Some would answer, “I just like to sing.” Some would answer, “I sing because God commands it.” And some would answer, “I do not sing.” It is very good to sing because God commands it. But that is not enough. To be baptized because God commands it is good but that is not enough. Purpose must be understood, and one must be baptized for remission of sins. Just so, the purpose for singing must be understood. How do you answer this question?

The first song in the Bible is Exodus 15:1-21. They were singing to praise the Lord. Read verses 1, 6, 7, 11, and 18 for proof of this. Their singing was to thank God for deliverance from Exodus. Read verses 13, 19, and 21 for proof of this. The purpose of their singing was to praise God for deliverance.

As we turn through the Bible the second song is in Judges 5. They sang to praise God. For proof of this read verses 2, 3, and 9. They sang for the joy of deliverance from the army of Canaan. For proof of this read verses 11 and 12. The purpose of their singing was to praise God for deliverance.

In 2 Samuel 2 we have David’s song. He sang to praise God. See verses 2,3,4 and 47. He sang to thank God for deliverance. See verses 18, 44, and 49.

Thus, we see that they sang to praise for deliverance. From this we should see this is why we sing also. But let us go to the new covenant and see what we find.

See Romans 15:9-12. We are to sing to praise God (verses 9 and 11). We sing because we rejoice in the salvation that is provided in the “root of Jesse” – Jesus, verse 12.

See Ephesians 5:19-20. We sing to praise the Lord, verse 19. We sing giving thanks for the salvation He provides, verse 20.

See Colossians 3:15,16. We sing because we are thankful for the salvation He provides, verse 15. We sing to praise Him, verse 16. And here we learn one more reason to sing. We sing to teach and admonish one another, verse 16.

See James 5:13. It is natural to pray when in distress. And it is just as natural for the Christian to sing when he is merry because of the salvation God provides.

When one does not sing, it shows he/she is lacking in the desire to praise God for the salvation He provides and one’s concern for one another. And when one sings halfheartedly it shows he is weak in his desire to praise God and concern for one another.

Brethren, we have been redeemed; we have something for which to sing. So let us, each one, resolve to truly sing with the spirit and to be understood (1 Corinthians 14:15-16) so that we both praise God for redemption and edify one another.

Jesse Jenkins

His birth was awesome!

• Matthew 1:18-23
• Luke 1:39-44
• Luke 2:1-20
• Matthew 2:1-2

His teaching was awesome!

• Matthew 7:27-29
• Mark 1:21-22
• Matthew 4:23-25

His life was awesome!

• I Peter 2:21-24
• Acts 10:38-39
• Hebrews 3:1-6
• Hebrews 4:15
• Hebrews 5:5-9

His death was awesome!

• Matthew 27:33-54
• Matthew 28:1-9

His promise of eternal life was awesome!

• Hebrews 5:9
• Matthew 5:3-12
• Matthew 10:22
• Hebrews 2:9-18

Galatians 5

• Galatians 3:23
• Colossians 2:14 – The Old Law has been put away.
• Galatians 5:1 – See John 8:32-40.
  • “Stand fast” – Ephesians 3:17; Jeremiah 2:8
  • “again” – some were previously entangled in paganism.
  • I Corinthians 15:58; 16:13; Ephesians 6; Philippians 1:27
• Galatians 5:5 – See Titus 2:13; II Timothy 4:8; Philippians 3:8-11

Introduction

• Numbers 20:1-13

Review: Moses

• Exodus 1:15-2:4
• Exodus 2:5-6
• Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:23
• Acts 7:30-36
• Exodus 31:18; 34:27-28
• Deuteronomy 34:7
• Matthew 17:1-8

Previously on…

• God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 1-14)
• God provides manna and water from a rock (Exodus 16-17)
• Moses receives the law at Mr. Sinai and the people worship an idol (Exodus 19-32)
• Spies sent into Canaan and the people rebel (Numbers 13-14)
  • God pronounces judgment on the Israelites – death and wilderness wandering
• Numbers 20:1 – Miriam dies

People’s behavior affects us

• Numbers 20:2-5
• Recall that Moses is called “very meek” (Numbers 12:3)
• Notice some interactions between God and Moses:
  • Exodus 33:17
  • Numbers 14:20
  • Deuteronomy 34:10
• But even he was not immune to the effects of other people’s behavior.
• Moses behaved admirably on several occasions when he faced difficult circumstances.
  • Exodus 17:4
  • Numbers 12:13
  • Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 14:13-19
• Consider how Jesus behaved when He was mistreated (Matthew 27:24-50).
• Moses is not alone in being influenced by others’ bad behavior.
  • Galatians 2:11-14
  • III John 1:9-11
• Moses’ anger problem
  • Exodus 2:11-13
  • Exodus 11:8
  • Exodus 32:19
  • Psalms 106:32-33; 78:38-41
  • Galatians 5:20
• How we react, when mistreated, must be governed by God’s word.
  • Matthew 5:11-12
  • II Timothy 2:24-25

Partial obedience isn’t enough

• Numbers 20:9-11
• Exodus 17:1-7
• The difference between the last time God commanded Moses to provide water and this time is one word: “strike” vs. “tell”
• When Got issues a command or authorizes a work, it must be done fully and completely.
  • Partial obedience = rebellion

Sin has consequences

• Numbers 20:12, 24
• Moses asks God to reconsider his punishment.
  • Deuteronomy 3:26
  • Deuteronomy 32:48-52
• This moment of rash behavior at Meribah was a short one in light of Moses’ long life, but it had a lasting impact.
• Sin’s earthly consequences may be short-lived or permanent.
• Sin’s spiritual consequences may be short-lived or permanent.
• Romans 6:23; James 1:15
• II Corinthians 7:10-11 – One who fears the earthly consequences of sin more than spiritual consequences will never be saved.

Conclusion

• Moses, like us, was not immune to temptation.
• His actions at Meribah remind us that …
  • Others’ behavior affects us
  • Partial obedience is unacceptable
  • Sin has lasting consequences
• But, thanks to God, we can respond appropriately to negative behavior, please God with our service, and avoid eternal condemnation!

I Corinthians 7

I Corinthians 7:1-5 – The marriage bed

• I Corinthians 7:1 – Some translations add quotes here to indicate this is something written to Paul. This is not a general rule that sexual relations are wrong.
• I Corinthians 7:2 – God created mankind with a sexual appetite, which should be fulfilled within marriage as God designed it. See Proverbs 5:19-20 and Song of Solomon.
• I Corinthians 7:3 – The responsibility here is mutual. It is the same for both husband and wife.
• I Corinthians 7:4 – This must be done in love. Sex should never be used as a weapon or a bargaining chip in marriage. This verse is not a license for abuse.
• I Corinthians 7:5 – The marriage bed is a blessing. Sex should not be withheld. Self-control is still required.

I Corinthians 7:6-16 – Instructions to the married and unmarried

• I Corinthians 7:6-9 – Paul is not saying marriage in general is bad. He’s giving specific directions for the present time.
• I Corinthians 7:10-13 – Jesus had already taught against divorce (Matthew 19:6). Jesus had not specifically addressed the case in I Corinthians 7:12-13 about Christians married to non-Christians. See I John 2:1. I Corinthians 7:11 is not implying that divorce is okay.
• I Corinthians 7:14 – “Sanctified” or “made holy” here means the marriage and children are legitimate. This is different than how the Old Covenant worked for Jews in that Jews could not marry Gentiles.