Christ Covenant Church

God expects us to keep our vows of celibacy (e.g. during betrothal, special fasts of celibacy, remain a virgin/unmarried/become a eunuch): 1) even if they are a “thoughtless utterance” of our lips (i.e. we weren’t thinking when we made them – 30:1-2 w/6), 2) unless they are made by women w/o consent of their betrothed/husbands or fathers (in the case of un-betrothed younger women still at home; e.g. daughter in the home vows to God to never get married but remain financially dependent on her father/parents) (30:3-16, 5 and 13; 1Co 7:5, 36-38).Like prostitution, female celibacy can encourage (rather than remove) sexual immorality (25:1-3 w/30:3-16).Overreactions are not remedies (25:1-3 w/30:6-16).The removal of sinful influences – not good things (used sinfully), is the prescribed way to get rid of sin (30:3-16 w/31:1-20, 16-18; e.g. taking a kid’s cell phone b/c they are guilty of doing sinful things w/it).God’s anointed (or ordained) pastors/priests (i.e. the pastor-teachers – Eph 4:11b) are to receive the

1 Timothy 4:7-11 GODWHO is God?God is the only eternal and perfectly just, faithful, loving, wise and all-powerful Creator, Sustainer, Judge and savior of everything that exists, Who has made Himself obvious through what He has created and what he has written in his word, the Bible. PurposeWHAT was God’s purpose in creating us?We exist to know God, gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible. ProblemsWhy is there suffering in the world?All suffering is the result of our failure to know God, gain his glory and advance his kingdom through trusting and obeying his design, gospel or written word, the bible. truthHow do we determine truth?Truth is determined by submitting all things to the interpretation and judgment of god’s written word, the bible.

God can restore to future generations what was taken from their ancestors due to sin (26:1-51, 57-65; Compare: Num 1:23, 27, 46 w/26:14, 22, 51).God’s justice does not negate His personal preference (26:52-56; Pro 16:33).Death is part of how we serve justice for our sin and the proof that what Jesus did on our behalf did not fulfill all the requirements of justice (27:1-3 w/Gen 2:17; Exo 34:7; 1Pe 4:17-18). The two parts of justice needed to be right w/God: 1) active justice/removal of corruption in re: to our behavior (what we must do) = obedience to the Law/righteous practice/repentance/cleansing thru punishment – Pro 20:30, 2) passive justice/removal of contamination in re: to our spirit (what God must do) = sacrifice according to the Law/atonement/forgiveness/pardon/propitiation/cleansing thru substitution – Eph 2:13-14).God doesn’t punish His food (28:1 – “My food for my food offerings, my pleasing aroma” = He w/happiness becomes our sin-eater so that our position before Him can become clean and His disp

1 Timothy 4:7-11 GODWHO is God?God is the eternal and perfectly just, faithful, loving, wise and all-powerful Creator, Sustainer, Judge and savior of everything that exists, Who has made Himself obvious through what He has created and what he has written in his word, the Bible. PurposeWHAT was God’s purpose in creating us?We exist to know god, gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible. ProblemsWhy is there suffering in the world?All suffering is the result of our failure to know god, gain his glory and advance his kingdom through trusting and obeying his design, gospel or written word, the bible.

False teachers/prophets have power too (22:1-7; Deu 13:1-3; 2Th 2:9-10; e.g. Exo 7:11, 22, 8:7; Act 8:9-11).Many of those who end up in hell did mighty works in God’s name, claimed Him to be their Lord/God, counted themselves among the upright – even occasionally feared Him and repented of their sins (22:8-21, 31-41 and 23:1-30 and 24:1-24, w/24:25 [notice Balaam “went back to his place” versus becoming a proselyte = Refused to become a part of the covenant community yet claimed God to be “His God”] and 25:1-3 and 31:16 and Rev 2:14; Mat 7:21-23).You are no different than Balaam (i.e. a person who thinks too highly of themselves) if you cannot be loyal/commit yourself to those you did not create and/or cannot control (24:25 – “his place” = ML his family [loyal to those he created] w/25:1-3 and 31:16 [loyal to those he could control; he may have lost his ability to control thru blessing/cursing, but he still yielded the power of corruption and by this would retain his power/control over people like the Midiani

1 Timothy 4:7-11 GODQ - WHO is God? A - He is the perfectly just, faithful, loving, wise and all-powerful Creator, Sustainer, King and Judge of everything that exists, Who has made Himself obvious through what He has created and what He has written, the Bible. PurposeQ - WHAT was God’s purpose in creating us?A - To gain His glory and advance His kingdom through trust and obedience to His design, gospel and written Word, the Bible.

The ordained priests/pastors shall: 1) be responsible for any unlawful use of God’s house or violations committed in relation to their office(18:1; e.g. fencing the pulpit and table; See Mal 1:6-2:9), 2) (therefore) guard their office and what takes place in God’s house (18:5, 7), 3) be fully sustained (financially) from the holy contributions of God’s people (18:8-20 – most esp. 19-20; See 1Co 9:13-14 w/Mat 10:10), 4) be given a double portion (i.e. receive more compensation than the Levites/ruling elders)(18:25-28; See 1Ti 5:17 – “double honor” = double portion).The Levites’ (or ruling elders’) primary ministry is to the ordained priests/pastors through : 1) helping them (18:2), 2) guarding them (18:3-4), 3) being a gift to them rather than a burden (18:6).Levites (or ruling elders) shall also be: 1) fully sustained (financially) from the holy contributions of God’s people if they are full-time. If they are not then they should be viewed as “lay-elders” and not compensated (18:21-22,24), 2) responsible for

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION THE EUSEBIAN METHOD(7-8) - “godliness” = eusebian2.1. Why “true religion” is a better translation of the word (eusebian):2.1.1. This is how the word was understood in ancient times.2.1.2. “Godliness” (literally, behavior that is like God) is too vague.2.1.3. This translation is more consistent with Paul’s primary purpose for writing the pastorals (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) which is catechizing people in truth/sound doctrine/correct religious confession.2.1.4. This translation makes other passages in the pastorals (where we find this word) clearer as to their meaning.2.2. E-Method versus B-ModificationEMBM2.2.1. Focused on: changing the mind thru meditation on the answers to life’s ultimate questions (Who is God? What purpose were we created for? Why do we suffer and bad things happen in the world? When are we most happy? How do we discern/discover truth? Where is everything heading?)Focused on: changing behavior through positive and negative reinforcement of the rules.2.2.2. Results: Co

It only takes a few disobedient minutes to destroy years’ worth of progress and promises (14:1-45; 2Jo 1:8).Wrong expectations in relation to God’s promises can lead to mutiny against God and His current elders believing them to be incompetent and nefarious (14:1-3, 4-10a).Crying/whining about what God gives us often indicates that we think we know better than God what is best for our life (14:1; What they didn’t realize about their wilderness years and lack of abundance = It was meant to protect/prepare them for entering the land of plenty – Consider Deu 8:2-3 w/Pro 30:8-9).Though justice must always be equitable, different situations can demand different applications (14:10b-16).When possible, apply justice that is also evangelistic (14:10b-16).Mercy does not negate justice (14:17-23; See also Exo 34:6-7).God’s forgiveness (or “pardon”): 1) does not mean that all consequences for our sin have been removed (14:18-23 w/Pro 11:31 and Heb 12:6), 2) stops being granted to those who continue to practice sin – reg

1 Timothy 4:7-11 BEHAVIOR MODIFICATIONDesirable behavior created through focusing on what to do (and what NOT to do) coupled with positive and negative reinforcement (e.g. rules resulting in reward and punishment depending on our response).1.1. Why we can be confident that what Paul is talking about when he uses the phrase “bodily training” is indeed behavior modification (versus) some form of physical fitness:1.1.1. Physical fitness IS NOT a component/factor of spiritual fitness (Col 2:20-23).1.1.2. Spiritual fitness is Paul’s concern in our verses.1.2. SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE MADE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION your primary training in living the Christian life:1.2.1. you think LIFE is just a giant maze built on conformity.1.2.2. your parenting creates the idea that life is nothing more than a giant maze of conformity.1.2.3. YOU are driven by experience1.2.4. you have a hard time staying the course.1.3. What this means/does NOT mean:1.3.1. It does NOT mean that if you have spent time teaching/reinforcing god’s rules to

God has provided ways for His people to show their dedication to Him thru special vows of separation (6:1-21; Rom 14:4-17, 5).We are still responsible for those sins that are the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (6:9-12, 11).There is no such thing as a Nazirite today since: 1) the prescription requires the OC sacrificial system (6:14-18; Heb 9:10), 2) abstaining altogether from wine would be a violation of the NC prescription regarding the LT (since it requires grapes/wine) (Luk 22:18; 1Co 11:21).The (ordained/anointed) priests are commanded – and possess the ability, to place God’s blessing on His people (Num 6:22-27; Consider w/Act 6:4 w/Jam 5:14-18 = Ordained/Anointed elders equated w/anointed prophets and able to request/place God’s blessing on people; Also Gen 20:7 – “prophet” – i.e. anointed person w/17-18; Consider NT epistles: “grace and peace to you”[Rom 1:7; 1Co 1:3; 2Co 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phi 1:2; Col 1:2; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:2; 1Ti 1:2; 2Ti 1:2; Tit 1:4; 1Pe 1:2; 2Pe 1:2]= Num 6

Not all families in God’s family hold the same rank or standing: 1) Judah and his “better” brothers (2:1-9 w/10-17, 18-32 = Judah’s group resided on the “east side” – or the neighborhood closest to the entrance to the tabernacle and was considered “first” versus Rueben’s group – though he was the firstborn – see Gen 49:1-12, 22-26), 2) The priests and Levites (1:51-53 w/2:33 = Priests/Levites were exempt from war and resided in neighborhood closest to the tabernacle; Eph 4:7 – “grace was given” = unmerited gifts based on what each person/family’s actions deserved; e.g. 1Ti 1:12-13).“The structure of the camp represents a geographical configuration which combines levels of relative holiness and prominence with ultimate inclusion of all the tribes within the camp. Everyone belongs somewhere, but some are more equal than others.” – Dennis T. OlsonTo advance God’s kingdom on earth requires the covenant community obediently submit to and operate by clearly defined lines of order and structure (2:34; 1Co 12:7-28, 1

Leviticus 25-27We can trust God will continue to provide during those times He appoints rest or removes from our lives those things once appointed to provide for our needs (25:1-22; 2- “When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the Lord” = The Sabbath/jubilee laws of release were tied to the tribal [or “clan”] land of Israel inherited from God during the time they possessed it. Hence the reason such laws did not apply before or after their inheritance was no longer theirs)God provides no redemption if we permanently sell-off (or forfeit) His inheritance (25:23-34; e.g. forfeit our spiritual birthright thru apostasy – Gen 25:33 w/Heb 12:16-17).It is the responsibility of those in the covenant community to see that the needs (i.e. nourishment and covering: food, clothing and shelter – 1Ti 6:8) of their poor (i.e. those unable to financially maintain their needs) are met (Deu 15:4, 8). There are two options for accomplishing this: 1) 6 yr interest/profit free loans with credit

Those that God calls to be His ministers (priests/pastors) are held to a higher standard (21:1-22:9; Jam 3:1).The priests and pastors represent Christ as husband (or lord or owner – “ba’al”; Exo 21:3, 34 ) to the congregation (21:4; For pastors as the equivalent to the OT priests – see Isa 66:21. Hence the reason – Deu 17:9-13 w/1Ti 5:19 and Heb 13:17).What we give as “holy things” to the Lord (in ministry/worship) is held to a higher standard (22:10-33; Consider what this means as it re: to our service on Sundays: singing, listening to God’s Word, as ushers or nursery attendants, meals we make for members in the congregation, gifts given, how we prepare for church the night before, personal hygiene and adornment on Sunday, ministry in general throughout the week).What God gives to sanctify (or cleanse) us will prove to be a deadly curse if presented (or approached) the wrong way (22:9, 32 w/1Co 11:26-34).Based on when they took place, the six “appointed feasts” or “holy convocations” or “Sabbath(s) to the Lo

Leviticus is divided according to the two types of Laws to be taught by the Levites (or priests) (Lev 10:10-11): 1) (chs 1-16) clean laws/{covenant signs} (sacrifices {Adamic/Noahic}, circumcision {Abrahamic}, sabbaths {Old} and separation {Old: diet, diseases, death, decay and discharges: birth, bodily, blood}), 2) (chs 17-27) moral commands.Seeking God outside of His prescribed protocol and/or place is playing w/demons and idolatry (17:1-9; 2Ch 11:14-15).Demons are real (17:7; Isa 34:14 – “Lillith” = night demon w/Pro 2:13-14; Joh 3:19; Col 1:13; 1Th 5:7; 1Pe 2:9; Jud 1:6).Blood is: 1) not to be consumed in any form (17:10, 12-14) 2) sacred since it is used to make atonement (17:11), 3) representative of our life (17:11a, 14).Vampires and gypsies/fortune-tellers are considered sinful by God and need to repent (17:10b, 14b, 20:6).The phrase “cut off” refers to being unclean and unable to receive God’s covenant blessings (e.g. 18:29-30 w/Num 19:13, 16-20). Since it is God doing the cutting off, it also does n

Giving birth, certain animals, leprous diseases and decay as well as death and bodily discharges all possess the physical pollution of sin that continues to “defile” both body and spirit (i.e. they make us “unclean”, 11:44) and therefore must also be atoned for (5:6, 10, 13 w/11:1-47; 12:1-7 w/8; 13:1-14:32 w/14:18-19; 14:33-57 w/14:53; 15:1-33 w/15:15, 30) IF: 1) we are to approach God and not die (15:31), 2) we want to remain in covenant w/God (IOW: being unclean and out of covenant are NOT THE SAME THING).“The unclean are those who in some way have the aura of death about them in that they manifest less than physical wholeness” – G.J. Wenham“Many of the discharges of bodily fluids (such as blood or semen), along with the womb shortly after childbirth, may be correlated with the loss of life…Uncleanness is not flatly or immediately equated with particular sinful acts, it is nevertheless treated as being generally or ultimately the result of sin: uncleanness represents the pollution of sin…Pollution if not e

Leviticus 9-12The glory of the Lord is associated w/His salvation or salvific intentions (Lev 9:1-6, 23 w/Exo 16:7, 10, 24:16-17, 28:2, 40, 33:12-23, 40:35; also Num 20:4-8; Tit 2:13).Approaching God for salvation requires: 1) a holy place (9:23; Exo 24:16, 29:42-46; 1Ki 8:11; 1Ti 3:15 w/Act 20:28), 2) holy sacrifices (9:7 [“draw near”], 22-24; Heb 10:1-18 = Christ the most holy sacrifice; 1Co 5:7; Rom 12:1; Heb 13:16; 1Pe 2:5), 3) holy fire (9:24; Act 2:3; 2Ti 1:6), 4) a holy mediator (9:1, 5-7, 21, 10:3-7, 11b-12, 11:1, 12:1 = Moses commanded/said; God’s ministers’ approach God thru His mediator = Lev 9:23 [“Moses (as mediator) and Aaron (as minister) went into the tent of meeting…and came out and blessed the people”] w/Lev 16:1-34 [Aaron the minister-mediator of most holy sacrifices]; Heb 3:1-6, 9:11-15a [Christ as the new minister-mediator and the most holy sacrifice]; Act 7:38), 5) holy people (11:1-47, 45; Exo 19:10; Heb 10:22-26; 1Pe 1:14-16), 6) and holy ministers (9:1 w/7-18 = Aaron’s mediator-minist

Leviticus 5-8Not bearing witness to promote, preserve or protect justice – in relation to yourself or others, is the sin of obstructing justice (5:1).Through Christ all persons/things which were once ceremonially unclean become clean (or lawful) (5:2-3 w/13:1-3 w/Luk 5:12-13 w/Joh 15:1-3 w/1Co 6:12 and 10:23 w/1Ti 4:4-5).It is sin to make promises that you don’t keep (5:4-13; Mat 5:33-37).Confession is an important part of repentance and prerequisite to receiving God’s forgiveness for our sins (5:5, 16:21. 26:40-42; Psa 32:5; Pro 28:13; 1Jo 1:9; Jam 5:16; e.g. Act 19:18).Unintentional sin or sins of ignorance are still sin and therefore something we are responsible for making right when we realize our guilt (5:17-19).Per the guilt offering, restitution must be paid plus 20% penalty (of the cost of restitution/to make it right) for the sins of:1) sacrilege (penalty paid to the church) = treating/making/using what God sees as sacred/holy things for secular/common/ulterior purposes (5:14-16; e.g. 2Chr 26:16-18,

ADDENDUM to last week (Exodus 37-40):God’s “shekinah glory train” runs from the tabernacle/temple to Jesus to the church (Exo 40; 1Ki 8 w/Joh 1 w/2Co 8:23 and Joh 17:22).Moses’ finished tabernacle work (Exo 40:33) is meant to communicate that God’s new (or redeemed ) creation work is finished (Gen 2:2). As such this is how/where people will again come into God’s presence and receive His guidance.Leviticus 1-4The burnt, grain, peace and sin offering represent (four of the six) kinds of “sacrificial gift(s)” (1:10) a person could/would give to the Lord under the Old Covenant (chs 1-4). Each offering served a specific purpose: 1) the burnt offering was to atone for intentional sin (1:1-17; 1:4 w/16:5; see also Gen 3:20 w/Lev 7:8), 2) the grain offering was a memorial/tribute paid to God acknowledging our loyalty/service to Him as king (2:1-16 “frankincense” w/Mat 2:11; 2:2,9, 16, 12-14; Hebrew term for grain offering = tribute, Jdg 3:15), 3) the peace offering was to express thanksgiving and the continuance of f