Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

1. Lessons in Law andthe Wilderness Arkansas Fall Gathering September 2009

2. Joy and Thanksgivingare the natural state of the Spiritual Mind Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

3. Trial is Our Blessing • Through trial, a Believer is presented with an opportunity to further manifest a character pleasing unto The Almighty • For when we “endure chastening, God dealeth with (us) as with sons” (Heb 12.7) Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

4. Is It Just History? • Perhaps we are too quick to disregard some of the principles contained in the Law of Moses as applicable to another dispensation • if not outright dismissed, maybe we fail to take advantage of an opportunity to glean from the Law important principles that remain relevant still in our day Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

5. Sabbath • Sabbath (shab-bawth´) means intermission • It comes from a root word that means to desist from exertion; to cease, to celebrate, and to rest • Three important concepts connected to the Sabbath: intermission, rest and celebration Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

6. Sabbath • “(the Sabbath) was a wise and beneficent institution that prevented the Israelites from wearing themselves out by incessant toil • It revived in them a weekly remembrance of the Law and promises of God” John Thomas, Elpis Israel Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

7. Sabbath Requirement • The Sabbath was to be kept as a perpetual covenant between Yahweh and His people • Ezekiel records that, “the house of Israel rebelled against (Yahweh)… and (His) Sabbaths they greatly polluted” (Eze 20.13) • God’s chosen people would be required to pay the price Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

8. Example of the Memorials • “Now for God’s people there is one special duty, or rather privilege, and that is to remember their Lord’s death till he come” Thomas Williams, The World’s Redemption • Unworthily (371. an-ax-ee'-oce) irreverently • It is not something common or trivial Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

9. The Fourth Commandment • “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex 20.8) • Thus, be mindful of the Sabbath’s intent, and preserve it as set apart from all other days Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

10. Sabbath Law Fulfilled • Col 2: 14-17 • Christ – who came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it – “wiped away the bill of charges against us” (v.14, CJB) Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

11. The Sabbath Principle • Refrain from the daily toils of the flesh • Perform the works of God • And thus be spiritually refreshed Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

12. The Sabbath Principle • There is a sense in which the Sabbath law is still binding on the believers • They are expected to ‘cease’ from the works of the flesh, and to give themselves unto God every day of the week Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

13. The Benefit of Study • When engaged in the study of the scriptures – not just reading, but examining the Word of Truth – we find ourselves: • Refraining from the daily toils of the flesh, performing the works of God, becoming spiritually refreshed Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

14. The Bereans (Acts 17:11) • “Noble” means well born, fig. generous • Their acceptance immediately reflected the quality of their hearts and mind • They manifested a generous and honorable character Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

15. With all Readiness of Mind • This phrase carries with it the meaning of (predisposition, alacrity), thus • They were prepared and enthusiastic about the Word they were receiving Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

16. Search the Scriptures Daily • The word denotes to scrutinize, investigate, discern or question • They studied! (not just read) • “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (Jho 5.39) Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

17. Key Phrases in Exodus 35 • “a willing heart” (v.5 and 29) or “willing hearted” (v.22) • “wise hearted” (v.10) • “heart stirred” (v.21) Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

18. The Willing Offering • Willing (naw-deeb) voluntary, properly • These offerings were not just voluntary - which is in itself a very important aspect of true worship • They were correct as well Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

19. Heart • Heart (labe) used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect • The definition continues and includes: friendly, understanding, wisdom Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

20. A Willing Heart • A “willing heart” required an understanding of God’s commandments • A need to appreciate the work at hand, its value and its significance Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

21. Wise-Hearted • Wise (khaw-kawm) intelligent, skillful or artful • The Hebrew root adds to this: in mind, word or act • What we understand in our mind, what we say from our mouth, and what we do with our hands all relate to our willing service unto our heavenly Father Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

22. Are We Wise-Hearted? • We must possess an accurate understanding of the TCKG & NJC in our minds • We must harness our tongues, and use it for encouragement, teaching and prayer • Our actions must be consistent with the Truth as it has been revealed Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

23. A Willing Mind • “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Cor 8:12) • Mind (4288) predisposition, alacrity (eagerness, enthusiasm, zeal) Lessons in Law and the Wilderness

24. Joy and Thanksgivingare the natural state of the Spiritual Mind Lessons in Law and the Wilderness