Nehemiah 9 Study Notes

 This chapter teaches us primarily about four things:

1.       The character of effective prayer

2.       The character of the Bible

3.       The nature of humanity

4.       The nature of God

 

I.          Effective Prayer

What kind of prayer is included in this chapter? Is it honest? (Yes.) What is the source of the content of this prayer? (The Bible and Redemptive History.) Does this prayer include confession and repentance? (Yes.) Does it include adoration of God? (Yes.) Does it include thanksgiving? (Yes.) Does it include supplication (direct petitions for God to act)? (No, it focuses on the actions of people–recommitment to the covenant.) Compare this prayer to advertising, social media, or a resume. How often do you see an accurate description of centuries of failure, rebellion, and lawbreaking in these other resources? (Never.) This is not a press release, a myth, or a fairy tale. This is what Alan Jackson sang about in the song, “Here in the Real World.” Raw, unvarnished true truth is what we find in the Bible and what we find in effective prayer. Confession of sin requires honesty and not mislabeling or downplaying how harmful the sin and rebellion was. This is a corporate public prayer by the spiritual leaders of the assembly.

II.        The Bible

Nehemiah uses a number of terms to describe sections of the Bible.

·        Upright judgments (mishpatim) Civil laws [vs. 13]

·        True Laws (torah) moral instructions that can be taught with a story as well as direct commandment (e.g. Noah, Lot, Nadab, Abihu–consequences of drunkenness) [vs. 13]

·        Good statutes (ḥōq) purity regulations and worship rules {Ceremonial law} [vs. 13]. See the end of Leviticus 26.

·        Commandments (mitsvah) moral laws which include the Ten Commandments [vs. 13]

·        Holy Sabbath (shabbat) The 7^th day, Friday 6pm to Saturday 6pm, a day of rest and worship, but the command also required work on the other 6 days [vs.14]

·        God commanded (verb) commandments (mitsvah), statutes (ḥōq), law (torah). Using these three terms together is for all the content of the first four books of the Bible written by Moses. [vs. 14]

·        Testimonies (edut) technical term for the Ten Commandments

Nehemiah believed the Bible made clear how a person could please God. He believed its witness that Yahweh created the universe in seven days. He believed all the prophets’ descriptions of the behavior of the people. The Bible is a reliable source of truth in a world of falsehoods and errors. Good leaders, such as Nehemiah and Jesus, trust the Bible.

III.     The Nature of Humanity

A. Compromising with pagans, sinning (intentional and unintentional), committing iniquities (directly violating commandments)

B. Act presumptuously (rebelliously proud), stiff-necked, refusing to listen, forgetting God’s wondrous deeds

C. Idol makers, blasphemers, disobedient, rebellious, throwing God’s word away, murdering God’s prophets, returning to do evil, sinning against civil laws

D. Stubborn shoulder and stiff-necked (rebellious), acting wickedly, not following biblical instruction, not paying attention to moral laws, especially the Ten Words

E. Not serving Yahweh (obeying, following, worshipping), not repenting of their evil deeds (U-turn)

IV.    The Nature of God–W. Wiersbe, commentary, Chapter 9: “Amazing Grace”

A. The Greatness of God vs. 1-6 (W. 120-123)

1.  He receives our worship

2. He is God alone

3. He created the universe

4. He providentially cares for His creation

5. The angels of heaven worship Him

B. The Goodness of God vs. 7-30 (W. 123-127)

1) Forming the nation of Israel

2) Leading the nation of Israel

3) Discipling the nation of Israel

C. The Grace of God vs. 31-38 (W. 127-129)

1) Abundant compassion (raḥamim) [noun] Only used 39 times (1Kgs 3:26), often used as kindness, favor, mercy, or merciful love, once for a mother’s love for a baby [vs. 19, 27, 28, 31]

2) Gracious (ḥannun) [adj.] Used only 13 times but related to the noun in Gen 6:8 (ḥan) “Noah found grace in the eyes of Yahweh”

3) Compassionate (raḥum) [adj.] Used only in 13 verses

4) Keeps covenant (berit) [noun] faithful no matter what [used in 265 verses]

5) Lovingkindness (ḥesed) [noun] faithful love, covenant love, volitional gracious kindness [used in 239 verses]

Romans 2: Larry King interviews the Apostle Paul

Romans 2 

Paul, you have let the Gentiles have it. You have condemned them all under sin’s power and sway by your words and declared them to be under the wrath of God. Now, I am Jewish by birth, though not a practicing Orthodox or Hasidic Jew. Be honest with me. What do you really think about the Jews? Do you agree that we will be found righteous when God judges the world?

Larry, the answer is no. They will not be found righteous.

You have got to be kidding! Paul, how are you defining the judgment of God? What is it like?

Well, Larry, God hates hypocrisy. He has principles of judgment that apply to all men, but I will admit, especially to the Jews.

God’s judgment is according to the truth. This differs greatly from human judgment.

Paul, your Bible says Christians are never to judge. Sounds like you are judging the Jews to me.

Conversely, Larry. The New Testament forbids judging the sins we are practicing in secret in other people, but actually requires Christians and churches to judge sin.

Your God sounds mean to me.

No, God’s long-suffering with sinning people is clear all around us. This gives them a motive and an opportunity to repent. Instead, they are hoarders of wrath.

So, God is going to judge all the Jews together?

No, He will judge them as individuals. And he will judge them by their works.

Now, Paul, you are always saying: grace, grace, grace. Now you are joining all the world religions and cults and admitting salvation is by works?

No, salvation is by grace received through faith, repentance, and surrender. Judgment is by works.

But we are the chosen race. Does that not count for anything, Paul?

Yes, it results in greater responsibility. But God does not show favoritism toward any race. He looks at your heart, your deeds, and your relationship with Him.

What are you saying, Paul?

The judgment of God will fall on both Gentiles and Jews who have not received imputed righteousness from Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God. Having more truth, more light, will make the Jews’ judgment more severe than that of those who did not have access to the Scriptures.

Matthew Henry: “One is not a Christian, that is only one outwardly, nor is baptism valid if it is only outward of the flesh; but he is a Christian, that is one inwardly, and baptism is that of the heart, by the Holy Spirit, and not merely following the written requirement of the ritual. This person’s praise is not of men, but of God because he/she is a genuine believer and a sincere repenter.”

 

Romans 16:17-27 Division, Salutations and Benediction (part 2)

 Part 2

Paul’s final words dictated to Tertius include a warning about divisive people in the church. He then moves to a final salutation and benedictory prayer for the believers at Rome. Paul begins (1:5) and ends (16:26) this letter with the phrase “the obedience of faith.” Genuine faith always produces change.

I. Paul warns the believers in Rome about divisive people in the churches vs. 17-20

A. How to treat divisive people vs. 17

1. Watch, mark out, keep your eyes on them (don’t turn your back on them)

2. Turn away from them, stay away from them (error is infectious)

B. The NT cross-references on divisive people (vs. 17)

“Brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to stay away from every brother or sister who lives an undisciplined life that is not in line with the traditions that you received from us. You yourselves know how you need to imitate us because we were not undisciplined when we were with you. Take note [mark] of anyone who doesn’t obey what we have said in this letter. Don’t associate with them so they will be ashamed of themselves.” (2 Thess 3:6-7,14 CEB)

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11 ESV)

“Traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people!” (2 Tim 3:4-5 HCSB)

“He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” (1 Tim 6:4-5 NKJV)

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. (Jude 18-19 NIV)

“Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction” . . . “For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.”  (1 Cor 1:10, 11:18 HCSB)

C. The characteristics of divisive people vs.18

1. They cause divisions, obstacles, snares, traps, problems, and temptations

2. They oppose biblical doctrines and biblical ethics

3. They are not slaves of Christ. They are slaves to feelings, lust, cravings, or legalism. They are controlled by addictions or man-made rules and not by self-discipline

4. They are con men who are inspiring and eloquent speakers who use flattery to deceive the minds of the naïve

D. The Roman Christians’ obedience to past instructions on how to deal with unruly people attending their assemblies vs. 19

1. The report is well known that the Roman believers are good at inspecting fruit and detecting wolves in disguise as sheep and spotting immature troublemakers

2. Paul’s goal for them in this: be wise in what is pure, unmixed theology (and ethics) and innocent in what is evil (false doctrine and evil behavior)

E. The enemy’s involvement and defeat in this scheme of sending divisive people into the church assemblies with error and wicked works vs. 20a

1. God will crush Satan, the father of lies and the source of error

2. God will use the church, armed with the truth, to defeat him until Jesus comes

F. The difference God’s grace makes in the struggles of life vs. 20b, 24

II. Paul gives a final greeting and benedictory prayer for the churches in Rome vs. 21-27

A. Salutations from Timothy, a co-worker, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Jewish believers

B. Salutations from the secretary who transcribed what Paul dictated and the church host along with the treasurer of the city of Corinth and an unknown brother, Quartus

C. The benedictory prayer for the believers at Rome summarizes the book’s themes vs. 25-27

1. God establishes believers through the gospel and preaching about Jesus

2. God has revealed His plan to include believing Gentiles into covenant with Himself in the Bible (OT & NT) [the secret is out Eph 3:6]

3. God is eternal, and He decreed when the mystery would be revealed

4. The church in Paul’s day made the gospel known to all ethnic groups (GC)

5. Those who are saved take part in the obedience of faith

6. God alone is wise and will receive glory through the person and work of Jesus the Messiah forever

7. The glory belongs to God alone

Romans 16:1-16 Spiritual Life in Community (part 1)

 Part 1

In Paul’s final personal remarks to the believers in the city of Rome, we see he loves other believers. He spends time with them. He trains them in the truth. He knows their character and qualities as believers in Christ, and he knows them by name. Spiritual life together in community is how God designed it for us to thrive as believers. Paul modeled this for us. No Christian is an island unto himself or herself. We are to be inter-dependent on one another.

I. Paul greets some believers in Rome that will receive this letter vs. 1-16

A. The commendable characteristics of Paul’s friends at Rome

1. Servant

2. Helper

3. Fellow workers

4. Hard workers

5. Courageous for the gospel (risked their lives for it and others)

6. House church hosts

7. Choice man

8. Beloved ones

9. Spiritual mother

10. Outstanding missionaries (sent-ones from the church)

11. Approved in Christ (because of the relationship)

12. Saved Jews (My Kinsman)

B. The model of Paul: he established lasting friendships

C. The vital importance of greeting and encouraging other believers is demonstrated by Paul. People are important

D. The missionary principle regarding names: they do not have to be changed after conversion, even if you are named after a false god

E. Meet the one carrying this letter to holy ones, the beloved of God at Rome (Rom 1:7), Phoebe

1. The letter is from the city of Corinth (56 AD)

2. Phoebe lives in the next town over, the seaport city Cenchrea

3. What is her role in the church at Cenchrea? diakonos (table waiter)

a. “One who serves as an intermediary in a transaction, agent, intermediary, courier” BDAG

b. “One who gets something done, at the behest of a superior, assistant to someone (attendant, assistant, aide)” BDAG

c.  “The English derivatives ‘deacon’ and ‘deaconess’ are technical terms whose meaning varies in ecclesiastical history and are therefore inadequate for rendering NT usage of diakonos” BDAG

d.  This noun is not solely masculine or feminine by itself in Koine Greek. “These nouns are said to be of common gender.” In David Allen Black, It’s Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 1998), 22. Because of its ancient usage, for this term, gender does not help us with interpretation. The masculine endings do double duty for common gender nouns, which means they can refer to either males or females

e. ^CEB  1 Tim 3:11 “In the same way, women who are servants in the church should be dignified and not gossip. They should be sober and faithful in everything they do”

f.   Phoebe probably held the non-ordained position of deaconess, and her job was to help the elders and deacons minister to the needs of the women in the church family. Deaconesses ministered to women who were ill at home alone and held blankets for women to change behind after a baptism in a river or body of water. The idea of female nurses in hospitals came from the deaconesses in the early church

g.  The Romans are to fund Phoebe’s stay and return to Greece

F. Prisca and Aquila (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; 1 Cor 16:9; 2 Tim 4:19) a couple who were Jewish converts that had churches in their houses wherever they lived and were spiritually mature, full of biblical knowledge, and risked their lives for Paul

G. Epaenetus, the first person saved in Turkey, lives in Rome while Paul is writing this letter (his name was found in the Ephesus ruins). Ampliatus, Stachys (beloved)

H. Heridion (Jewish), Mary (Jewish) and Persis (hard workers)

I. Andronicus and Junias, outstanding Jewish missionaries (apostles of the church, not part of the 12 Apostles of Christ) these guys are in jail in Rome for the gospel

J. Urbanas, Appelles, House of Aristobulus, Narcissus, Tryphanena, Tryhosa

K. Rufus and mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus and Julia, Nereus and sister, Olympas and house church

L. Greet one another with a holy kiss. In some cultures, a kiss is given on the forehead; some give a kiss on both cheeks. It was never on the lips. This was a cultural way of greeting other believers with affection. In our culture in America, the way to greet is with a handshake. If done appropriately and with permission also a hug is another cultural way of greeting or saying goodbye. The principle is to show a spirit of oneness of community in your cultural setting in proper and appropriate ways 

II. Paul warns the believers in Rome about divisive people in the churches vs. 17-20

III. Paul gives a final greeting and benedictory prayer for the churches in Rome vs. 21-27

Romans 15:14-33 Paul & Rome: Personal Matters (part 2)

 Part 2

In Paul’s personal remarks to the Roman church, he includes elements of his theology and philosophy of ministry.

·        Paul’s ministry was received by God’s grace vs. 15

·        Paul’s ministry was centered in the gospel vs. 16, 19

·        Paul’s ministry was done for God’s glory vs. 17-18

·        Paul’s ministry was done through God’s power alone vs. 19

·        Paul’s ministry was according to God’s plan vs. 20-25, 32

·        Paul’s ministry included providing assistance for believers in need vs. 26

·        Paul’s ministry included foreign missions and church planting vs. 20, 28

·        Paul’s ministry was supported by the prayers of believers vs. 30-32

I. Paul shares his heart towards the believers in the church at Rome. vs. 14-29

A. The church at Rome has spiritually mature disciples of Jesus. vs. 14

1. They are full of goodness displayed in good works, generosity, and kindness.

2. They have a mature knowledge of the gospel and the Bible.

3. They are competent to instruct, counsel, and admonish one another.

B. Paul was bold because of the believers’ maturity and because of his office. vs. 15

1. Paul reminded them of spiritual truths they already knew.

2. Paul was direct because of their spiritual maturity.

C. Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, was working for God. vs. 16-17

1. He was a servant of Christ (leitourgos, public servant).

2. He was like a priest offering the spiritual sacrifice of new converts to God (idiom, figurative).

3. The Holy Spirit was doing the work of sanctification in them, making them individually and corporately pleasing to God.

D. Paul’s missionary strategy was to go and preach where there was no established church to start new ones. vs. 18-21

1. The pagans were responding positively to the gospel through their commitments and changed lifestyles.

2. This can only be explained as the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

3. As an Apostle and Scripture writer, Paul performed signs and wonders early in his ministry and often by his own decision.

4. Paul preached the gospel of the Messiah from Israel to the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia, Bosnia, Yugoslavia, and Albania.

5. Paul brought the light where it was darkest. He planted churches that would plant other churches and further spread the gospel.

6. The Old Testament prophesied about God’s plan of missions. Isa 52:15

7. It prophesied the worldwide rule of the Suffering Servant (Messiah).

E. Paul could not visit Rome because of the gospel opportunities. vs. 22-23

1. He did not follow his emotions but God’s will.

2. He entered the open doors before him in the region where he was.

3. He longed to fellowship with the Roman believers.

4. But he followed biblical wisdom rather than emotions.

F. Paul’s plan was to visit Rome on his way to Spain. vs. 24

1. Paul was organized and made wise plans.

2. Paul was willing for God to redirect his plans.

3. Paul was faithful and kept his word to bring the Gentile churches financial gifts to the starving believers in Jerusalem because of persecution.

4. Paul was planning to engage in missions and church planting immediately after the gift was delivered.

5. Paul only let mature congregations help him financially (Rome).

G. Paul was providing for the ethical and accountable transfer of funds. vs. 25-26, 28

H. The Gentile Christians should appreciate the Jewish roots of their faith. vs. 27

1. The promises and covenants came to the Jews.

2. The Scriptures were preserved by the Jews.

3. The entire Bible was written by Jewish male Prophets and Apostles. (If the one possible exception, Luke, had a Jewish mother, like Timothy, he would also be Jewish).

I. Paul’s reunion with old friends and first meeting of those in the church at Rome will be a mutual blessing to all who love Jesus the Messiah. vs. 29

II. Paul shares prayer requests and adds a benedictory prayer for the believers at Rome. vs. 30-33

A. Prayer is work, and intercessory prayer is for other people. vs. 30

1. Prayer for Paul’s deliverance from the evil people in Judea.

2. Prayer for Paul’s service to the believers in Jerusalem.

3. Paul’s trip to visit the Roman church and to rest in Rome.

4. Paul’s surrender to God’s will in all these matters.

5. Paul’s request acknowledges the tri-unity of God, the trinity.

6. Paul was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 24:27, 28:11-31) and was given a free trip to Rome, but he arrived in chains.

B. Paul’s benedictory prayer for the Roman Christians. vs. 33

1. For God’s peace, shalom (wholeness, fullness) for them.

2. For God’s presence to be with them in joy.

3. Amen (I believe that statement; it is true, so be it).

Romans 15:1-13: Jewish and Gentile Harmony in the Body of Christ (part 1)

 Part 1

We are to handle the weaker and stronger Christian ethical issues in a way that promotes unity and harmony in the assembly to the glory of God. Love for God, for our neighbors, and for other believers is worked out in patient tolerance and self-denial over gray ethical issues. Jesus modeled this by accepting people from both the Jewish and Gentile cultures into His kingdom.

I. Christians are to live in harmony with each other to the glory of God. vs. 1-6

A. The stronger believer is to be patient with the incapable one’s doubts. vs. 1

B. The believer is to seek to please and edify other Christians. vs. 2

C. Christian liberty as it relates to weak and strong Christians in the body of Christ should be informed by Jesus’ example of self-denial and living for others. vs. 3

D. The believer is to obey the Bible’s instructions concerning unity and harmony. vs. 4

1. The things written in the Word of God instruct us (1 Cor 10:6, 10).

2. The things written in the Word of God are for us to read and heed.

3. The things written in the Old Testament are for the Christian’s instruction.

4. The written Word of God (Scriptures) must be read or heard by Christians.

a. Reading the Bible brings hope to the believer (Rom 8:23-25).

b. Reading the Bible brings encouragement to the believer.

c. Reading the Bible brings perseverance to the believer.

E. God gives perseverance and encouragement to the believer. vs.5

1. By the written Word of God, read or heard (2 Tim 3:16-17).

2. By the body of Christ, through Christian fellowship.

3. By the indwelling Holy Spirit, who also uses 1. and 2.

F. God can grant believers to be of the same mind concerning matters of personal conduct (gray ethical issues). vs. 5

1. We should work and pray for unity on cultural issues.

2. Because the Messiah is head of the church, and the Son exemplifies unity, those connected to Him should also model unity over behavioral issues.

G. A unified assembly of Christians is more effective in bringing glory to God. vs. 6

1. Glorifying God is of vital importance for every human being.

2. Unity among humans is not natural, especially for people of different cultures.

3. When we are at peace with each other, we bring the most glory to God.

4. When we serve as a team, we bring the most glory to God.

5. Only the spiritually mature, living lives of self-denial, can glorify God in this way.

6. Oneness displays the love and concern we have for each other in spite of differing opinions on gray ethical issues of conduct and consumption.

7. Our voice of praise is directed towards our triune God.

a. Our God the Father, who is the eternal Father to the eternal Son.

b. Our Lord (Master) who is Yeshu’a (salvation) the Anointed One. 

II. Conclusion: Accept other Christians who have different ethical convictions. vs. 7-13

A. Receive one another in love, just as the Messiah received us. vs.7

B. Our salvation and displayed Christian unity bring glory to God. vs. 7

C. The Messiah models an accepting spirit concerning non-essentials by receiving both Jews and Gentiles into His kingdom by conversion. vs. 8-13

1. The Messiah fulfilled Scripture by serving the Jews, which displayed God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, to God’s glory. vs. 8

a. The truth of God (John 17:17).

b. Confirmation of the Old Testament covenant promises.

2. The Messiah fulfilled Scripture by serving the Gentiles, which displayed God’s mercy and grace in His eternal plan to God’s glory. vs. 9-12

a. Paul’s evidence of God’s ancient OT Gentile conversion plan.

b. David’s writings and the Gentiles (Worship) [2 Sam 22:50; Psa 18:49]

c. Moses’ writings and the Gentiles (Unity) [Deut 32:43].

d. The Psalmist and the Gentiles (Praise to Yahweh) [Psa 117:1].

e. Isaiah and the Gentiles (Messiah will rule and give hope) [Isa 11:10].

D. Benediction: Believers receive joy and peace from the God of hope. vs. 13

1. The fullness of joy is available to the believer.

2. An extravagant hope is available to the believer.

3. Joy, hope, and peace come to the believer through the person of the Holy Spirit.

a. The Trinity is included in this section. vs. 5 and 13

b. The power to live the Christian life comes from the Holy Spirit (Rom 8).

c. He is a person and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son.