TOPICAL BIBLE STUDIES
ARCHIVE M

These outlines are intended as "teaching guides" to the study of any particular topic. The outlines may leave many unanswered questions as to details since those details would be answered in the process of teaching from the scripture references provided. In addition, there may be vocabulary references and subject references that are unfamiliar. Hopefully before too long, all the necessary topics will be available to provide a balanced and complete theology.

Pronunciation guide

GREEK: Verbal Orientation

Hebrew Verbal Orientation

Index

The Magi

THE MAN OF GRACE

Manna

MARK

THE MARK OF THE BEAST

Marriage Ceremony (with gospel invitation)

MARRIAGE: Summary 7 principles

Marriage: The provision

MARRIAGE: Authority Structure

MARRIAGE: Courtship

Marriage Custom in the Jewish Culture

MARITAL HARMONY

MATTHEW

Mediums: See The Occult

Melchizedek

THE MESSIANIC LINEAGE: Via Promise

MICHAEL: The Archangel

MILLENNIUM

MlLLENNlUM: Gog Magog revolt

The MIND

MIND: Principle of THE BLINDED MIND

MIRACLES: God's Wondrous Things

Miracles: Spiritual Gift

MORALITY

MORALITY: As Designed by God

MORALITY: Conflicting Commands

MORALITY INFLUENCE IN THE UNBELIEVER

MOSAIC LAW

THE MYSTERY

The Magi

1. The Greek word is Magos

A. It only occurs in Mat. 2:1, 7, 16 and Acts 13:6, 8
B. It means, a wise man. One who is skilled in mysterious knowledge.
C. See also, mageia and mageuo: Acts 8:9, 11

2. This is one of those words that does double duty.

A. Used for magicians in general, practitioners in the occult and pharmakeia (drugs).

B. But it was also used for a "specialized" group of men from the far east who were expert students of the sciences.
They were very proficient in natural science, astronomy, medicine, religion, philosophy, astrology and the occult.

3. Their origin is traced back to the Babylonians, but they continued to be prominent throughout the successive world empires (Persia, etc.), though they became much more diversified and secretive.

4. At the time of Christ, they were still centered in the area of the old Babylonian empire, but no specific location can be ascertained. They numbered around 50-100 at this time, though in the past they had numbered as many as 200.

5. By this time their general reputation had fallen under suspicion and mistrust because of their secretiveness.

6. The magi of Mat. 2 are to be separated from the over-all evaluation of the normal organization and its occult oriented off shoots, for two reasons.

A. They were believers in the Messiah.

1. Based on their occupation with the Messianic promise (Messiah-worship).
2. Based on the principle of divine guidance provided for them.

B. Their studies did not involve the occult or the mystic sciences.

7. The magi of the Babylonian empire are designated as "Chaldeans" in Daniel 1:20; 2:2, 5, 10, 27; 4:4; 5:4, 7, 11.

8. Through Daniel's political promotion as ruler over them, he greatly influenced these men to the point that many became believers. Daniel 2:48

9. Accordingly, those who became believers in the Messiah, separated from the parent organization and formed a special group that now concentrated on the Messianic hope as well as the natural sciences.

10. So this group of Gentile believers perpetuated themselves through the years, operating apart from the Mosaic law but practicing the righteousness demanded by the Messianic hope.

11. They had access to much of the Old Testament, but not all.
It is reasonable to figure that Daniel passed on to them the same "written" information that he had, such as the scroll of Jeremiah and the Torah.

A. Therefore, when they saw the star, they interpreted it properly as "His star" and followed it to Palestine.

B. This would be in accordance with Genesis 1:14 which tells us that God designed stars to serve as "signs."

C. There was probably some divine guidance involved with this "revelation" as well since later, God gave them specific guidance about "getting out of town."

D. They did not know about Micah 5:2 which pinpointed Bethlehem, so they went to Jerusalem, the capital which would be the logical place for the King to be born.

12. Luke says that they came from the East which indicates only a general knowledge of their home.

13. There is no evidence that these are kings or rulers.

14. The idea that there were only three, probably comes from the fact that only "three" gifts are mentioned.
It is more likely that it was a larger group, although, not too large.

15. The explanation of the star:

A. They saw it at its rising. That means WHEN it appeared.
B. They designate it as "His star."
C. It is only ONE.
D. It steers them in a general direction and then disappears.
E. It appears again and guides them to a SPECIFIC location and stops.
F. Therefore, it is to be explained as a supernatural occurrence and not by a natural conjunction of planets and constellations, etc., regardless of how coincidental that is made to appear.

16. The word group is also used in the "general" sense to refer to those who were practitioners in the mystery cults.
This is probably what is in view at Acts 8 and 13, and should definitely NOT be associated with the magi of Matthew 2.

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THE MAN OF GRACE

1. Proverbs 11:17a the man of chesed - the grace perspective

A. Creature humility: recognizes God's authority
B. Fellowship humility: policy
C. Growth humility: policy
D. Living humility: policy

2. Does good to his own soul:

A. GAmal = deal fully or adequately with: Thus benefits and fulfills
B. The man of grace fulfills his own soul (nephesh)

3. Participates in Divine peace: Ps. 85:8

A. Salvation: Rom 5:1
B. Abundant life: Jn. 14:21
C. Psalm 85:9-13

4. Thus, participates in a unique destiny: Ps. 4:3; PS. 37:37

A. Salvation: Eph. 1:3-12
B. Character reflection: Rom. 14:17 - righteousness
C. Abundant life: Rom. 14:17
D. Service: I Pet. 2:9-10
E. Social stability: Ps. 37:21-28

5. It is the man of Grace who has capacity to serve. Heb. 12:28

6. And capacity to utilize Divine grace provisions. Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5; Ps. 18:25-29

7. God guards his way of life: Pr 2:8; 6:20-23:1 Sam. 2:9

The way of life of Ps. 85.13

8. The man of grace is able to utilize fellowship provision. Ps. 86:1-10

9. Divine protection from the wicked and evil. Ps. 91:10-12

10. Divine provision in physical crisis: Ps. 31:19-24; 32:6-7

11. Death provision: Psalm 116:15
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Manna

1. Manna was a provision of God for the people of Israel during the 40 years of wilderness wandering after the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Not only was manna a "physical" food source for the people, but it provided also a "teaching aid" to communicate the value of placing highest value in the word of God.

A. Its very presence was a proclamation of God's existence and power.
Exodus 16:12

B. The proper use of manna was a test of obedience. Ex. 16:4

C. Exodus 16:32-33, It was a commemoration of God's grace for future generations.

2. Manna was provided consistently for 40 years on a total grace basis apart from any merit from the nation. Ex. 16:35; Josh. 5:12

3. They did not deserve it at the beginning and never truly understood its value.
Psalm 78:17-33; Numbers 11:6

4. Manna came down every day, but it didn't. Ex. 16:4, 5, 22-27

5. Those who gathered much had no more than those who gathered little. Ex. 16:16-18

6. Manna spoiled over night, but it didn't spoil over night. Ex. 16:19-20

7. Manna spoiled over night but was preserved for hundreds of years without spoiling.
Exodus 16:19-20, 33; Heb. 9:4

8. Manna melted, but it didn't melt. Ex. 16:21

9. Manna tasted good to some. Ex. 16:31
But bad to others. Numb. 21:5; 11:6

10. How manna was eaten. Numb. 11:7-8

11. Manna was free to those who received it, but expensive to those who rejected it.
Numbers 21:5-6

12. manna has 3 interesting titles in scripture:

A. Food from heaven: Ps. 78:23-25
B. Food of angels: Ps. 78
C. Spiritual food: 1 Cor. 10:3

13. manna is a picture of the word of God. The word is the expression of the living word, Christ.

A. Therefore, manna becomes a type of the person of Christ as the only source of spiritual life.

B. The Pharisees of Christ's day did not understand this. All they could focus on was the overt miracles instead of true spiritual value.

C. John 6:26-59 (v. 60-69): Christ uses manna as a proto-type of Himself and uses it to establish the necessity to accept His character and message completely.

14. The hidden manna of Rev. 2:17.

The believer is promised a share of the hidden manna. It must be representative of fellowship and rapport with Christ and the Godhead in heaven based on new revelation received after the rapture.
It is not "physical food" but spiritual food.

15. Application of manna today:

The issue is the value of the word of God vs the pseudo value of material things, (details of life) both necessity and surplus.

Mat. 6:19-34; Philip. 4:11-13; Heb. 13:5; Psalm 84:10-11; Job 23:12; Deut. 32:46-47; Proverbs 4:13.

Return to study on Angels

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MARK

1. The writer of the Book of Mark had 2 names. Acts 12:12

a. Jewish name: Iöannäs, from Hebrew Yochanan = yahweh is gracious
b. Roman name: Mark - indication of his Roman citizenship

2. Mark was raised in Jerusalem in a fairly wealthy family. Acts 12:12-14

a. Mother's name was Mary
b. The type of home indicates their financial status.

3. Mark was a relative of Barnabas. Col. 1:4 (probably cousin)

a. Barnabas was a fairly wealthy man also, as is indicated in Acts 4:36-37
b. Barnabas had the spiritual gift of exhortation as is indicated by the Apostle's nickname for him.
c. In the capacity of his gift, barnabas was a valuable partner to Paul in the spread of the Gospel.

4. We first learn of Mark in Acts 12:12ff in connection with Peter's ministry in Jerusalem (44 AD). 1 Peter 5:13 indicates that Mark was either Peter's convert or special student or both.

5. Mark's training and preparation was apparently advanced enough so that Paul and Barnabas took him with them back to Antioch which was at this time, the informal headquarters for the church body. Acts 12:25 cf. 11:19-26; 13:1

6. When Paul and Barnabas were chosen to begin an evangelistic thrust throughout the Roman Empire, Mark was taken along as an assistant to them. Acts 13.5 - huparetäs -

a. indicates a voluntary submission to authority with intent to carry out the plan and fulfill the needs of the one in authority.

1. servants of Christ.
2. servants of the word:

b. Not a "personal attendant," but an "assisting in the ministry" concept.

1. advanced stage of his training.
2. to handle details
3. perhaps assistant teaching
4. Later facts indicate that Mark had a communication spiritual gift.

7. but despite Mark's spiritual advance, he encountered a crisis early which he could not handle. Acts 13:13

a. in Perga, Mark left the team and returned to the church at Jerusalem. Acts 15:36-39 (not to Antioch)
b. His Jewish upbringing gave him a legalistic tendency in his character.
c. A legalistic tendency which was very common in the early church.
That is, to cling to an overt observance of the Mosaic law and to require Gentile believers to also adhere to the law. Acts 15:1-12; Gal. 2:1-16

d. Based on hIs close association with Peter and the Jerusalem church, it is apparent that Mark got caught up in this same legalistic bind.

e. Accordingly, his general attitude would not have been in agreement with Paul's perspective of the Mosaic law. So he left.

8. After the Jerusalem counsel in 50 AD Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch and Mark leaves Jerusalem with them.

a. Mark has recovered at this time, but Paul refuses to accept him.
b. This leads to a large personality dispute between Paul and Barnabas which results in the split of the team and Paul being out of fellowship. Acts 15:36-40 cf. 16:1-10

9. Barnabas and Mark form a team and begin their work in Cyprus. Paul forms a team with Silas. Acts 15:39-40

10.Of course, shortly afterwards, through the influence of Luke, Paul gets back in fellowhsip but continues the current status of the teams.

11.Later, Mark re-associates with Paul as is indicated by 3 passages

a. Col. 4:10-11

1. welcome him
2. fellow-workers for the Kingdom of God.
3. encouragement to Paul

b. Philemon 24, with Paul during the 1st Roman imprisonment.
c. 2 Tim. 4:11, useful to me for service during 2nd Roman Imprisonment.

12. During Paul's 1st Roman Imprisonment (61-62 AD), Mark is with him. Philip. 2:4

13. Paul is released in 63 AD and begins. his 4th Missionary journey.
But Mark remains in Rome and later joins Peter. 65 AD 1 Pet. 5:13 (controversial)

14. At the end of winter in 68 AD, Paul is again taken to Rome where he is imprisoned for 90 days and then executed on the Ostian Way at the age of 70.

15.During this time he wrote 2 Timothy and asked Tim to pick up Mark and bring him since he was useful for service. V. 4:11

16.So between 65-68 AD, Mark had left Rome. Tradition says that Mark went to Egypt and Turkey, but Timothy knew where he was. There is no indication whether Timothy and Mark ever got to Paul before his execution.

17.Mark's communication spiritual gift is ultimately expressed to us through the Gospel of Mark.

a. God the Holy Spirit through inspiration, used Mark's close association with Peter and the other Apostles to provide a written record of the ministry of Christ.

b. The book was written between 55-60 AD

18.Application from the life of Mark:

a. The dangers of legalism and other false doctrine even after proper preparation.
b. The principle of grace recovery after failure.

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THE MESSIANIC LINEAGE: Via Promise

1. Genesis 3.15 - the seed of the woman

(genealogy - Luke 3.36-38)

2. Noah: Gen. 6.9-10 - principle of true humanity

(genealogy - Luke 3.34-36)

3. Abraham: Gen. 12.1-3; 17.4-8 with Gal. 3.16

4. Isaac: Gen. 17.19-21; 26.23-24

5. Jacob: Gen. 28.10-16

6. Judah: Gen. 49.8-12

7. David: Psalm 89.1-4 with Isaiah 55.1-5; John 7.42

8. The Koniah curse: Jeremiah 22.24-30; 1 Chron. 3.17-19 with Mt. 1.12

9. Isaiah 7.14 - the virgin

genealogy through Nathan - Luke 3.23-31- physical royal line

genealogy through Solomon - Mt. 1.6-16 - legal royal line

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MILLENNIUM

1. The millennium is the personal reign of Yahweh the Messiah over the physical earth for 1000 years.

A. For 1000 gears: Rev. 20:4-6
B. Personal presence of Jehovah reigning in the person of Jesus the Messiah.

1. Spiritual reign: Ezek. 37:27-28; Zech. 2:10-11; Rev. 21:3
2. Political reign of Messiah: Is. 9:6-7; 24:23; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 14:9

a. World-wide: Dan. 7.13-14;
b. Jerusalem's status: Is. 2:2; Micah 4:1

II. It provides a total fulfillment of the unconditional Covenants to the physical nation of Israel as first promised to Abraham at Gen. 12:1-3

A. The land promise: Gen. 15:18; 17:8

1. Fulfills the Palestinian covenant of Deut. 30:1-10
2. Israel re-gathered: Is. 43:5-6; 49:8-13; Jer. 16:14-15 Ezek. 11:17; 20:39-44; 37:21-22
3. Land restored: 19:61.4; Jer. 31:38-40 Ez. 36:33-35
4. economic prosperity: Isaiah 65:21-23; 60:16-17a; Ezk. 34:26-21; 36:29-30; Joel 2:21-26; 3:18; Micah 4.4
5. Believers alive at the end of the tribulation will go into the kingdom in natural bodies, including all Gentile believers. Zech. 14:16; Mat. 25:31-34

6. So there will be rulers in natural bodies as in Jerusalem. Ezek. 44:3; 45:7; 46:1-18

B. The seed promise: Messiah's reign as covered under point I, fulfills the Davidic covenant. Ps. 89:1-4, 33-31; 2 Sam. 7:4-17

C. The blessing promise: National forgiveness and salvation, and the extension of salvation to all peoples.

1. Fulfills the New covenant of Jer. 31:31-34; 33:6-9 Micah 7:18-20; Isaiah 59:21
2. Holy Spirit poured out on Israel: Ez. 39:29; Joel 2:28; Is. 32:I5a; 44:3b; 59:21
3. Extension of spiritual blessing to all peoples. Covered under point III.

III. Israel will be the center of truth for the whole world.

A. Israel will be saturated with God's knowledge and truth.

1. Jerusalem: Zech. 8:3; Is. 2:3; 60:14
2. The land: Isaiah 11:9
3. Many shepherds teaching truth: Jeremiah 3:15-16 (But no ark, because Christ will be present.)
4. Levitical priesthood will be functional. Jer. 33:18-22; Ezek. 44:15-31
5. False prophets will be punished. Zech. 13:3-6
6. The people will enjoy maximum spiritual blessing. Jer. 31:14; 33:6; Ezek. 36:27; 11:19-20; Joel 2:28; Zech. 10:12
7. A new temple will be functional. Ezek. 40-48

B. Israel will be responsible for teaching others.

1. The commission and testimony: Isaiah 12:1-6
2. Isaiah 61:6-11
3. Jeremiah 33:9

C. Satanic influence will be absent since Satan and demons will be bound for the 1000 year period.

1. Satan is bound: Rev. 20:1-3; Isaiah 27:1
2. Demons and idols removed: Ezek. 11:18; 37:23; Hos. 2:17; Zech. 13:2

D. All the nations will resort to Israel for spiritual truth and guidance.

1. Isaiah 11:10; 56:6-8; 60:3; Micah 4:1-2; Zech. 2:11; 8:20-23; 14:16-19
2. In association with this worship, the nations will bring material possessions into Jerusalem as recognition of the spiritual value that is there. Isaiah 60:4-14

IV. Maximum joy and peace throughout the land.

A. Peace

1. National: Isaiah 2:4; 60:18; Ezek. 28:26; 34:28-29; Hosea 2:18; Micah 4:3; Zech. 9:10 (disarmament)
2. Personal: Isaiah 32:17; 55:12
3. Israel at rest: Isaiah 32:18; 33:20
4. International: Isaiah 14:7

B. Happiness:

1. National Israel: Isaiah 9:3; 65:18-19; Zech. 8:19
2. World: Isaiah 14:7
3. Personal: Isaiah 61:7

V. The kingdom is characterized by righteousness and justice.

A. Isaiah 9:7; 16:5; 33:5; 32:16-17
B. Jer. 33:15- The Righteous Branch, ie, Messiah

1. Jer. 23:5-6
2. Isaiah 4:2; 11:1
3. Zech. 3:8; 6:12-13
4. Ezek. 17:22-24

C. Jerusalem's new name is Yahweh our righteousness. Jer. 33:16

VI. Physical characteristics:

A. The curse on the earth is removed: Rev. 22:3

1. Nature tamed: Is. 11:6-8; 65:25; Ezek. 34:25; Hos. 2:18
2. Health and longevity: Is. 33:24a; 35:5-6a; 65:20-24
3. All the passages that deal with this issue seem to indicate that this applies to Israel with only restricted experience by the other nations.
4. There is no passage that directly relates any of these things world-wide except possibly Rv. 22:3.

B. Perfect weather conditions: Is. 4:4-6; 35:1-7; Ezek. 36:34-35

VII. The living waters from the temple in Jerusalem. Zech. 14:8

A. Joel 3:18
B. Ezek.47:1-12
C. Rev. 22:1-2
D. Is. 33:21; 35:6b-7; 43:19-21; land renovated - Is. 51:3
E. The new trees: Ez. 47;12; Rev. 22:2

VIII. Prosperity of specific nations mentioned.

A. Egypt and Assyria: Isaiah 19:23-25
B. Moab: Jer. 48.47
C. Ammon: Isaiah 49:6
D. Elam - Isaiah 49:39

IX. The ministry of resurrected believers during the kingdom.

A. The Bride of Christ will be serving beside Christ from the New Jerusalem elevated above the earth.
Rv. 19:6-10; 21:9-27; 22:1-5

B. The bride is comprised of all believers from both the Old Testament period as well as the church age (See Article: The Saints in Heaven).
They all receive resurrection body at the Day of the Lord return of Jesus when the rapture takes place.

C. Day of the Lord martyrs (Those who are killed by the beast) are raised after Armageddon and are given rulership function in the kingdom. Rv. 20:4-6

D. David will be given special administration duties in Jerusalem. Jer. 30:9; Ez. 37:24; 34:23-24

X. The Duration of the Kingdom:

A. Initially, 1000 years: Rev. 20:4, 6

B. But ultimately, everlasting:

1. Dan. 2:44; 7:14
2. Rev. 22:5
3. Isaiah 9:7

MICHAEL: The Archangel

A. Hebrew: miykAäl - has 3 parts.

1. Interrogative pronoun, miy = who?
2. preposition, ke = like or as.
3. el (äl) = God
4. Result: Who is like God?
5. Communicates God's uniqueness in character and essence.
6. Gabriel's name communicates that he is God's "right hand man."

B. Daniel 10:13, "one of the chief princes." Notice, NOT the chief prince.

1. Cf. New Testament archangel in Jude 1:9 and 1 Thes. 4:16

2. Jewish tradition indicates that their are 7 archangels, but the bible indicates there is only one.

3. The term describes the rank with regard to his special function in God's plan.

C. Daniel 10:21 and 11:1, indicate that Michael is in a subordinate position to Gabriel.

D. Daniel 12:1, describes Michael as the "guardian angel" of the nation of Israel.
Daniel 10:21. In 1 Thes. 4:16, Michael participates at the rapture because this is also the time for the restoration of Israel as the evangelistic agent).

E. Rev. 12:7, does not contradict this position. Michael is still functioning as the guardian of Israel, even though he has temporarily "stepped aside" as indicated at Daniel 12:1.

F. Michael is very high in rank, if not number 2, but he has specific function in connection with Israel while Gabriel's function is to "stand in the presence of God."
See topic: Gabriel

G. At Jude 9, Michael had the responsibility of putting the body of Moses in a "safe place" after his death , to await his role in the tribulation as one of the 2 witnesses-heralds of Rev. 11.

H. Michael is NOT the pre-incarnate Christ, ie, the "Word" of John 1:1.

1. Michael is "one of" the chief angels, not THE chief. Dan. 10:13.
2. Michael and the Christ "appear" in the same historical context as two different beings at Rev. 12:
3. Christ is identified via 1 Cor. 10:1-3 as the Rock who delivered and followed Israel throughout the wilderness (Deut. 32). And the Rock is none other than Yahweh God Himself.

4. Michael is NOT the angel (messenger) of the LORD. The angel of the Lord is clearly identified as Yahweh Himself.
See topic Angel of the LORD

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MARRIAGE: Summary 7 principles

1. There are 4 grace gifts given by God to the human race.

A. The gift of life and freedom: basically, free will.
The right and responsibility to choose for yourself.

B. The gift of human partnership: one man and one woman in the marriage relationship.

C. The gift of spiritual partnership: salvation relationship through forgiveness of sins based on Christ's work on the cross.

D. The gift of viewpoint partnership: The provision of the viewpoint of the Godhead in written form so that we might have fellowship with Him based on His thinking and standards.

2. Marriage was provided for the human race as the 2nd great gift for happiness and fulfillment in life.

A. The first gift was volition: there is no happiness, purpose or fulfillment in life when a creature is a "robot." God gave man free will so that he might by choice, live in the sphere of fellowship with the Godhead.

B. The gift of marriage is a partnership between one man and one woman wherein each fulfills the other through soul and body communication and fellowship.

C. The design was provided by God in the garden of Eden even before sin entered into the world. Gen. 2:18-25
In this passage we have the 7 basic principles for the proper understanding and function of marriage.

3. Summary of the 7 principles of marriage from Gen. 2:18-25

A. Principle #1: The principle of benefit. Gen. 2:18, "not good (beneficial) for man to be alone."

1. Alone: separated from your counterpart

2. Eve could not function as his counterpart until her body was "removed" from his via the rib. Operation "built." Gen. 2:22

3. This does not suggest that Adam was "frustrated" without a woman around.

4. It does suggest that it is wrong for a man to stay single when God's plan has provided a woman for him.

5. It does tell us that as long as Adam and Eve were separated, marriage could not function.

6. If marriage could not function, then family and nations would be non-functional.

7. God designs that man and woman get married unless his plan provides for the rare exceptions. Mat. 19:12

8. But human maturity and God's guidance and timing must always be considered.

B. Principle #2: the principle of divine provision, Gen. 2:18, "I will make for him."

Apply James 1:17, "every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

C. Principle #3: the principle of perfect design: v. 18, "a helper, corresponding to him."

1. The counterpart that God designed is tailored specifically for the man, and in turn, the woman finds a counterpart for herself.

2. helpmeet: äzer kenegedo - a helper corresponding to him. The idea of complement and fulfillment is involved.

3. A perfect "physical" complement and a perfect soul match.

D. Principle #4: The principle of authority. "He brought her to the man."

1. Leadership is invested in the man.

2. He was the first created and by reason of divine design, he is given the role of initiator, provider and controller in the one flesh unit. 1 Cor. 11:3, 8-10

3. This role is re-affirmed and amplified after they sinned. Gen. 3:16b

E. Principle #5: The principle of soul communication before body communication.
Gen. 2:21-23 - the identification is made in the soul.

1. This is accomplished through communication.
2. We call it courtship.
3. Dating is a preliminary to courtship.

a. A man and woman seek to establish soul rapport during dating.

b. Physical activity is a distraction to true rapport.

c. You experiment and search with the soul, not with the body.

d. It is true that the body can provide an initial point of attraction, but the soul rapport must be the basis for a successful relationship.

F. Principle #6: The principle of body communication as the consummation of marriage. Gen. 2:24b, "and they shall become one flesh."

1. This puts the man and the woman under a totally new set of laws for human activity.

2. Before, they were children learning in the home, now they are partners with one another, building their own home.

3. Before, the were children provided for, now they are partners who must provide for each other.

4. Before, they were children without sexual responsibility and pressure. Now they are partners in fulfilling each other.

5. Factors of the one flesh principle:

a. The one flesh principle provides a soul and body partnership that provides the ultimate in human happiness.

b. It consummates the issue of "two" becoming "one unit" to function in life as one unit and glorify God as a unified "entity."

c. It speaks of commitment and permanence. Mt. 19:3-6

d. It speaks of mutual sharing to provide fulfillment in both soul and body. 1 Cor. 7:32-34 and v. 3-5.

e. The one flesh principle communicates a unique joining of a man and a woman that finds its full potential only as the principle is truly followed.

f. This requires a social formality that marks a separation from parental authority.

g. It requires restricted sexual activity. First comes the social ceremony, then the one flesh reality.

h. It requires specialized sexual activity: only one man and one woman involved in the relationship.

i. And in that context, there is NO SHAME, Gen. 2:25.

G. Principle #7: The principle of separation of authority structures, Gen. 2:24a

1. Marriage and family are different.
2. Children are first, under the authority of parents and must leave that sphere when they marry.

3. A man can't be under the authority of parents and rule his own castle.

4. A woman can't be under the authority of her parents and properly submit to the authority of her husband.

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Marriage: The provision

1. God provided 4 grace gifts for the human race in order to give happiness and fulfillment in life.

A. The gift of life and freedom: basically, free will.
The right and responsibility to choose for yourself.

B. The gift of human partnership: one man and one woman in the marriage relationship.

C. The gift of spiritual partnership: salvation relationship through forgiveness of sins based on Christ's work on the cross.

D. The gift of viewpoint partnership: The provision of the viewpoint of the Godhead in written form so that we might have fellowship with Him based on His thinking and standards.

2. Marriage was provided for the human race as God's 2nd grace gift.

A. The gift of marriage is a partnership between one man and one woman wherein each fulfills the other through soul and body communication and fellowship.

B. The design was provided by God in the garden of Eden even before sin entered into the world. Gen. 2:18-25

3. Marriage was provided by God for the benefit of the human race.

A. Gen. 2:18, the divine evaluation of the human race:

1. Not good: lo tobh
2. Notice, this is the creator doing the evaluation, not the creature.

B. This was prior to the fall.
C. After the fall, apply the principle of Gen. 2:24
D. To be alone: separated from your counterpart.

1. The principle of counterpart was established in the animal kingdom as Adam had observed. Gen. 2:19-20

2. The need in his soul was already present as indicated by the end of v. 20, "there was not found . . ."

3. This need went beyond animal instinct as Adam recognized it within his human consciousness.

4. The need in man, and later in the woman, was designed by God in order to provide unique inter-soul relationship unavailable to the animals.

5. The maximum in human happiness is realized through fulfillment of inter-soul relationship.

6. This does not suggest that either is "frustrated" without the other.

7. It does suggest that it is wrong to stay single when God has provided a counterpart.

8. It tells us that as long as man and woman were separated, marriage could not function.

9. If marriage could not function, then family and nations would be non-functional.

10. God designs that man and woman get married unless his plan provides for the rare exceptions. Mat. 19:12

11. But human maturity and God's guidance and timing must always be considered.

4. Divine action to provide the counterpart: Gen. 2:18-19

A. I will make: AsAh = manufacture out of existing material
B. This is accomplished by operation rib. Gen. 2:21-22
C. For him: This was done with marriage in mind.
D. The creation of male and female presupposes a divine plan for marriage and for procreation. Gen. 1:27-28; Mat. 19:4-5

5. Marriage then is a divine institution designed for the entire human race in order to provide fulfillment to individuals and order and stability for society. Ec. 9:9

6. It is God's plan and authority which accommodates marriage. Therefore, the marriage unit is viewed as "what God has joined together." Mat. 19:6

7. The counterpart that God designed is tailored specifically for the man and in turn, the woman finds a counterpart for herself.

A. helpmeet: äzer kenegedo - a helper corresponding to him. The idea of complement and fulfillment is involved. A perfect "physical" complement and a perfect soul match.

B. Partnership: The one flesh unit mentioned at Gen. 2:24
C. Partners in life: 1 Pet. 3:17, "heirs together of the grace of life."

The term "grace of life" refers to human life in general.

D. Soul partnership:

1. Gen. 2:25, "not ashamed."
2. Song of Solomon 8:6, "seal on the heart." The marriage partner fulfills the soul.

E. Physical partnership:

1. Jeremiah 31:22, "for the LORD has created a fresh thing in the earth; a woman shall surround a man."

a. This is not something that is NEW.
b. It is something that has been neglected.
c. And God uses the image of "true marriage partnership" to illustrate the relationship He will have with the nation of Israel.

2. 1 Cor. 7:3-5

F. Parental partnership: raising of children together. Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1-3

8. Monogamy is established as the divine design. 1 Cor. 7:2; Eph. 5:33; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:9

9. Polygamy is totally contrary to divine design. See topic on polygamy and return.

10. Marriage: the happiness potential

A. Marriage offsets the "lo tobh" factor of Gen. 2:18: Pr. 18:22; 12:4
B. The "one flesh unit" provides companionship and partnership in life.
Gen. 2:24 with 1 Pet. 3:7, "heirs together."

C. "No shame" indicates:

1. maximum soul relaxation
2. Potential for maximum happiness from physical expressions of love. 1 Cor. 7:3-5; Prov. 5:18

D. Potential for happiness through raising children. Prov. 10:1; Ps. 127:3-5

E. Even the unbeliever, when moral standards are followed has potential for great happiness in marriage. Ec. 9:9

index

MARRIAGE: Authority Structure

1. Once we recognize that marriage was designed by God, we must recognize and accept His format and policies.

A. The one one flesh unit: one man and one woman.
B. The authority structure: initiator and responder
C. Standards for maintenance and growth.

2. The original authority structure: Gen. 2:7-25

A. V. 7, The man was created first: 1 Tim. 2:13; 1 Cor. 11:8 This make him by "position" the one in authority.
B. V. 15, man was responsible for maintenance and protection in the garden.

1. Cultivate: Abhad = to serve it. In this context it means to manage the moral structure within the garden which involves authority over the animal kingdom. V. 19-20

2. Guard: shAmar refers to preservation of light standards, Ie, to protect from darkness infiltration. This indicates that He was informed of the Satanic rebellion and the dangers that existed from Satan.

3. Thus, Adam was morally and spiritually the one in authority. It can be designated as his "rulership" responsibility.

C. V. 18, Marriage was designed for him.

1. Woman created for the man: 1 Cor. 11:9 (Prime benefactor)
2. Woman was created from the man: Gen. 2:21-22 (man is the source)
3. Gen. 2:22, God brought her to the man. (man is the recipient)
4. This makes him PHYSICALLY the one one in authority.

a. The man's responsibility was to perpetuate his "rulership" responsibility in the garden in reference to the woman.
b. His personal responsibility was "initiation" in their physical relationship.
c. The woman's "response" factor was basically passive in their physical relationship.

D. Before the fall, a mutual inter-relationship of equality existed within the garden's perfect environment with no human viewpoint or sin to mar the blessing of the "one flesh unit."

E. Accordingly, the only need for authority activity was in the area of serving and guarding the garden and in the natural area of conducting his relationship with the woman.

3. The authority structure was amplified after the fall in view of the presence of the sin nature. Gen. 3:16-19

A. The woman's response factor is intensified. Gen. 3:16

1. Your desire: teshuqAh refers to an intense emotional and mental dependence on the man whom the woman commits her soul to.

2. He shall rule: The moral authority is amplified to establish greater protection for the woman's soul. That soul protection is realized as the woman submits to the man of integrity in every area of their married life. Eph. 5:22-24; 1 Pet. 3:5-6

B. Man's responsibility factor is intensified. Gen. 3:16-19

1. He shall rule: Provides protection from her own emotional distractions and errors. Example, Gen. 18:9-15

2. Spiritual protection is made more difficult:

a. Presence of the sin nature: Gen. 6:5; 8:21
b. Satan's rulership: 1 John 5:19; Gal. 1:4

3. Physical nourishment and protection is aggravated by a physically antagonistic environment. Gen. 3:17-19

4. Moral protection is now more crucial since all members of the human race have a sin nature.

4. The man's authority responsibility

A. 1 Cor. 11:3, The man is the head of the woman. The emphasis here is the "positional" authority that the man has by virtue of his creation.
In application, it is both a personal and social factor which is symbolized by the long and short hair issue. V. 4-7, 13-15

B. Eph. 5;23-29, the emphasis here is a "functional" factor represented by three words.

1. Savior: v. 23, refers to spiritual protection through application of beneficent (agapä) love.
2. Nourish: v. 29, Refers to physical provision - food shelter, clothing, physical protection.
3. Cherish: v. 29, refers to fulfilling the emotional, soulish and physical needs in her life from the perspective of rapport
(philos) love.
4. Diligence in these three areas fulfills 1 Cor. 7:3.

C. 1 Peter 3:7, Live together according to knowledge (kata gnösis).
Knowledge and application of both spiritual and moral truths concerning the nature of man and woman and God's design.

D. The real issue for the man is character integrity which reflects the love of Christ. Eph. 5:25, "As Christ love the church."

5. The woman's authority response:

A. The positional status which is symbolized by long hair. 1 Cor. 11:3-7, 13-15
B. Ephesians 5:22, the functional factor

1. Submit: hupotassö, the issue of obedience to the man of integrity.
2. As to the Lord - communicates two ideas.

a. Dedication to His policies
b. Reaps the benefits of His grace benevolence.

3. V. 24, In everything: every area of the married life.
4. V. 33, respect (phobeö) - attitude of humility on God's terms.

C. 1 Peter 3:1-6, the real issue is spiritual and moral integrity.

1. V. 2, pure manner of life: hagnos
2. In the sphere of respect: phobos
3. V. 3, not with emphasis on overt dress and beauty.
4. But v. 4, the hidden person of the heart

a. in the sphere of (en) the incorruptible quality (aphthartos)
b. of a gentle: praus- indicates the expression of humility.
c. and a quiet: häsuchios - relaxed and content
d. spirit: character reflection via one's personality
e. Which is in the sight of God, of greatest value: poluteläs

5. Example of Old Testament women via Sarah, V. 5-6a

a. Holy women: set apart by unique character integrity. They put their trust in God and accepted and followed His policies.

b. Used to adorn themselves: kosmeo - dress themselves, but this is on the inside.

c. Being submissive: hupotassö, present middle participle.
d. Just as Sarah obeyed: hupakouö, aorist active indicative
c. Calling him lord: kurios = one who has authority over another.
kaleö is a present active participle which indicates the verbal expression of the inner attitude.

6. Imitation by following a godly example, V. 6b

a. Whose children you become: idiom to indicate imitation
b. As you do what is right: agathopoieo, aorist active infinitive
To do that which is intrinsically good; good according to an absolute, divine viewpoint standard. This refers to following divine policy as detailed in the word of God.

c. And are not being intimidated: phobeomai, present middle participle. Usually, "be afraid," but the idea here is intimidation by the fear-pressure that may come your way within an "unequal" marriage relationship.

d. By any fear pressure: ptoäsis = an act of causing fear or intimidation, thus, the fear or intimidation itself.

e. This refers to faith failure in areas where God has promised that "all things work together for good." It is failure to put in to practice Philip. 4:6-7 and 1 Pet. 5:7.

D. Titus 2:3-5

1. V. 3, reverent: recognition of the divine authority structure in every area of life.
2. Teachers of what is good: kalodidaskalos. The word, kalos, has emphasis on moral good.

3. V. 4, to encourage: söphronidzö - to put wisdom in the mind.
4. to be husband lovers; present infinitive of eimi + philandros.
The emphasis here is on cultivating a "rapport" relationship with the husband.

5. Child lovers: philoteknos. Emphasis on cultivating a rapport relationship with your children.

6. Sensible: söphrön - consistent application of divine wisdom.
7. Pure: hagnos - emphasis on consistent devotion to God characterized by sinless consistency.

8. Homeworkers: oikourgos
9. Kind: agathos - application of beneficent love
10. Submissive to their own husbands: hupotassö, present middle participle
11. So that the word of God might not be dishonored. blasphämeö - present passive subjunctive.

6. The positional and functional authority structure is perpetuated in Christian society by limiting the teaching within a formal worship service context to just men. 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Pet. 3:1-2

index

MARRIAGE: Courtship

1. Principle #1: Not good for the man to be alone. Gen. 2:18

A. Therefore, the provision of marriage.
B. But God does not directly bring the woman to the man as with Adam.
C. So there needs to be the activity of courtship.
D. Courtship is the process of interacting with members of the opposite gender, using both moral and spiritual guidelines, in order to choose a marriage partner.

2. Principle #2: It is good for the man to be alone. 1 Cor. 7:8

A. The issue of spiritual value vs. details of life.
B. I say to the unmarried: single status

1. agamos = not married at the present time.
2. chära = widows

C. It is good for them: kalos = good, beneficial, well.
D. If they remain: 3rd class condition "if" which indicates the function of volition in making their own decisions.

E. Even as I: Paul recognized the principle of maximum spiritual benefit via single status. 1 Cor. 7:35

1. Personal benefit: for your sumpheros - mutual benefit.

a. V. 28, trouble is thlipsis and must be viewed in the context of the spiritual conflict we are in - not in the nature of the marriage relationship.

b. Trouble: because the forces of evil and the antagonistic environment now have another source for attacking you.

c. Trouble: because new necessity detail responsibilities are added to your life. 1 Cor. 7:32-34

2. Benefit for the plan of God: undistracted devotion. principle of the voluntary Eunuch - Mat. 19:12

3. Therefore before any serious courtship activity takes place, the believer needs to fully understand the doctrine of marriage, the voluntary Eunuch and the details of life.
SEE: Topic, Voluntary Eunuch.

4. There are two categories of courtship.

A. Passive courtship: this involves the single person who has rejected the option of voluntary eunuch, but is concentrating on spiritual preparation.

1. IN other words, not looking for someone. Principle at 1 Cor. 7:27
2. He will be relaxed and protected form deception and compromise.

B. Active courtship: This one is taking active steps to meet and fellowship with members of the opposite gender.

1. Book of Ruth: Boaz
2. Much more vulnerable to deception and compromise.
3. Will still maintain the primary objective in life which is the intake and application of truth.

4. Should never conduct the "big search."

5. In all courtship activity, one must recognize God's plan and divine guidance. Prov. 19:14; James 4:15

6. Thus, use divine standards:

A. Don't marry an unbeliever: 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Therefore - don't court an unbeliever.

B. Don't marry in immaturity:

1. Thus, character strength in both people.
2. Doctrinal knowledge of the marriage relationship.

C. Don't marry on a wave of libido: Ezek. 16:28, no satisfaction.
D. Don't marry because of social pressure.

1. Time panic
2. Unhappy home life
3. Herd instinct
4. Finances

E. Don't marry a divorced person, except in bona fide situations.

1. Divorced prior to salvation.
2. Innocent party in an adultery case. Mat. 5:22
3. Desertion: 1 Cor. 7:15
4. Former mate has remarried.

F. Don't marry for a status symbol.
G. Don't marry with a "divorce mentality."
H. Don't marry on an emotional high or low.
I. Don't marry into a cultural gap or disparity.
J. Don't marry with disagreement in major issues of life.
Quote from Charles Dickens, David Copperfield:

"There is no disparity in marriage
like unsuitability of mind and purpose."

7. Attitude during courtship.

A. Faith rest: Gen. 2:18
B. Prayer:
C. Bible study:
D. Do not conduct the "big search."

8. Protection during courtship.

A. For the man:

1. Bible truth in the soul. Prov. 2:10-16
2. Thus, moral and spiritual integrity
3. Doctrine of separation.

a. The fast crowd. Prov. 1:10-19
b. Your "old" unbeliever friends. 1 Pet. 4:3-4

4. Moral principle: 1 Cor. 7:1, good not to touch.

B. For the woman:

1. The father is the guardian of his daughter's virginity. 1 Cor. 7:36-38
2. The woman guards her purity. 1 Cor. 7:34
3. The word gives her character strength
4. The man of integrity during courtship activity is her protector.

9. Thus, two people will sometime arrive at 1 Cor 7:9

A. If: 1st class condition to indicate the certainty of this situation
within the context of normal social activity.

B. No self-control: egkrateuomai + negative (present middle indicative, 3 person plural)

1. There will be physical attraction for the right one.
2. There will be desire for sexual communication.
3. But that desire, beyond simple signs of affection (kissing, embracing & hand holding: Song of Sol. 1:2; 2:6;) must be held in check until spiritual and social timing is fulfilled. 1 Cor. 7:1

4. True "love-making" is accomplished by SOUL interaction.

5. Sexual contact before a genuine marriage commitment, will distort
the soul identification and produce mental and emotional scars. Proverbs 6:32; Hosea 4:11

C. But that desire will also reach a point where the physical becomes the dominant factor in the mind.

1. This is called "burning" at 1 Cor. 7:9, puroö - present passive infinitive
2. Present tense communicates the dominance factor (continuous).
3. Passive voice communicates an effect produced on the soul by a combination of soul and body desire.

D. And this is the signpost for marriage.
Better to marry - more beneficial (kreitton is a functional comparative of agathos)

E. Thus the command: Let them marry - aorist active imperative.
F. And 1 Cor. 7:28a, it is not a sin to marry.

10. What kind of woman should a man look for? Proverbs 31

A. One with integrity: v. 10 cf. 11:22
B. One you can have confidence in: v. 11
C. One who will seek your benefit: v. 12
D. One who is resourceful: v. 13-16, 19, 24
E. One who takes care of herself: v. 17, 22
F. One with self confidence: v. 18
G. One who is generous: v. 20
H. One who is protective: v. 21
I. One who is relaxed about life: v. 25
J. One who communicates truth: v. 26
K. One who is diligent: v. 27
L. One you can publicly praise: v. 28
M. One who understands marriage authority: 1 Pet. 3:5-6

11. What kind of a man should a woman look for?

A. Spiritual integrity: knowledge and grace expression
B. Moral responsibility:
C. Humility attitude:
D. Gentleness: humility toward others
E. Book of Proverbs gives good standards.

12. The issue of moral preparation.

A. Principle of soul maturity.

1. The pre-teens are molding years. Prov. 4:1-9
2. The teens are stabilizing years.
3. You can be stabilized anywhere from 13 to 19, but one must allow the stabilizing to take place before he commits to a life time obligation, so that "who you are" will be clearly established.

4. Personality compatibility is of utmost importance in marriage. You don't want to marry someone at age 16 who will be entirely different at the age of 18.

B. Principle of physical maturity.

1. Puberty is the transition between molding and stabilizing.
2. It is only logical to allow the body changes to be completed before you commit to a physical relationship.

3. In addition, the soul must catch up to the body before there is a true capacity for establishing a relationship.
4. Adulthood is measured by both physical maturity and soul stability.

13. The issue of spiritual preparation:
Basically - crash program of Bible truth.

index

MARRIAGE CUSTOM IN THE JEWISH CULTURE
For detailed analysis of the marriage customs in Israel at the time of Christ, see
Edersheim: Sketches of Jewish Social Life, chapter 9

1. Engagement: No specific length of time, but the engagement was Just as binding as the actual marriage

A. A marriage contract was established to set policy and guidelines.
B. The groom gave the bride a token to confirm his intentions and make the engagement publicly legal. This was a piece of money or even just a letter delivered either in person or through the groomsmen.

C. During the time of the engagement, there was very little contact and absolutely no sexual activity.
D. Gifts, letters and any formalities were transacted through the groomsmen.

E. These groomsmen served as a type of body guard; one for the groom and one for the bride.

F. Based on this activity, they also served as guarantor of the brides purity to the extent that such supervision can do so.

2. The actual marriage took place when the groom received the bride from the hand of her father at the brides home.

A. The groom goes to the bride's house and brings her out.
B. When they leave that house, they are considered married.
C. He then escorts her to his own house via a public procession that is
followed by the friends of the bride.

D. He brings her into his own home and upon the verbal confirmation of her purity by the groomsmen, officially recognizes her as his wife.

3. Then begins the wedding supper attended by all the friends of both.

A. The friends of the groom are already in the house waiting for the feast.
B. The bride's friends have to wait outside until invited in by the groom.
C. Then all party together for from 1 to 4 weeks.

4. Correlation with the return of Christ

A. The engagement begins at salvation. 2 Cor. I1:2
B. The contract is the Gospel.
C. The token of intent from the groom is the seal of the Holy Spirit. Eph 1:13-l4

D. The bride's groomsman is the written word of God. Eph 5:26
E. The absence of physical activity is the absence of Christ during the church age.
F. The groom coming for the bride is the rapture.
G. The grooms house is heaven. Jn 14:l-3
See Article: The Saints in Heaven
H. The confirmation of purity is the reward seat of Christ. (The white raiment of Rev l9)

I. The marriage feast is held in the groom's kingdom on the earth at the end of the Day of the Lord judgments (after Armageddon).
J. The groom's friends are resurrected 0T and resurrected tribulation martyrs.
Rev 20:4; Dn 12:1-13
k. The brides friends are living tribulation believers who go alive into the kingdom.
Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 19.9

l. The marrige feast lasts 1000 years.

index

MARITAL HARMONY

A. General spiritual principles:

1. We are God's servant.

a. Bought with a price: 1 Cor. 6:19-20
b. 1 Pet. 2:13-16 - we are the bond servants of God
c. Romans 12:1-2 - Living and holy sacrifice to God

2. Necessity for fellowship:

a. Rom. 8:8, In the flesh, cannot please God.
b. Filling of the Spirit: Gal. 5:16, 22-23
c. Abiding in Him: 1 John 2:24; 3:6, 9
d. Let the word of Christ dwell inside: Col. 3:15; Ps. 119:11

3. Humility orientation to sin:

a. 1 John 1:8-10; 2:1
b. 1 Cor. 10:11-13
c. Gal. 6:1-2

4. Orientation to specific sins:

a. Anger is a sin. James 1:19-20
b. Do not lie: Col. 3:9-10
c. Do not commit adultery: Heb. 13:4
d. Do not steal: Eph. 5:28
e. No drunkenness and drugs: 1 Cor. 5:11; Prov. 20:1; 23:20
f. Summary: Rom. 13:13
g. Daily confession: Principle of Eph. 4:26,

"let not the sun go down on your emotional anger."

5. Daily prayer: Col. 4:21; Thes. 5:17; Luke 18:1

6. Cultivate the character structure of LOVE: Col.3:14; 1Cor.13:4-7

B. Principle of knowledge: Application of 1 Pet. 3:7,

"Live together according to the standard of knowledge."

1. Learn the 7 principles of marriage from Gen. 2:18-25.

a. #1: Principle of mutual benefit. Gen. 2:18,
"not good to be alone"

b. #2: Principle of divine provision. Gen. 2:18

Marriage is from God.

c. #3: Principle of perfect design. Gen. 2:18

"a helper corresponding to him."

d. #4: Principle of authority.
The man has the responsibility for the care and protection of the marriage unit.

e. #5: Principle of soul communication. Marriage is first and foremost a relationship of the soul.

f. #6: Principle of mutual physical fulfillment.

g. #7: Principle of separation of authority structures.Gen.2:24a
The marriage unit operates independent from parents.

2. Understand the meaning of "weaker vessel" at 1 Pet. 3:7.

This refers to the soul dependence that the woman has on the man. Gen. 3:16, "your desire shall be for your husband."

a. The word "desire" is teshuqAh. It indicates a very intense soulish and emotional need and dependence for her man.

b. Such soul dependence places the man in a place of great honor and power and makes the woman vulnerable to abuse.

c. It takes great integrity in the man to administrate that "power" and cultivate true happiness and fulfillment for the woman.

d. Both the man and the woman need to be aware of this fact in order to properly meet each other's needs.

C. Principles of respect:

1. Communication respect: open and honest (Prov. 27:9)

a. Positive speech: encouraging, courteous, polite (Eph. 4:29)
b. Disagreements must be handled with respect and humility.

1. Gal. 6:1-5; Rom. 14:19; Rom. 15:1-2
2. Cultivate discussion rather than argumentation. Phil.2:14

c. Avoid negatives: Eph. 5:4; Pr. 12:18

1. sarcasm
2. criticism
3. ridicule
4. rebuke
5. contradiction
6. silent treatment

2. Privacy respect:

a. Time alone
b. Keep problems away from the public!

3. Personality respect:

a. likes, dislikes, hobbies.
b. Do not compare spouse with others.

4. Hygienic respect: Both body and environment. Cleanliness

5. Financial respect: Mutually agreed upon money policy.

6. Body respect:

a. No violence:
b. Sexual respect: 1 Cor. 7:3-5 (Don't demand sex)

D. Family principles: mutually shared responsibility for children.

1. Both parents are teachers: Prov. 1:8
2. Both parents have authority responsibility. Eph. 6:1

E. Principle of PRIORITIES:

Basically, do not work or play yourself out of your domestic responsibilities in both soul and body.

index

MATTHEW

1. Two names: very common Matthew Levi, Mattathyah - gift of Yah (Yahweh)

2. A publican: telönäs - revenue officer - 2 types

A. Gabbaid: general collector - ground, income, poll taxes
B. Mokhes: customs collector - import; export; road use; cross rivers; animals; entrance to cities
and markets; etc.

1. great mokhes: employed substitutes to collect
2. little mokhes: did the collecting personally

3. Mark 2:1, 13-14

A. Matthew was a little mokhes
B. In Capernaum,
C. At the seashore (Sea of Calilee - Gennesaret)
D. In the customs office
E. Major highway connecting Damascus and Ptolemais (on the Med. coast)

1. collect from boats going across the lake
2. from caravans going to the Med. coast.

F. Indication of his education: at least 3 languages

4. His character prior to salvation:

A. the character of a publican
B. oppressive, arrogant, partial, tyranical
C. Totally self-motivated

5. His religious and social status:

A. believer or unbeliever - no way of knowing.
B. definitely under the influence of the darkness system.
C. shut off from the formal religion - considered totally hopeless and therefore, shunned and banned
(example - Mat. 23:13)

D. disqualified from being judges or witnesses.
E. society considered them unpatriotic and anti-national. A constant reminder to all who observe and encounter them that the Jews are in servitude to Rome.

F. But in Christ's ministry, no one is excluded. Mat. 9:10-13
G. Matthew is positive to Divine design.

6. Matthew called: Mat. 9:9

A. not from John's disciples
B. after Peter, James, John and Andrew: Mark 1:16-19
C. His response to "follow me" indicates his prior 'heart' acceptance of the person and message of Christ.
Knowing this, Jesus called him to make a committed "public" acceptance.

D. Lk. 5:27-28 "left everything behind"

7. Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29

A. Shortly after his call, Matthew held a big banquet in his home for Jesus.
B. To expose his friends more completely to the message.
C. To announce his decision to follow him?

8. His character after salvation.

A. Because of his positive volition prior to confrontation, he was chosen by Christ as one of the 12. Mat. 10:1-3
B. He was subject to the same spiritual weaknesses as the other disciples.

1. fear at the unexpected: Mat. 14:25-26, Failure to depend on God's plan for them.
2. careless in listening to Christ's words and learning from his miracles. Mat. 16:5-12; Mark 8.14-21

C. They had a basic recognition of Christ's character and value. John 6:66-69
D. But were disoriented to his ultimate ministry and purpose. Luke 18:34

1. They saw His character, but - -
2. could not see what His character demanded for Him to do.
3. attaching wrong or incomplete honor to someone in authority.

E. Disoriented at the crucifixion: Mark 14:27; John 16:32
F. Disoriented concerning His resurrection. Luke 24:34-41:
G. Recovery and consistency after the resurrection. Luke 24:45-53; Acts 1:13
Plus - the writing of the Book of Matthew

9. The main thing to learn from Matthew is the principle of total grace acceptance of those who have undesirable pasts.
index

Melchizedek

I. We actually encounter Mel only at Gen. 14:18-20.

v. 18

A. King of Salem: political ruler of the city (later Jerusalem).

1. Situated N. and just outside the circle (or valley) of the Jordan.

2. The circle of the Jordan was the most beautiful and productive area in Canaan. Gen. 13:10

3. It contained 5 cities that were the wealthiest of the region as well as the most evil. Gen. 13:13

4. Salem was a beacon of light in the midst of this evil because of Mel's righteous rule.

B. Background for this encounter with Mel:

1. Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his associates made war with the 5 cities of the valley. Gen. 14:1-2

2. The reason for this invasion was a failure of the cities to pay the fealty demanded by Chedorlaomer. Gen. 14:4

3. But the invasion extended beyond the 5 cities and involved the whole area. Gen. 14:5-7

4. Thus, Salem would also be involved.

5. Abe's nephew, Lot, was among the captives taken by Ched, so Abe organized a rescue attempt. Gen. 14:14

6. He was successful and not only rescued Lot, but totally defeated Ched and rescued all the people and wealth that had been taken.

Gen. 14:15-17

7. And it is upon Abe's return that Mel joins him at the valley of Shaveh, as well as the king of Sodom.

8. The valley of Shaveh was located just N. of Salem.

 

C. Brought out bread and wine: These have long been symbols of spiritual celebration.

1. Here we have Mel administrating a worship celebration because of Abe's victory over the invaders.

a. What was the real purpose for the celebration? The rescue of Sodom's people or its wealth? Not likely.

Gn. 13.13

b. Not even the rescue of Lot would produce such an expression.

c. What does Mel have to do with the victory over these invaders?

d. His city and people were just as much in danger as the others.

e. Thus, the victory serves as a protection for Salem as the center of spiritual truth in the land.

2. The basis for his administration of this spiritual celebration is the title - priest of God Most High.

3. Mel is thus identified as a spiritual guide and teacher after the pattern of the family priesthood.

4. The family priesthood is the manner in which God chose to administrate His truth throughout the world prior to the organization of the nation of Israel at Ex. 19:5.

a. The family priesthood is the first agency that God designed for the dissemination of truth throughout the world.

b. It can be seen in such men as Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Job, Jethro and even Balaam.

c. Before the flood we have one group of people in one general geographical location (including Cain's line in Nod).

d. After the flood we have many different national entities migrating away from the valley of Shinar and the specific family priests would have spiritual responsibility to their respective families and clans.

e. But since Babylonian evil (Nimrod's religion) had gained such popularity and influence, the influence of righteousness would begin to diminish more and more as the clans spread out from Shinar.

f. God's righteous plan would still have seed-pods of influence here and there (Melchizedek, Job and the like) but there would soon be the need for a national entity to take the lead as a "formal" evangelistic influence in the world.

g. It was God's plan to build the nation of Israel to fulfill this purpose in the years ahead, but in the meantime, (and to a certain extent, even afterwards) the family priesthood would be the agent for spreading truth.

5. The name Melchizedek reflects the priestly function that he had. It means - king of righteousness.

a. Righteousness is the operative word for representation of the plan of redemption and the proclamation of God's truth.

b. Compare Noah at 2 Pet. 2:5: a proclaimer of righteousness

V. 19-20a -Mel proclaims a blessing concerning both Abe and God based on the physical victory over Chedorlaomer. (details not included)

V. 20b - Abe acknowledges Mel's spiritual service (the celebration and the teaching) and demonstrates his understanding and appreciation by offering the standard 10% material contribution.

(Such 10% offering was practiced by all the remnants of Nimrod's religious empire, and was specifically changed by God for Israel to be 20%)

 

II. So the function of Melchizedek here, is actually that of a family priest, having spiritual influence over the whole city as well because of his popularity and political office.

A. He is responsible for teaching truth to the people within his social boundaries, including visitors.

1. The same function Jethro, the priest of Midian, had at Ex. 2:16;

3:1; 18:1-12, 14-24; Deut. 1:9-18

2. And Job at Job 29:7-25

B. God used the family priest, Jethro, to aid in preparing the nation of Israel to be the evangelistic agent.

C. God used the family priest, Melchizedek, to aid Abraham in becoming an effective communicator of truth on his own account.

Gen. 18:19; 26:5

III. Melchizedek was later recognized as the official representative of the order of the family priesthood. Psalm 110.4

A. The family priesthood functioned on the basis of spiritual heritage and divine appointment.

B. It did not function based on physical descent or national affiliation as with the priesthood of Levi.

C. The function of the family priesthood was never really discontinued

D. Even after Israel became the official evangelistic agent, each family head still had the responsibility to promote truth to his own family and to others.

1. Deut. 6:6-9

2. Psalm 145:1-13

3. Even during the church age when we have a different "official" evangelistic agent (the church) the personal responsibility and function of the family "head" remains. Eph. 6:4

E. It was still the responsibility of family leadership to pass on spiritual values and heritage.

F. And on that basis, it is unending as the real core to promoting truth in the devil's world.

IV. So since the family priesthood was the core of evangelism from the beginning, and the core of evangelism throughout all of man's history, that order becomes the example for the eternal priesthood of Christ. Heb. 6:20-7:3

A. And Mel becomes the best example of that priesthood since scripture reveals nothing about him except the existence of his priestly status.

B. The correlation of Christ with the Melchizedek priesthood is advanced doctrine and requires a background of man basic truths in order to understand it. Hebrews 5:9-11 and 6:1-3

C. There are 5 factors that correlate with the priesthood of Christ and make Mel a type of the Messiah.

1. His name: king of righteousness

The Messiah's name - Yah our righteousness, and the righteous branch. Jer. 23:5-6

2. His political title: King of peace (Salem) - political and spiritual

The Messiah is the prince of peace - Isaiah 9:6

3. His priestly title: priest of God Most High

The Messiah is our great high priest - Heb. 4:14-15

4. No human genealogy recorded: Heb. 7:3 - that is, no "inherited" priesthood as explained at Heb. 7:6.

a. And Christ is appointed because of His status - not because of physical descent.

b. Not because of physical genealogy, for he is from Judah, not Levi. Heb. 7:13-14, 16a

c. Also recognize that Messiah does have an actual and recorded genealogy, though it is not the basis for his appointment as priest. (As it is for status as king).

5. His perpetuity: no recorded birth or death to emphasize the perpetuity of the family priesthood of Mel.

And the Messiah's priesthood exists in perpetuity based on the endless life via resurrection. Heb. 7:16b

D. And so Mel is set apart from the other family priests as representing the perpetuity of the family priesthood which is a type of Christ's eternal priesthood. Heb. 7:24-25

1. Christ is the ultimate family priest as He extends His influence over the entire world and passes on his inheritance (spiritual heritage) to those who trust in Him.

2. He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek - that is, after the family priesthood epitomized in Mel.

3. And Mel is used as a type of Christ because his influence was so great in Salem as king and priest.

Heb. 7:4 - how great or distinguished - pelikos

4. And in order to designate Mel as a type of Christ, the Holy Spirit leaves out of scripture his vital statistics. Heb. 7:3

a. But made like: aphomoioo - perfect passive participle to produce a facsimile or copy

b. CT: But having become a copy (or type) of the Son of God

c. he abides a priest: meno - present active indicative

d. perpetually: without cessation of function

e. There is no record of his death or cessation of function although, he obviously did die.

f. So because he is a type of the Messianic priesthood, his office is perpetual. But not because of an actual perpetual status, but because of the way he is portrayed in Genesis - without vital statistics.

V. Melchizedek is not a theophany: these points have already been given.

A. He is represented as an actual man with both political and priestly activities.

B. Hebrews 7:4 designates him as a man.

C. All Theophanies are identified in the immediate context as a manifestation of God. Mel is never so identified, either in the immediate context or otherwise.

D. No Theophany ever appears in an established human institution as a functional member of society.

E. No Theophany is ever given a personal name.

index

MILLENNIUM: Gog Magog revolt

1. ORIENTATION:

A. We must understand that the Millennial earth is populated with people in natural bodies, possessing a sin nature.

1. Based on Ezekiel 44:15-31
2. Ezekiel 46:16, having children; Isaiah 65:23
3. Ezekiel 47:8-12
4. The potential for rebellion at Zechariah 14:16-19
5. Potential for false prophets at Zechariah 13:3-6
6. Physical growth: Isaiah 65:20
7. Normal human activity: Isaiah 65:21-24

B. The rigid discipline of the Messiah's rule will be a strong deterrent to overt violations of policy.
Isaiah 9:7; Revelation 19:15

C. However, the soul of man will still be vulnerable to the arrogant, independent creature viewpoint of the sin nature. See Topic: The Sin Nature

D. This inner rebellious attitude will eventually dominate the majority of the people over the 1000 year period.

E. And thus, when Satan is released from his 1000 year prison (Revelation 20:2) he will motivate a specific individual to be a prophet of rebellion against God. And he will organize all the nations into an overt rebellion.

2. The time of the revolt: Revelation 20:3b, 7
Verse 3b, after the 1000 years (achri).

A. Are completed: aorist passive subjunctive of teleioö = fulfilled.
B. after these things: the 1000 years of Messiah's rule.
C. he must: dei, present indicative = it is necessary and indicates the perfect fulfillment of the plan of God.
D. be released: luo, aorist passive infinitive (from tartarus, v.3)
E. for a short time: mikros chronos

1. The exact time is nowhere indicated.
2. But what is a short time in a 1000 year period? 10-20-50 years? Maybe only 1 or 2.
3. long enough to organize and lead a revolt of people who are already rebels in their souls.

Verse 7 When (hotan) the 1000 years:

A. are completed: teleioö, aorist passive subjunctive = fulfilled
B. Satan: the literal individual is in view.
C. will be released: luo, future passive indicative
D. from his prison: the Abyss - probably tartarus.

3. Preparation for the revolt: Revelation 20:7-8

A. The mastermind is Satan.
B. Satan makes contact with the nations in order to deceive them (planaö).
C. Gog and Magog are used to indicate a revival of international materialism lust that wants to dominate the world.

1. Best represented historically by Russian communism.
2. It is the same opposition manifested by the King of the North in connection with the Armageddon campaign that occurs during the 30 day period after the end of the tribulation. Ezekiel 38-39
See Article: When Armies Move

3. Gog is the leader of the Northern kingdom and Magog is the land under his control. Ezekiel 38:2; Genesis 10:2 (For identification of the peoples involved, see the analysis of the King of the North in connection with the 6th trumpet judgment).

4. In the midst of the world-wide chaos caused by the Day of the Lord judgments, this military giant will purpose to possess all the wealth of Palestine. Ezekiel 38:11-13

5. And after 1000 years, this land area is once again dominated by the same materialism lust that destroyed their forefathers 1000 years before.

6. But this time:

a. Satan is the mastermind

b. He uses their materialism lust and jealousy to deceive them into doing his will.

c. he organizes all the nations this time. Revelation 20:8, "the 4 corners of the earth."

D. During the Millennium, many people will grow up without trusting in Christ as their savior, so that at the end of the 1000 years, there will be a multitude operating on darkness viewpoint.
Revelation 20:8, "like the sand . . ."

E. Without Divine viewpoint influence in their soul, all the nations will develop an intense jealousy toward Palestine

1. Jealous of all the natural wealth and prosperity that is there.
2. Angry because of all the wealth and time the nations are required to give.
Isaiah 60:l5b-17; Zechariah 14:16-19
3. Some of them may even rebel enough NOT to send the required delegation to Jerusalem and be suffering economic hardship as a result.

F. And so they are ripe for deception.

1. Satan has a different goal. He is unconcerned with the material wealth. He wants to depose the Godhead as the sovereign of the universe. Isaiah 14:14

2. And when he is released after 1000 years in chains, he can only use what is at his disposal, nations.

4. Comments on why God allows this to take place.

A. Demonstration of man's sinfulness in the conditions of perfect physical environment and under the personal reign of the Messiah.

B. To allow Satan his final opportunity to overcome the authority and influence of light. This is stated as being part of (God's plan at Revelation 20:3, "he MUST be. . ."

C. Thus, to demonstrate that Satan has nothing to offer the creatures of the universe; either in the form of power, or abundant life qualities.

D. And ultimately, that darkness viewpoint is useless and non beneficial.

5. The attack: Revelation 20:9

A. They come to Palestine
B. Surround the camp of the saints (not a war camp, Isaiah 60:l8)
C. And (even) the beloved city, ie., Jerusalem
D. God allows them to assemble, but that is all.
E. There is no battle. Fire comes down from heaven and devours everybody.

1. The people go to Hades to await the Great White throne judgment which will occur shortly (Revelation 20:11-15).
2. Satan is cast into the lake of Fire which has been his destiny from eternity past. Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10

index

1. Man is composed of body, soul and spirit. 1 Thes. 5:23

2. The soul of man is designated by nephesh (Hebrew) or psuchä (Greek) and is composed of two basic elements; mentality and emotion.

A. The mentality of the soul is called the heart and is the controller of the soul (kardia/Greek and läbh/Hebrew).

B. The emotion of the soul is called reins or bowels, and is the responder and appreciator of the soul.

See Topic: The Emotions

3. The heart contains three elements of character and personality.

A. Conscience: Heb. 10:22; Titus 1:15 (suneidäsis)
B. Mind, with memory and frame of reference:
Titus 1:15; Luke 1:51; 24:45; Deut. 4:9 (nous, sunesis, dianoia)

C. Ego or Self-consciousness, with volition (free will).

4. The mind is that portion of the "heart" that perceives, processes and stores knowledge content.

A. Knowledge perceived, enters the mentality of the soul ("heart") through the mind (Luke 24:45, nous) where it is analyzed based on previously learned standards and frame of reference (memory).

B. It is then related to the self-consciousness (ego) and responded to by volition. Acts 2:37; 7:54

C. Accepted information becomes "understanding" (dianoia) which is the source of viewpoint, insight (dialogismos).

D. It is then transferred to the conscience to form norms and standards for life and godliness. Heb. 10:22; Titus 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:5

E. The dianoia (understanding) retains the information in the memory/frame of reference (2 Pet. 3:1-2, dianoia) and provides the basis for insight and reasoning (dialogismos).

F. The conscience and the mind then form the character of the soul by influencing self-consciousness (ego) and volition.

1. Pride: Luke 1:51, "proud in the dianoia of their heart."
2. Service: Rom. 7:25, "with the nous I am serving the law of God."

G. Rejected information is assigned to the memory center where it may or may not be recalled. The memory of course has both a conscious and a subconscious compartment.

H. When the bible speaks of taking information to heart, it refers to a total acceptance of the information to the point of character influence; good or bad. This information is placed in the understanding (dianoia) and the conscience (suneidäsis).

I. If the information is divine viewpoint, and is rejected, it is subject to Satanic distortion, either direct or indirect.
(Luke 8:12, kardia; 2 Cor. 4:4, noäma)

J. Even accepted information is subject to sub-memory storage. 2 Pet. 1:12-13; 3:1-2.

5. The correlation of terms finds that "mind" and "understanding," although referring to different "steps" in the acquisition of knowledge (perception/nous; insight/understanding), are dependent one on the other.

I find that while the mind (nous) "includes" the understanding and is often used with that in view, the understanding is NOT used for perception, but only for the insight that results from accepting information.

6. The nature of the content of "the understanding" of the heart, is the basis for character and personality. Accordingly the two terms (heart and understanding) are often equated in reference to character expression. This is exactly what we find at Heb. 8:10 and 10:16.

A. Heb. 8:10, "put my laws in their mind (understanding, dianoia) write them upon their hearts (kardia)."

B. Heb. 10:16, "put my laws on their heart (kardia) and write them upon their mind (understanding, dianoia)."

7. The words that refer to retained and used information relate to "the understanding of the heart."

A. dianoia is the "section" of the mind (and heart) which utilizes knowledge content.

B. dialogismos and the verb, dialogidzomai - refer to the "function" of utilization that the dianoia performs (insight).

1. logidzomai means to "reason" using the content of the dianoia.
2. logismos refers to the ideas that come from the dianoia, and may be good or bad, depending on the nature of the content.

C. enthumäsis and enthumeomai (verb) are synonyms for "B."
D. sunesis and suniämi (verb) emphasize perception with the positive result of perception being the possession of understanding.

1. Mind opened: Luke 24:45, nous + suniämi
2. Col. 1:9, "so that you may be filled with the full-knowledge (epignosis) of His will in the sphere of all spiritual wisdom (sophia, practical understanding) and understanding (sunesis, factual understanding).

E. ennoia: refers to the function of "the understanding of the heart" that expresses itself based on that understanding.
(Attitude, motivation)

F. noäma: is a synonym for nous, the mind.
Notice Philip. 4:7, "hearts and minds."
Heart speaks of "character" and mind speaks of knowledge content.

8. Many character expressions are related directly to "the understanding."

A. Viewpoint: Luke 2:35, dialogismos; Luke 5:21-22, dialogidzomai
B. Planning: Luke 6:7-8, dialogismos; Mat. 1:20, enthumeomai
C. Doubting, questioning: Luke 24:38, dialogismos
D. Confidence: Col. 2:2, sunesis; Rom. 14:5, nous
E. Service: Rom. 7:25, nous; Mat. 22:37, dianoia
F. Enemies in mind: Col. 1:21, dianoia
G. Pride: Luke 1:51, dianoia; 9:46-47, dialogismos
H. Motivation: 1 Pet. 4:1, ennoia
I. Idolatry: Acts 17:29, enthumäsis
J. Think evil in the heart: Mat. 9:4, enthumeomai + kardia

9. The "understanding" needs to be filled with Divine viewpoint.

A. Renewing of the mind: Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23 (nous).
B. Prepared: 1 Pet. 1:13, dianoia
C. Stirred up: 2 Pet. 3:1, dianoia

10. There is a constant conflict in the soul between the "understanding" filled with Divine viewpoint, and the dictates of the world, flesh and devil.

A. Rom. 7:23, nous
B. 2 Thes. 2:2, nous
C. 2 Cor. 11:3, noäma
D. 2 Cor. 10:3-6, logismos + noäma

11. Rejection of divine viewpoint by the heart results in the darkness process.

A. The emptiness of a vacuum results when truth is rejected.
Rom. 1:21, nous; Eph. 4:17, nous

B. The vacuum "sucks in" darkness viewpoint because the soul NEEDS information. Rom. 1:21, kardia; Eph. 4:18, dianoia

C. The darkness viewpoint then corrupts the content and function of the soul. 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:15 (nous).

D. This results in a blinded mind where the functions of the soul are "blinded" in regard to spiritual values (2 Cor. 4:4).
See Topic: The BLINDED MIND

E. The end result is a disapproved mind. Rom. 1:28, nous; Eph. 2:3, dianoia

12. The content of "the understanding" is described by two words at Hebrews 4:12.

A. enthumäsis: reasonings, expressions of viewpoint.
B. ennoia: motivations, attitudes of character.