A Shunammite Woman Helps

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending February 1, 2009

Purpose: To Affirm generous hospitality as an essential expression of commitment to God

Scripture Text: 2 Kings 4:8-17 (NRSV)

KINGS 4:8-17 (8)One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. (9)She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God.(10)Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.’

(11) One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. (12)He said to his servant Gehazi, ‘Call the Shunammite woman.’ When he had called her, she stood before him. (13)He said to him, ‘Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ She answered, ‘I live among my own people.’ (14)He said, ‘What then may be done for her?’ Gehazi answered, ‘Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.’ (15)He said, ‘Call her.’ When he had called her, she stood at the door. (16)He said, ‘At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.’ She replied, ‘No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.’

(17 )The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, in due time, as Elisha had declared to her.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

If you are like me, you always get confused between Elisha and Elijah, so let's separate them in our collective minds. Elijah came first, and was a great prophet of God. He was a Bedouin, a Tishbite, he had long thick hair hanging down his back, and he was taken up in a chariot of fire at his death as Elisha watched. Interestingly Elijah wore a Sheep skin mantle over his shoulders and on this day he took the mantle, rolled it up and struck the Jordan River and it parted for him and Elisha. This took place outside of Jericho, probably the same place where Joshua used the Ark to part the waters of the Jordan in our lesson a few weeks ago.

While Elijah was a Bedouin and had lots of hair, Elisha was more conventional and was called bald after he watched Elijah go up to heaven in a whirlwind and chariots of fire. Elijah was the master or teacher and Elisha was the student, but Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of God's blessing, as Elijah was about to depart, and he receives that blessing as evidenced by seeing Elijah translated or carried away.

To put all of these events into a time frame, it should be noted all of this took place about 100 year after David had presided over a unified kingdom. After the death of Solomon, the nation was divided into the northern kingdom called Israel, and a southern kingdom called Judah. Both Elijah and Elisha were prophets primarily to the northern kingdom, which did not have one good king, in its entire history. The southern kingdom of Judah had a few good kings. Each kingdom had 19 kings, but the southern kingdom lasted about 136 years longer than the northern kingdom.

Our text for today takes place in the northern kingdom in the town of Shunem. It is a story of hospitality and commitment. In today's world, what the Shunammite woman did, is almost unheard of. But growing up in rural Indiana in the 40's and 50's it was quite common for this type of hospitality. I can remember people whose car broke down spending the night, feeding them, giving them a bed, even paying for the repairs, but of course, they had to go with us to church on Sunday morning. My mother, who is 90 plus at this writing, often fed anybody that needed a meal, and even on holidays, she would invite anybody that did not have a place to go.

When did we become so cynical, and so afraid of extending the hand of fellowship and hospitality? It was never that way in Mayberry, where Andy, Barney and Aunt Bee lived.

The Shunammite woman was not looking for anything from the prophet, but just wanted to make sure God's servant was provided for. When Elisha offers her something she had longed for, she is still reluctant to accept for fear it would not happen and she would be disappointed. She could have easily missed God's blessing, but because she accepted this blessing and gave birth to a son, she would receive another blessing, when the son becomes sick and Elisha has to bring him back from the dead.

How different for Elisha's servant, Gehazi. Later in the next chapter we find Elisha healing Naaman of leprosy and Naaman offers him a substantial amount of money and goods. Elisha refuses, but his servant Gehazi decides he will benefit from his masters good works and he will go and get the bounty for himself. When Elisha finds out he gives his servant Gehazi, Naaman's leprosy.

It has been said, that God loves us because of who God is, not because of who we are. But as followers of God it is our responsibility to be God like, and that means loving people not because of who they are, but because of whom we worship and live for. Being a Christian is being like Christ. St. Francis of Assisi says it this way; "For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life"..

Samson's Mother Prepares for His Birth

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending January 25, 2009

Scripture Text: Judges 13:1-7, 8-13, 24 (NRSV)

Purpose: To examine the role of preparation in fulfilling our commitment to God.

Judges 13:1-7, 8-13, 24 (1)The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.(2)There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. (3)And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, ‘Although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son. (4)Now be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, or to eat anything unclean, (5)for you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor is to come on his head, for the boy shall be a nazirite to God from birth. It is he who shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.’(6)Then the woman came and told her husband, ‘A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like that of an angel of God, most awe-inspiring; I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name; (7)but he said to me, “You shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the boy shall be a nazirite to God from birth to the day of his death.”

(8) Then Manoah entreated the Lord, and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, let the man of God whom you sent come to us again and teach us what we are to do concerning the boy who will be born.’ (9)God listened to Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. (10)So the woman ran quickly and told her husband, ‘The man who came to me the other day has appeared to me.’ (11)Manoah got up and followed his wife, and came to the man and said to him, ‘Are you the man who spoke to this woman?’ And he said, ‘I am.’ (12)Then Manoah said, ‘Now when your words come true, what is to be the boy’s rule of life; what is he to do?’ (13)The angel of the Lord said to Manoah, ‘Let the woman give heed to all that I said to her.

(24 )The woman bore a son, and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the Lord blessed him.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

As I prepare this lesson, I am also watching the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44^th president of the United States of America. As it happens our lesson is about preparation, and you have to admire the preparation that has gone into the inauguration ceremony and the transfer of power.(Maybe the Chief Justice could have used a little more preparation.) Can you imagine the confusion of an unprepared ceremony? We also, are called, to prepare ourselves and our families for service in fulfilling our commitment to God.

Our text is the story of an unnamed woman who is called by God, to prepare herself as well as to prepare her yet to be conceived, but promised son. The nation of Israel was being judged by God for their unbelief and failure to maintain a relationship with the One that had brought them out of slavery in Egypt and given them a land to possess, to dwell in and to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Joshua. These headstrong people never completed the task that God laid out for them, of destroying the Canaanites. This promised land became a place of Idol worship, and a feeling of contentment replaced the call that God had made to each of them before entering this Canaan rest.(See Hebrews 3: 7-19 & Psalm 95: 7-11 concerning the Canaan rest) The battle was not over, but the Israelites grew weary of driving out the inhabitants of the Promised Land. They settled, grew crops and raised families and herds. God's call no longer had the appeal it did prior to entering this promised land.

God had let the people suffer for some forty years at the hand of the Philistines, now He was ready to call a new leader to the fore, but it would require preparation on the part of an unnamed woman. A woman who still believed in the one true God, a woman of little consequence, from the tribe of Dan. A woman that had to convince her husband that the call and the promise were real.

While all of us enjoy reading the story of Samson and his great strength, Samson is not the role model that we want to use. The history is almost timeless, the Palestinians (Philistines) and Gaza are still playing a part in the lives of the Israelites, just as it did, in the life of Samson.

The fact is that God used an obedient woman that was willing to follow His instructions, in raising a son, and doing all that she could do to carry out God's plan. The son had his moments, but his love of pleasure, and his willingness to not continue, as his mother had raised him, brought about his ultimate demise and death. And the nation of Israel would continue to struggle until another woman, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, would come to the fore as an obedient follower of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and set aside her son and make preparation in fulfilling her commitment to God.

What is your response, to God's call? Are you preparing yourself and your family for service? God does not always call the brightest and best, but, he can always use the willing and the ready. I am reminded of the old southern hymn “Ready”: "Ready to go, ready to stay, Ready my place to fill, Ready for service, lowly or great, Ready to do his will."

Joshua Leads Israel

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending January 18, 2009

Scripture Text: Joshua 3:1-13 (NRSV)

Purpose: To recognize the power of ritual and history to strengthen our commitment to God

Joshua 3:1-13 (1)Early in the morning Joshua rose and set out from Shittim with all the Israelites, and they came to the Jordan. They camped there before crossing over. (2)At the end of three days the officers went through the camp (3)and commanded the people, ‘When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place. Follow it, (4)so that you may know the way you should go, for you have not passed this way before. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, a distance of about two thousand cubits; do not come any nearer to it.’ (5)Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.’ (6)To the priests Joshua said, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass on in front of the people.’ So they took up the ark of the covenant and went in front of the people.

(7)The Lord said to Joshua, ‘This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. (8)You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, “When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.” ’ (9)Joshua then said to the Israelites, ‘Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God.’ (10)Joshua said, ‘By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: (11)the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. (12)So now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. (13)When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.’

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

How appropriate that our lesson this week has to do with a change of leadership. For the past forty years the nation of Israel had been under the leadership of Moses, now Moses is being replaced by Joshua. There are some similarities and also some differences in their style of leadership. For the past forty years God has been providing manna every day (except the Sabbath) for the Israelites. Now they are about to take possession of a land God has promised and they will have to provide their own food and water, and for the last forty years their clothes have not worn out, now they will be expected to start sewing and making clothes again, I can only imagine that a change in fashion might be a welcome thing amongst the female population.

At the base of Mount Sinai, Moses instructed the people to prepare themselves (Exodus 19:10-15) by sanctifying themselves and washing their clothes and practicing abstinence. In addition they were to maintain a barrier between themselves and the mountain. In today's story they were to again sanctify themselves, and maintain a distance of about a half of mile between themselves and the Ark of the Covenant. Isn't it interesting how God maintains the mystery of His presence and transcendence, while He is showing His power by His actions, He does not lower himself, so that the congregation can somehow think they can take God for granted, God is all powerful, and the congregation needed to know at this point God is not going to make Himself into a mortal being as He does when His own Son becomes one of us. The Ark and the distance required demonstrates the people's need to display a reverence and respect of the creator God.

We can probable assume the three days that Joshua uses to prepare the congregation, also allows time for the spies to go into Jericho and spy out the town, as we studied last week. This demonstration of power and awe is about anointing Joshua as the new leader, God promises Joshua, “I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, and be with you as I was with Moses.”

Just as the journey began with the crossing of the Red Sea under the leadership of Moses, it will end with the crossing of the Jordan River under the leadership of Joshua. Joshua instructs the people just as God had told him and Joshua makes sure that the congregation understands all that is expected of them. He also makes sure they make a memorial or memory of this occasion by erecting the twelve stones as a monument to this event.

Memorials and traditions are an important part of our Christian experience, When we take Communion we are remembering an event and what it means, when we recall our baptism, by the sprinkling of water on us as we approach the altar or communion rail, we are remembering our own baptism.

One of my favorite hymns speaks of this, in the second verse of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" Robert Robinson, the author says, "Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God ; He to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood.” It is important to have Ebenezers that we can remember. Isn't it interesting that Jesus chose this very spot in the Jordan River to be baptized by John and the Holy Ghost. I do not know how God achieved the heaping up of the Jordan River at Adam, (vs. 16) and like the Children of Israel, God has kept me at a distance from knowing all that God is, but I am thankful that I can trust in His leadership, and with faith I can get where I want to go, but more importantly where He wants me to go. The hymn above closes with these words: "Here's my heart, oh take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."

(For the story of the Ebenezer Stone see I Samuel 7:12)

Rahab Helps Israel

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending January 11, 2009

Scripture Text: Joshua 2:1-4, 12-14; 6:22-25 (NRSV)

Purpose: To discern God's truth in the face of competing claims.

Joshua 2:1-4,12-14;6:22-25
(1)Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, ‘Go, view the land, especially Jericho.’ So they went, and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and spent the night there. (2)The king of Jericho was told, ‘Some Israelites have come here tonight to search out the land.’ (3)Then the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, ‘Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come only to search out the whole land.’ (4)But the woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, ‘True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they came from.(12)Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the Lord that you in turn will deal kindly with my family. Give me a sign of good faith (13)that you will spare my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.’(14)The men said to her, ‘Our life for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the Lord gives us the land.’

(22) Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, ‘Go into the prostitute’s house, and bring the woman out of it and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.’ (23)So the young men who had been spies went in and brought Rahab out, along with her father, her mother, her brothers, and all who belonged to her—they brought all her kindred out—and set them outside the camp of Israel. (24)They burned down the city, and everything in it; only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.(25)But Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, Joshua spared. Her family* has lived in Israel ever since. For she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

As we begin our study in Joshua, there are few things we should be aware of; First the author of the book is Joshua, although many modern day scholars would have us believe it was written about 600 BC while the Jews were captive in Babylon. Second at the time of the writing there was a Book of the Law already written (1:8). I can accept that some parts were probably added later by some of the priests, such as Phinehas or Eleazar.

Joshua had been a personal attendant to Moses. He was one of the two spies that gave a positive report, when Moses sent the Twelve Spies to spy out the land of Canaan. Since Joshua and Caleb were the only two that survived the forty years in the wilderness from that generation that was punished for their unbelief, we can assume he was also older than the army which he formed to conquer the promised land. Josephus, the Jewish historian says he was 85 years old when he succeeded Moses. He spent about 6 years subduing the land, and the rest of his life settling and governing the twelve tribes. His rule over Israel, in all, covered about 25 years. He died at 110.

Modern day theologians have a problem with the seemingly ruthless way that God and Joshua deal with the Canaanites as well as the residents of Jehrico. But there is one truth that needs be realized. That truth is that God is the only one that is qualified to judge. The Canaanites were a heathen savage group of people that had no moral conscience. How God deals with the souls of those that were killed is His business and His alone. Also God did provide, to those that trusted and believed in Him, a way of redemption.

Our story today is about Rahab, a prostitute, that ran an inn or brothel, but we should not be too quick to condemn Rahab. Priestesses of the Canaanites religion were public prostitutes. Her profession was considered by the people among whom she lived, as honorable. And not disgraceful as it is now among us.

Rahab is rewarded for her faithfulness and her belief, not because she lied. Remember Moses was a murderer, and God used him mightily. Rahab was saved along with all of her family, or all that believed with her that the God of Israel, was the one true God.

Rahab's story is one of redemption, and Joshua is a type of Christ. Not only was she saved from the destruction but she was also redeemed and placed in a special place. Even though she was not a Jew, she became an important link to the Messiah. Rahab married an Israelite named Salmon, (Matt. 1:5). Caleb, the other good spy, had a son named Salmon, Rahab married into a leading family of Israel. She thus, became ancestress to Boaz, David and Christ. She is named among the heroes of Faith in Hebrews 11:31. God redeemed her because of her faithfulness, and belief when she said, “The Lord your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below”.

Midwives Serve God

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending January 04, 2009

Scripture Text: Exodus 1:8-21(NRSV)

Purpose: To prioritize our commitments around our primary loyalty to God.

Exodus 1:8-21
(8) Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. (9)He said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. (10)Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.’ (11)Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labour. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. (12)But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. (13)The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, (14)and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labour. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them.

(15) The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, (16)‘When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.’ (17)But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. (18)So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, ‘Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?’ (19)The midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.’ (20)So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. (21)And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

As we start a new year, we continue our study of “commitment”, but now we will go to the Old Testament for the next two months and study about commitment from that perspective.

The Book of Exodus is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. I have an old Lutheran baptismal certificate that refers to Exodus as the second book of Moses. Most Bible scholars agree that Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible.

This lesson begins with some very sad words, “A new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” There are times today when one has to wonder the same, not just of our political leaders, but also of our supposed spiritual leaders. Often the “new” seems to have no connection to the past. In fact we are told almost continuously to forget the past and get with the new. I am happy to report that there are instances when the new sometimes returns to the old.

As of January 1, 2009 there are two subtle changes within the United Methodist Book of Discipline. Both involve the oath of membership. When we receive new members, we will now say; “To be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church and do all in their power to strengthen its ministries”. That is an improvement over pledging our loyalty to a particular Church. Another improvement is:"To faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness".

Both of these changes reflect the very lesson that we are learning in this study. The midwives loyalty was to their God not to Pharaoh. They also carried their witness to a higher calling than that of a king. These midwives were willing to risk there lives in order to save the lives of new born sons. Even though they seemed to mislead the king, God rewarded them with families of their own. If only the king had known a little about Joseph, he may have realized how futile his efforts would be to suppress this group of workers that believed in a miracle working God. As with most groups, the more they were persecuted, the stronger their faith grew. Even today we see that people are returning to the churches as times become harder. Our economic times could be a warning, we have become a people “that did not know Joseph”.

As we approach the season of the Epiphany, there is an old tradition that I want to bring to your attention and also to initiate this year in our Thursday night Bible Study, it is called “The Chalking of the Door”. This is an old Scottish tradition, that the church recognizes as a way to start a new year and is something that all of us can do at our home.

There are several Liturgies that you can find on the internet for your own use, the United Methodist, the Evangelical Lutherans, as well as the Roman Catholics and others offer suggestions on doing this service. The basic premises is to chalk your door post or lintel as the Israelites did with blood, with the following marks: "20 C M B 09". Chalk is used because it is from the earth and is used in instruction. The C M B may stand for the names of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, although these names are traditional and not found in the Bible, or C M B may stand for the Latin “Christus Mansionem Benedicat," meaning "May Christ bless this dwelling," much the same way we use the Greek monogram of Christ (I H S) in our churches.

I hope each of you have glorious new year, and may we continue to challenge ourselves to a new commitment of service and new commitment to serve our Lord and Savior more fully in 2009.

John the Baptist Proclaims God's Message

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 28, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 3:7-18 (NRSV)

Background: Luke 3:1-20

Purpose: To consider how we can proclaim by our actions our commitment to God.

Luke 3:7-18
(7)John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8)Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. (9)Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’
(10) And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ (11)In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ (12)Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ (13)He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ (14)Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’(15) As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,(16)John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (17)His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ (18) So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

This is our second look at John the Baptist. We also visited John in our first study of the year, back in September. At that time the Gospel of Mark was our source. Today we look at this unique character from Luke's gospel.

Since the finding of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” left by the Essenes, Bible scholars have been debating whether John the Baptist was a follower of the Essenes. The Essenes were a group that now claims such followers as John the Baptist, Jesus, Mary, and Elizabeth and Zechariah as well as many of the disciples. They rebelled against the organization or Temple structure that existed in Jerusalem. They felt it had been corrupted during the reign of the Maccabees, when the priesthood was sold to the highest bidder and was no longer necessarily of the linage of Aaron. They were apocalyptic, meaning that they expected God to act soon to destroy evil. They had a commune near the Dead Sea. They were very scholarly, and well versed in many types of religions, but they also believed in being separated from a corrupt world.

John was not your typical Evangelist, he was not there to attract a crowd, he was there to preach repentance, he did not care what your station in life was, he preached repentance. He told his audience that being a son of Abraham meant nothing. He preached, as Jesus did, about sharing with those that were without. If you are a Tax Collector that is okay but do not collect more than you were suppose to. If you were a soldier that is okay but do not extort or use your authority to falsely accuse and quit complaining about your wages.

I am going to spend some time talking about the “threshing floor” found in verse 17. I find this reference very interesting. There are many references to the “threshing floor or threshingfloor as it is referred to in the King James Old Testament.

The first mention is when Joseph takes his father Jacob/Israel home for burial in Genesis 50:10-11. Another reference is when Gideon puts out the fleece in Judges 6:37. One of the more interesting is found in the Book of Ruth where Ruth's mother-in law convinces her to go to the threshing floor where Boaz is working late and he wakes up with Ruth at his feet (Ruth 3:2-14) and out of this union came Obed, father of Jesse, father of David.

Another interesting event takes place in 2nd Samuel 24:16-24.and I Chronicles 21:15-28.(same story) David had disobeyed God and God was ready to destroy Jerusalem, but God repented and David purchased the “threshing floor of Araunah or Ornan the Jebusite” and erected an altar. The interesting thing is, that this is exactly where Solomon chooses to build the Temple (see 2nd Chronicles 3:1). Now knowing all of this is the reference to the “threshing floor” is really a knock at the organized Jewish leaders that ran the rebuilt temple, in Jerusalem. Is John the Baptist saying God is going to clean out His “threshing floor,” meaning the Temple? We know Jesus ran the money changers out of the Temple, but is John saying your time has come and gone, you will now be judged. Truly for us Gentiles, it was “good news” God's promise to Abraham was extended to all, God's grace that was extended to David at the “threshing floor of Ornan” was extended to each of us. How will our actions proclaim our commitment?

Shepherds Glorify God

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 21, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 2:8-20 (NRSV)

Background Text: Luke 2:1-20

Luke 2:8-20
(8) In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9)Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.(10)But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: (11)to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (12)This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ (13)And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, (14)‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’(15) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ (16)So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. (17)When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; (18)and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. (19)But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (20)The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

This passage has a lot of interesting ideas, and the first thing I notice is how the author Luke, brings in the more humble and lowly, much like he did with women. In his text, he introduces us to the shepherds. The occupation of shepherd was not a lofty one to aspire to, it was more like the second job for those that had trouble making ends meet. It does however, have a very favorable history for the Jews. Remember Moses was tending the herds of Jethro, his father-in-law, when God spoke to him through the burning bush. And Isaac tended his father-in-laws herds. David was tending the sheep when Samuel came to Jesse's home to anoint a king. At first glance we would say why, "the shepherds in the fields", why not in Rome to Caesar? Or in the Temple to the High Priest? How would either of these been received?

We are not told if this angel was the same angel, Gabriel, that had spoken to Mary, and Zechariah. We are told that he appears with a host of angels as well as the “glory of the Lord.” We know from the Old Testament that God's glory often appeared to the traveling Jews in the Exodus, sometimes as fire and sometimes as a cloud. It was called the “Shechinah Glory” by Jewish writers but that word is not used in the Bible. It refers to “a visible majesty of divine presence.” I can understand the terror they felt, but notice it was only Zechariah, that met the angel in the temple by the altar of incense, that doubted. Every indication is that the shepherds saw, heard, were frightened, but it never says they doubted. Unlike Zechariah they could not wait to tell their tale, or to find this evidence that the angel promised.

The promised Messiah, could be found as a baby, lying in a manger, in the city of David. That in itself would require a lot of faith, to believe the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would be found wrapped in some cloths and in a manger, not a palace, no crown or ring, just wrapped in bands of cloth. The heavenly chorus starts singing and praising God, that order is about to be restored. God is in heaven and peace is coming to His creation. The sins of Eden are about to be reversed for ever and ever to those that accept him as their Lord and Savior.

If we can find the same faith as the shepherds, we to can find the Babe, waiting for us to accept Him as our new born King. The shepherds felt the urgency to go quickly and find this thing that the Lord had made known to them. I can imagine the doubt of those standing near by and hearing the shepherds story. I can also imagine the satisfaction that Mary felt, by the confirmation of what Gabriel had told her from the beginning. It all makes sense for those that believe, to everybody else, it is just a nice story. What are you doing to share your story of how you found this Babe of Bethlehem, that can save to the uttermost, that can bring a peace to your world that the rest of the world can only mock? The shepherds returned to their job glorifying and praising God and telling their story. What story will you tell this Christmas?

Elizabeth's Commitment

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 14, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 1:39-45 (NRSV)

Luke 1:39-45
(39) In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, (40)where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. (41)When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (42)and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (43)And why has this happened to me that the mother of my Lord comes to me? (44)For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. (45)And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

This lesson, like so many others, needs to be placed in historical context. For more than 500 years the people of Israel and Judea had lived in slavery or under a very oppressive ruler. There was little hope and their life was, for the most part, mundane and humbling. People went about their life, but there was little joy in the daily living. Luke puts a historical marker in when he references "In the days of King Herod of Judea." Herod had been appointed by Rome in 40 BC and he pleased Rome by being a very oppressive ruler of the Jews. He tried to keep the Jews happy by rebuilding Solomon's Temple, but he also had to extract the tax from those same people in order to keep Rome happy.

Years earlier the Prophet Zephaniah had written in his prophecy of 3:12-13; “For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord -- the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies". God had indeed left a remnant of lowly, humble servants; among them were Mary, her cousin Elizabeth and Elizabeth's husband, Zachariah. Luke tells us both Elizabeth and Zachariah were decedents of Abijah, who was a descendant of Aaron, and therefore of the priestly line.

This couple took the commitment to God and their responsibility to continue the priestly duties very seriously. Because of this we can assume, since this was Mary's cousin, that Jesus could also claim the priestly line as well as the Kingly line from David. Jesus would qualify for both priest and king.

I think it is important to remember that Zachariah was doing the Lord's work when he was confronted by the angel Gabriel, and was told of this special child that was growing in Elizabeth's womb. Zachariah was so shocked and because of his lack of faith, in believing Gabriel, he was struck dumb and unable to speak until after the birth of John. Even though Gabriel had said John would be filled with the spirit while still in the womb,imagine Elizabeth's surprise when he leaps inside of her at the appearance of Mary and the fetus of Jesus. No wonder Elizabeth, shouted "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” when Mary entered her home.

It's important to note that it is Elizabeth that pronounces the blessing on Mary. Mary was not on the same social or economic level as Elizabeth and Zachariah. Mary was lowlier than her cousin Elizabeth, yet Elizabeth pronounces a blessing on her. It reminds me of Abraham and Melchizedek when they met in the King's Valley in Genesis 14 and Abraham receives the blessing of Melchizedek and offers a tithe to him. Melchizedek knew Abraham was called by the "God most high."

Luke does not tell us why Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and share with her the visit of Gabriel. We can only assume because Elizabeth and Zachariah had also received a visit by this same angel and because Elizabeth and Zachariah were of the Levitical line she felt close to them, and knew she could share this heavenly news and not be ridiculed. She would in fact receive the very blessing Elizabeth gave her. It is amazing what happens when everyone involved are being obedient to God's call on their life. Mary receives the blessing and Elizabeth is blessed by giving birth to the one that would "make straight the path".

This lesson along with last week's lesson is about commitment. The question for us is also about commitment. How committed are we? Are we willing to seek out those than can help us make sense of an abrupt change in plans? Are we willing to put conventional thought aside and believe God has a plan for us? God has given us a commandment "Go and tell." as well as "Go and share.

Mary's Commitment

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending December 7, 2008

Scripture Text: Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)

Luke 1:46-55
(46) And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, (47) and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, (48) for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (49) for the Mighty One has done great things for me,And holy is his name. (50) His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (51)He has shown strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. (52) He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; (53) he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. (54)He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, (55) according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

As we approach this Advent season, I am glad we can take a look at this important and interesting passage from the Book of Luke. In his Gospel, as well as in his second letter to Theophilus (The Book of Acts), Luke differs from the others in the way he portrays women. This passage is often called "The Magnificent," from the first word of the Latin translation. There are fifteen discernible quotations from the Old Testament in this poem, showing Mary's insight and knowledge of the Old Testament writings. Also note that this all takes place in the presence of her relative, Elizabeth, who will soon bear a son called John, whom we will come to know as "John the Baptist," or John the Baptizer. In Luke's Gospel, Luke writes not only about women, but also on the needs of the poor, and other disenfranchised individuals. I would like to look at these verses and see what we can glean.

The poem begins in verse 46, with Mary's gratification that God has chosen her, a poor but devout young woman, to bear the Messiah. When Mary says, "My soul magnifies the Lord," it is rather profound. The Greek word translated as "soul" in this verse has a complicated meaning. In Hebrew thought, the soul was not a separate entity that left the body at death. The Hebrew's considered body, soul and spirit all parts of human nature. They were all parts of a unified, whole person. Mary uses "soul," here, to mean the depths of her feelings and emotions. She expresses an idea similar to that of the author of Psalm 103:1, when he said, "Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name."

In verse 47, the second line compliments the first, when you add, "my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" to, "my soul magnifies the Lord." The poem expresses how fully Mary praises God. The Ancient Greek use of, "savior," implies protection and deliverance. In Greco-Roman society, the term was used to describe Gods and political leaders who provided safety and material comfort. In Hebrew, this word was often used to describe God's rescue and deliverance of Israel, as in Isaiah 43:3 and Psalm 34:3-6, where there are many of the same themes we find in Luke 46-47. Certainly, the way Mary uses the term in Luke, indicates God's sovereignty, protection, providence, and care. In verse 48, similar to Luke 6:20-22, Luke highlights one of the important themes of his Gospel, the idea that those who are poor, outcast, or downtrodden are blessed. In Luke's understanding, Mary was chosen by God, not in spite of her lowliness, but because of it. When Mary calls herself lowly, she does not mean that she is inwardly humble, she refers instead, to her low social standing.

Mary's role of bearing the Christ Child would affect all of subsequent human history. Mary would be a blessing to all generations to come. In verse 49, Mary, having used "Lord" and "Savior" to describe God, uses a third title, "The Mighty One." This term speaks of God's power and strength. (The Greek word "mighty," comes from the same root from which we derive the English word dynamite.) "Mighty," refers to God's ability to act and influence events. The use of the word "holy" carries its original meaning, which referred to something that was set apart, worthy of dedication. To call God's name "holy" is to speak of the reverence and respect due to God.

The Methodist are sometimes called a "holiness" denomination, since we believe in being set apart for God and in being dedicated to God and his teachings. In Mary's words, God's name is to be set apart for special treatment.

Verse 50 is a reminder that God's mercy is dependable. God is consistent, showing mercy through time, "from generation to generation." It is God's mercy that balances his power and might in the previous verse. God is both powerful and merciful. Fearing God is an act of respect, reverence, and awe.

Verse 51 gives a different picture, one of a muscular God who can scatter the proud. The proud includes the arrogant and those that think of God as an equal or a lesser, or as a myth, at best.

Verse 52 is more specific. God judges corrupt political leaders (as well as corrupt church leaders). He can bring low the mighty and raise up the lowly.

Verse 53 shows the contrasts and tensions that come from a "Holy God." The challenge is for those that have, to share with those that are without. God can bless whom He wishes, and He can withhold His blessing if He chooses. None of us have a claim to His riches, we are only promised His presence (Emmanuel).

Verses 54-55 connect God's act in Mary's pregnancy with Israel's history. God promised the patriarchs that Israel would be an important people and that they would be God's special instrument. God had been present throughout Israel's history, always sending leaders and prophets and teachers to guide His people. Now, through Mary, He was about to become one of us so that he could be a better priest, prophet, teacher and savior.

Persecution Within the Community

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending November 30, 2008

Scripture Text: II Corinthians 11:17, 21b-30 (NRSV)

Background Text: II Corinthians 11:16-12:10 (NRSV)

II Corinthians 11:17
(17)What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord’s authority, but as a fool;

II Corinthians 11:21b-30
(21b)But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that(22) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.(23)Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death.(24)Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.(25)Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea;(26) on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters;(27) in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked.(28)And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. (29)Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant? (30)If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

II Corinthians 12:9-10
(9) but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.(10)Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

I think we need to start this study with verse 1 of the 11th Chapter where Paul says “I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!” This is probably a good way to start this commentary, and maybe a good way to start any conversation where we are going to share our self analysis of our good qualities and our shortcomings.

Paul seemed to have a tendency to boast, even when he said, “I am the chief of sinners,” he certainly had not met me or some of my best friends. To understand Paul's thinking, we have to know the circumstances and his relationship with the church at Corinth.

The congregation at Corinth was not the vital spiritually growing church that Paul envisioned when he established the church originally. He had spent a lot of time and resources trying to fix some of the problems this congregation presented. He had already sent them a letter, (I Corinthians) and personal visits by two of his best disciples, Timothy and Titus, and Paul had also personally visited them. Still the problem persisted, and the problem also had become very personal for Paul, and his credentials,(11:5) as well as his work ethic,(11:7-9) along with being two faced,(12:12-18) and a poor preacher (11:6). At this point most of us would have shaken the dust, and moved on, but not Paul, he was going to give them another chance, and he was going answer his critics, in the same way they had attacked him. This had become personal, and Paul felt he needed to set the record straight. The great St. Louis Cardinal pitcher of the 30's, Dizzy Dean, used to say, “It ain't braggin' if you can do it”.

We don't know if these troublemakers were Gnostics, Judaizers, or Jewish Christians from Palestine that knew Jesus, and also knew of Paul's work in persecuting the early Christians, the latter seems likely, and they may have formed an alliance with the Gnostics. In any case, Paul was not very confident in the leadership of the church at Corinth. Paul pointed out his own weaknesses so reasonable people could see that it was God working through Paul that enabled Paul to accomplish whatever it was that he accomplished in his ministry. His own litany of ship wrecks, stoning, beatings and other perils were second to none, and his pedigree was equal to any Jew. Paul was comfortable with his own credentials. More importantly he realized his shortcomings when compared to Christ.

In verses 9 and 10 of chapter 12 Paul gives us the answer to many of life's difficulties, “My Grace is sufficient.” If we are able to overcome our adversities on our own, then how is Christ lifted up and glorified? Sometimes we need to accept our fate and circumstance and also accept God's grace and His sufficiency in our life. Paul had been taken to a place where no other man had been. In the third heaven, things were revealed to him and he had an assurance that sustained him through all of the trials and tribulations, likewise we should be able to have that same assurance as we face life's trials and tribulations. I think of the Serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference”.

Witness of the Community

International Sunday School Lesson
For Week Ending November 23, 2008

Scripture Text: 2nd Timothy 2:1-3 & 4:1-5 (NRSV)

2nd Timothy 2:1-3
(1) You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; (2) and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. (3) Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2nd Timothy 4:1-5
(1) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:(2) proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. (3) For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, (4) and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. (5) As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

Paul is telling us, by way of this letter to Timothy, to accept God's calling to be faithful by enduring hardships, proclaiming the message, and performing our ministry.
Bible scholars do not all agree on the authorship or time of this writing; but since the letter tells us Paul wrote it and tradition says that Paul was imprisoned for a second time in Rome just prior to his death at the hands of Nero, I can accept that. I cannot explain the church structure, which appears to be that of a later time, but it is possible the church hierarchy had evolved in the twenty years since Paul's letter to the Galatians and there were Bishops in the new church. I can accept that the Book of Acts, written by Luke, may not have covered Paul's second imprisonment.
As I read and studied both 1st and 2nd Timothy, I was amazed at what appears apparent to me does not seem apparent to all of the commentary authors I read.

In reading these letters, I see Paul trying to tell Timothy something that all of us today seem to have a problem grasping. Paul was a witness to the risen Christ on the road to Damascus some thirty years prior. What Paul knew by sight was what he was trying to get Timothy to understand and accept by faith.

Paul had first met Timothy on his first missionary journey to Lystra. While on that mission, he did not follow his present belief that circumcision was not necessary and so he had Timothy circumcised (because of pressure from the Jewish population). Timothy's father was a Greek and his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jews converted to the new Christianity taught by Paul.

Paul knew Timothy had all of the right teaching, and Paul knew he was facing earthly death, (“my departure is at hand”) (4:6). Therefore, he was preparing Timothy to take over his ministry. “Remember what you have heard me say, and entrust this to faithful people who will be able to teach others” (my paraphrase).

If this new leadership position brings persecution, and suffering, Paul wants Timothy to know what he knows, that ‘Christ is risen’ and whatever trials and tribulations come there is certain knowledge that Christ has a plan and a reward for those that seek Him diligently. Paul said “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him that Day”. (1:12) “Share in suffering like a good soldier of Jesus Christ”.

In chapter 4, Paul continues his challenge to Timothy, and urges Timothy to persistently proclaim the message. He warns of a time coming when sound doctrine will be rejected, and people will have ‘itching ears’ and not want to a hear the true gospel that Paul and others had been preaching. They will follow those that preach an easier message and believe in myths.

The picture Paul paints for Timothy would scare off most men: to endure inflictions, but always be evangelist.

He also shares another picture in verses 7 & 8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not me only but also to all that have loved His appearing”.

The resurrected Christ had appeared to Paul. He knew the resurrection power and now he wanted that message carried on by Timothy to everyone. Timothy had been a witness to many of Paul's miracles and he had been taught by Paul. But, the question is, did he have the vision that Paul had? Since that time the message has gone around the world. We must assume Timothy did his part, now the mantle has been passed to this generation. Will our generation continue to preach with the heart of an evangelist or will we look to satisfy ‘itching ears’ and look for a simpler message… one that is not so hard and one that does not require enduring inflictions or persecution?

Can we envision the Risen Christ?
A special thanks to Carolyn Thomas for editing my commentary.

Communion With God in the Midst of Struggle

International Sunday School Lesson
Week Ending November 16,2008

Scripture Text: Phiippians 3:17-21; 4:1-9 (NRSV)

Background: Philippians 3:3-4:9

Phiippians 3:17-21
(17) Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. (18)For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. (19)Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. (20)But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. (21)He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

Phiippians 4:1-9
(1)Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.(2) I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.(3)Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.(4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (5)Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (6)Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7)And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (9)Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

My Thoughts by Burgess Walter

Today as I opened the newspaper, the headlines read “Turmoil at local Church”. Churches today are struggling, just as the church struggled in Paul's day. How this congregation responds and how they handle this struggle will speak volumes to our community. Paul certainly was willing to help the church at Philippi in their time of struggle. I know God will help this local congregation in its time of struggle too.

They must be willing to follow Paul's lead and “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice”. And I trust they will fast and pray until they have the answer that the Holy Spirit will give them through their prayers and supplications.

While you are thinking about the above, let me share some interesting facts about today's scripture text. The letter to the church at Philippi was written by Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome. It has been called by some a letter of joy, and by others a letter of rejoicing. The church at Philippi was the first church established in Europe, by Paul, on his second missionary journey. They had on two occasions been very generous to Paul and this letter is in response to their latest offering to him.

Philippi was located near the sight of a great battle that took place in 42 B.C. Where the armies of Brutus and Cassius were defeated by the armies of Anthony and Octavian (later Caesar Augustus) and the Roman Empire replaced the Roman Republic. Philippi became a military outpost and was made a Roman colony, which gave it special privileges.

Knowing all of the above Paul writes, they need to be careful in who they choose to emulate. In addition to the Judaizers, they were also being influenced by what we would call today antinomianism, (“against the law”). This belief was popular because it required no responsibility to obey any of God's laws even the “Moral Law of God” that we call the Ten Commandments. This is the same problem addressed by Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-14. Basically Moses said it is not to hard nor is it too far away that you can not obey God's moral law. Some were teaching in Phillipi that faith precluded any responsibility to live a moral life, one could do and live anyway they liked as long as they believed that Christ redeemed them from any form of punishment. This belief is still a threat to Christianity today. Martin Luther addressed it by the Formula of Concord in 1577, which recognized a threefold use of the law: (1) to reveal sin, (2) to establish general decency in society at large, and (3) to provide a rule of life for those who have been regenerated through faith in Christ.

The other belief of Libertine ( Libertine means one devoid of any restraints, especially one who ignores or even spurns religious norms, accepted morals, and forms of behavior sanctioned by the larger society) was also popular.

Paul describes these beliefs; their appetites or their circumcision are their gods, and their minds are only concerned about earthly things. Paul calls for the people at Philippi to aim higher, think about higher things (see verse 4:8).

Evidently there were a couple of prominent women within the church that disagreed about some things, and Paul gives his advise, but notice he does not take sides. His answer is “Rejoice in the Lord”. (This passage starts with another “Rejoice in the Lord” in verse 3:1). When Paul says “let your gentleness be known to everyone” he is giving all of us a tutorial on handling disagreements. Then he says “ The Lord is near”. Paul could mean his return is near or his presence is near as in Emmanuel (God with us). Either way, “don't worry about anything”.

We are reminded to pray about everything and give thanks for everything. We are probably lax in both areas. The benediction that Paul uses in verse 7 is similar to Psalms 145:18-20 (18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19He fulfils the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. 20The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy).

In verse 8 of our text Paul gives an attitude adjustment outline; “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, If there is is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”.

Paul closes by telling them to “keep on doing the things you have learned”. There are times in our Christian walk when it is important for us “to keep on doing”. What we do, may not be glamorous or even noteworthy, but out thoughts should always be on the “Higher Plain”. Remember the “The Lord is near” and our “citizenship is in heaven”.

Just the thoughts of a layman,

Here is another sight that you might enjoy that covers the lesson from a different slant, by Standard Publishing and The Christian Church. http://www.christianstandard.com/sundayschool.asp