Author Archives: John Sanzone

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A SON BY HALF. I Kings 3:16-28. 04/17/2022. #10.

¹⁶ Now two women who were harlots came to the king, and stood before him. ¹⁷ And one woman said, “O my lord, this woman and I dwell in the same house; and I gave birth while she was in the house. ¹⁸ Then it happened, the third day after I had given birth, that this woman also gave birth. And we were together; no one was with us in the house, except the two of us in the house. ¹⁹ And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. ²⁰ So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from my side, while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. ²¹ And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, there he was, dead. But when I had examined him in the morning, indeed, he was not my son whom I had borne.” ²² Then the other woman said, “No! But the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.” And the first woman said, “No! But the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son.” Thus they spoke before the king. ²³ And the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son, who lives, and your son is the dead one’; and the other says, ‘No! But your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.’ ” ²⁴ Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword before the king. ²⁵ And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.” ²⁶ Then the woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for she yearned with compassion for her son; and she said, “O my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him!” But the other said, “Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him.” ²⁷ So the king answered and said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother.” ²⁸ And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

1. Royal judgment seat

                a. One of the roles of the king was to render judgment

                                a1. David often did not do well in rendering justice (Joab, Amnon, Absalom, Ziba,…)

                                a2. The priests had a role in justice

                                a3. Jethro had advised his son-in-law to appoint helpers to render justice in issues

                                a4. The judges went from village to village to render judgment

                                a5. Samuel’s sons were corrupt in justice

                b. Solomon had been given wisdom by God to issue justice and discern truth

2. Hidden issues

                a. Many times the true facts are hidden in cases

                                a1. Without certifiable witnesses or irrefutable evidence, many cases are unknowable

                                a2. A not guilty verdict often means that there was not enough evidence to convict rather than the accused is innocent of the crime

                b. In the absence of facts, speculation and force of argument take over, often to injustice

3. Two harlots in a house

                a. Two harlots were brought before Solomon

                                a1. Harlots are already women of ill repute

                                a2. Both these harlots live in the same house

                b. Babies of the business

                                a1. Prostitutes often give birth to illegitimate babies (often without knowing the father)

                                a2. Both these harlots give birth 3 days apart

                                a3. In the middle of the night, Harlot #2 rolled over on top of her child, smothering it

                c. Harlot #2 awoke and realized what she had done

                                a1. She exchanged her deceased child with Harlot #1’s live child

                                a2. When Harlot #1 awoke, she realized that the deceased child was not hers

                d. Harlot #1 accused Harlot #2 of making the switch

                                a1. Harlot #2 denied switching babies

                                a2. Lesser officials could not resolve the issue

4. Two halves do not make a whole

                a. After listening to the stories of Harlot #1 and Harlot #2, Solomon has no idea what the truth is

                                a1. Forensics and DNA testing are centuries away

                                a2. There were no witnesses to call forth

                b. Solomon understood human nature

                                a1. He knew that the true mother would be more concerned with the life of the child than raising the child

                                a2. He also knew that the mother of the dead child would rather see both children dead than hers dead and her roommate’s alive

                c. Solomon commands a sword be brought him to split the baby into halves to give to each mother

                                a1. Harlot #1 cries out to give the baby to Harlot #2

                                a2. Harlot #2 tells Solomon to go ahead and kill the baby

                d. Solomon declares that Harlot #1 is the true mother

                                a1. Solomon’s wise conduct puts fear in his subjects (nothing could be hidden from the king)

                                a2. They had not seen such discernment before

                e. James 1:5 God is the author of wisdom

                                a1. He grants wisdom to seekers (Matthew 7:7-8)                                 a2. When we reject wisdom, we sow vanity

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GOD’S ORDER IN THE CHURCH. I Timothy 2:11-15. 4/10/2022. #6.

¹¹ Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. ¹² And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. ¹⁵ Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

1. Silent sisters

                a. The question arises, “Must women stay silent in the church assembly?”

                                a1. Some churches take this passage to mean that women must not talk in church

                                a2. The entire context must be understood

                b. Context: women must not be teachers in the assembly of believers or have authority over men

                c. The Greek word “silence” does not mean not to utter a sound, but literally, to hold one’s peace

                d. While the entire body is gathered, men are to lead in the assembly, not women

                                a1. Women can speak in church, but not teach while men are in assembly

                                a2. Titus 2:3-5 women can teach women and children (usually up to age 12)

                e. Women are not to exercise authority over men in church (I Timothy 3) – no female deacons, elders, or pastors (Romans 16 Phoebe being a deaconess merely means that she was a “helper” to Paul)

                f. Paul states Eve was deceived, but not Adam

                                a1. Adam did not exercise his protective role given to him by God

                                a2. God assigned male headship as order

2. Male headship

                a. Male headship is a position of responsibility; not power or absolute authority

                                a1. Rm. 5 speaks of the “sin of Adam” and not Eve, for he was responsible

                                a2. Luke 22:24-30 even Jesus, master of all, came to serve and give himself for us

                                a3. Eph. 5:25-33 the role of the husband is to lead, provide for, and protect his wife and children (Eph. 6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8)

                                a4. Romans 14:12 men will give an account for how they led and taught

                b. Male headship is not a matter of who leads or teaches better, but of divine appointment

                                a1. Husbands, fathers, church leaders, and teachers must give an account (Jm. 3:1)

                                a2. Romans 2:21-23 appointments by God are not to be shirked (Moses, Jeremiah, Jonah)

3. Saved in childbearing

                a. Much debate= she will be saved in childbearing

                b. Saved has two meanings in Scripture

                                a1. To be rescued from danger or trial

                                a2. To be eternally redeemed (spiritual)

                c. If this means women are rescued via birthing…

                                a1. Men may lead, but only woman have the honor of bearing children

                                a2. Not all women bear children

                d. Means faithful women are rescued by the birth of Jesus Christ who saved them via Mary…

                                a1. Genesis 3:15 Eve will be saved by bearing a son who will crush Satan’s head

                                a2. Eve bears a daughter (Genesis 5:4) who bears a daughter leading to Mary

                                a3. Salvation comes via woman giving birth to The Savior (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7)

                e. Galatians 3:28 divine order = not hierarchy, but complementary (1 Cr. 12 properly placed)

Key verse: Luke 22:24-30

²⁴ Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. ²⁵ And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ ²⁶ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. ²⁸ “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. ²⁹ And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

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MAKE A WISH. I Kings 3:4-15. 04/10/2022. #9

⁴ Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. ⁵ At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” ⁶ And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. ⁷ Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. ⁸ And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. ⁹ Therefore give to Your servant an [a]understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” ¹⁰ The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. ¹¹ Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, ¹² behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. ¹³ And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. ¹⁴ So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen[b] your days.” ¹⁵ Then Solomon awoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

1. Offerings at Gibeon

                a. The Great High Place was at Gibeon

                                a1. The Gibeonites were not Jews

                                a2. Josiah 9 Joshua was tricked into making a covenant with the Gibeonites

                                a3. Gib. became hewers of wood and bearers of water for the Tabernacle

                                a4. Gibeon = located NW of Jerusalem

                                a5. Seven male descendants of Saul were executed by Gibeonites in revenge for Saul slaughtering Gib. men

                b. Shortly after Solomon ascended the throne, he offers 1,000 sacrifices to the Lord @ Gibeon

                                a1. Thanksgiving and dedication offerings

                                a2. Solomon beseeches the Lord for blessing

2. God makes an offer

                a. Only place in Scripture where God gives someone an open-ended offer to grant a wish

                                a1. Ask whatever he wants

                                a2. Solomon is special to the Lord (2 Samuel 7:13)

                b. Solomon begins well

                                a1. He asks for discernment to rule Israel

                                a2. Solomon admits that he is immature

                                a3. Solomon thanks God for grace to David/him

                c. Sol. is unsure of himself and the task is great

                                a1. Fear, doubt, and uncertainty bring humility

                                a2. Once Solomon gains confidence, he loses his humility

                                a3. Self-confidence can bring pride

                d. God is pleased with Sol.’s request

                                a1. Solomon did not ask for riches, long life, or victories

                                a2. An open-ended offer is tempting

                e. God not only grants Sol. wisdom, but wealth and security as well

                                a1. Sol. now has both his needs and wants

                                a2. To have all power, wealth, and understanding = a great temptation

                                a3. Wisdom = discernment and understanding (will is still free to act wisely or not)

3. Solomon = a study in privilege vs. prudence

                a. Saul had started out well also until power went to his head (became mad with pride and glory)

                b. Finishing well= better than starting well

                c. Philippians 4:9-12 Paul had to learn to be content

                d. The sudden acquisition of dominance and prosperity cannot be successfully handle by most

                  people (Hollywood stars, politicians, celebrities)

                                a1. Requires maturity and thankfulness

                                a2. Responsibility to use influence for Lord

                e. Once Sol. obtained fame, he focused on self

                                a1. Forgot why he asked for discernment

                                a2. Solomon used his subject, not helped them

                f. Philippians 2 one cannot focus on self and others at the same time as a priority

                g. Wisdom can be used for justice or scheming                 h. Sol. makes a feast and set the tone for his reign

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CHRISTIAN DECORUM. I Timothy 2:8-10. 4/3/2022. #6.

1 Timothy 2:8-10 [New King James Version]

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and [a]moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

CHRISTIAN DECORUM. 1 J3M. 2:6-10. 3/3/22. #6.

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and [a]moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

1. Men of payer

a. Praying continually is common theme in the

NT {Lk. 16:1i 1 Ths. 6:16-16}

a1. Lifting up holy hands – not as much a direction to raise hands as an admonition to direct prayers to God (Jesus kneeled to pray, publican bowed, Jonah was in a fish, Hezekiah on his bed…)

a2. Without wrath = not praying in anger

a3. Without argumentation

C. Without Anger = being upset with God

at. Directing anger at God for a loss,

not receiving what you want, disappoint-

ment or frustration is not true prayer

a2. Being upset with God lacks faith (seeking understanding or expressing grief must not include accusing God

a3. Job 13:15 we must be willing to suffer for the Lord & via trials without throwing a tantrum before the Lord (Jonah, Elijah, & Moses were rebuked)

d. Without disputation

a1. Not “doubting” as in some translations

a2. Dialogizomai (dialogue) – argumentation, disputing, or quarrelling

a3. Do we argue with God or challenge Him

a4. Job 38, Job was rebuked for questioning God’s motivation in his suffering

a5. 2 Cor. 12 Paul argued with God over his thorn in the flesh

a6. Acts 9 Ananias questioned God’s call

of the Pharisee, Saul

e. Instead of debating with God, we need to approach God with reverence, humidity, faith, submission to his will, and trust

• The godly woman
  • Paul challenges woman not to focus on enhancing their beauty and persona

a1. Not opposed to attractiveness

a2. Opposed to vanity (jewels, expensive clothing, fancy braiding of hair,…)

c9. Adornment of pride is vanity before God

• Modest apparel – befitting, respectable

This is hard to define, but there is a line between decent & enticing or enhancing & vulgar

a2. Response of men may give a hint

• Several questions should be asked:
  • What is my purpose in what I wear?

e2. Do people see a godly woman serving God or one drawing people to herself?

a3. What does my appearance say about me?

d. The argument that I have freedom to appear as

. is a prideful one (Rom. 14-16)

e. Every person must decide before God

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DEADLY EXCEPTIONS. I Kings 3:1-3. 04/03/2022. #8.

¹ Now Solomon made a treaty with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and married Pharaoh’s daughter; then he brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall all around Jerusalem. ² Meanwhile the people sacrificed at the high places, because there was no house built for the name of the Lord until those days. ³ And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.

1. High king and high places

                a. Solomon now begins his reign after removing some troublesome men from David’s reign

                b. Solomon marries a princess from Egypt

                                a1. No indication that pharaoh’s daughter accepted the Jewish faith

                                                b1. The marriage sealed the treaty between Israel and Egypt

                                                b2. Sol. married other princesses

                                                b3. These wives turn Solomon’s heart away from the Lord

                                a2. Joseph had married the daughter of an Egyptian priest

                c. Solomon lived in David’s palace

                                a1. Solomon wanted a more glorious house, so he spent 13 years constructing his palace (full of grandeur and glory)

                                a2. Solomon lived in the City of David on Mt. Zion until his palace was finished

                d. Sol. also built the Temple and the wall around Jerusalem (would be destroyed by Babylonians)

                e. Even though the priests still used the tabernacle, they sacrificed in the high places

                f. Just like the pagans who sacrificed idols at designated high places, so did Israel

                                a1. Solomon allowed the practice to continue

                                a2. Leviticus precisely how and when to offer sacrifices to the Lord

2. Solomon’s foibles

                a. Besides marrying foreign wives, Sol. Offered at the high places

                                a1. He worshiped at Gibeon

                                a2. Even though he worshiped the Lord, he used pagan methods to do so

                b. Sol. loved the Lord and followed God’s statutes

                                a1. He followed his father’s David’s love for God and his allowances for self

                                a2. Solomon loved God + women + wealth + wonder of grandeur

3. Death by the exceptions

                a. Solomon followed God except…

                                a1. He also loved sacrificing at high places

                                a2. He also loved many beautiful women

                                a3. He also loved opulence

                b. Matthew 6:24 you cannot serve 2 masters

                                a1. Divided loyalties will bring one to ruin

                                a2. I Kings 18 one cannot serve God and something else at the same time

                c. Love of the flesh will always supersede the love for God, for it is all consuming (Ecclesiastes 2)

                d. I Corinthians 1:29 God will not share his glory with anyone or anything (Romans 1)

                e. Many people have fallen because of divided loyalty (Samson, Balaam, Demus, Joash…)

                f. James 1:12-15 Obsession must be conquered or one will fall into sin

                                a1. Genesis 4:7 we alone must control it

                                a2. I Corinthians 10:13 gluttony, coveting, lust, sloth, greed, and drunkenness are common                 g. Mark 12:30 love God with all being with no rivals

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THE MEDIATOR. I Timothy 2:1-7. 3/27/2022. #5.

¹ Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, ⁷ for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth [d]in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1. Prayer for all men

                a. Paul gives a brief, but profound, lesson on prayer

                                a1. Prayer for all men

                                a2. Prayer for government leaders

                                a3. God wishes that none should perish

                                a4. Jesus is the only mediator

                b. We are to pray for everyone (family, friends, enemies, abusers, leaders…)

                                a1. Just as we are to love even our foes (Matthew 5:45), we are to pray for them

                                a2. It is difficult to pray for oppressors

                c. Pray for government leaders

                                a1. This is God’s will

                                a2. We often mock tyrannical and evil leaders, but God wants us to pray for them

                                a3. We can oppose their evil, but still pray for them (Acts 5, 23:3, Lk. 13:31-35)

                                a4. Respect and prayer for officials is not same as endorsing their actions or complying with immoral rulings

                d. The Lord is pleased when we pray for everyone, particularly the lost, who need to be saved

                e. Giving thanks for all men is more difficult

                                a1. Hard to give thanks for a brutal dictator

                                a2. Goal = to live peaceable, quiet lives

                                                b1. We do not seek conflict

                                                b2. Only when officials compel us to violate God’s will do we oppose them

                f. God desires everyone to be saved

                                a1. Jn. 3:16 God’s love covers all people

                                a2. He loves all, but choses some (Rm. 9)

                                                b1. Election and universal love are also difficult to reconcile

                                                b2. Only God knows how his love and election of a few to salvation fit

2. The One mediator

                a. Paul states that there is only 1 mediator (meso + eimi = go between) man and God

                                a1. There are no intervening priests as in OT  between man and God the Father

                                a2. Jesus (both man and God) bridges the gap between sinful man and the Holy Father

                b. John 14:13; 16:24 Jesus tells us to ask the Father in his name (no other intermediary)

                                a1. James 4:1-10 asking in the will of God

                                a2. Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Jesus is the only worthy mediator, who opened the way to God for us on the cross

                                a3. The one who is our ransom is also our mediator (Romans 8:26-34)

3. Paul, the testifier

                a. Paul testifies to his calling and truthfulness

                b. Prayer is effective through Christ, to be made for all people and officials, and will be heard by God

                c. The answer to prayer is totally up to God (his will determines how and when he answers us)

Key verse: Hebrews 4:14-5:10¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ¹ For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. ² He can [a]have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. ³ Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. ⁴ And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. ⁵ So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” ⁶ As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”; ⁷ who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, ⁸ though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. ⁹ And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, ¹⁰ called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”

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SHIMEI’S LAST ACT. I Kings 2:36-46. 03/27/2022. #7.

³⁶ Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there anywhere. ³⁷ For it shall be, on the day you go out and cross the Brook Kidron, know for certain you shall surely die; your [a]blood shall be on your own head.” ³⁸ And Shimei said to the king, “The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei dwelt in Jerusalem many days. ³⁹ Now it happened at the end of three years, that two slaves of Shimei ran away to Achish the son of Maachah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, “Look, your slaves are in Gath!” ⁴⁰ So Shimei arose, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to seek his slaves. And Shimei went and brought his slaves from Gath. ⁴¹ And Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had come back. ⁴² Then the king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord, and warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and travel anywhere, you shall surely die’? And you said to me, ‘The word I have heard is good.’ ⁴³ Why then have you not kept the oath of the Lord and the commandment that I gave you?” ⁴⁴ The king said moreover to Shimei, “You know, as your heart acknowledges, all the wickedness that you did to my father David; therefore the Lord will return your wickedness on your own head. ⁴⁵ But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.” ⁴⁶ So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he went out and struck him down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

1. Shimei and David

                a. Shimei (“famous”) is name of 18 men in the Bible

                                a1. Shimei the Benjamite is most famous

                                a2. A prominent Benjamite who supported Saul

                b. 2 Sam. 16 when David fled Absalom, Solemn cursed him, stating that he was being punished

                c. David’s reaction to Shimei

                                a1. Prevents Abishai from executing Shimei, stating that God may have directed Shimei to curse him

                                a2. Refuses to execute Shimei when he begs for forgiveness upon David’s return

                                a3. Tells Solomon to avenge him upon Shimei

                d. David could have had Shimei executed

                                a1. His implied pardon was not true forgiveness

                                a2. Nothing would have prevented David from executing Shimei

                                                b1. Shimei didn’t have any real power

                                                b2. David seemed to have pardoned him

2. Shimei and Solomon

                a. Shimei’s insult stuck in David’s craw

                                a1. He may have felt that God used Shim. to shame him and therefore, he did not act

                                a2. Didn’t want Sol. to have a known enemy undermining his kingdom

                b. Sol. calls Shim. to his palace

                                a1. Shim. surely feared execution

                                a2. Any leniency would be a relief

                c. Solomon does not execute Shim.

                                a1. Shim. is commanded to build a house in Jerusalem and then never to leave the city

                                a2. Shim. is put under house arrest

                                a3. Solomon must have felt that he could not execute Shimei outright without appearing arbitrary

                                a4. Shimei declares that the terms were fair

3. Shimei’s doom

                a. Shimei must have been a man of some means since he was an owner of slaves

                b. After three years, two of Shimei’s servants run away to Gath of the Philistines

                                a1. Gath is where David hid from Saul

                                a2. Goliath was from Gath

                                a3. David had guards from Gath (Gittites)

                c. Shim. had settled in and forgot about the terms

                                a1. Perhaps, he thought that Sol. would not pay any attention to him after all this time

                                a2. Like King Agag, Shim. thought that his danger had passed

                d. Sol. calls Shim. before him

                                a1. Sol. reminds Shim. of their agreement

                                a2. Sol. had Benaiah execute Shim.

                                a3. Sol. states that Shimei’s blood is on him

                                a4. Judgment delayed is not judgment removed

                e. Sol.’s throne is established as all the old enemies have been eradicated

                                a1. Sol. now has an opportunity to start fresh

                                a2. Israel understands that Sol. will execute justice and his own desires

                f. Gal. 6:7-9 eventually, we will reap what we sow

                                a1. Shimei’s vile curses come back on him

                                a2. Though he seemed to have been forgiven and reprieved, his fate was up to the rulers                 g. It is important to know when and how to stand against what you oppose (James 3 = control tongue)

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THE FIGHT CONTINUES. I Timothy 1:18-20. 3/20/2022. #4

I Timothy 1:18-20 [New King James Version]

¹⁸ This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, ¹⁹ having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, ²⁰ of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1. Paul passes the torch to Timothy

                a. Timothy is a 2nd generation Christian leader

                                a1. Paul is passing the torch to Tim.

                                a2. Must constantly prepare leaders

                b. Paul charges (commands) Tim. to continue the spiritual warfare that Paul was waging

                                a1. Paul’s time was drawing to a close

                                a2. Tim. must continue the work

                c. Even though Tim. was reluctant, he was called to this ministry by God

                                a1. God chose Tim. for this work

                                a2. God made his choice clear via prophecy (“forth telling”)

                d. Tim. was to wage spiritual warfare

                                a1. Eph. 6:10-13 to be a witness for Christ is to engage evil in battle

                                a2. The Gospel and believers are opposed

                                a3. Gospel = convicting and men react

2. Timothy has powerful spiritual weapons

                a. Faith in the Lord enlists the power of God

                                a1. Ac. 5 God will empower believers to do his will

                                a2. Faith is not believing that God will support my will, but his will

                                a3. Faith involves trust in God, growth in Bible understanding (Rm. 10:17), and obedience to Lord (Jam. 2)

                b. A good conscience

                                a1. A godly conscience confirms within us that we are doing the will of God

                                a2. A dull, seared, or evil conscience can confirm only evil within us

                                a3. A good conscience aligns with the Scriptures and God’s work

3. The battle within the church

                a. We expect unbelievers to oppose us

                b. 2 Cor. 11:10-15 the greatest battles are within the church (heresy and disruption)

                                a1. Many start well, but then fall away (apostate), teaching error (Heb. 6)

                                a2. By ego and error, apostates sow destruction and discord in the church

                c. By rejecting sound doctrine, proper conduct and a good conscience, some end in ruin

                                a1. 1 Jn. 2:19 some were never saved, but were false believers (Demus)

                                a2. 1 Cor. 3 some were immature saints

                d. Alexander and Hymenaeus are examples

                                a1. Alexander the metalworker (coppersmith) started well (Acts 19:33), but ended up doing much damage (2 Tm. 2)

                                a2. Hymenaeus and Philetus taught that Christ had already come (2 Tm. 2)

                e. Error => divisions, cults, and confusion

                f. Hebrews 13:7-17 – leaders = charged as guardians

Key verse: Hebrews 13:7-17⁷ Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. ⁹ Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. ¹⁰ We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. ¹¹ For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. ¹² Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. ¹³ Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. ¹⁴ For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. ¹⁵ Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ¹⁷ Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

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SOLOMON CLEANS HOUSE. I Kings 2:26-35. 3/20/2022. #6.

I Kings 2:26-35 [New Kings James Version]

²⁶ And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your own fields, for you are deserving of death; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before my father David, and because you were afflicted every time my father was afflicted.” ²⁷ So Solomon removed Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, that he might fulfill the word of the Lord which He spoke concerning the house of Eli at Shiloh. ²⁸ Then news came to Joab, for Joab had defected to Adonijah, though he had not defected to Absalom. So Joab fled to the tabernacle of the Lord, and took hold of the horns of the altar. ²⁹ And King Solomon was told, “Joab has fled to the tabernacle of the Lord; there he is, by the altar.” Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” ³⁰ So Benaiah went to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said to him, “Thus says the king, ‘Come out!’ ” And he said, “No, but I will die here.” And Benaiah brought back word to the king, saying, “Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.” ³¹ Then the king said to him, “Do as he has said, and strike him down and bury him, that you may take away from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood which Joab shed. ³² So the Lord will return his blood on his head, because he struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword—Abner the son of Ner, the commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, the commander of the army of Judah—though my father David did not know it. ³³ Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of Joab and upon the head of his descendants forever. But upon David and his descendants, upon his house and his throne, there shall be peace forever from the Lord.” ³⁴ So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and struck and killed him; and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 35 The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his place over the army, and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.

1. Abiathar exiled

                a. Abiathar was the priest who sided with Adonijah

                                a1. Abiathar was the only surviving priest of the 84 killed by Saul, using Doeg

                                a2. Ahimelech, his father, had given David bread and a sword when he fled from Saul

                b. Solomon does not want to kill a priest, so he exiles Adonijah to his fields

                                a1. Priests are not supposed to have fields, but are supposed to be supported by tithes

                                a2. Adonijah is stripped of his priesthood

                c. This is the first time we see a ruler take dominion over the priesthood

                                a1. I Samuel 1 God determines who is priest

                                a2. II Chronicles Uzziah tried to make a sacrifice as a priest and was struck down with leprosy

                                a3. Psalm 110:4 the priesthood and kingship would not be recombined until Christ came

                                                b1. Genesis 14 Melchizedek was king plus priest

                                                b2. Aaronic priests = separate from kings

                d. This is a fulfillment of what God through Samuel had told Eli at Shiloh (priesthood was removed in the 4^th generation of priests descended from Eli)

2. Joab meets his fate

                a. David had not dealt with Joab’s murders

                                a1. Had instructed Solomon to take vengeance

                                a2. Joab had chosen to follow Adonijah and so Solomon had his own reason to execute him

                b. Joab had not defected to Absalom, but to did defect to Adonijah, his brother

                c. Joab fears for his life (first time Joab is said to fear)

                                a1. He grabs the horns of the altar

                                                b1. The idea that no one would kill inside a holy place doesn’t work

                                                b2. The priests can’t grant asylum unless in a city of refuge until a trial

                                a2. The act of fear puts Joab in a weak position

                                                b1. To flee from Israel would mean leave his family and property behind

                                                b2. Little chance of Joab surviving

                d. Solomon orders Benaiah to execute him

                                a1. Ben. tries to coax Joab out of the Tabernacle so that he won’t pollute the sanctuary

                                a2. When Joab refuses to leave, Solomon orders him executed at the altar, which Ben. does

                                                b1. The murders of Abner and Amasa are avenged (though quite late)

                                                b2. David needed Joab, so he did not administer justice

                                a3. Benaiah = takes Joab’s place as army chief

3. Intrigue of death

                a. All this death and intrigue is due to lust, greed, and pride

                                a1. The lack of self-control and desire for self-promotion ends in disappointment and destruction

                                a2. David, Adonijah, Joab, and eventually, Solomon end poorly due to selfish ambition

                b. Prideful and lustful acts are a double loss (both here via ruin and in eternity due to loss of reward for saved)

                                a1. All of Joab’s good deeds are forgotten

                                a2. Abiathar’s aid to David during rebellion counts for little due to his last acts (Ezekiel 18)

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FROM ABUSER TO APOSTLE. I Timothy 1:12-17. 3/13/2022. #3.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 [New King James Version]

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, ¹³ although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1. Paul’s gratitude

                a. Paul was very thankful to be called to serve Lord

                b. Paul had moved from persecutor of Christ to promoter of Christ

                                a1. Acts 9:1-16 Saul was a Pharisee who persecuted the church (Acts 7) => Paul

                                a2. Christ intercepted him on road to Damascus and converted him

                c. Paul was overwhelmed with gratitude

                                a1. God enabled (lit., empowered) Paul to become a minister of the Gospel

                                a2. God counted him faithful (Paul would serve diligently and not quit)

                d. Paul’s pre-salvation life was vile and arrogant

                                a1. A blasphemer = he cursed the name of Jesus Christ, nor realizing he was divine

                                a2. A persecutor (lit., to drive away; to make to flee) of the church of Christ

                                a3. Insolent = violent, spiteful, hateful, abusive, and arrogant

                e. Paul thought that he was doing God’s will

                                a1. John 16:2 Paul thought that he was doing God’s work when he persecuted believers

                                a2. Paul did evil when he thought that he was doing great good

                f. Many people believe they are doing good when they do and promote wickedness (tolerating sin in the name of God’s love is an example)

2. The greatest of sinners can become greatest of saints

                a. Paul = persecuted believers out of ignorance

                                a1. He thought that he was serving God

                                a2. Different from purposely opposing God

                b. Paul obtained mercy because he truly desired to honor God, but followed tradition and not evidence

                                a1. If evidence goes against your tradition and beliefs, it is time to change to the truth

                                a2. We are responsible to seek truth on own

                c. Millions reject Christ without investigating the evidence supporting his claims (Luke 24)

                d. The Lord gave Paul a “superabundance” (huper [over; above] + pleonazo [plethora; plenty]) of grace (overflowing; lit., beyond fullness)

                                a1. Paul had been a persecutor of the church and murderer of Christians

                                a2. Paul was selected for salvation and to be an apostle (far above even great grace)

                e. God’s longsuffering to Paul is an example that God can save anyone (criminals, immoral, thieves, blasphemers, persecutors, perverts, deceivers…)

                f. Romans. 6 God’s grace overcomes all sins

3. Awe of the God of all

                a. Paul breaks into praise of the everlasting, invincible, all wise God (in awe)

                b. Paul ascribes to God eternal glory and honor

                                a1. This is God’s due and right

                                a2. Psalm 19 all creation is to glorify God

                c. Salvation should lead to gratitude and praise

Key Verse: Acts 9:1-16

¹ Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³ As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. ⁴ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” ⁵ And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” ⁶ So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” ⁷ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. ⁸ Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹ And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. ¹⁰ Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” ¹¹ So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. ¹² And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” ¹³ Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” ¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”