Comments for August 24

v.3 - If anyone could have stood his ground and rested on God's protection, surely it was Elijah, and yet here we see that he flees for his life. It is a clear lesson to us that 'God helps those who help themselves'. Even Elijah could not be protected unless he made an effort at his own protection first. It is the same with sin, we are protected from its burden by God's grace, but an effort is still required from us. God does not do things unless we are willing.

v.4 Elijah was a faithful prophet of Yahweh. He was doing His will. However, on hearing Jezebel's threats, he becomes very despondent. He is one of a number of faithful men and women in Scripture who are depressed and dejected at times. The lesson is clear. Faithfulness to God is no guarantee that there will be no problems and distress in one's life. Indeed it is often the case that the stresses and depression suffered by God's servants are a consequence of the servant trying to do the will of God.

v.18 - We are often blinkered to the work of God. Like Elijah we may feel that we are part of a very small number and see around us nothing but ungodly worldliness. Let us not be like this. Let us learn the lesson from Elijah that we do not know who God has chosen or where He has them. Let us not be despondent. The number of the elect will be made up and Jesus will return.

The language of the appeal to Elisha

Is the basis of the call to commitment for all servants of God.

DEPRESSION

Elijah was depressed. He had just done a great work for the LORD at Mt Carmel, he had made a huge dent in Israel's Baal worship, but in spite of all he had done, Jezebel was determined that he should not succeed. With more death threats on his life, Elijah fled from Jezebel. He went a days journey into the desert and prayed that he might die. But God fed him there and gave him rest so that he would have the strength to get to Horeb. When Elijah got to Horeb 40 days later, he was still depressed and feeling sorry for himself. Elijah voiced his complaints before God and was brought right into God's presence. There, in the presence of the LORD, God gave Elijah another mission - new work to do - now that the previous task had been completed. From this time on we hear no more of Elijah's depression.

There are lessons here for those of us who get depressed:
1.Take your problems to God. Talk them over in prayer. God will listen.
2.Come into God's presence. In the presence of the LORD we cannot fail to be awestruck by his majesty and power, dwarfing our own small problems.
3.Then get back to work. Find a task and set yourself to achieve it.

It worked for Elijah. Maybe it will work for us too.

When God gave the law there the mountain quaked, there was fire and a loud voice (Exodus 19:18 Deuteronomy 5:22) but now God is not in the earthquake, fire or loud voice. It is voice of 'gentle stillness' (RV mgn). This contrasts with the rage of Jezebel. The wonders of Sinai were to teach Israel holiness but such a show was not necessary for Elijah. He needed to know that God could work in quiet ways to deliver.

19:10,18 Elijah, in a state of severe depression, felt that he was the only one who was upholding the sanctity of Yahweh. However he was mistaken. Unbeknown to him God had reserved to Himself 7,000 who were faithful worshippers.  It is all too easy to take the position of Elijah thinking that we are the only ones left upholding the Truth. However God, as can be seen in the days of Elijah, is able to maintain faithful worship despite the misgivings of the prophet. Herein is a powerful warning for us today. We should not be so arrogant as to think that we are the only ones who uphold God's truth despite what we think we see as signs of apostasy and apathy in the community.

V.19 Elisha was God's choice, though it may not have been that of Elijah, if and when he considered who might succeed him in the work when his service ended. We have to learn to accept God's choices; "the iron sharpens the iron."

V.1 Yahweh's power had been mightily demonstrated on Mt. Carmel.  The prophets of Baal had been killed.  Elijah must have been spiritually pumped thinking that these events would surely bring Ahab and Israel to their knees begging for forgiveness.  How could they not reform in the light of this awesome display! 

But no, Ahab scurried home and told his nasty spouse what had happened.  She, in turn, breathed a fiery threat on the life of Elijah.  No wonder that Elijah ran away in despair, feeling like a failure.  He had to learn, as do we, Yahweh is greater than events or the reactions to the events.  His will shall always be done, but not necessarily at the time, or in the way, we think it should.

Vs.20,21 Elisha's (granted) request to bid his family farewell should not be confused with the incident of Matt 8:21,22.  Elisha's farewell was immediate and acceptable under the circumstances - the father of Jesus' disciple was not near death and could live for many years.  Thus, that delay in serving the Lord would not be acceptable. 

I wonder if Elijah intended to go to Mt Sinai (also known as Mt Horeb), or whether he simply felt safer going down south into Judea?  But God had decided to give Elijah a very similar experience to Moses, and so to Horeb he went.  God told him that there were still 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal, despite the fact that he thought he was the only one.  Later Elijah was to find two more of these: Elisha, who he met,  and Naboth, who he only heard of after that poor man's death.

We read yesterday how Elijah made the erroneous statement that he was the only faithful man left (18:22).  Yahweh brought Elijah to Mt. Horeb where Elijah repeated that same belief, twice (vs.10,14).  Then Yahweh revealed that he was not the last, faithful man (v.18).  The lesson for us is that we should never think of ourselves as being exclusive or indispensable.

19:21  Elisha, who was to take on the mantle of the prophet Elijah, first had to serve him. We cannot expect to reign with Christ if we are not willing to serve him now. How do we serve him now? By ministering to the needs of our brethren and sisters – Matt 25:40.

V.17 We notice in the message Elijah received in Horeb, that there three are things he was required to do. Hazael was to be anointed king over Syria, Jehu the son of Nimshi over Israel, and Elisha as his successor in the prophetic office. The purpose was the execution of Divine judgment, both on the nation and the throne 

Of the 3 tasks which God gives Elijah, he will do only the third - that of calling Elisha. The 1st two, Elisha will perform 2Kin 8&9

19:1 Solomon had taken "strange women" to wife. Jezebel was certainly a "strange woman" and when we read that Ahab told Jezebel this contrasts with how he should, like Hezekiah -2Kin 19:14 - , have told God what was happening. Of course the things that Ahab would have told God would not have pleased Him.

20:4 The king of Israel was not the property of the Syrian king, though he was willing to say he was. But he learnt to his cost that the king of Syria was not satisfied with a promise. He wanted more and more from the king. In like manner if we are servants to sin then there is no end to sin’s demands on us.

19:1 So Ahab told Jezebel – so we must conclude that she was not there. We see a characteristic of Jezebel. She knew what she wanted and got others to do it for her.

V.8;18:19 Yahweh manifested His power to Elijah on Mount Sinai as well as on Mount Carmel.  Mountains play a role in showing the power of Yahweh.  We see numerous examples of this demonstrated in the Bible. 

Notably, the Law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Lev 26:46); and the Lord Jesus will establish His power on earth when His feet touch the Mount of Olives (Zech 14:4).  If we elevate our (spiritual) eyes to the mountains (above the human plane), we will find Yahweh's help. (Psa 121).

Elijah had commanded there be no rain, he had called down the fire of God onto the sacrifices of Carmel but now under threat from Jezebel there was no mighty sign from God so Elijah feared and fled. We know Elijah was not a coward he had withstood against Ahab on the two previous occasions but know without the strong visible demonstration of God's power he probably felt alone. (I alone am left)

The demonstration on the mountain by God was to show Elijah that God works through great acts of wind, earthquake and fire but he also works through the subtle unseen ways of the still small wind but the point is that God is always working and the man of God is never alone.

19:3 And so Elijah’s fears increase, even though God has taken care of him right throughout the drought. So it is possible, though having had tremendous evidence of God’s care, to falter in one’s faith. We can take courage in this when we falter in our faith.

v 9,10,13,14 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Was overturned>History of fulfilment
Go to Deut 28:49 to see more details of the history of Israel and its overturning.

1Kin 19:10,14,18;Rom 11:2-4.

V.8 A period of forty time units constitutes a trial period. Other examples of trial periods with forty would include: the flood (Gen 7:12); Israel’s wilderness journey (Exo 16:35); Moses sojourn in the mount (Exo 24:18); Jesus temptation (Matt 4:2).

V.12 Yahweh was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. Those are destructive forces reserved for the demise of the ungodly, e.g.: wind (Isa 17:13); earthquake (Joel 3:16); fire (Eze 39:6). But, after these manifestations was: a still small voice (KJV); the sound of a low whisper (ESV).  This was the voice of peace.  This is the way Yahweh speaks to His children.

In the end times, much destruction of the ungodly nations will take place.  But after they are subdued, peace will reign as Jesus assumes His kingly role.

Let us pray that Our Heavenly Father always speaks to us gently and peaceably, and never in anger.

19:11-12 All too often we expect some powerfully visible evidence of God at work. Maybe Elijah was like that also. However we need to remember that God works quietly in ways which seem quite natural but these little things are powerful evidences of His activity, if we care to look.

1Kin 19:4-7 - one of the techniques in combating a major depression is to keep active before its effects potentially become incapacitating. 

1Kin 19:10 - does this suggest the 100 prophets hidden and fed by Obadiah (1Kin 18:13) were killed?

Chapter 19 - perhaps echoes of Christ here with the 40 day trial/testing, a Jezebel led Israel (sin?) rejecting the covenant, killing the prophets and trying to kill Elijah who was aided by ministering angels, sleeping at a tree (which has a white flower with maroon in the center - righteousness and purity surrounding the blood of sacrifice?), sleeping in a cave, going on a long journey to the mountain of God; V.15 - (NIV) "Go back the way you came" perhaps reminds us of Christ's return; Vss.11-12 - separated mountains (perhaps reminds of the split Mount of Olives Christ will stand on - Zech 14:3-5), earthquake and fire;  V.16 - the name "Jehu" means "Yah is he", "Nimshi" means "rescued, extricated", "Elisha" means "God is salvation, to whom God is salvation", "Shaphat" means "judge, judgment, he hath judged, judged" and "Abel-meholah" means "meadow of dancing" which may remind us of those judged and gleefully rescued from sin and death during the millennium; V.17 - divine messengers to destroy the wicked with the sword; V.18 - 7000 perhaps suggests a multitude of "7" which may remind us of God's covenant number and spiritual perfection of the preserved saints who kept God's covenant - the number "7000" may also remind us of the millenial day of rest; V.19 - the "12" yoke of plowing oxen perhaps remind us of governmental perfection and/or the 12 tribes of Israel in a land of millenial rest where swords (V.17) become plowshares (Mic 4:1-3).

19:5,7  In twice commanding the prophet Elijah to ‘arise and eat’ we see the obstinacy of the prophet being opposed by God. In like manner Peter – Acts 10:15 – was none too keen to obey the command of God.

 1 Kings 19: 11,12 -

19:4   Elijah seems to feel that he has been ineffective in preaching the message and so requests death.  Jonah – Jon 4:3 – makes the same request.. However in his case he is frustrated because his message was successful!

19:13   That Elijah was at the “entering of the cave” at Horeb – 1Kin 19:8 – matches Moses’ –Exo 33:22 – in the cleft in the rock. Doubtless Elijah saw the similarity. Elijah, like Moses at that time, felt isolated from the people.

The still, small voice (of Jezebel)

We can probably understand Elijah's depression in this chapter. Yesterday he had led a stunning victory against 400 prophets of Baal. Today, he received Jezebel's letter, and realised it had all been for nothing. Nothing had changed. No good had ultimately come of it. Jezebel held the power in Israel and could simply replace those four hundred men with another four hundred more depraved than the first.

God showed Elijah a lesson. "I didn't want a big show".

God showed Elijah how He would deal with the situation. He would destroy Jezebel and her whole household. This woman was so evil that her whole influence needed to be rooted out and destroyed. God would arrange the whole thing by Himself. Why? Because Jezebel wasn't the only one with power!

Power doesn't need a big show. Power just needs a message. With a message Jezebel had killed Naboth and solved Ahab's problems. With a message she dealt with Elijah. No doubt with a message she recruited another 400 prophets for Ahab. This "still, small voice" was something Jezebel understood.

God quietly explained to Elijah that He would take over from here. He would sort out the problem by someone who understood what power was. So when Jehu came to fulfil God's word in slaying the whole household of Ahab (which means Jezebel's legacy) it was by a message that he summoned all of the prophets of Baal. It was by a few words that he slew Jezebel. He understood the power of the "still, small voice".

So what about Elijah? Did he learn from the experience? He most certainly did. In 2Chron 21 we can read how the rot of Jezebel had spread to Judah. Her daughter had married the king of Judah with the result that he compelled all of Judah to worship the idols of Jezebel and Ahab. The cancer of Jezebel had spread further than even Jehu could reach to remove it. What did Elijah do this time? Some act of heroism? A big show of God's power? No. In 2Chron 21:12-15 we can read a letter written by Elijah. A still, small voice, removing the king and punishing him for his terrible deeds.

What about us? We need no big show. We just need to tell people what God says, and He will do the rest. To some it will be salvation. To others it will be eventual destruction. We have no use for pyrotechnics, TV evangelism, big marketing campaigns, outpourings of emotion or revivalist gatherings. Like Elijah, a man of power, we reveal what God has to say and leave the rest to Him.

1Kin 19:4 Much has been said on here about feeling down or being depressed. It is to some extent wonderful to see great brethren like Elijah also get down. It is no wonder at times for we are to examine oursleves often in order to make us exceptable before Yahweh, we also have trials and tempations in our lives where we fail. Yet 2Cor 4:8 encourages us that though we may be persecuted we are not forsaken, though we be cast down will shall not be destroyed. The flip side is sometimes we get perplexed (feeling of no way out) and we get distressed, but we must NOT despair.

We should look at our problems as thus... “I don’t understand why this is happening to me”? “What is the father trying to tell me”? We only have to study the life of Jacob and to see those questions asked. The problem is when we say “I cannot go on”, “the truth is too hard for me”, and simply walk away.

Prov 24:16 sums this up.

1Kin 19

Links Between Moses And Elijah

Links Between Elijah and Moses

Table and Links, courtesy of Brother John Owen

19:4 Elijah requests that God take his life in that he is no better than his fathers. It would appear that God answered this request of Elijah, for the only one of the 3 commissions given to Elijah that he did was to annoint his successor before he was taken away. 

19:4     We should not read of Elijah’s feelings dispassionately. He was deeply depressed – suicidal in fact. So the first point we should recognise is that being a servant of God does not make one immune from depression and anxiety. Secondly we all should be aware of this as a possibility in our fellow believers and be ready to offer support.

19:1-2 The man should instruct the woman – not the other way round. However Ahab was not one to implement Divine principles and so his wife takes the lead.  This should not be amongst believers.

1Kin 19:4-14

The prophet Elijah went through a lot of persecution. He felt alone, separated from the rest of his people. Elijah forgot that God promises to always leave a remnant and Elijah temporarily lost sight of the necessity of tribulations that would prepare him and those who hear him for a much better future to come.

It has been said that, “Worry is like a good rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” Life is often like that.

We all have gone through times feeling alone and burdened with the cares of this life: I had childhood separation anxiety, parental separation anxiety, separation of loved ones anxiety, and separation of children anxiety. The ability to cope with stresses is truly a skill, and it doesn’t come easily to anyone. I had many sleepless nights trying to deal with my thoughts, worries, and fears, and like so many others, I dealt with it alone, though I was never alone.

Major life changes can cause separation anxiety because it brings with it tremendous feelings of loss. Yes, change can be very stressful, but we can learn from Scripture that all change really is a part of God’s plan.

While there are many ways to learn to cope with stress, trusting God with all our life’s circumstances is not as easy as it sounds. Still, in time, I learned that the most powerful way to cope is to do just that. It is having an unwavering conviction in God – in casting all my cares to Him in prayer and letting go of these cares (1Pet 5:6,7). I learned that anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen how I thought it would or should, rather than as God’s will for me, and accepting it. I learned that real faith in our Heavenly Father gives me peace, and that tribulation works patience (Rom 5:1-4).

During stressful times, we feel troubled, tired, tormented, anxious of an uncertain future, even moments when we despair even of life, but contemplating on all these things get us no where (cf. Luke 12:22-31). By striving to seriously live Christ’s command makes such a difference to our inner self. In trusting God in all things, that He is in control, and in believing so with every fiber of our being, we are moving toward an everlasting state of acceptance and peace knowing that we are exactly in a situation God wants us to be in, and that it will all work out for good even though we do not understand the how (Prov 3:5,6). We trust in God to bring good out of every situation (Rom 8:28), believing that His Word is true, and that we are never alone (cf. Deut 31:6; John 14:18; Phil 4:6,7; James 1:2-6).

Let us learn like Elijah did, that we are never alone, not to focus on the pain, not to view tribulations as punishments from God (Jer 29:11), not to be filled with anxiety, and that all things will work out for good in the end.

19:5    We see with Elijah, the provision of food was part of a commission to go and do God’s work. Another example is Peter – Acts 10:13 – when he is to go and baptise Cornelius.

19:10   This is the first time it is recorded that a man had been jealous for the Lord.  Doubtless others before Elijah had been. However this is the first time the words are voiced. Of course God knew about Elijah’s zeal and commitment. Do we think it is wrong to tell God what we are doing and our focus? I hope not. I hope we speak to God about our commitment to Him.

19:10 It is all too easy, when we see few involved in a particular ecclesial activity, to feel despondent. We might think that we are the only one actually doing anything.  However we need to remember that we do not see everything that is happening.

19:2  Jezebel’s threat to take away Elijah’s life is amazing. She is seeking to destroy one of God’s prophets. And it appears Ahab said nothing to rebuke her. What a weak man was Ahab

19:12 In that the voice was “small” it was like manna which was “small” (Ex. 16:14) and which represented “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).

19:1 One would have hoped that the events that Ahab told his wife would cause him to rejoice. However he was willing to comply with her request. He should have over ruler her message. Are we willing to hold fast to truth or are we swayed by the errors of others?

19following yesterday’s success on Carmel we see in this chapter Elijah in the depths of despair. Suicidal, it seems (:4).  His great act of bravery and faith on Carmel seemingly had no significant effect for good. So Elijah is in total despair (:14) “I only am left”. It is only when Elijah had sunk so low that Yahweh told (reminded?) him of the 7,000 faithful. I suspect Elijah had not given much thought to other faithful men and women. His overwhelming depression gave him tunnel vision.  He, it would seem, knew Obadiah had saved 100 prophets (18:13) but that was not his focus now.

The Father here, and on other occasions, shows us faithful servants who not only “wobbled” but had crashing falls for our learning - there is always a way back.

19:19  Elisha did not suddenly become a faithful worshipper of God. God was aware of him as one of the 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal. God had been preparing him to succeed Elijah. We should never think that everything depends on us. God will always find people to fulfil His will.

v1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.

Notice the complete absence of references to God and God's miracles in Ahab's recounting of events to Jezebel. By removing God from the account, Ahab portrays Elijah as a murderous criminal intent on destroying Jezebel's power base. Hence Jezebel's anger. Ahab's cowardice in the presence of Jezebel deeply affected Elijah who then fled.

Elijah probably thought that after the miraculous events on Carmel and with Elijah running ahead of Ahab's chariot into Jezreel that there would be a Prophet (Elijah)/ King (Ahab) top-down reform within Israel beginning at the palace.  Yet Ahab crumbled under Jezebel's withering presence. The reform was over, and Elijah lost his resolve.

Ahab did not give a balanced and complete account of events. He gave a similarly imbalanced and incomplete account of events when talking to Jezebel about Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard (1 Kings 21:6). He was a weak leader.

19:11,12 And after the fire the sound of a low whisper

Having "failed" in reforming Israel (v3), Elijah felt that the next step was harsh, destructive punishment of Israel (wind, fire, earthquake). Yet God's reform lay in the voice of a gentle whisper - the calm, one-to-one exposition of the good news of the hope of Israel. Elijah missed this point (vv 13,14) and Elisha was chosen as a "prophet in your place" (v16) to perform this work.  Fortunately, Elijah did see the point eventually and for the next ten years the voice of a gentle whisper was used by both Elijah and Elisha in reforming parts of Israel. This conciliatory message will be used by Elijah again to heal Israel and not destroy Israel (Malachi 4:5,6).

19:5-7 an angel touched him ... and the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him

Elijah seems to have been relatively unmoved by the angel's visit (twice) and the miraculous provision of food. His depression and sense of failure created a mental barrier to these angelic interpositions. And he was confused. He fled for his life (v3), then asked for death (v4), then sought refuge in a cave because he was fearful of being assassinated (v10). Yet God gently dealt with him - to coax him back to service (vv 9,13).

James tells us that "Elijah was a man of like passions as we are" (James 5:17). This suggests that, as with Elijah,  God does not deal harshly with us for being depressed or confused, and that faithful people who suffer from depression will be in the Kingdom.  This realisation should make our interactions with depressed or confused brothers and sisters more compassionate.

19:9  God knew why Elijah was in the cave. He had heard the request from Elijah that he might die. The question was not for God’s benefit. It was for Elijah. He had to voice his concerns so that they could be addressed by God.

45 v.4 - A stark contrast to ch.1:10. How the people have turned away.

v.1 Jehoiakim reigned 11 years 2 Kings 23:36
Jehoiachin reigned 3 months 2 Kings 24:8
Zedekiah reigned 11 years 2 Kings 24:18
Then Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians so this chapter is just over 18 years before the final overthrow of Judah

46 v.25, and indeed most of this chapter, serves to remind us of the power of God, by showing how those greatest powers among men are but nothing in comparison.

Jer 45 - This chapter relates to events recorded in Chapter 36. In Chapter 36 Jeremiah sent Baruch with the roll to the king. 45:3 tells us what Baruch said when he was given the task.

Jer 46 - Whilst the majority of this chapter speaks of the way in which the Babylonians would conquer and over throw Egypt the prophet has words of comfort for Israel. 46:27 has 'fear not Jacob …' - the prophet has already spoken extensively of the restoration of the fortunes of Zion. Here he repeats that message when speaking of the punishment on Egypt.

SEEKING GREAT THINGS
There are certain times in life that God brings about great levellers of mankind. When we are born we are all the same: naked and helpless. At death we all become levelled again, knowing nothing and owning nothing. Another time is in times of trouble, when war or disaster sweeps over all the people and all that we ever had is lost. And the other is at the judgement when we stand before the Lord Jesus Christ realizing that we are sinners and in desperate need of his mercy and grace.
Baruch seems to have wanted to enhance his position of wealth and status in Jerusalem. He was seeking great things for himself. But God's message to him was that he should not waste time on them. The great leveller of war was coming and all Baruch could gain would be lost. The only thing God said he would preserve was his life.
The message is still the same for us today. "Seek not great things." The judgement is coming that will level us all before Christ. The great thing we should seek before then instead of riches and status, is the kingdom of God and his righteousness. To have sought and obtained the kingdom and righteousness are the only things that will still remain after we have all been brought level through death, war or judgement. Seek the kingdom today

45:3 So we see that Baruch was far from enthusiastic about taking the scroll to Jehoiakim - he feared for his life. But Jeremiah was unable to go, he was in prison. Clearly he went at the request of Jeremiah. Why this is recorded here and not at the time he went (Chapter 36) is a puzzle to me. Anyone got an answer?

46:7 In speaking of the Babylonians coming 'as a flood' against Egypt Jeremiah is echoing the way that Isaiah (8:7,8) spoke of the coming of the Assyrian against Jerusalem.

45:5 God saw in Baruch's reluctance a man who was concerned for honour in this life which was folly as the whole world of settled life in Jerusalem was to pass away. How concerned are we to have 'great things' in this world which passes away (1Cor 7:31)

46 Given that Jeremiah now turns his attention to the way in which Babylon would invade Egypt those who had fled to Egypt should have realised the folly of their actions.

 46:28 We have both words of comfort and of warning in this verse. We see the goodness and severity of God. Rom 11:22

V.7 Using the example of "a flood" is appropriate in addressing the Egyptians, as the Nile yearly overspreads their lands with a turbid, mighty flood. So their army, swelling with arrogance, shall overspread the region south of the Euphrates, but like the Nile, shall retreat as fast as it advanced.

SEEK NOT GREAT THINGS
 
I wonder if we ever felt the same way as Baruch.  He said, "Woe to me!  The LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest." (Jer 45:3)  Baruch's job was no easy task.  After writing Jeremiah's words he had to go and publicly read them to the people.  This would have stirred up opposition against him, had the people talking behind his back, and it even caused the king to issue an arrest warrant in his name.
 
It all meant that Baruch could no longer live an ordinary life.  No longer could he openly go and trade and make himself comfortable in prosperity.  He had made a stand for the LORD and, if the way they treated Jeremiah was anything to go by, he would have been a social outcast never allowed to take up a position of authority or leadership.  Maybe he even had to go from one hiding place to another, loosing sleep and comfort as he hid from the kings men.
 
God's message to Baruch was that he should not seek great things for himself.  In the end everyone, including Baruch, was going to face disaster.  When we feel the same, that because of our work in the Lord we have no rest and are not keeping up with the promotions and possessions of the people around us, we also need to remember the message God gave to Baruch.  "Seek not great things."  Instead of seeking great things - the things that everyone else seeks, let's use our energy to seek the LORD instead. 
 
Great things won't last, but the things of God are eternal.

Jer 45 of-course comes earlier than the recent incidents of the Jews going down into Egypt. At least 2 chapters give the same date, ie 4th year of Jehoiakim (Jer 24:1 and Jer 36:1).  It’s interesting that the same date as this is also given in Jer 46:2, but here it is the date of Pharaoh-necho’s defeat at Carchemish by Nebuchadrezzar. Important things were happening on the international front, as well as at home in Israel.

45:3,5 Baruch was rebuked for caring too much about the coming destruction of those things around him.  He was warned about hankering for the things of the world, and was given assurance that his life would be spared. 

The same applies to us.  We should not clamour for the things of the world, nor mourn their destruction.  We should be glad that Yahweh will spare our lives if we are faithful (1John 2:17; Rev 2:7; 3:21).

46:2 Jeremiah catalogues Egypt's defeat at Carchemish which occurred in 605 BC: then continues to prophesy about the forthcoming invasion and defeat of Egypt by Babylon. 

The invasion of Egypt would come 16 years after the fall of Jerusalem.  After the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar had gone against Tyre.  He spent 13 years on his campaign there, but came away with nothing.  For his troubles, Yahweh promised Nebuchadnezzar Egypt (Eze 29:17-20).

46:27,28 Yahweh utters a promise that, although He will punish His people for their sins, He will always leave a remnant (44:28).  He does this to: keep His covenant with Israel; to provide witnesses that His Word is true; for His Name's sake.

46  Maybe the nations round about would be looking at the way in which Babylon had overthrown Jerusalem and had no concerns at all for the plight of Israel. We know – Psa 137:7 - on at least one occasion Edom had rejoiced over Israel’s fate. But the promise to Abraham had been clear. Those who cursed Israel would be cursed. Gen 12:3.

46:14-17 The destruction of Egypt by the Babylonians had a purpose which was in addition to punishment for their sins. At this time Judah, being afraid of Babylon, sought refuge in Egypt. Doubtless they thought that Egypt was strong enough to save them from the Babylonians. They had been told not to go to Egypt – Jer 42:11-17. The destruction of Egypt also served to show Judah that even Egypt was no match for God’s judgements.

46:2 This prophecy has a latter day application as we see from Dan 11:42 "Carchemish", Egypt's ambition was checked and humbled at this battle. It was one of the most decisive battles in history (605B.C.), on which the dream of Necho of Egypt was crashed into ruin 2Kin 24:7

45:4 So we see a part of Baruch’s message was to tell Israel that the things that God had built He was going to break down. In so saying he going to tell the people what an earlier prophet had said – Isa 5:5

The chapters of the Book of Jeremiah are not in Chronological order.  Also, there has been some sloppy compilation work.  For example, Chapter 45 clearly belongs at the end of Chapter 36.

46:13 Nebuchadnezzar had spent thirteen years laying siege to Tyre (598-585 BC). He received no reward from this siege, and so Yahweh promised Him Egypt instead (Eze 29:17-20).  Nebuchadnezzar invaded Egypt in 570 BC, sixteen years after the fall of Jerusalem.

46:9 The list of nations here indicates that when the Babylonians came against Egypt she sought help from her immediate neighbours – but it was all in vain

46:11 The term virgin, applied here to Egypt, indicates that up to this time, Egypt had not come under the rule of another nation. Egypt would not fully recover from the Babylonian invasion. They would become a base (KJV); lowly (ESV) nation, never to rule over anyone again (Eze 29:14,5).

46:20 One of the gods of Egypt was Apis who was in the shape of a bull.  And so, the heifer analogy is appropriate. The ESV gives a better sense than the KJV of vs.20,21, as the Babylonians are considered a biting fly which will disturb the heifer and the bullocks (Egyptian soldiers).

46:2 We have seen how some of those who were in Israel when the Babylonians took Jerusalem captive actually fled to Egypt against the word of Jeremiah - Jer 42:19. Jeremiah commences the list of nations round Israel who are going to be punished with Egypt. So those who fled there for safety would get a surprise!

46:5   ‘fear was round about’ is translated ‘terror is on every side’ in the RV. This echoes Magormissabib as found in Jer 20:3

46:28 Jeremiah is being moved to tell Israel that they are going to be taken into captivity – by Babylon. However on four occasions Jeremiah assures Israel that they are not going to be destroyed as a nation Jer 4:27, 5:18, 30:11, 46:28

46:6    It is a human trait. We try to rely on our own strength. However trying to run from the Babylonians – the judgement of God – was futile. Do we try to evade the hand of God working in our lives by making our own plans which attempt to circumvent providence?

46:11  Jeremiah’s encouragement to go to Gilead for balm echoes his earlier question – Jer 8:22 – where Gilead was spoken of as a place where there would be a blessing. 

PITY PARTY

Baruch was feeling sorry for himself. No doubt, as an educated man, he had a promising future career ahead of him - a career as a scribe, honoured by all who saw him and valued for his wise opinion. But then he took a job in ministry with Jeremiah and his promising career faded into nothing. Suddenly, instead of being the king's right hand man, honoured for his wisdom, he was hunted like a wanted man. He was a fugitive and he had only done what was right. He would live from hand to mouth even though he should have been living off the cream of the earth. No wonder he felt sorry for himself. No doubt I would have felt the same way. Had any of us been in the same circumstances, I am sure we could have all joined in with Baruch's lonely pity party.

Jeremiah saw Baruch at his pity party. But the message he gave Baruch from the LORD was not one of sympathy. "Should you then seek great things for yourself?" he asked. "Seek them not. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the LORD, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life." (Jer 45:5).

God doesn't have time for pity parties. His message to Baruch, and to us, is to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and to appreciate the grace he gives us. His grace is sufficient for us.

46:18  So, speaking against Egypt, Yahweh describes Himself as “king”.  I suppose when the Egyptians saw Judah taken into captivity by the Chaldeans that they thought that Yahweh was not as powerful as the gods of Babylon – but he was soon to learn differently!

46:1    Up to this point Jeremiah has been speaking, predominantly, against Judah. However he was appointed as a prophet to the nations (gentiles) – Jer 1:5 – and so now his words against those gentile nations commences.

45:4  When God speaks of that which He planted he is referring to what He said in Jer 2:21

45:3   We have to wait until this point to learn how Baruch responded to the command to take the scroll which he had copied out as recorded in Jeremiah 36:6

OUTLINE OF JEREMIAH

PART TWO -- THE PROPHECIES TO JUDAH (JEREMIAH 2:1 to 45:5)

IV. The Present Fall Of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1 to 45:5)

   E. Message to Baruch (Jer 45:1-5):

      1. VS 1-5 - Jeremiah's message to Baruch

      2. V1 - The date places this oracle in the 4th year of Jehoiakim (circa 605 BC) which is the time of Baruch's first copying of Jeremiah's speeches (Jer 36:1).

      3. V1 - Jeremiah <3414> - means Jah will rise or whom Jehovah has appointed, Baruch <1263> - means blessed, Neriah <5374> means light of Jah or lamp of Jehovah, Jehoiakim <3079> means Jehovah raises up, Judah <3063> means celebrated -- when we put the meaning of these names together we have a message that could be applicable to Christ or ultimately Israel.

      4. V1 - the number 11 is thought by some to refer to disorder, disorganization, disintegration and we have Jehoiakim reigning 11 Years (as did Zedekiah).

      5. V2 - Israel <3478> - means he will rule as God or God prevails.

      6. VS 2-3 - here we have Baruch stricken with sorrow, grief, and pain.

      7. V4 - but worse was to come as God would have to overthrow what He had built thus God too had sorrow.

      8. V5 - suggests Baruch wanted great things for himself (1Cor 7:31) while God gifted him with his life in the time of trouble. The word "life" is the Hebrew "nephesh<5315>" which can mean "soul, life, living breathing creature man or animal, etc." and thus suggests that the "soul" is not something immortal.

OUTLINE OF JEREMIAH

PART THREE -- THE PROPHECIES TO THE GENTILES (JEREMIAH 46:1 - 51:64)

I. Prophecies Against Egypt (Jer 46:1-28)

   A. VS 1-12 - A description of the defeat of the Egyptian army at the battle of Carchemish; Egypt's ambition was checked and humbled; unlike God, Egypt was not one to rely on but was a "broken reed of a staff" and the dream of Pharaoh Necho was ruined (2Kin 18:21; 2Kin 24:7)

      1. To the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom 1:16), God is no respector of persons (Rom 2:9-10), the Jews to be punished along with Egypt and the rest of the nations (Amos 3:2;Jer 25:29;Amos 4:10), no full end for Israel (Jer 46:28; Amos 9:7-15).

      2. V2 - Jehoiakim offered allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar but rebelled (2Kin 24:1,2,7); in the 3rd year of Jehoiakim's reign 4 princes were sent to Babylon (Dan 1:1-7); the battle of Carchemish was in 605 BC, the 4th year of Jehoiakim's reign.

      3. V4 - "the brigandines"<5630>

      4. V9 - Egypt's mercenaries: of "Ethiopia"<3568>, "Libyans"<6316>, "Lydians" (<3866> famous as archers, some refer to the Hamite Lydians of North Africa while others refer to them of Western Turkey - compare with Isa 66:19;Eze 30:5)

      5. V10 - "Lord"<136>, "God"<3969>, "of Hosts"<6635>

      6. V11 - Gilead = a rocky region east of the Jordan

      7. VS 11-12 - Judah warned of the folly of putting confidence in Egypt

I. Prophecies against Egypt (Jer 46:1-28)

   B. VS 13-26 - the overthrow at Carchemish would leave Egypt open to a later prophesied invasion by Nebuchadnezzar

      1. V13 - message to Jeremiah about Nebuchadnezzar to attack Egypt.

      2. V14 - "Migdol"<4024> means "tower" and it was a fortified city on the Egyptian border; "Memphis"<5297> was the capital of upper Egypt and is located a few miles south of Cairo; "Tahpanhes"<8471> was the 1st Egyptian town on crossing the border from Palestine.

      3. V15 - "valient"(<47> the sacred bull was an incarnation of Osiris); V5 "mighty ones"<1368>, "mighty men"<1368>, "mighty man"<1368>

      4. V17 - Pharaoh was an empty vessel found wanting.

      5. V18 - Tabor and Carmel were prominent like Nebuchadnezzar.

      6. V19 - Memphis shall become a desolation.

      7. V20 - "gadfly" suggested the imagery of the Babylonian attack as a biting charge causing wild flight.

      8. V21 referring to Egypt's mercenaries

      9. VS 22-24 - The hissing Egyptian snake creeping back into its hole.

      10. V23 - does the forest refer to Egypt's soldiers?

      11. V25 - Amon (means "to nourish; to be faithful") was the chief diety of Upper Egypt; "No"(<4996> = "disrupting") is the Hebrew name for Thebes which was the capital of Upper Egypt; "multitude<528>".

      12. VS 25-26 - Egypt (and those who trusted in her) would be given over  to Babylon though in some measure a restoration.

   C. VS 27-28 - a message of hope

      1. VS 27-28 - a message of comfort not unlike Jer 30:10-11

      2. V27 - Jacob = Israel

      3. V28 - no full end of the Jews        

46:9    the association of Ethiopia and Lydia  with Egypt explains why in Eze 30:5 these nations are to suffer when Egypt is overthrown by the Chaldeans

46:18   The language “the king whose name is the Lord of hosts” is found three times in Jeremiah –  46:18, 48:15, 51:57 – which seems to draw on the earlier prophet – Amos 5:27. The majesty of God is here used to speak of the certainty of the judgments that were to come.

46:27-28 Against the promise that Egypt will be punished - :24 –Judah is promised deliverance. So whilst Egypt suffered at the hands of the Chaldeans as did Judah there was still hope for Judah. This was because of the long term plan Yahweh has for His people.

45:1-5 The narrative which tells us of Baruch going to the princes with the words of Jeremiah written down, and his reading of them has no indication of Baruch’s fear.  However here we learn of that fear.

But notice what Jeremiah said in response to the fear. Jeremiah simply said in effect, “Just go and tell him my words”.

Yahweh’s words would have been fulfilled whether Baruch went or not.

This is the important lesson. So whether we obey His commands or not because of fear he will keep His word – so, surely, it is better to obey and suffer the consequences.

46:1  Pharaoh-Necho is the king who removed Jehoahaz and replaced him with Eliakim – 2Kin 23:31-34

46:10 The battle is against Egypt and those Jews who had fled there for refuge. However the “sacrifice is “by the river Euphrates”. People were not killed and offered in sacrifice by the river Euphrates. What is being described is, metaphorically, those that were killed were killed by the Chaldeans.

Jer 45:2,3

“Thus saith Yahweh, the Elohim of Israel, unto thee, O Baruch; Thou didst say, Woe is me now! For Yahweh hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.”

“When we ask the cause of Baruch’s depression of mind, the facts supply a ready answer. As the companion of Jeremiah, he shared the odium that belonged to the position of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was pretty much alone in Jerusalem. The princes, the elders, and the priests—corresponding to the clergy and the upper classes of our day—were all against him; and under their leadership, the common people held him in contempt. His own testimony is, ‘I was a derision to all my people, and their song all the day’ (Lam 3:14). His own feelings in contact with them and his estimate of them are manifest from Jer 9:2,3; [Jer 20:14,18]. … This helps us to realize what James testifies of Elijah and the prophets in general, as true, that they were men ‘subject to like passions as we are.’

As companion of a man of this experience, Baruch shared in the dreariness of the situation as expressed in his words, ‘I fainted in my sighing, I find no rest.’ … By the truth we have become companions of the Despised and Rejected of men, who said, ‘It is sufficient for the disciple that he be as his Master.’ … We may often feel cast down like Paul, but not destroyed: fainthearted and unrestful like Baruch…

He [God] giveth consolation, causing light to arise to the upright in the darkness (Psa 112:4). ‘He makes a way of escape’ (1Cor 10:13). He comforteth those of His who are cast down (2Cor 7:6). He establishes, strengthens, settles, after they have suffered awhile (1Pet 5:10). These things are all testified, and constitute a ground of consolation to all, even in this deserted century, who place their hope in God and keep His commandments.

Baruch’s case is evidence that the eyes of the Lord are open to the righteous and His ear open to their cry. This truth is illustrated in many ways in the Scriptures….

What was the pith of God’s message to Baruch? It was a piece of advice which carries with it certain instructive conclusions. ‘Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not.’ … Why was this advice recorded? Not for Bruch’s exclusive benefit. It is doubtless true here what Paul says of another case: ‘Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed if we believe.’ The advice to Baruch is advice to every son of God. ‘Seek them not.’

The reason connected with the counsel given to Baruch was personal to himself, but is nevertheless not lacking of application to us. God said, ‘For, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh.’ This doubtless referred to the deluge of calamity that was about to break upon the whole country of Judah by the hand of the Babylonian army, and sweep everything before it, as intimated in Jer 45:4… The applicability of such a reason to us lies in the fact that a similar fiat has gone forth concerning the kingdoms of the Gentiles, in the age in which we live. A time of trouble such as has never yet visited them is about to come; and the present order of things is to be broken up in anger and great judgment, and the kingdom of God to be established over all. The advice not to seek great things in the present aion is therefore of equal cogency to what it had in Baruch’s case. In a sense, it may have very little application to us, because none of us have it in our power to aspire after great things. Still, if it cannot apply in this way, it may operate negatively in helping us to be content with the poor and lowly form of life in which it has, in all ages, pleased God to seek the heirs of the coming kingdom and glory; and to wait with composure the storm that will sweep away the kingdoms of men, and clear the way for that order of things in which righteousness, godliness, wealth, security, and peace, will gladden the earth for evermore.”

Robert Roberts, A WORD IN SEASON – Baruch and God’s Message, pp. 186-193

Jer 45:5

“And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD…” 

SEEKEST THOU GREAT THINGS?

“DO not let us sit down supinely like the Turks, and wait for God to do what He will never do. He brings things to a certain point and leaves men to do the rest. God works in His own way, and it is for us to find it out. Get into the groove of this, and God will work with us and prosper our endeavours if it seems good to Him so to do. And an enlightened man will not wait till he can do a great thing. If a man waits till he can do a great thing, he will never do anything. Do the little things faithfully and these may grow to great. Things that are considered great are made up of many littles, and the man who scorns the little will never reach the great.”

Robert Roberts, The Ways of Providence, pp. 182,3

4v.5 - Yet another verse telling us not to judge. There are so many. Here are just a few - Matt7:1,2 [Luke 6:37] Rom.2:1,16 14:4-13 James 4:11. So why do we do it so much? There is surely no doubt that a greater tolerance is required of us than we are willing to give. I think this is serious food for thought.

'guides' 3807 paidagogos {pahee-dag-o-gos'}.
Consider how this word is used elsewhere. Galatians 3:24-25

from 3816 and a reduplicated form of 71; TDNT - 5:596,753; n m

AV - schoolmaster (2)

- instructor (1) [3]

1) a tutor i.e. a guardian and guide of boys. Among the Greeks and the Romans the name was applied to trustworthy slaves who were charged with the duty of supervising the life and morals of boys belonging to the better class. The boys were not allowed so much as to step out of the house without them before arriving at the age of manhood.

4:7 This verse demonstrates that none of us have any reason to glory over others. This is a continuation of the argument in chapter 3.

5:8 'Sincerity and Truth' quotes Joshua 24:14 where Joshua is calling for integrity in the context of idol worship when Israel are in the land having taken it. Appropriate for the brethren and sisters in Corinth. They have been saved out of Egypt and are to inherit the land but are liable to lose the reward because of their lifestyle.

4:13 In quoting Lamentations 3:45 Paul sees his persecution by the brethren in Corinth as similar to the way the Babylonians viewed Judah when she was taken captive by the Chaldeans. Surely the Corinthians would not wish to see themselves as viewing Paul in such a way?

5:13 'put away that wicked person' quotes Deuteronomy 21:21. From the use of this passage - See Deuteronomy 21:18-21 - and it's application here we see that not only is the man immoral but that he is stubborn also.

ch.4 - The wording of Paul concerning the word of God in this chapter is interesting. In v1 he says they are "stewards of the mysteries of God", which is to say that they only pass them on, rather than owning them. In v7 he says "what do you have, that you did not receive?", that is to say, what knowledge do you have, that God hasn't given you in the first place?

Paul considers the knowledge of the "mysteries of God" to be something that is God given. This means that if we have that knowledge, we can never boast in it, or hold ourselves in high esteem because of it. This is where the brothers in v6 were going wrong.

ch.5 - Do we apply v9-10 in our lives? Throughout the ministry of Jesus, he spent time with prostitutes and "sinners". Jesus preached to them, and in fact they were his most avid audience. Let us not be so repulsed by sin that we close ourselves off from those who need the message we bear most of all.

4:16 Could we encourage others to be followers of us as we follow Christ?

5:13 Whilst putting away the 'wicked person' might be viewed as the principle that must be upheld we must see that there was a reason for this. It is threefold. 

1 That the ecclesia be not tempted
2 That the principles of the truth be upheld
3 That the sinner might repent of his actions.

We must always have these three points clear in our minds when dealing with problems in the church.

 4:16 "followers" Greek MIMETES (3402) "imitator" When we read Paul's letters we soon see how important it was for him to be an example to all the believers. Along with the base word MIMEOMAL (3401) "a mimic" he makes the point on at least five other occasions.1Cor 11:1, Phil 3:17, 1Thess 1:6, 2Thess 3:7; 9  Likewise, we also have the responsibility to be an example to those we are associated with, this goes beyond ecclesial life. 

-If the nose becomes elevated it may be more difficult to observe the steps-

The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself - Matt 22:39. Phil 2:3-4 - says we should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit , but in humility consider others better than ourselves. We are to look to the interests of others not just our own. 1Cor 8:1 - warns us that knowledge puffs up while love builds up. If we don't exercise great care in examining ourselves we can become vulnerable to the attitudes suggested in 1Cor 4:5,18,19 such as judging others, becoming arrogant/puffed up, abuse of power, etc.

4:20 Paul is saying, in modern parlance, that those who were puffed up were ‘all talk’. Words are cheap. Actions speak louder than words. We do well to remember that.

5:6 In saying ‘a little leaven leavened the whole lump’ Paul is not only highlighting the impact wrong behaviour has on fellowship at the table of the lord. He is also warning of the dangers of not dealing with a matter when it arises. In leaving the matter un resolved the ecclesia would have problems whenever there were other problems to deal with. If the ecclesia was to take a more Scriptural line with someone else the rejoinder from the aggrieved party could well be ‘you did not apply Scripture properly in a previous case, so why are you trying to do so now?’ In this we see a powerful warning for us now. It is important that we deal with problems scripturally whenever they arise.

5:7 This is the first of three references to the breaking of bead in this letter. The other two are 10:16, 11:23. This occurrence focuses on the effect that sinfulness affects ourselves. 10:6 focuses on our fellowship with God the use in 11:23 introduces a section which focuses on our fellowship with each other

5:12‘them that are without’ draws on Jesus’ words in Mark 4:11 so we understand that Paul s speaking of those who have no interest in the gospel.

5:1 The details of this situation are not clear.  Was the father alive at the time of this incident?  If he was not alive, were the son and his stepmother married?  Why wasn't the stepmother condemned along with her stepson?  Was the stepmother a heathen and not a believer? 

These are debatable questions, as we simply do not know the answers for sure.  There were non-believers who commented that marrying one's stepmother was not acceptable.  However, the practice was common among non-believers. 

The fact that the stepmother was not condemned would suggest that she was a non-believer, as Paul was only interested in the conduct of believers.  If that were the case, then the man was guilty of intimately connecting with an unbeliever, which was not acceptable (2Cor 6:14). 

If the father were alive, then adultery would have occurred.  The word used, in this verse, for fornication comes from the Greek word porneia whose meaning includes both adultery and incest.

4:1 There were those at Corinth who tried to discredit Paul. By presenting himself as a ‘steward’ he highlights his position as a servant which contrasted with those who opposed Paul. Their opposition was because they wanted to elevate themselves.

4:1 Paul's idea of mysteries is misunderstood by some churches. These churches claim that their clergy are the only ones to have the power to understand the mysteries of God.

These so-called fathers of the church ought to be obeyed as they have the divine authority.  Some even make the blasphemous claim that their church is a higher authority than the Bible. It is ironic that this system of worship is termed mystery (Rev 17:5).

The mysteries or secret things of God have been revealed (Rom 16:25,26).  They are readily available, for consultation by anyone, in the scriptures.

4:15,16 Paul is not setting himself up as a someone greater than his brethren.  He realized his humble position (4:9,10).  He was a spiritual leader to Timothy, but was in no way advocating a church hierarchy.  In fact Jesus' own words dispel such a notion (Matt 23:9).

4:5; 5:3 The Greek word for judge, here, and in most places in the New Testament, is krino.  It carries the judicial meaning of condemnation and also the meaning of discernment and decision making. For example, Acts 4:19 conveys discernment while Acts 13:46 shows (self) condemnation.

In Rom 14:13 the word is used twice; the first has the meaning of condemnation while the second the invitation to decide. And that pattern continues throughout the New Testament.

Thus, we are urged to judge in the sense of discernment and decision making, but not in condemnation. We are to leave that to the righteous judge when he returns (Acts 17:31; 2Tim 4:1; Heb 10:30).

4:9-11 Paul is making an allusion to the Roman arena where the noon-day spectacles involved gladiators who were completely defenceless, being naked and having no arms to defend themselves. They were cut asunder by others who had swords.

5:1 The have his father’s wife is recognized to mean have his father’s wife in marriage. That the man’s father was (probably) dead did not allow his son to marry his widow (even if the man were the woman‘s stepson) (forbidden under the Law, see Lev 18:18). The licentious lifestyle of Corinth might have turned a blind eye, but both Christian teaching and most Gentile laws would not accept the situation.

4:14 Paul’s objective at all times was reconciliation. His desire was to save others, not to shame them. This contrasted with those who were ‘puffed up’ as they sought to demean others which is an embarrassing experience.

4:6      In 1Cor 3:4 Paul uses his and other’s names to de personalise the problem. Here he confirms that he was doing that by saying he had ‘in a figure’ transferred to himself the partisanship.

4:2    Of course faithfulness is required of all believers. The ‘steward’ of the household was responsible to the master for his actions – as Joseph said Gen 39:8

4:13-17  Paul is speaking powerful irony here. Those who would inflate themselves did not experience the privations and reviling that Paul experienced. Rather such a reaction would not fir with their perception of themselves.

5:5     The image of delivering one to “satan” is used again by Paul 1Tim 1:20  – to speak of one who had fallen from the high ideals of the gospel. We should remember that Paul was looking for repentance. His actions were not to alienate the sinner.

4:6    The way in which Paul says he has “in a figure” used the names of himself and Apollos explains that when in 1Cor 1:12 he speaks of himself, Apollos and Cephas he is not actually naming the different factious groups according to the name of the one they followed. Rather, to avoid naming names, he substitutes names of apostles who no one would have given much support to in Corinth..

KINGDOM POWER

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power." (1Cor 4:20)

By all means, let's talk the talk. Let's talk about faith in God, about the fact that Jesus is coming, that God will set up His Kingdom to cover the whole earth, and that even now He rules in the kingdom of men. But it's not just a matter of talk. As Paul says, the kingdom of God is about power.

It's the power that enables our talk to become reality. It's the power that allows us to step out in faith, knowing God's will and trusting Him completely for everything we don't know. It's the power that allows us to sacrifice the promotions, power and attractions of this life, because we are expecting Jesus to return, and we want to be with him in his kingdom more than anything. It's the power of having peace in our lives because we know God rules. It's the freedom from worry because He is in control.

It's people with lives filled with the power of God we should be looking to as examples. And we need to be those examples of people of power - not our own power - but God's strength in our lives, tapped into through the power of prayer.

4:21   The way in which Paul talks about how he might come “with a rod” is a problem which was not resolved so Paul had to mention the same sort of thing again – 2Cor 10:2

4:5       The “hidden things” P{aul speaks of are the motives and a actions of both he and those who were his detractors. If only we were happy to leave things to the judge! There are times when we seek to justify ourselves as we know that we have behaved correctly. Often it is better to just leave things to work themselves out.

4:7     There were some in Corinth who gloried in the fact that they had a following. They would rejoice in the fact that some said “I am of …”  3:4, those we have taught the gospel are God’s increase, not ours.

5:6        The immorality in the Corinthian ecclesia was well known around the Christian community – 1Cor 5:1– so the warning about the “whole lump” being affected is a stark warning. The warning being that the behaviour in one ecclesia impacted on other groups of believers. A stark warning for us both to ensure that we deal with our own problems and to avoid being damaged by the behaviour of others.

1Cor 5:11

“But I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a … railer…”