Friday, October 25, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
                                    For the week beginning Sunday October 27, 2013                                   
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WHY DO I FEEL EMPTY?
(How does my worship impact my view of life?)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, 4:9-12 & 5:1-7

In Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-15, Solomon continues his demonstration of how life is “meaningless” without GOD. This passage teaches us that there really is “a time for all things” and that GOD is the ONE WHO gives significance to the seasons of life.
This book’s “unique nature” must be taken into consideration when we understand its message. While, like all of Scripture, it is surely a message from GOD HIMSELF, in these particular writings, GOD seems to allow Solomon to present it to us from a very “humanistic standpoint”. The contribution of importance to our existence, that this book gives us, is that, “it speaks to the core of our feeling of emptiness” that we get when we alienate ourselves from GOD.
As we read through the book of Ecclesiastes, we immediately begin to see more clearly, our own faults, as well as the faults of others, and we also become more sensitive to “human need”, both ours, and, the needs of others. This serves to help us greatly because, after all, isn’t that the criterion by which JESUS says HE will Judge us in Matthew 25, verses 31-46? There HE tells us that we will be judged according to our reaction to human need (how we respond to the needs of our fellowman).
In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, one of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture, Solomon turns his attention to how “the law of nature” effects “the human experience” and renders man helpless to control “the onset” or “outcome” of any event in his life. And if man thinks he can control his own life, it is at best, just an illusion, and he is sadly mistaken.
The “seasons of timewill always govern, or dictatethe way we need to react to survive”. When we know GOD, we respond in the right way. And when we don’t know GOD, our response becomes, little more than a detriment to our own existence.
Solomon tells us in verses 9-15, that, he completely understands, that, whatever GOD does is final, and nothing can be added to, or taken away, from it. GOD purposes that people should fear HIM because of who HE is. HE is the CREATOR, PRODUCER, and DIRECTOR of the play called “life”. And HE alone, already knows just how the play will end. We are merely “the cast” that HE allows to take part in HIS production, and we can only partake, or live, in “one scene at a time”. When our role has run its course, HE simply writes us out, and the “big picture” continues to roll on towards its pre-determined end.
In a very real sense, “the events of this life”, or, “scenes” in “GOD’s great production”, have a way of repeating themselves (cuts and re-takes). That is because, it is GOD’s OWN way of trying to teach us how to “live this life”, or, “perform our roles” in ways that are pleasing to HIM. The response that GOD wants man to have to “HIS unchangeable plan”, is one of fear and reverence, and humble submission to HIM.
We must remember that, the “hunger” and “thirst” that GOD places in each of us, innately from birth, can only be satisfied through our seeking, and ultimately finding HIM. GOD does not hide HIMSELF from those who are earnestly seeking HIM, as HE remains in the same place that HE has always been. A person has to choose to separate himself, or herself, away from GOD, GOD will never choose to separate HIMSELF away from us.
GOD is the same yesterday, and today, and HE will also be precisely the same tomorrow. HE does not move from us, but rather, we choose to remove ourselves from HIM. GOD is “the seasoning” that adds significance to the life HE created, and without HIM, life will never be anything but meaningless.  
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Solomon focuses his thoughts for a moment on “companionship”, and the advantages people can enjoy when they work together, instead of trying to struggle alone in this world. A person who is alone in the world has no one to work with, or for, and no one with which to share the fruits of their labor. This can be a depressing thought as one grows older. On the other hand, two or, even three people, working together, can accomplish more than twice as much as one, and, they get a better return for their labor (v.9). If one person falls, then the other person can reach out and help, whereas, a person working alone can be in serious trouble if they fall (v.10). And a person standing alone will be more easily defeated than two or three standing together. This passage seems to exude “common sense”, doesn’t it?
In chapter 5, verses 1-7, Solomon gives advice on “the importance of fearing GOD”. “Rituals” without “relationship”, or “religion” without “personal faith”, is meaningless before GOD. It is a “fool” who goes through the motions of worship, and never realizes that he doesn’t really know GOD. Even his sacrifices (tithes) are meaningless before GOD (v.1).
And Solomon says that we should never make rash (emotional) promises to GOD that we are not prepared to keep, for GOD takes no pleasure in fools (v.4). It is better to say nothing at all, than it is to promise something, and not follow through with it (v.5). Do not cause your mouth to sin, and don’t make excuses, or try and defend one’s self by saying the promise you made, and failed to follow through on, was a “mistake”. Such things makes GOD very angry, Solomon says, and HE might just wipe out everything that you have gained, for there is much ruin in “a flood of empty words”  (Vs.6-7).
Remember, there truly is “a time for all things”, but there can never be a right time to try and live life apart from GOD. For, to try and do that, would be “choosing to live an empty, meaningless existence”, that could spell “death”, in the biblical sense.
This literary masterpiece by Solomon, through the inspiration of GOD, will long serve to remind us of this most fundamental of all “truths”. It is a fact, because it has been proven over and over again, down through the annals of time. And that truth is, “Without GOD, man can’t do anything right, for too long”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website


Friday, October 18, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
                                    For the week beginning Sunday October 20, 2013                                   
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CAN I FIND MEANING?
(People can find meaning in life, only through a right relationship with GOD)
Ecclesiastes 1:1-14 & 2:1-26

In the Greek, the word used for “preacher” is “ecclesiastes”, and in the Hebrew it is “qoheleth” (ko-heh-leth). In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth is the name by which King Solomon, who is the author, identifies himself in his original writings. In this book, Solomon attempts to display the dark philosophy of a person, who, looked for peace and meaning apart from GOD, and in the end, realizes how futile that is.
The pessimistic tone of this book seems somewhat out of place in the bible, which is, for the most part, a book of vibrant hope and inspiration. Here however, Solomon is teaching us a valuable lesson by brilliantly showing us just how unproductive it is to search for life’s answers “through the senses”, or, “through the material world”. This fact is reflected, over and over again, by his use of the phrase “under the sun”, which he refers to 29 times. He also attempts to show us what it is like to rely on “human reason”, as that is reflected is his use of the phrase “communed with my own heart” 7 times.
This beautiful poem has been long celebrated, and has even been “set to music”, in our lifetime. In these “wisdom writings”, Solomon shows us how GOD has created a stable universe, marked by reliable patterns. In verses 1-11 of chapter 1, he seems to sense the frustrating effects of time on human life and labor. Here we see that the “invariable calendar of the seasons” and “the flow of time”, seems to impose its own order on our lives. Here Solomon realizes that “time”, not man, is master, and that GOD, WHO is the master of time, allows “time” to ridicule our innate sense of importance, thereby, showing life to be meaningless, in and of itself, without HIM.
In verses 12-18 Solomon speaks of how he devoted himself in search for understanding of everything, and to explore by wisdom, everything that was going on in the world around him. However, it wasn’t long before he discovered that GOD had dealt a tragic existence to those who choose to live without HIM. Here are his findings;

·         Everything under the sun is meaningless without GOD. It is like chasing the wind (v.14).
·         Nothing that is wrong can be righted without GOD (v.15).
·         Nothing that is missing can be recovered without GOD.
·         The greater the “human wisdom”, the greater the grief. To increase human wisdom is to increase sorrow (v.17).

The burden that those who are lost in this world have to carry is the awareness that “something more” exists in this life (GOD), and, their frustrating inability to figure out just what that “something” is. We are created with a capacity for eternal things (We share GOD’s nature), and, with a realization that, this life cannot be all that there is. Sin, is what has cut us off from eternity and darkened our understanding and will to obey GOD. Most of us will come to know what a burden it is to yearn for eternity, and yet, not know GOD. GOD has already done all that can be done to the design of the universe. No matter what a man does, he cannot add anything lasting to the design of this world, nor can he take anything away from it, when he departs.
In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon shifts his thoughts to the futility of seeking only pleasure in this life (Vs.1-11). He tells of how he went on a quest for “good times” seeking after all of the, so-called, “good things” in life. Soon he discovered that “it was silly to be laughing all the time” (v.2), and he saw no advantage to seeking only pleasure in life. He even turned to drunkenness, seeking “wisdom”, while clutching at “foolishness”, hoping to experience the only happiness that some people will ever find during their brief lives here on earth (v.3).
Then Solomon tells us of his pursuit of “material things”, agricultural wealth, slave trading, livestock, silver and gold, musical entertainment, and beautiful women (Vs. 4-8), and he pursued them to the point where he became greater than any king before him. He became, quite literally, the “King of Excess”, and he remained sober at that point, so that he could clearly evaluate his great wealth.
Like the “pagan kings” around him, he denied himself nothing that he thought would bring him joy. He even indulged in physical labor so that he could experience the added reward that lesser people received for their hard work, but still, without GOD, it was all meaningless (Vs.9-11).  
The wise and the foolish share the same fate, in that they are both under judgment from GOD. And while wisdom is far more valuable than foolishness, wisdom cannot exempt us from facing physical death, and both, the wise, and the foolish, will one day have to make an account to the GOD WHO created them, and gifted them. All people are born with the “wisdom” that is found in GOD’s “shared nature”, however, most will choose not to ever use it, or, tap into it. Fortunately, the wise person comes to understand their purpose in life, and unfortunately, the foolish person does not (Vs. 12-16).
In verses 17-26, “the futility of work” comes into focus. Here Solomon says that he became disgusted in the thought that one day he must leave the fruits of his labor behind to others (v.18), and there is no telling what they might do with them. Will they be wise in their use of them? Or will they foolishly squander his wealth away (v.19)? That is a scenario that all responsible parents, and every financially successful person must ponder during their lifetime. The thought of this is perhaps enough to make any person turn in despair, as Solomon did, regarding his hard work. Many people will have to leave the things that they have worked so hard for, to people who didn’t work at all to earn them. Errantly, Solomon thought that this was not only foolish, but also, unfair (v.21).
However, in verses 24-26, we see the wise king coming to this conclusion; there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink, and to find satisfaction in one’s work. For this pleasure comes from the hand and largesse of GOD. No one can eat or enjoy anything apart from GOD, WHO made all things. GOD gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please HIM, and even if a sinner becomes wealthy, GOD takes that wealth away, and gives it to those who please HIM. And even wealth from “honest hard work”, Solomon says, is meaningless without GOD.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander




                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website


Saturday, October 12, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
                                    For the week beginning Sunday October 13, 2013                                   
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WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO LEARN?
(What can I learn about GOD through adversity?)
Job 38:1-4 & 42:1-12


In Job chapters 38-41, Job gets an unexpected visit and response from GOD, WHOM he had complained to earlier. However, GOD does not come to field questions from the suffering Job, but instead, HE comes armed with questions of HIS OWN, and then, HE challenges HIS bewildered follower to answer them.
In chapter 38 the LORD comes in the form of a mighty whirlwind and begins to query Job with a barrage of questions that continue on through the next four chapters.

·         In the first series of questions (38:1-39:30), GOD gives Job an oral exam that challenged his knowledge of the physical universe, as compared to HIS OWN. Afterwards, Job feeling very humble, realized just how limited his knowledge really is (40:1-5).
·         In Job 40:6-41:34, “GOD gives Job a lecture on HIS OWN invincibility” as HE challenges Job for questioning HIS command of the “moral universe” (40:6-14) and then, shows Job, quite clearly, how man’s limited control over “evil”, and over “nature”, can, in no way, compare to HIS OWN sovereign command (40:15-41:34).

As we read through these pages of Scripture, we can’t help but notice the irony of GOD’s questions to Job. However, we can also see that GOD still does not “rebuke” Job for questioning HIS “divine justice”, nor, does HE charge Job with any sin. In fact, this entire monologue by GOD only serves to show us that GOD is in control at all times, and that, HE is not bound by our understanding, nor, is HE bound by our “lack of understanding” . In the end, Job discovers that our GOD is a GOD of great power and majesty, and in fact, when we see how great HE is, we realize, quite vividly, how little we are
The strength to face difficult times is not found in our “knowing why”, we must face them, but rather, it lies in “the confidence that we have” that our great GOD loves us completely, and that, HE is still in charge of everything that goes on in this world. And so, ultimately, Job also came to realize that we don’t need answers to life’s problems, as much as we need GOD HIMSELF.
In Job 42:1-6, we see Job’s repentant heart being manifested in his final recorded response to GOD. There he declares, “I know that YOU can do anything, and no one can stop YOU. YOU ask, “Who is this that questions MY wisdom with such ignorance?” It is I, and I was talking about things I did not understand, things far too wonderful for me. YOU said, “Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them”. I had heard about YOU before, but now I have seen YOU with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (NLT).
In Job 42:10, after Job had shown “a forgiving spirit” toward his friends who had questioned his integrity, GOD restores Job completely by releasing him from his suffering, and HE also restored Job back his fortune, twofold.
GOD saw Job’s need for minor improvements in his relationship with HIM, and Job showed that need to us by way of his statement in Job 3:25. It was a statement that displayed a deeply embedded “iota of mistrust” in GOD, despite all of the blessings that GOD had previously bestowed upon him. GOD allowed satan to squeeze Job until it was brought to his attention, and when Job realized his fault, he quickly repented, and he also took back all that he had said in his ignorance about the power and sovereignty of the Almighty GOD.
Back in Job 14:14, Job asked the question, “If mortals die, can they live again? He also goes on to say, that, “this thought would give me hope, and through my struggle, I would eagerly await for my release”. In the Gospel of Saint Mark, in chapter 16, John Mark gives us a vivid description of the events that occurred on that early Sunday morning, surrounding the resurrection of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
This particular morning went down in history as the greatest morning to ever dawn on the souls of mankind, and it brought with it, a realization of that “hope of release” that Job had so prophetically spoke about, all those years earlier. It was, quite literally, “the dawn of the Christian Hope”.
When JESUS came, bringing healing to men’s bodies, and salvation to men’s souls, HE, in effect, had begun “the work of creation” all over again. Remember, in the beginning, all things had been made good (Genesis 1:31), however, since that time, the sins of man had ruined it all. But on that glorious resurrection morning, and in fact, throughout JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry, we see HIM bringing back “the beauty of GOD” to a world, that had long ago, been rendered “ugly” by the sins of man.
The story of Job is the supreme example of suffering in the Old Testament times, however, “the passion of CHRIST”, is the supreme example of suffering, for all time. GOD released Job from his suffering, because of his faith, and because of his righteous obedience to HIM. And likewise, JESUS can and will, release us from our suffering, for precisely the same reason

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander      





                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

Saturday, October 5, 2013

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday October 6, 2013                                    
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AM I ON THE RIGHT PATH?
(Welcoming GOD’s redemptive discipline into your life)
Job 33:13-22 & 36:8-12

GOD is the irresistible power that manifests itself in nature and destiny, therefore, it suits GOD’s purpose that, what may be inexplicable on earth, is not so in heaven. Job, having formerly believed that GOD was good to him, now tries to reconcile GOD’s past and present treatment of himself (chapters 29-31). He can see no benevolence behind his affliction, and therefore, he concludes that, what once seemed like kindness was now but cruel deceit, designed by GOD to make his fall more crushing.
It is a frightening thought to see any believer sink to that level in his, or her mind, however, in Job’s case he really did believe that he was “guiltless”. Gradually, nonetheless, Job’s passionate sincerity will lead him into, a still deeper, “spiritual experience” that would ultimately re-fortify his faith in GOD.
In Job 33, we see a younger observer, Elihu, present his case against the suffering and complaining Job. After letting all of his elders speak and finish their thoughts, Elihu now stands eager to throw his opinion into the mix. However, unlike Job’s friends, the young man does not accuse Job of sin. In fact, here Elihu offers an alternative to the logic which led to his three friend’s insistence that Job’s problems were a direct result of sin.
Elihu, showing more wisdom than the older men, recognizes that GOD often uses suffering as a “tool” to arrive at “redemption”. HE sometimes uses the pain in our lives to awaken us to “spiritual danger” and direct our attention towards HIM, where help can be found. And so, in that sense, oftentimes suffering can be a blessing in disguise.
In chapter 33, verses 8-12, Elihu quotes Job’s own words back to him. However, this is not an attempt to condemn Job, but rather, it represents an effort by the young man to point out the error in Job’s thinking. Here we see no assumption by Elihu that Job’s condition is brought on by his sin, as he simply tells his elder that “You are not right”.
All sin is wrong, but not every wrong is sin. It is possible to do wrong, without malicious intent, even on an important issue. Also, on the other hand, because we sin unconsciously, or unintentionally, doesn’t mean that we are not guilty of the sin (Leviticus 4:22 & 27). For instance, if we find ourselves in an unfamiliar city, and unintentionally, we commit a traffic violation, the fact that we were ignorant to local laws does not mean that we are not guilty of breaking the law, and won’t receive a traffic citation.
In Job 36:8-12, we see young Elihu further demonstrating with words, “GOD’s redemption  of man through his suffering”. There he tells Job that if a person has trouble to come upon them, and they are enslaved and afflicted with suffering as a result, GOD takes the time to show them the reason for their suffering. HE shows them their sins, as they have behaved proudly, and HE gets their attention and tells them that they must turn away from evil. If they listen and obey GOD, they, will be blessed, however, if they refuse to abide by HIS word, they will perish, quite literally, from a lack of understanding.
What we see here, in Elihu’s “fourth speech” to Job, is a wonderful defense of GOD’s power and justice, as HE deals with HIS greatest creation, mankind. On the surface it may seem that Elihu shares the opinion of Job’s friends, but a deeper look shows us how he is actually pointing out how GOD gets our attention so that HE can more effectively instruct us on how to get back on, and stay on, “the right path”.
GOD expects us to suffer for the Faith we say we hold, until we can begin to believe ourselves, that we really do hold it. Job was unnecessarily tormented spiritually, by his own doubt, and, by his rigid theology. We humans simply cannot pinpoint GOD’s purpose for what HE allows to happen in our lives. Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were all completely out of order in their assumptions about Job, and Job, was out of order in his assumptions about himself.
We are what GOD says that we are, and that’s all that we are. If the book of Job teaches us nothing else, it teaches us that we need to avoid the foolish belief that we understand GOD. We look at ourselves and others through sinful, unclean eyes, and therefore, many times, it is not possible for us to see ourselves as we really are. We often overrate ourselves and underrate others, and vise-versa.  Job was overrated by himself, and underrated by his friends, but they were all properly assessed by GOD.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander






                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website