The Living Word

Bible study on the set readings widely used by various churches and chapels and a weekly storytelling video. Also at www.medium.com/the-living-word and https://thelivingword.substack.com

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August 1: God’s good gifts

July 26, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Wildflowers surround the preaching cross in Weobley churchyard

Welcome to The Living Word Bible study for Sunday, August 1 (TLW30B). This non-denominational study relies on the Bible explaining the Bible, uninfluenced by any church’s practice or preferences and it follows the Bible’s sequence of progressive revelation. We recommend that you read the whole passage first and let the Holy Spirit begin speaking to you through it, then go deeper with the verse by verse commentary and reflections. Bible readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary, a resource shared by many different churches and chapels, and the text is the widely-used and contemporary NIV © Biblica

Theme: Learning to honour God in His gifts to us

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a — A prophetic word makes David aware how He has violated God’s gift of royal position.

John 6:24-35 — At first, hearers could not grasp that the gift of Jesus is to be bread of life from heaven.

Ephesians 4:1-16 — Christ’s gifts to His church are the ministries that equip the rest of the body.

Also read: Psalm 51:1-12

• See also this week’s article which explains the theme Learning to honour God in His gifts to us

• And this week’s video introduction, Who is exalted by God‘s gifts?


2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a — God’s gift of royal position violated

David concealed his wrongdoing until a prophetic word brought him to repentance

26-27 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.

“Displeased the Lord” –  dramatic understatement about David’s misuse of the Lord’s promise that he would shepherd His people, breaking the tenth commandment (coveting), the seventh (adultery), then the sixth (murder).

• For further study, read 2 Sam. 5:2, 2 Sam. 7:7; Exodus 20:13-17

12:1-3 The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

“The Lord sent Nathan” – Nathan, the court prophet, models the kind of parable that later Jesus used.

4 “Now a traveller came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveller who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” 

5-6 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

“As surely as…” – Response in the form of an oath.

“Four times over” – the customary restitution. David later lost four of his sons; Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah all died violently. 

7-8 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.

“Gave your master’s house…” – conventional way of describing the throne with its royal privileges.

9-10 ” ‘Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in His eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised Me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

“You struck down…you killed…” – figure of speech. David was responsible for Uriah falling in battle — but was blind to the sin of his actions until this point.

11-12 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’ ”

“Out of your own household… calamity” — foretelling of Absalom’s rebellion and abusing the royal concubines, 2 Sam. 16:22.

13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 

“I have sinned” — now David turns in repentance, but he will see consequences from his wrong actions.

Reflection

SUMMARY  The story suggests that David is in denial of his wrongdoing until some time after the birth of his son, when Nathan the court prophet shares the revealing story. Then the reality of his adultery, constructive murder and disregard for God’s order hits him.

APPLICATION  David repents in a wholehearted way. He experiences God’s grace, but sin sets in train consequences. To go against what we know is right was costly for David, and can be costly for us.

QUESTION  How ready are you to allow God to reveal your wrongdoing and repent — admit it and turn from it?


John 6:24-35 — The gift of Jesus, bread of life from heaven

At first the hearers of this teaching cannot grasp the spiritual significance

24 Once the crowd realised that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 

“To Capernaum in search of Jesus” — the most likely place.

25 When they found Him on the other side of the lake, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” 

26-27 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for Me, not because you saw the signs I performed, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”

“Not because you saw the signs” — like the 12 disciples, they needed more time and teaching to grasp the meaning of the sign.

“Food that endures to eternal life” – Jesus’ miracle with ordinary bread points to Him being authorised by the Father as the giver of spiritual ‘food’ that brings new life. 

28 Then they asked Him, “What must we do, to do the works God requires?” 

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

“What must we do…” – the crowd, used to Jewish religion of good works and merit, misses the point that eternal life is received, not earned. The one indispensable ‘work’ is to exercise faith and believe in Jesus Christ.

• For further study, read Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 3:20-28.

30-31 So they asked Him, “What sign, then, will You give that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.

“Bread from heaven” – a far greater gift than manna, which only met physical needs at that time and place. 

33 “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“For the bread of God” — is spiritual and eternal, life through the Son, which God is giving now.

34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

“Give us this bread” — the crowd are not yet seeing the spiritual dimension.

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” 

“Jesus declared, “I AM…” – in Greek, this is solemn and emphatic, sounding like God’s words in Exodus 3:12-15.

• For further study: This is the first of seven key “I am” sayings in John’s gospel, John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7,9; 10:11,14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1,5.

Reflection

SUMMARY  The people who saw the miraculous provision of food on the hillside  were seeing Jesus reveal who He really was, and the real gift He had to give — Himself, the source of new and eternal life.

APPLICATION  The first hearers believed in earning God’s favour by religious good behaviour. Our world also teaches that reward comes by merit, but Jesus is giving a spiritual, different teaching. The bread He offers never runs out or spoils — it is Himself. When we receive Him as Saviour and Lord, we experience His new life, which is eternal.

QUESTION  How would you explain how you received Jesus’ life-giving gift to someone exploring Christian faith?


Ephesians 4:1-16 — Christ’s gifts to His church are His ministry 64

The ministries given to those who lead are for equipping the rest of the body

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

“Worthy of the calling” –  a life showing Christ’s call will show growing spiritual maturity and oneness with others.

• For further study, see 1 Thess. 2:12; Romans 12:1; Col. 1:10.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

“Humble and gentle” — not needing to prove oneself.

“Bearing with one another” —  true Christian life is patient  and forgiving. Tensions will arise — we have an enemy that will see to that — but Christian maturity counters that with corporate humility and love that emphasises reconciliation, Colossians 3:12-15.

3-6 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

“Make every effort to keep” — an urgent appeal. The Holy Spirit in regenerate believers brings a unity of heart and mind, a powerful threat to Satan, which is why he attacks it relentlessly. We have to guard what the Holy Spirit gives.

“One body… one Spirit” – seven foundational facets of this spiritual unity, expressed in the form of  a prayer declaration.

7-8 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:

“When He ascended on high, He took many captives and gave gifts to His people.” 

“He took many captives” — literally “He took captivity captive”. Paul is quoting freely from Deborah’s victory song in Judges  5:12 and Psalm 68:8. Ancient kings took tribute as part of victory, but sometimes handed some back in clemency. Christ took captive the bondage imposed by Satan, and is generous in bestowing leadership gifts.

9-10 (What does “He ascended” mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

“He also descended” – Jesus who ascended, and now fills the earth with His spiritual presence, is none other than the one who descended to become incarnate in humble circumstances and then suffer death for us.

11-12 So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…

“Apostles… prophets… evangelists…pastors… teachers” — five special ministry strengths. Apostles are envoys sent out to pioneer a new work; prophetic ministry emphasises God’s present purposes and praying them in; evangelists communicate the Good News with special clarity; the shepherd is about caring for the flock, often also a teacher with the gift of making plain the Bible’s message and application

13 …until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

“Fullness of Christ – also in Eph. 1:23, the full expression of what Christ is like. Filled with Christ means not filled with one’s own importance, so able to build faith and unity in the congregation and beyond.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

“No longer… infants” – not suggestible, and prone to squabbling, but growing into the maturity of knowing Christ and reflecting His values.

15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

“The mature body” – Christ’s people, in all their diversity, growing together in Him, v.16 below.

16 From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION Turning to Jesus and receiving His gift of new life opens up a dimension of spiritual life we didn’t know before, and it goes on in learning and growing. Among the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit brings are these five gifts of ministry for leaders to help others grow. The church doesn’t need priests — everyone who knows Jesus exercises a priesthood under Him — but it needs equippers to get others doing what they do, under Jesus. 

QUESTION  When we encounter difficult people, what does this passage say are good responses?

PRAYER  Lord God, in Your wisdom You have given us minds to think with, freewill to make choices and practicalities in life to get on with. But we’re not so good at seeing the spiritual dimension of life woven into all these. Help us to have the mind of Christ and to be led by the Spirit of Christ, using the gifts You give us with the care of craftsmen, not the blows of the unskilled. And in all things to work for unity and the honour of Jesus. Amen.

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PRINT EDITION  You can download a PDF of the print edition from the link below. It prints on A4 paper to produce a four-page Bible-size folder. Permission given to copy for your own use, for your Bible study or home group, or for inclusion with your church bulletin.

TLW30B-August-1-final-BookletDownload

Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year B

July 25: Good and bad sources of power

July 18, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Hero daisy stands proud against bright red backdrop of flowers
Image credit: Ian Greig

Welcome to The Living Word Bible study for Sunday, July 25 (TLW29B).

This non-denominational study relies on the Bible explaining the Bible, uninfluenced by any church’s practice or preferences and it follows the Bible’s sequence of progressive revelation. We recommend that you read the whole passage first and let the Holy Spirit begin speaking to you through it, then go deeper with the verse by verse commentary and reflections. Bible readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary, a resource shared by many different churches and chapels and the text is the widely-used and contemporary NIV © Biblica.

2 Samuel 11:1-15 – God’s power is given to fulfil His word and order, not controlling others

John 6:1-21 — Power that comes by faith releases God’s provision

Ephesians 3:14-21 — When we give our hearts to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives power to see spiritually and reveals the extent of God’s love

And also read: Psalm 14

Theme: Good and bad sources of power

• See also this week’s article on this theme, Right and Wrong Sources of Power.

• And this week’s short video introduction on YouTube (best for desktop) or Instagram (best for mobile)


2 Samuel 11:1-15 – Power from position alone can turn abusive

David’s kingship should have fulfilled God’s word and order, not lust 

1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

“Rabbah” – or Amman. David is complacent, sending Joab to quell the Ammonites.

2-3 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”

“Beautiful” – a rare description in the Bible for a person.

“From the roof” – David’s palace, on a terraced structure several storeys high which excavations have revealed in the old city, gave a view of the whole city and nearby courtyards.

“Eliam and… Uriah” – listed among David’s elite warriors, 2 Sam. 23:34, 39. In a compact city it seems unlikely David did not know who was living nearby.

4-5 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”

“I am pregnant” — the Bible indicates that she could not have been pregnant already, but gives no hint of her being compliant in the adultery. David and Bathsheba would have known that the penalty under the law was death for both of them, Leviticus 20:10.

6-7 So David sent this word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going.

“David asked him” – a pretence. David would have received regular reports.

“Uriah” – the name, ‘The Lord is my light’, tells us he was a Hittite, from the kingdom to the north of Canaan, who had adopted the Israelite faith.

8-9 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house.

“Wash your feet” – go home off duty and relax with your wife. Uriah understood what was implied, v.11. 

10-11 David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” So he asked Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?” 

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

“Staying in tents” – the Ark was with the army in field camp, for worship and to seek guidance in the war. Uriah’s attention to his duty makes David’s dereliction of his, all the more damning.

“Such a thing” — breaking the rule of abstinence when on duty, 1 Samuel 21:5, Exodus 19:15.

12-13 Then David said to him, “Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. At David’s invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master’s servants; he did not go home. 

14-15 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” 

“Put Uriah out in front” — David, having failed to make it appear that Uriah was the father of Bathsheba’s child, plots Uriah’s death so he could marry Bathsheba quickly and disguise his sin.

Reflection

SUMMARY  This is the shameful story of David’s multifaceted sin: coveting another man’s wife, adultery, cover-up and deceit, constructive murder — and despising the word of the Lord, 2 Sam. 12:9-10. 

APPLICATION  This week’s story about right and wrong sources of power opens with a popular figurehead’s embarrassing failure. David’s success had given him temptation to misuse power — he could send for someone, and he was deceived into thinking he could do what he liked. But in the moment we think ‘we can do it’, we are already moving away from trusting and obeying God.

QUESTION  What do you take for granted is yours to decide in life, and how is God challenging that for you?


John 6:1-21 — The power that faith releases brings God’s provision

Jesus tests His disciples with a huge crowd to feed and nothing to give them

1-4 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw the signs He had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with His disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

“Some time after” – Jesus was proclaiming the Good News around Judea and in Jerusalem, John 5. Now, six months or so later, they have moved north, to Galilee.

“Far shore” – north-east shore, probably near Philip’s home area of Bethsaida, Luke 9:10. 

“Jewish Passover… near” – a crowd swelled by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. The Passover celebrates the Exodus from Egypt and God’s provision of food and water, giving deeper meaning to what happens next. 

• For further study, read Exodus 15:22-16:3.

5-6 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. 

“He said to Philip” — as we get to know the Lord, we can see how the Lord uses apparent difficulties and setbacks to grow our faith.

7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

“Half a year’s wages” – literally 200 denarii. A denarius was a labourer’s daily rate. 

8-9 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

“Loaves” – a meal of small, coarse pita breads and salted fish.

10-11 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

“Five thousand” – in reality, far more, with women and children counted.

“Distributed” – miraculously, the food multiplied to be more than enough for all. In Luke’s account, the food multiplies in the hands of the disciples as they give it out, Luke 9:13,16.

12-13 When they had all had enough to eat, He said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

“Wasted” – Roman feasts always had food left over, but Jews considered waste of food immoral.

“Twelve baskets” – symbolic of the needs of the 12 tribes of Israel met by God.

14-15 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

“The sign Jesus performed… the Prophet” — like Elijah, or like Moses, as foretold in Deut. 18:15. Jesus shows people He is God by miraculous provision as in stories they knew, like Elijah in 2 Kings 4, and the manna in Exodus 16.

“Make Him king by force” – to save the nation in the manner of King David. But Jesus came asLord and Saviour of the world.

16-17 When evening came, His disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.

18-21 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

“Don’t be afraid” – the disciples’ greater fear than the strong evening winds on Galilee was seeing a ghost-like Jesus walking out to help them, recalling Moses leading Israel through the water, Exodus 14, Psalm 77:19-20. Jesus is showing His sovereignty over the world He created.

“It is I” — in Greek, ‘I AM’. Jesus, revealing Himself as Messiah in this fifth sign, used the name God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, Exodus 3:14; John 4:26, John 6:35.

Reflection

SUMMARY  The disciples were powerless to provide anything for a hungry and restless, stadium-sized crowd. Later, rowing hard against a strong wind, they seemed powerless to reach the far shore.

APPLICATION  As the boy’s pilchards and pita bread went on supplying a vast crowd, the disciples’ faith was stretched. Nothing is impossible for God, our way to Him is faith in Jesus, and He will test and stretch that faith.

QUESTION  Do you know of a story of ‘desperate prayer’ that resulted in a lack being turned into more than enough?


Ephesians 3:14-21 — The Holy Spirit gives power to see spiritually

The Spirit reveals the extent of God’s love when we give our hearts to Jesus

14-15 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

“For this reason” – going back to the original thought of v.1, Paul can see in the Spirit how these Greeks are being built together with Jews, the ‘living stones’ of Spirit-filled believers creating the new ‘temple’ of God’s presence.

• For further study, read Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10.

“I kneel” – expresses deep reverence. Most people stood to pray.

“Every family in heaven and on earth” – our identity, whether angelic beings in heaven or humanity on earth, is in belonging to God as Father.

16-17 I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…

“Inner being… hearts” – the same thing, centre of moral being and consciousness and related to the new self and new creation.

• For further study, see , Eph. 4:24, 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15

“Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” – or “make His home in your hearts…” (NLT). What happens at conversion, a decision of our will in which we invite Christ, by His Spirit, to come and inhabit our hearts to be the source of all spiritual power and ministry.

• For further study, read also John 3:1-21 esp. vv. 5-8 and 14-17.

18-19 …may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

“May have power… to know…” — not a new idea, Micah 3:8, Zech. 4:6, but now being able to live in spiritual power and awareness, transformed by Christlike sacrificial love, and showing what God is like to others.

“Love that surpasses knowledge” — not unknowable, but so great it cannot be fully known.

20-21 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

“Now to Him… be glory” — God is glorified in Christ, whose sacrificial death brought the assembly of believers into existence, and is glorified by all those who belong to Him and show His power and compassion.

Reflection

SUMMARY  This prayer of Paul’s for the believers in Ephesus is also is one of the key Bible passages that explains conversion — how the new birth brings us a new, personal awareness of God. It takes us from knowing about God in a religious or institutional way, to a heart-changing living relationship. God becomes real to us as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit. It’s difficult to convey in words but all becomes crystal clear as we ask Christ to take up residence in our hearts.

APPLICATION  Note how Paul’s prayer begins, and ends, with submission, praise and adoration. It makes a sandwich of His appeal to God for His gift of the the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Him influenced by His love which touches everyone and everything. With the Holy Spirit’s eyes, we begin to see where heaven connects with earth. 

QUESTION  What is your story — or your hope — of “being strengthened with power in your inner being” 

PRAYER  Lord, I realise that man’s power corrupts but Your power provides, reveals and releases Your love. I am sorry for the times I have relied on my influence or ability, instead of turning to You. Help me to know You better, and to trust You more, as I grow in awareness of Your Holy Spirit in my life and world. Amen.

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PRINT EDITION  You can download a PDF of the print edition from the link below. It prints on A4 paper to produce a four-page Bible-size folder. Permission given to copy for your own use, for your Bible study or home group, or for inclusion with your church bulletin.

TLW29B-July-25-final-BookletDownload

Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year B

July 18: God’s generous promises

July 11, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Vibrants green, yellow, purple and deep blue in flower bed
Image credit: Ian Greig

Welcome to The Living Word Bible study for Sunday, July 18 (TLW28B). This non-denominational study relies on the Bible explaining the Bible, uninfluenced by any church’s practice or preferences and it follows the Bible’s sequence of progressive revelation. We recommend that you read the whole passage first and let the Holy Spirit begin speaking to you through it, then go deeper with the verse by verse commentary and reflections. Bible readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary, a resource shared by many different churches and chapels and the text is the widely-used and contemporary NIV © Biblica.

OT: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a — God promises David a successor who will have an eternal rule and reign

NT gospel: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 — The promise of Jesus’ compassion for all who draw close.

NT epistle: Ephesians 2:11-22 — All who simply believe in Jesus are promised access to the Father without discrimination

And also read: Psalm 89:20-37

Theme: Encounters with God’s generous promises 

• See this week’s linked article Understanding God’s gracious generosity

• See also this week’s video introduction


2 Samuel 7:1-14a — God promises a successor to rule eternally

Nathan’s court advice turns into a significant prophetic decree

1-2 After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”

“Living in a house of cedar” — more literally, “I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent” (ESV); the same verb repeated highlights the comparison. King David’s stone and imported cedar-wood palace showed up the ark being housed in a portable and less honouring way, 2 Sam. 6:17.

3-4 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: 

“Nathan” — kings had advisors they could call on. Nathan, whose background is unknown, advised first, then showed himself to be prophetic. God always ensured that there was at least one prophet living during each reign, to encourage the king to follow God’s laws and plans and the people to follow God.

“The word of the Lord” — a prophetic decree, the Davidic covenant consisting of national (v.10) and personal (v.11) promises.

• For further study of this as a covenant, see 2 Sam. 23:5, Psalm 89:3,28,34,39 and Psalm 132:11. 

5-7 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build Me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as My dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, “Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?” ’ 

“Are you the one?” – David’s God-given priority was to fight the Lord’s battles to achieve rest, freedom from oppression, in the land that had been promised. See 1 Kings 5:3, 1 Chron. 22:8-9.

8-9 “Now then, tell My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over My people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.

“Cut off all your enemies” – Bible material is often arranged according to topic rather than timing. The events of 2 Sam. 8:1-14 probably happened before this chapter.

10-11 ” ‘And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. 

“Provide a place… for Israel” – the real purpose behind making David king.

“Since…I appointed leaders…” – the time of the judges who preceded the kings.

” ‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord Himself will establish a house for you: 

“Establish a house” – the play on words is evident in translation. God does not desire David to build Him a house, or temple, but God will build David a house, or royal dynasty.

“The Lord declares to you” — many Bible covenants are conditional with an”if” clause, but this covenant with David is unconditional, as with Noah, Abram and Phinehas.

12 ” ‘When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish His kingdom.

13 ” ‘He is the one who will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever.

14 ” ‘I will be His father, and He will be My son.’ “

“He is the one” — apparently a double prophecy, first predicting Solomon’s reign and temple.

“I will establish… for ever” — the covenant with David points beyond Solomon to its enduring fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who was of the tribe of Judah and the house of David, Matt. 1:1, Luke 1:32-33.

Reflection

SUMMARY Following a series of successful military campaigns, David is safe and secure in a newly-built palace in the city named after Him. He consults his court advisor, Nathan, who comes back to him with a profound prophetic word about an enduring God-centred reign to be established through David’s family succession — even if he is not the right person to build a temple for God.

APPLICATION Whenever we take part in a prayer meeting, often beginning with a time of praise, its roots are here. David won his many battles in the place of praise and petition before he took up sword and shield, and his vision for temple worship recognised that. A nation that kept God central would know God’s blessing — a lesson for our time.

QUESTION  If God’s promises for His covenant people flow over into the people of Jesus and the New Covenant, what does God promise us in this passage?


Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 — The promise of Jesus’ compassion for all who draw close

Wherever Jesus went crowds gathered, brought their sick — and were healed.

30-31 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

“Apostles” — envoys sent by Jesus, here the Twelve but after Pentecost a wider group.

“Get some rest” – another definition of rest is finding a quiet place with Jesus.

32-34 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognised them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. 

“A solitary place” — the northeast shore, near Bethsaida according to Luke 9:10.

“Sheep without a shepherd” — an OT picture of lacking godly leadership and being spiritually bereft.

• For further study, Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Ezekiel 34:5.

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.

“Gennesaret” — modern day Ginosar is down the coast a little way, towards Tiberius.

54-56 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognised Jesus. 

“As soon as” —the crowd could see the boat and anticipate its destination on foot.

They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. And wherever He went — into villages, towns or countryside — they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged Him to let them touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed. 

“All who touched it… healed” – a clear statement. See also Matt. 8:16-17.

“Edge of His cloak” — many Jewish men wore an outer garment with tassels woven into the hem symbolising God’s commandments, Numbers 15:37-41.

Reflection

APPLICATION  Following Jesus’ example, we are to make ourselves (and our church structures) accessible to people who are seeking His touch of healing — with His wisdom, to make the right calls when faced with the complexities of addiction and dependency.

SUMMARY This reading gives three instances, either side of the more prominent stories of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand and then Walking on the Water, of people in need following Him or even anticipating where He would go next, and carrying on mats those who were incapacitated. Jesus’ compassion flowed out to them and all who even touched the edge of His cloak were healed.

QUESTION  What need, apart from healing their sicknesses, did Jesus habitually meet for the people who surrounded Him?


Ephesians 2:11-22 — Jesus is the promise of access to the Father

The new relationship with God includes Gentiles on the same basis as Jews

11-13 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) – remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

“At that time you were separate” — referring to those outside a personal relationship with Christ, as they were when they “followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air…”, Ephesians 2:1-10. We have either committed to belonging to Christ, or we are by default in this fallen world under the sway of the devil.

“You who are Gentiles” – most of those in the church in Ephesus.

“Uncircumcised” — this rite was a clear mark of distinction and also pride. Now a major exclusion, between people groups hostile to each other, is reconciled in Christ. 

14-15 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace…

“Made the two groups one” – believing Jews with believing Gentiles.

“Destroyed the barrier… of hostility” — prejudice: Jews and Gentiles practised strict religious isolation from one another. Gentiles in the Jerusalem temple area were not allowed past the barrier in the Court of the Gentiles.

16 …and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the Cross, by which He put to death their hostility.

“In one body” – God sees all those who are His in Jesus, as one body of Christ.

17-18 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

“Far away and… near” – Gentiles, unlike Jews, had no cultural experience of the Living God and so were not as “near”, although both shared exactly the same need to come into personal relationship through Jesus and His Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household…

“Foreigners and strangers” – addressing what had been a deep-seated division.

20 …built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.

“Cornerstone” – hundreds of years before Christ, Isaiah spoke of God laying a “tested stone” as a cornerstone foundation, Isaiah 28:16, meaning the Messiah to come. In any new work, Christ is the first ‘stone’ to be laid, defining the foundations and relationships of all the others, see v.22 and note.

“Foundation of apostles and prophets” – the early church was built on these ministries as people were sent out in ground-breaking roles. Church planting in our time, both overseas and new congregations at home, require all the equipping ministries mentioned later in the letter, Eph. 4:11-13.

21-22 In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. 

“In Him… built together” – Peter also refers to Jesus as the Living Stone in whom believers as ‘living stones’ are being built into a spiritual ‘house’, 1 Peter 2:4-6.

Reflection

SUMMARY  Paul addresses a deep-seated issue of separation in the church — the believers of Jewish background considered themselves superior and were prejudiced against the majority who were of Greek culture, with no previous knowledge of God. But Jesus proclaimed God’s peace and reconciliation to both groups — those who had some historic knowledge of Him, and those to whom it was all new — declaring all believers included as fellow citizens, with the same access to God through His Spirit.

APPLICATION  This speaks to believers in Jesus about the overruling relationship of belonging to Him, which trumps lesser distinctions of race, education or religious background. Churches can too easily degenerate into exclusive clubs for people of a particular preference, but Christ sets aside written and unwritten rules and reconciles to God all who come believing in Him sincerely, creating an inviting fellowship.

QUESTION What in our church practice or language creates barriers for those seeking to find God? How can we become more inviting?

PRAYER  Father, thank You that Your Living Word reminds us that Your kingdom purposes are eternal and all people of all situations are eligible to believe and receive.
Forgive us for our human narrow-mindedness and especially anything in us which is dismissive of believers whose journey into life has been different from ours.
May we grow as examples to others of Your grace and generosity, being the good news as well as telling it.
In and through Christ we pray, Amen.

///////

PRINT EDITION  You can download a PDF of the print edition from the link below. It prints on A4 paper to produce a four-page Bible-size folder. Permission given to copy for your own use, for your Bible study or home group, or for inclusion with your church bulletin.

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  • About…
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  • About TLW print edition
  • Explaining…
    • Explaining… Christmas: the call to worship
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    • Understanding… Holiness and the Great Commandment
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    • Understanding… How we raise our expectation
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    • Understanding… The need to be ready for the Lord’s return
    • Understanding… The way agreement and conflict play out in the kingdom of God
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    • Inexpressible and glorious joy
    • The need to be reborn from above
    • Understanding the Trinity of God
    • First-century gnosticism

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Welcome to The Living Word

You get a lot more out of the Sunday service readings if they are already speaking to you. TLW is about reading and re-reading these Scriptures with some commentary to bring out what is hidden and make connections with cross references. This is different from liturgy because it is a Bible study, putting the Bible passages in sequence from OT, through the NT gospel era, and then through the lens of the post-resurrection, early church in the power of the Spirit. Enabling this progressive revelation points to a theme.  The translation used is the readable and widely-used 2011 edition of the New International Version (NIV) Bible. Commentary is drawn from a wide range of sources and is Bible-centric and theologically neutral. As we read and reflect and allow the Holy Spirit to help us hear God through His word during the week, we prepare ourselves to hear afresh and receive the Sunday sermon in church or chapel.

For convenience, use the ‘Subscribe’ box below to receive a short email with the Bible passage and notes for each weekday (and that’s all!).

Unsubscribing is just as easy.

A little about me and my vision for The Living Word

I live in the Marches, a green and beautiful expanse of hills between England and Wales where churches and chapels share duty to the Christian faithful in every valley, and churchgoing is still part of the community life. However, there are few Bibles to be seen in these buildings, and home-based groups for fellowship and Bible study are rare.

I want to encourage Sunday worshippers in churches and chapels to enjoy reading the Bible during the week, to get used to hearing God for themselves through His word, and to be  spiritually prepared for the message they will hear on Sunday from the lectionary readings they all share. It is no substitute for meeting and worshipping together, nor for Holy Spirit-inspired preaching. It supports both by encouraging the personal growth of church and chapel members of any denomination. It offers faith encouragement for those no longer able to, or no longer wanting to take part in, formal physical church.

My background is not in churches that use the lectionary and I bring a breadth of tradition and spiritual understanding to the writing.  I have pastored a number of churches and been involved in a variety of other missional initiatives with a ‘kingdom of God’ agenda.

As well as The Living Word and its weekly video I also post regularly on www.freshbread.today and www.thelivingword.substack.com with a podcast as well as video and written content. There is also a Facebook page at fb.com/TLWbiblestudy

Revd Ian Greig BD (Hons), DPS

SEE ALSO other Living Word Publications

Substack newsletter and podcast (free subscription) — audio podcast, video and written content all in one place

Fresh Bread Today — the freshest bake, with a bit of a tang, unpackaged and uncut. His word to live by, today.

Believe the Good News – finding the good news and encouragement all through the Bible

GLOW – God’s Love Over Weobley, encouraging prayer and spiritual fellowship. With a local flavour for this NW Herefordshire village.

 

 

 

 

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