom he blesses are cast away. On this read Romans 12.1 noting the connection between the words mercies and sacrifice. Do God’s mercies leads us on to sacrificing in his name? What is that like? On this read Romans 16.18 noting the line serve... their own appetites. A life of sacrifice is supposed to go against such selfish service.

Week III. Reread Romans 10.4 noting that same word end. So if we are to end the law in some way other than by overthrowing it, what would that be? On this read Romans 3.28 noting the phrase justified... apart from works of the law. What is this justification? On this read Romans 5.1 noting the phrase peace with God. Why can’t this peace come by way of doing works of the law? On this read Romans 9.16 noting the excluded middle between the words mercy and exertion. Why are our efforts useless? On this read Romans 3.23 noting the word fall and Romans 5.15 the word free. So if we are fallen and can only by saved through a free, undeserved gift from God, why does this spell the end for the law? On this read Romans 3.35 noting the line received by faith. Since doing works of the law are contrary to faith and trusting in God to save us, the law cannot save us. On this read Romans 8.3 noting the line what the law... could not do. How weak is that?   

  Week IV. Read Romans 10.4 one last time noting the word Christ. How is Christ the end of the law? Well, he does what the law could not do. On this read Romans 5.9 noting the line saved... from the wrath of God. How does Jesus do that? On this read Romans 8.3-4 noting the phrases sinful flesh, for sin, condemned sin, just requirement of the law and fulfilled in us. Note also the line expiation by his blood in Romans 3.25. Jesus is punished for our sins so that we wouldn’t have to be punished for them. That’s his expiation or sacrifice which condemns sin and frees us from the wrath of God. It condemns sin by fulfilling the law by being a blood sacrifice in our place. This is the redemption stated in Romans 3.24. How do we develop faith in this? On this read Romans 10.17 noting the words heard and preaching. What should our response to this gift of faith be? On this read Romans 7.25 noting the line thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Week I. Read Esther 3.8 noting the word people. Who are these people? On this read Esther 3.10 noting the line the enemy of the Jews. What was it about the Jews that was so offensive? On this read Esther 3.8 noting the word laws. Why was Jewish law so upsetting? On this read the same verse noting the word different. Why should this matter? Why not live and let live? On this read that same verse noting the line they do not keep the king’s law. Why don’t these two sets of laws – Jewish and kingly – go together? Why does Jewish law exclude kingly law? On this read Exodus 34.14 noting the word jealous. What does this imply? On this read Isaiah 45.5 noting the line beside me there is no God. What does this imply? On this read Psalm 119.36-37 noting the contrast between testimonies and vanities. Who does this sound like? On this read Matthew 6.24 noting the line no one can serve two masters. This line takes us back to the words enemy and vanities. Now is it clear why the Jewish law was so offensive?

Week II. Read again Esther 3.8 noting the word laws. What are these offensive laws? On this read Exodus 20.1-17 noting the many occurrences of the two little words no and not. Why are these laws so negative? On this read Psalm 119.44-45 noting the words keep and liberty. So this law fosters liberty by setting boundaries and not by telling you what to do. Limits are drawn, and within them you can choose your own way. So while this law is negative it isn’t burdensome. On this read also 1 John 5.1-5 noting the words love, obey, not, burdensome, victory and faith. How much freedom actually is this? On this read Colossians 3.17 noting the line whatever you do in word or deed. Why is the specification left out? On this read 2 Corinthians 3.17 noting the words Spirit and freedom. How wide is this freedom? On this read Galatians 5.1 noting the words