Celebration 1 Flashcards
1
Q
As we study the Bible what exactly is it that God wants us to see?
A
1) To learn the history. Although the Bible is true and accurate, it leaves out aspects
2) To learn morality. We need to be better people, but the Bible does not always explicitly tell us how to do this
3) To learn theology–that God wants to draw us into relationship with him.
2
Q
Who is the author of Genesis?
A
Moses as suggested by the Pentateuch and later works.
3
Q
What is the date of Genesis?
A
Somewhere between 1446 and 1406 (time of exodus to after the 40 yrs in the wilderness)
4
Q
What is the inspired “anchor” for our timeline in the OT?
A
1 Kings 6:1 the most important verse for OT timelines
The fourth year of Solomon’s reign (966 BC) is 480 yrs after the Exodus from Egypt.
Exodus: 1446 BC
End of Wilderness Wandering: 1406 BC
Abraham: 2000 BC
5
Q
Who was the audience of Genesis?
A
The nation of Israel (presumably about to enter the land and needing to understand her roots)
6
Q
What is the literary structure of the book of Genesis?
A
use the author’s best clue
Mose used toledoth to break up the book into twelve chunks
7
Q
What does toledoth mean?
A
“these are the generations of” or
“this is the account of”
or
“this is what became of”
8
Q
What are the two big sections of Genesis? What is the big message of Genesis?
A
1-11 (first six sections)
The dilemma of man
12-50 (last six sections)
The promise of the solution
God’s word causes conflict with the evil one, as He separates a seed to Himself, through whom He will redeem and restore His material creation.
9
Q
What does the first section of Genesis tell us about God?
A
1:1-2:3 God spoke
(who and how)
not what because did not explain everything He made & not mention why/when
- God’s words are powerful
God’s word is trustworthy because He speaks things into existence
10
Q
What is imageo dei?
A
1:26-28 made in the image of God: God gives man what He already possesses
To understand man’s role we must first understand God’s role
11
Q
What was God’s role in the first week of creation?
A
1:2 the world was unformed and unfilled
God formed (days 1-3) and filled (days 4-6)
1- separate heavens 4- fill heavens w/ stars
2- separate air/waters 5- fill air/water with birds/fish
3- separate land from water 6- fill land with man & animals
12
Q
What is man’s role?
A
1) to reflect God rational, emotional, volitional (or think, feel, choose)
2) Represent God: by what we do: rule and subdue
13
Q
What does it mean to subdue?
A
Harness its potential and use its resources for your benefit
Post-fall: cultivate, mine, construction, domestication
Pre-fall: search out, discover, explore, create, invent, compose, write, act, fly, drive, & govern
(God handed the creative baton to Adam so he could continue to fill the earth)
14
Q
How does God rule the earth?
A
God rules the earth through man: The creation mandate
15
Q
What does the second section of Genesis tell us about God?
A
2:4-4:26 God is trustworthy and wants a relationship with mankind but Satan does not want this so he casts doubt and denies the trust worthiness of God’s word
16
Q
What happens in the second section of Genesis?
A
- Satan introduces a conflict causing a loss of relationship– a barrier between God and man and between man and man
- God speaks a word of judgement and promise to both Satan and Eve
17
Q
Who does God address His word of judgement and promise to?
A
To Satan: enmity will be between him and the woman (symbolizing believers)
And his seed (unbelievers who align with Satan) and her seed (believers)
Her (singular seed) will crush (the resurection) thy head (fatal injury), you (Satan) will bruise his heal (will recover from)
Although this word is just as true and powerful it is not immediate
18
Q
What is the bad news of Genesis 3:19-21
A
19 food from sweat- subdue will become hard (work…toil) and there will be death (life…death)
20 Adam’s response because he has faith in the promise of God Eve: “life-giver”
21 wit garments of sin to cover the evidence of shame and sin God teaches a lesson that an innocent substitution will be needed to cover sin
Protoevangelium: the very first gospel/salvation
19
Q
Why does work become toil?
A
The ground was in submission to Adam when he was submitted to God
The ground was in rebellion to Adam when Adam was in rebellion against God
20
Q
What is the overview of genesis 4-11?
A
4) Murder of Able
5) Genealogies
6) Weird giants & bad people
6-8) Noah almighty & the ark
9) Noah drunk & curses wrong person
10) Genealogies
11) First skyscraper project goes bad
21
Q
What’s the similarity between John 3:16 and Genesis 3:15?
A
John 3:16 “Son”
Gen 3:15 “Seed”
Speaks of the same promise
22
Q
What is the problem at the end of chapter 3?
A
3:22-24
We’ve been kicked out of our home and the tree of life - we cannot be satisfied because we know of this and cannot have it
Goal: lets go back in
How: the promise is the only way
23
Q
Is Jesus not enough for us to be satisfied?
A
Yes, but until He returns the curse, sin, Satan, and distance from Jesus remains so we will have a “holy discontent”
We cannot have the tree of life because Jesus had to die on a tree of death first. We will get the tree of life in heaven that has greater variety of fruit/life
24
Q
What does chapter four contain?
A
The Word of God is Fulfilled in the first generation of seeds: 4:1-26
25
What do we see in the first half of Genesis chapter four?
*4:1-24 the growing conflict caused by the evil seed *
With Cain Eve believes that God has given her the seed that will crush Satan
The sacrifices tell us that Cain is of Satan and Abel is of Eve
God's Character: He is gracious and loving to the seed of Satan (He pursues Cain)
Big Idea: not 1st murder or don't murder but what God said about the conflict between Satan & Eve's seeds is coming true
26
What do we see in the second half of Genesis chapter four?
4:25-26 the preservation of the righteous seed
Seth is Eve's seed and the people worship God
27
What do we see in Genesis chapter five?
*God's Word Selects One in Each Generation as His Seed in the Progressive Conflict with Evil 5:1-6:8*
5:1-32 The Election of the Godly Seed from Adam
28
Why does Genesis 5:1 repeat the words of Genesis 1:26-27?
Start over to give a genealogy of Eve's seed
Theme: Seed to crush Satan but each dies
29
Does chapter 5 chronologically come after chapter 4?
No, chapter five begins around chapter 2
30
Why does the passage focus on Lamech?
To identify one of Satan's seeds. He is a boastful murderer that says he can revenge himself better than God can revenge Cain
31
Who is contrasted with Lamech?
Enoch. They are both the seventh generation from Adam. Enoch is Eve's seed
- Theme continues: God's word is true
The genealogy is evangelistic--producing faith that the promise will come true
32
What are the similarities of Matthew 1 and Genesis 5?
The first verse of Matt echos Gen 5 continuing the genealogy of the seed where Genesis left of
33
What do we see in Genesis 6?
The Conflict Deepens and the Break Down in the Created Order 6:1-8
Daughters of men (might be humans or) the seed of Satan
Sons of God (might be angelic beings or) the seed of Eve
these groups intermarry and there will be no conflict between them
Score is 2 million to 8: FLOOD
34
What do we see in the second half of Genesis 6 through Genesis 9?
God's Word Brings Judgement on Evil and Deliverance of Righteous Noah Through the Flood to Introduce a New World 6:9-9:29
*God's word of preparation- 6:9-7:9*
*God's Judgement 7:6-8:19*
Noah obeyed perfectly
*The New Order of Life 9:1-17*
*God's Word Through Noah Separates Shem from Canaan 9:18-29*
35
After reading Genesis 9:1 would you think Noah was "the one"?
Yes! Be fruitful and multiply, this is what Adam was told to do! We get the scepter back!
36
After reading Genesis 9:2 would you think Noah was "the one"?
No. The animals will fear you. We do not get the scepter. Everything is not in submission to us.
37
Who was Noah if he was not the one?
Noah was a picture/a reminder that God can bring a righteous man. Noah did do damage to Satan now the odds are 0 to 8 but Satan has not been crushed
38
What happens in the second half of Genesis chapter 9?
Does this story make God look fair?
*God's Word Through Noah Separates Shem From Canaan 9:18-29*
Ham does the deed, Shem is blessed, Canaan is cursed
No, God does not look fair but that is not the point as we are not given all the details.
The focus is this: Ham was a good guy that did a bad thing. Canaan is a seed of Satan and the seed of Eve will continue through Shem.
39
What do we see in the fifth section of Genesis (11, tower)
God's word of judgment comes upon the families which settle in the new world in order to thwart corporate rebellion 10:1-11:9
Babel is trying to replace God they are striving for significance--to make a name for themselves--and security--to not spread out--apart from God.
40
Were the people of Babel wrong for seeking significance and security?
No, these goals are not wrong in and of themselves, but the people of Babel were wrong to seek these things in themselves apart from God.
Babel was a counterfeit kingdom that had all God's goals without God.
41
What do we see in the sixth section of Genesis?
God's word continues to select one of each generation as his seed until Abram 11:10-26
42
Which was more devastating? Babel or the Flood?
Why?
Babel is downhill from Flood (downhill since fall) not until Abram-- *the response to babel* --do we start making progress toward redemption and restoration
**Because:** the languages brought division which was necessary to prevent continued world-wide unity against God, but it ruins the chance of a unified shalom community God desires
43
What is the key between the two sections of Genesis?
Genesis chapter 12: The call of Abram
44
What do we see in the first three verses of Genesis 12?
1) go to the **Land**
2) make *name* great **nation**
3) through you all nations blessed **leader**
45
Why is Genesis 12:3 the promise of a leader?
What will this leader do?
Galatians 3:8 quotes 12:3 as speaking the gospel (this is taking about the promise of Jesus)
God will bless through Abram through his Seed and then the nation**s**
Put the nations back together (a fix for babel)
46
What is the Genesis 12:2 promise of a nation?
Exodus 19:6 nation of priests
(Priest stands between God and people) Israel was to be a nation of priests between God and the other nations about the world to tell about (3:15) the Seed
47
What was the Genesis 12:1 promise of the land?
It was not the most beautiful but it was perfect by **location**
The Land of Israel at the time was the cross roads of the world Africa to Europe or Asia (due to sea & desert)
48
What is the Genesis 12:1-3 promise linked with?
It is an expansion and clarification of the Genesis 3:15 promise
49
What are the two concepts of the Genesis 12 promise?
How the nations would be blessed and that the promise was unconditional.
50
When God told Abram in Gen 12:1 "leave your country..." what was this?
What did Abram do?
A command not a condition.
The promise of Gen 12:1-3 is unconditional, it will happen no matter what because God said so. Abram can choose to believe it or not but the train is coming.
Abram believed and left
51
What happens when Abram obeys and leaves the land? Gen 12:10-20
He goes to Egypt where he lies and Sarai goes to Pharoh **big problem** promise is to Abram and Sarai no Sarai no nation, no land, no leader
God supernaturally intervenes (inflicts diseases) because He Spoke the promise and it is unconditional
52
What happens in Genesis 15?
Abram is questioning about adopting a seed
v 4: "but look" injects emotion: "NO!"
Descendants > stars
**15:6** "Abram believed the LORD and it was accredited to him as righteousness" an example of faith that saves were Abram not already saved at this point
15:8 object lesson for assurance
Blood on both sides- common way serious promise (break, this be me)
-God walks by Himself: God vows to keep His covenant and there are no human conditions
53
What is Gen 15 added to?
Gen 15 is added to Gen 12 that was on top of Gen 3:15, the promise is getting bigger and clearer
54
What do we see in Genesis 16? (Hagar & Sarah pt 1)
God's promise to Abraham conflicts with human culture and effort
55
What do we see in Genesis 17? (Names)
God changes Abram's name to Abraham "Father of Many Nations" and Sarai to Sarah
Abraham laughs
Laughter (Eng) = Isaac (Heb)
God reveals that He is the God who fulfills promises that you laughed at
56
What do we see in Genesis 18? (Abraham's visitors)
Abraham and Sarah get a visit by three angels and Sarah laughs at the promise (Isaac)
57
What do we see in Genesis 20? (Abimalec)
God supernaturally intervenes and the promise is still unconditional
God cannot break the promise because He has Spoken
58
What do we see in Genesis 22? (Sacrifice)
It is not a question of love for boy or God (The best way to love Children is by loving God, not in conflict)
Not how "obedient" will you be (God not playing games or enjoying inflicting pain)
Question: Do you believe that I will keep my promise
Isaac is called Abraham's only son (he is the only son of promise)
59
What did Abraham believe about God's promise when he was called to sacrifice Isaac?
God said it will be through Isaac so it will be. God can raise up Isaac from the ashes (Heb 11:17-19)
"Early in the morning" "three days" - this is incredible faith
Isaac is another picture of the Seed
60
Who is the hero in the story of Abraham?
God
61
What do we see in Genesis 21? (birth)
Isaac was bord at the very time God promised him. Do not try to speed up the LORD's plan!
62
What do we see in Genesis 23? (Sarah Dies)
Ephron is not being nice, he is bartering
Abraham knows the custom and wants to pay
Abraham is swindled and calls himself an alien and stranger
Although Abraham has been promised the land he did not receive any of the promise (Heb 11: 39-40)
63
What is the relationship between Genesis 22 and Genesis 15:6?
James 2:21-23 Abraham's faith started in 15:6 but was filled in 22 and was called God's friend
This is the ultimate Goal nothing else matters on this earth but that we are God's friend so close that we can trust Him with anything.
64
How do we know when the meaning of name is really important?
When the Bible makes a big deal about it.
65
Who was Jacob with respect to those that came before him?
The un-Abraham, the opposite of his grandfather.
66
How does Jacob live up to his name the first two times?
1) The Birthright- double portion of the inheritance 25: 27-34 - Takes advantage of Esau at a weak moment
But the real goal is later - Jacob sees God intervene to rescue Rebeka from Abimelech and gives Isaac a 100x increase in crops Gen 26:12
2) Blessing - the ongoing blessing - deceives his father to get the blessing Gen chap 27
67
How does a blessing work?
When the father passes it on verbally to the son it goes to him.
68
What does Jacob do after he deceives Esau twice?
Goes from Bethel to Paddan-aram and has a dream as he sleeps on a rock (what's harder, his head or the rock?)
69
What is the meaning of Jacob's dream?
God is in heaven and Jacob is on earth. Angels ascend and descend on a staircase.
John 1:45-51 no deceit in Nathanael. See heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the son of man.
- Jesus is the staircase
- God desires a relationship with Jacob
70
What kind of a response does Jacob have to God's promise through the dream?
If you do good stuff for me then you'll be my God
- Cannot say that this is a faith that could be accredited as righteous
- Jacob says I do not need you God instead I will cheat, lie, and manipulate
*God graciously grinds Jacob down so he realizes his need
71
How do the blessings and discipline of God work?
God blesses and disciplines both the seed of Satan and the seed of Eve.
*Blessing does not mean that one is the seed of Eve
72
How does God discipline Jacob in Genesis 29?
Leah and Rachel - Laban Jacobs Jacob
God brings Laban into Jacob's life to out Jacob him to show him his need
73
How does God bless Jacob in Genesis 29 and 30?
Kids: Leah and Rachel have a fertility contest and think they use mandrakes to **manipulate** the situation
Kids (goats): Jacob thinks he uses striped sticks to get striped offspring
Reality: God blesses Jacob and his family despite of themselves
73
What do we see about this family as God protect Jacob as he returns in Genesis 31?
Laban claims "you have Jacobed me"
Rachel deceives her father
This family is not godly rather they are getting better at deceiving
They leave Laban and run into Esau
74
What does Jacob do when he hears that Esau is coming with 400 men?
He prays for the first time--he is beginning to recognize his need
75
What is the preparetion to meet Esau in chapter 32?
Jacob wrestles a man - a messenger from God who may be God Himself or just representing Him --his name is wonderful which tends to indicate the divine
-Jacob is trying to wrestle protection but the man will not give it and Jacob will not give up
- Name is changed to he who overcomes: Man touches Jacob's hip and he **stops fighting**
Man asks his name and Jacob **confesses his character**
Jacob **asks for the blessing in faith**
Jacob is saved
76
What do we see after Jacob's name is changed?
Jacob has changed in Gen 35:1-15 Jacob gets rid of the foreign gods and builds an alter
76
Why does God call Himself the God of Abraham and Jacob?
He is the God of those who get it quick and those who get worse and worse and worse.
77
Who are the main three figures of Genesis, why?
Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph (not Isaac)
This is not about creating an equal history but is about revealing God
78
What is the final section of Genesis about?
God's Word of election to Jacob's Family Results in Joseph's Conflict with the Evil one and His Deliverance of His Family for blessing 37:2-50:26
79
What is Joseph's position with his family?
Although he is not to blame, Joseph was separated from his family by the coat (potentially authority) and his dreams (future family subservience) - Brothers hated, father kept the matter in mind (similar to Mary treasuring in heart when the boy Jesus was found at the temple)
80
In Genesis 37 which two brothers offer plans to deal with Joseph?
Ruben- the oldest
Judah- the more influential leader
81
What is the focus of Genesis 38 (Judah/Tamar) and 39 (Joseph/Potiphar's wife)?
There is a comparison and severe contrast between Judah's story of deception, incest, and immorality and Joseph's overcome of daily sexual temptation
By the contrast it is easy to see Joseph's separate character of purity
We see what God values in a leader and it is not what the brothers valued in Judah but purity of heart to bless other people
82
What do we see in Genesis 40 with Joseph in prison?
Joseph reveals the dreams of the Cupbearer and the Baker and asks the Cupbearer to do one thing and the Cupbearer forgets.
This shows God's **providential** selection. Joseph is not going to get out of prison because of other people or himself but because of God
83
What do we see in Genesis 41 when Joseph gets out of prison?
1) 41:40-41 Pharoah puts him **second in command**
2) 41:46 Joseph was **30 years old** when he began serving Pharoah
3) 41:57 Joseph **blesses his own nation and all nations of the earth with bread**
We see overtones of the Seed, a picture of Jesus
84
What do we see in Genesis 42-47 when Joseph meets his brothers?
Joseph puts his brothers in a tight spot.
Not to be vengeful, seek justice, enjoyment, or to develop character
To see if the brothers have changed, using Benjamin he sees if they would do it again
85
How does Joseph get the answer to his question if his brothers had changed?
He tested them by favoring Benjamin and then framing Benjamin.
The brothers know their is divine Judgement
Judah steps forward to take the place (substitutionary atonement) of the boy so he will not have to see the misery of his father.
When you hurt the beloved son you hurt the father
They had changed
86
Who is Joseph?
The photoshopped Patriarch
Pure, faithful, beloved son of his father, endures suffering and rejection from his people, responds with grace and forgiveness as he rescues his family and the entire world.
Joseph is photoshopped, as a historical person he was a sinner, but his sinner is not noted in the account so he is Jesus in every way.
He is a picture so that when the Seed comes we will recognize him.
87
What are the similarities of Joseph an Jesus?
Will test and deliver: Jo: 7 lean years, Je: 7 yrs tribulation
His brothers: Jo: 10 brothers, Je: The nation
To produce repentance: Jo: in the palace, Je: in the tribulation
To avoid the same mistakes: Jo: selling Joe, Je: Selling Jesus for 30 pieces
And accept him: Jo "we are your servants," Je: "Blessed is he who comes in the name
88
What do we see in Genesis 49 (Jacob's blessings)
Genesis 49:10 - scepter/lawyer shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes (he comes to whom it belongs)
The leaders of the nation (of Israel) & THE Leader of all nations will come from the line of Judah
David then his royal line will be temporary caretakers of the scepter until the one who is pure comes to whom the scepter truly belongs
89
How does Genesis end and what does it mean for the promise?
Joseph is dead in Egypt
Wrong **land**, only 70 people (**nation**), and **leader** is dead
The promise does not look great
90
What aspect of the promise does Exodus focus on?
Not the leader - Moses is great but not of the tribe of Judah
Not the land - although we leave Egypt we do not get to the land
the Nation: taking 2.5 million people and brining them into one nation
91
How does Hebrews 11:13-14 add insight to how Genesis through Deuteronomy relate to the promise?
(Faith promise, aliens & strangers)
In Genesis and with Abraham (2000 BC) we see the promises made
In Exo, Lev, Num, Deu with Moses we see Promises begun to be kept
92
What is the flow of thought of Exodus?
1-18: God buy$ the people (with the blood of the lamb) **win**
19-24: God **marries** the people (turning the people into a nation through a covenant relationship)
25-40: God **moves in**
93
Why would the nation want to stay in Egypt?
Egypt represents civilization--the height of technology and beauty, Israel at the time was a third world country
Really, why would the nation want to leave? So God gives them incentives: slavery & the death of the baby boys
94
How does God introduce himself to the deliverer in Exodus?
Moses: first attempt to rescue Israel failed and he fled
He is schooled for 40 yrs in God's leadership until he realizes that apart from God he can do nothing then God appears in a bush that *does not burn up* and introduces himself as I AM
Moses asks who am I to do this and God responds that its about who He is (I AM)
95
How is I AM translated?
English : I AM
Hebrew: Jehovah (corrupted), Yahweh (+ vowels), YHWH **tetra-grammaton** "four letters" so revered that orthodox Hebrews say Adonai instead
96
What are the names of God we should know?
Generic titles:
Elohim = god or God (false or true depends on context)
El-Shaddi: God Almighty
Adonai: Lord, Master (high authority)
Personal Name:
Yahweh - really special name only for those in covenential relationship.
97
What does I AM mean?
3:14) Self existent one - as opposed to I began or came to be - distinguishes God from objects (line segment) or people (ray) and puts Him in a different category all together (line)
**powerful**
3:15) Also (2nd part of definition) Name forever - the one who made the promises
**Promise-keeper**
98
How does God introduce himself to those other than Moses?
Pharaoh: (5:2) Who is the LORD that I should obey him - Plagues
The people: (6) to the patriarchs God was not known as YHWH (Promise-keeper) but only as promise maker now I will begin to start fulfilling those promises first turning you into a nation
Egyptians: (7) they will know that I Am the promise-keeper to my people
99
Why did the patriarchs not know God by Yahweh?
6:4 they lived as foreigners but now 6:6 God is going to act
100
What do we see in Exodus 5-7 verses 7-11?
5-7) Nobody knows Yahweh
7-11) God reveals Himself so Everybody will know Yahweh
101
What is the organization of the plagues? What was the poing of all the plagues?
1. Blood 4. Flies 7. Hail Warning in the Morning
2. Frogs 5. Cattle 8. Locusts - Warning
3. Gnats 6. Boils 9. Darkness - No warning
10. Death of Firstborn
This was a blatant attack on Egyptian Religion
God is powerful and promise keeping, He is Yahweh
102
What were the plagues of Blood, Darkness, and Death of the firstborn indicating?
Blood: God is bigger than the god of the Nile that brings them life
Darkness: God is bigger than the god of the Sun (Ra) from whom the Pharaoh was descended
Death of the Firstborn: Takes a stab at the next god of the land (the son of Pharaoh)
103
What did the plagues do?
It showed the Egyptians that God was powerful and was promise keeper so that some believed
104
What is the idea of the Passover?
Blood on side posts and top of door
Substitutionary atonement: If the lamb dies I get to live
105
What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh's heart?
God is not bullying
Hardening = "strengthening"
Pharaoh hardened his heart 5x and God hardened his heart 5x
- God took away Pharaoh's fear of consequence so he could do as he wished
This would be ok in the end because Pharaoh would do as he wish and God would get glory bringing others into saving faith such as Rahab
106
What is the point of manna?
"What is it" a daily reminder for forty years that God provides
107
What do we see in Exodus 19-24?
God constitutes his people into a nation through a Suzerian/Vassal Covenant:
Suzerian: Conquering nation that would seek to care for vassal and give peace
Vassal: Defeated nation
13 Tribes + law (constitution) Exodus 19-24 = one nation
108
What is the mosaic law? Is it the next layer of the promise?
No. The promise was unconditional, one-sided
The law is conditional, two-sided. It requires obedience
It is something wholly its own.
Law is a barometer (a measure that does not change anything) for each generation's relationship to the Abrahamic promise
109
What does the law show about the promise?
Obedience to the law shows faith in the promise. Disobedience to the law shows unbelief.
It shows what is in the heart
It does not **make** one righteous but shows the **evidence** of righteousness.
110
What is the diagram of salvation? Where do the promise and the law fit?
Basis: Grace - God's Riches At Christ's Expense (Forgiveness because justice has been satisfied with a punishment)
Means: Faith - does not earn salvation but it is how we receive it
Evidence: Circumcision (then), baptism (now), Good works
Promise goes with grace - it is the basis
Law goes with evidence - it is a sign
111
What is the dialog of the nation of priests Exodus 19:6?
People's Response: positive - all the LORD says we will do - we will obey
God's Counter Response: Good, but here's what your getting yourself into (20-23) if your still good then we can ratify it (24)
20-23 is a summary of how God wants His people to act
112
How is the covenant ratified?
Blood: read the book of the covenant (19-23) then sprinkles blood over the people - this is serious, a covenant is the most critical relationship, if I don't do this my life is at stake
Meal with leadership: See preincarnate Christ, meal shows relationship and communion
Writing on Tablets
Parallels Jesus' blood of the covenant at the last supper, the meal he wanted to have, and that His law will be written on our hearts (want to do it from the inside out)
113
What is the significance of the tabernacle?
God himself has moved in with His people
Cherubim, palm trees, pomegranates - this sounds like Eden
The tabernacle was to be an outpost, just like churches are to be now
Ark of the covenant: Cherubim, God's presence, Mercy-seat: atonement
114
What do we see in the Golden Calf interlude?
God and Moses both call the Israelites "your people" -- The Honeymoon's Over!
115
Do we have to study the law and the covenant?
Yes, this is a genre of Old Testament Literature. If we do not understand it we chip away at the goodness of God.
116
What do people often think about the law?
- Paul didn't seem to like it - follow the law, fallen from Grace, alienated from Christ
- Didn't Jesus save us from the law
- Its...
-Bloody: sacrifices all the time
-Icky: people unclean from bodily discharges
-Strange: no bacon/shrimp/blended clothes & anti-gay
-Unenlightened, gross, cruel, & strange also *obsolete & embarrassing*
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Why do we take the time to understand the law and covenant?
1. To understand it and evaluate it on its own terms first (leads to oh how I love your law)
2. To understand the role it played in Israel's story (Moses: no nation this great b/c we can pray to God and have righteous laws)
3. To understand the role it plays, if any, in our story (Paul: good if used properly, law spiritual me unspiritual--problem is with me)
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What does "law" (*Torah* in Hebrew) mean?
a. Can refer *specifically* to first 5 books Moses wrote: Pentateuch
b. Sometimes the more *law-focused* of these 5 books
c. Can refer *generally* to almost any statute or teaching anywhere in the OT
d. Most basic meaning underlies all, probably **not** best translated with the Eng word "law" w/ all modern connotations
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What does it mean that Law/Torah refers *specifically* to first 5 books Moses wrote: Pentateuch?
Gen, Exo, Lev, Num, Deu. E: Law H: Torah
Former prophets: Jos, Jud, Sams, Kings & Later prophets: Isa, Jer, Eze, 12 (minor prophets) E: Prophets H: Nevi'im
Everything else, E: Writing H: Kethubim
TaNaK: the Jewish Bible - Torah, Nevi'im, Kethuim
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What does it mean that Law/Torah is sometimes the more law-focused of these 5 books, namely what?
I. Exodus 19-24, the first formal statement of the constitution
II. Leviticus, adds a lot of ceremonial law (sacrifices, priests, clean/unclean)
III. Deuteronomy, the most comprehensive statement of the constitution, a "second law"
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What does it mean that law/Torah has a most basic meaning that underlies all of the others and is probably not best translated with the English word "law" with all of its modern connotations?
When we hear law we think about not nice things: lectures, punishments, fines...
"Torah" means life-giving instruction
We have been born into a battle if we want to live we should hide these words in our heart and live by them
This meaning (d) encompasses all the others (a-c) as life-giving instruction
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What is the purpose of the Torah?
a. To constitute 2.5 million sons of Jacob into one Nation of Israel
b. To reveal who God is
c. To make sin obvious
d. To protect Israel from the Canaanite culture of death
e. To give physical object lessons of spiritual realities
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What does it mean that the purpose of the Torah was to constitute 2.5 million sons of Jacob into one Nation of Israel?
This is the most immediate point. This body of laws and instructions provide a national *identity* (who we are and what we are about), *culture* (how we do life as a community), and *values* (what is most important to us). In short, it shows Israel how to flourish under the sweet rule of Yahweh
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What does it mean that the purpose of the Torah was to reveal who God is?
This is the most important purpose.
i. Have no other Gods **because** He alone is supreme, and all others are imposters
ii. "Love neighbor" **Because** God loves His creation even in rebellion
iii. "Be honest" **because** God is true and dishonesty is destructive
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What does it mean that the purpose of the Torah was to make sin obvious?
This is an important side-effect. The law shows unbelievers in the nation how and when they fall short with a redemptive intent
I. The law was never intended as a means of **earning merit** with God
II. Nor did it ever require **sinless perfection**. Rather it assumed sin on the part of the people and thus made provision for forgiveness through sacrifice.
III. The "curses" in Deuteronomy don't simply **punish** without purpose; rather, they get Israel's **attention** and draw her back to God
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What does it mean that the purpose of the Torah is to protect Israel from the Canaanites and a culture of death?
Food laws are powerful spiritual forces
- Not about health, they make social interactions challenging
- The Jewish culture has persisted while others did not because of food laws
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What does it mean that a purpose of the Torah was to give physical object lessons of spiritual realities?
i. Do not sow field with 2 kinds of seed/not 2 types fabric
- life is messy and things get mixed so we must have discernment to separate good from evil
ii. Elaborate system of clean and unclean is an object lesson on the pervasiveness of the curse
iii. Don't boil kid in mother's milk: do not kill with what was intended to give life. There are certain moral things in nature.
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Why do we not follow the law today?
**NOT**
- It was a way of scoring points with God
- Now, in the New Testament era we have replaced all those troublesome "rules" (law) with "freedom" (grace)
**BUT**
- It was the constitution of an ancient nation, of which none of us are citizens
- God's program has now expanded far beyond one nation. God's extended people in the church get our identity, culture, and values in Christ & a new constitution
- And many practices of worship have become obsolete because of the coming of Jesus and the Spirit (sacrifice, food, worship)
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So how should we respond to Old Testament Laws?
1. Figure out what the law meant to **Israel**
2. What was the lesson derived from
3. The NT almost always embraces the ethical values of the OT even if it doesn't call for the same enforcement since the Church, unlike the nation of Israel, is not a government that can or should enforce civil laws
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What does it mean to figure out what a law meant to Israel?
more easily said than done--background from the storyline, history, culture, practices
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What does it mean to determine what the lesson of the OT laws was derived from?
Was the lesson derived from the **unchanging character of God** and therefore still valid **OR** did it have to do with God's individual mission for a single nation for a limited time ie Anti-idolatry still valid, food laws: nation only
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What does it mean that the church was not a government that can or should enforce civil laws?
In the Old Testament there were Religious laws: (worship, sin, loving people) and Civil laws (Building codes, taxes, law enforcement) that were linked as the nation was a religious state
In the New Testament Church: Religious laws and State: Civil Laws are separate
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What is Leviticus?
NOT: God's only literary failure
BUT: An unrecognized piece of literary art
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What is the first word of Leviticus and what should we do with it?
"And" Look back to what came before because this is a continuation
Exodus finished with God moving in and Moses not being able to enter because of God's glory
SO:
- We need to know how to talk with our new neighbor and go over for dinner
- Leviticus tells us that first we need a sacrifice
- Reminder: Adam, how do we get in to this (new) Eden? the promise
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What difference do we see in God's speaking in Leviticus verses Numbers?
Leviticus: God speaks from the tabernacle
Numbers: God speaks in the tabernacle (Moses/Aaron are now in)
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How do those in Fellowship with God approach Him?
1) Burnt Offering: it is completely burnt up to say "I'm all in"
- Options: bull, sheep, goat, dove, pigeon all different costs to say both the rich and poor equally welcome
2) Grain Offering: "God we're grateful for life" (Thanks is the mark of someone who gets it)
3) Meal/Peace/Fellowship offering: Having dinner with God - sit in outer courts with roasted sacrifice (good start on the marriage feast of the lamb)
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How do those Fellowship with God is broken approach Him?
1) Sin offering: price depends on position and accountability (Priest, whole community, leader, individual) - higher position more sin effects others
- when sin mainly effects only me
2) Guilt offering: When sin really effects others too- about cultivating and restoring relationships (add 1/5 value)
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How is the sacrifice to be presented?
Priesthood: need right sacrificer
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What is the difference between the two instances of fire from God?
Fire consume sacrifice: people fell face down: this is legit we have a high priest who talks to God
Fire consumes Nadab and Abihu: not bad system, but bad people
*Wouldn't it be great to have a sinless High Priest who never dies and is always around to make sacrifices for us?
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What is the problem of the clean and the unclean?
This is why the Day of Atonement is needed.
- Unclean: certain foods, childbirth, skin diseases, mold, reproductive fluids and discharges from sickness
- Unclean X= sinful, Clean X= holy
- Object lesson: death and sin cover us and we cannot carry it into God's house
*Sacrifice so good would take away all our sin: Yom Kippur (Day of atonement)
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What are the aspects of Yom Kippur? What does it point to?
-Substitute goat: forgiveness - killed and blood poured out
-Scapegoat: forgetting - take out to desert
*Desire: Yom Kippur so good never need another
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Why does the blood work?
The life of the creature is in the blood when a creature's blood is poured out we see the life poured out.
Life must be given so we can have life
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How does Leviticus instruct the Israelites to leave God's house?
Changed. Their life ought to be different after having fellowship with God.
All commands "I am the LORD your God" not authoritarian, this is how you live to reflect who God is
- Israelites would be little reflections of Yahweh
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What were the regulations of the feasts?
Snow days, vacations with spiritual points
- Passover: redemption from sin
- Unleavened bread: separation from old values
- First fruits: Anticipation of harvest (give to God shows trust)
- Pentecost: Realization of harvest (thankful)
- Trumpets: Celebration?
- Day of Atonement: Cleansing
- Tabernacles: Provision from God
*Built community and was an opportunity to remember and contemplate
