Epistle for October 24, 2008
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation October 24, 2008
Dedication and Celebration
(Nehemiah 12:1-47)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. The priests and Levites who returned under Zerubbabel and
Joshua are listed, v. 1-21.
2. This listing is verified from the Persian court records of King
Darius, who released the exiles to return to Jerusalem, vv. 22-26.
3. The wall around Jerusalem was dedicated with a celebration of
joyful singing and the offering of many sacrifices, vv. 27-43.
4. The temple personnel were chosen and organized for the on-going
services of ministry and worship, vv. 44-47.
II. Meditation: on the elements of the dedication service
1. The priests and Levites were selected and purified, vv. 27-30.
2. These religious leaders were organized into two large Thanksgiving
choirs, vv. 31-39.
3. Under the music director, Jezrahiah, the two choirs sang loudly
and responsively, accompanied by several musical instruments,
vv. 40-42. (See also verse 24.)
4. All the citizens of the nation (including women and children) rejoiced . . .
"so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off," v. 43.
III. Revelation: on who should be leaders of praise and worship (band, choir, etc.
1. Persons who have the proper spiritual genealogy . . . who are born-again
children of God through faith in Christ.
2. Persons who have been purified by the Lord . . . who have repented,
confessed, and forsaken their sins.
3. Persons who are submissive and disciplined . . . who are dependable
and who can work together under the direction of God's appointed leader.
4. Persons who themselves worship God enthusiastically and joyfully.
IV. Applications: as a worshipping Christian leader, I need to . . .
1. Rejoice greatly in my spiritual genealogy, Luke 10:20-21.
2. Repent and confess my sins, receiving God's mercy, grace, forgiveness, and
cleansing, I John 1:9.
3. Be submissive to those in spiritual authority over me, Philippians 2:3; Hebrews 13:7.
4. Worship and praise the Lord loudly and enthusiastically . . . both in my private
devotions and in our church services.
Discipline for the race of life
(Hebrews 12:1-29)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the race of life (vv. 1-2)
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let
us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the
author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God," Hebrews 12:1-2.
II. Observations: on the realities of discipline for the race of life
1. Discipline is hard, difficult, v. 7.
2. Discipline is universal within God's family, v. 8.
3. Discipline is only temporary, v. 10.
4. Discipline is unpleasant, v. 11.
5. Discipline is painful, v. 11.
III. Meditation: on the responses of discipline for the race of life
WRONG ATTITUDES: RIGHT PERSPECTIVES:
1. To not even recognize it, v. 7 1. To be encouraged, v. 5
2. To make light of it, v. 5 2. See it as a sign of love, v. 6.
3. To lose heart, v. 5. 3. See it as a sign of delight, Proverbs 3:12.
4. To despise it, Proverbs 3:11. 4. See it as a sign of acceptance, v. 6.
5. To resent it, Proverbs 3:11 5. See is as a sign of sonship, vv. 6-8.
IV. Revelation: on the reasons for the Lord's discipline for the race of life
1. For our own good, v. 10.
2. Produces the family trait of holiness, v. 10.
3. Produces righteousness (right standing with God and man), v. 11.
4. Produces peace, vv. 11, 14.
5. Teaches or trains, vv. 9, 11:
· Respect for the Father
· Submission to the Father
· True meaning of spiritual life.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I may expect these results of discipline . . .
1. Strengthened arms to do (carry, work) v. 12.
2. Strengthened knees to walk (serve, follow) v. 12.
3. Guidance to consider my path; to watch my step (see; choose) v. 13.
Compare Proverbs 4:25-27.
4. Healing of lameness; disabilities and weaknesses overcome, v. 13.
See Isaiah 35:3-10
6. "Christ is formed in you," through travail, Galatians 4:19.
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