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Jesus said, "The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:42). Notice that last part of Jesus' statement: "Something greater than Solomon is here." Solomon was the son of David and became the third king of Israel. He was known for his wisdom in governmental affairs; he ran the country well and it prospered and grew under his leadership. Though Solomon would become lax in matters of faith later in his life, and make some tragic mistakes, as a ruler his wisdom was supreme.

Solomon built the first temple at Jerusalem. There are some good lessons to be learned from the dedication of the new temple.

"Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim made a covering over the ark and its poles from above. But the poles were so long that the ends of the poles could be seen from the holy place before the inner sanctuary, but they could not be seen outside; they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the sons of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt." (1 Kings 8:6-9).

The ark of the covenant was brought into the Most Holy Place in the inner sanctuary of the temple. At this time, a cloud filled the house of the Lord (vs. 11). Numerous sacrifices were being made (vs. 5). What a great temple Solomon had built!

But "something greater than Solomon" is here. It is a greater temple built by the Son of God. Today, it is the people of God who make up His temple as He dwells in our hearts by faith. Paul wrote: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; see also 1 Corinthians 3:16). Peter said, "And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5).

You see, a temple is a prepared place for God to dwell. So it is with the spiritual temple of God. We ought to understand that we speak in accommodative terms in that God did not literally occupy physical space in Solomon's temple, but His presence was there in a unique sense. That is also true of His spiritual temple today; His people.

We also note that the spiritual temple is involved today with sacrifices which continue to be offered unto God. Paul said, "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2; see also Hebrews 13:16). Solomon's temple might have been awesome to behold, but "something greater than Solomon is here!"

Solomon covers several aspects of Israel's relationship with God in his speech to them. The nature of the temple itself is defined. Solomon also reminded them of David's desire to build the temple, but how that God had given that task to Solomon instead. He reminded them of Egypt. He reminded them of the covenant that God had made with them. (1 Kings 8:12-21).

The point is that God keeps all of His promises to us. He had given certain promises to Israel concerning the land in which they now dwelled and had fulfilled them all (Joshua 24:14-16; 21; 24-28). He kept His covenant with them and expected them to also keep their side of it as well.

Today we live under a new covenant with the very same God. He expects the same out of us; to keep the covenant (Hebrews 8:1-13). God has made even better promises to us in this covenant. But, as with the first covenant, the promises of God are conditioned upon our continued faithfulness (Hebrews 3:6; 13-14; 10:23). Jesus is the source of eternal life to all who obey Him! (Hebrews 5:9). We have a better covenant. Yes, "something greater than Solomon is here!

Solomon also offered a public prayer before the altar at the dedication of his new temple. This prayer can be found in 1 Kings 8:22-53. He knelt on his knees and prayed, acknowledging dependence upon God (1 Kings 8:30). He petitioned God to hear the prayers of the people for mercy and forgiveness (1 Kings 8:33-36). Solomon also acknowledged that he understood that God did not literally take up space in the temple. He said, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built! (1 Kings 8:27).

Prayer is a very special privilege for God's people. But those who served as Solomon's high priests were men, mortal and sinful, just like himself. They would die, and need to be replaced.

But not so with our mediator (1 Timothy 2:15), advocate (1 John 2:1) and high priest. Jesus is our authority in prayer. It is in the name of the Son of God that we offer our prayers. He has no sins, and does not die. He lives forever to make intercession for us. "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption." (Hebrews 9:11-12). Yes, "something greater than Solomon is here!"

"May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded our fathers." (1 Kings 8:57-58).

Solomon asked for both God's continued blessings as well as the people' continued faithfulness. Those two things are related, then as well as now. He also said, "...so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no one else." (1 Kings 8:60). Like then, our faith will cause others to know of our relationship with God. Remember, "something greater than Solomon is here!"

Paul, the inspired apostle to the Gentiles, gives us a statement of his mind set, which I believe we can look at closely in a profitable manner. Paul was in prison, yet he wrote this, having been there a long time, falsely charged and unjustly treated! The fact is we can do ALL THINGS that are profitable and good, regardless of circumstances! The avenue is provided (The ONLY one in fact) -- through Christ! It is availability to anyone who will apply him/herself, and the source of real strength is Him: who strengthens me.

This should be our mind set regardless of our surroundings! In Paul's condition one might not expect him to be thus so optimistic! Yet, he recognized that he is not limited in what he can do! He left us with this example, as he recognized he was an example (1 Tim. 1:12-16) -- showing us a "pattern" to them which should come hereafter! Listen to his claim to Timothy.

"12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

1. One can have salvation even after making many mistakes. Paul sure had done much wrong, in opposing the disciples of Christ, THINKING he was dong right (Cf. Acts 26:9-10). Yet, later, after being enlightened, he recognized that he had been the chief of sinners. God's grace is sufficient to forgive, Paul could and did serve the Lord acceptably, and he wanted people to know that fact (Phil. 1:12-14). Neither did being rejected by many of his countrymen, placed in prison for doing right, and being falsely charged, cause him to become bitter, despondent, or discouraged, thinking that he could not accomplish any good. In his circumstance!

2. So can any person who will submit his/her life according to the teachings in the New Testament scriptures. That person may have done many things that were displeasing to God and perhaps hurtful to men, but he/she can have forgiveness and then be engaged in the greatest work in the universe -- teaching and persuading others of the greatness of salvation in Christ Jesus!

He who THINKS he can, very likely can and will! Likewise, he/she who THINKS they can't is right, and surely will not, because they will follow what they THINK.

The 12 spies saw and reported! They had all saw and experienced the same thing, in the land they spied out. Yet, they made different claims about what could be done. Why, it was how they viewed the Lord and His instructions! Two said we can, and they did, even though it took them 40 years! Caleb said, when he entered the land forty years later: "Give me this mountain." (Josh. 14:12). He had another spirit, following the Lord wholly (Num. 14:24; Jos.14:8). Joshua and Caleb, had to linger with the others, but they reached their goal -- in time!

He/She who THINKS they can't are correct, also, with that state of mind! Ten said we can't, and they didn't: They died after 40 years wandering in the wilderness! The different was the mind set! We can! How many handicapped people have accomplished so much, while otherwise normal people have failed, by deciding they can't!

Some people fail to begin the Christian life, thinking they can't hold out! Some start and drop out, thinking there are too many difficulties! Many, as Paul, under difficult circumstances finish the course (2 Tim. 4:6-8). With the mind set that they could, they did.

Determination comes from having decided that one CAN and thus they will, because God will enable them to do so! Beloved, let us have the mind set that Paul manifested and therefore, we'll achieve good things on earth and be prepared for the blessing of heaven! Let each of us say with the apostle, "I can do all things through Christian who strengthens me."

Being In Him -- that is Christ. One has to look at the position one must be in, in order to reach the goal that Paul, the inspired apostle promises!

1. Look at Saul/Paul's conversion: Being convinced that he had been fighting against the Son of God, he evidenced repentance – praying and not eating or drinking (Acts 9:9) for three days, waiting to be told what to do; confessed Christ (Acts 9:6) -- asking what to do, and Ananias told him (Acts 22:16). He acted immediately, and then went to work traveling a different road from what he had been traveling, preaching the gospel, and he never allowed anything to keep him from so working, even though he was persecuted on nearly every side. He kept the faith, finished his course, fighting the good fight of faith till the end! (Cf. 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Therefore he could leave this world in anticipation of better things waiting for him and all whom he had influenced to submit their lives to the same Master, who would love His appearing!

2. Look at his immediate change in behavior. He began to preach Christ "straightway" even among his country men, (Acts 9:20). Beloved isn't it a lovely thing to see a person who has missed the mark, to see that person commit his/her life to Christ and immediately observe the change in their outlook, outreach, and output. How powerful the gospel, how right the gospel for the life of human being. How needful it is to produce real change.

3. Paul faced difficulties from the start; brethren knew of his reputation (Acts 9: 26ff), and were reluctant to accept him. However, there were others who had witnessed his turn around, dramatic change in behavior, and the new goal he had and expressed. He was accepted by the dedicated disciples when they hard the story.

4. This man Paul remained faithful in his service, TRUSTING Christ as Lord, and went throughout the country, regardless of the opposition, explaining how God had from the beginning pointed to the need for Christ to come -- pointed to the message in the prophets (Acts 24:14-17; 28:23-28)!

2. He has learned some things, as we all are to grow in knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18; 1:5-11).

Strength is provided for me, you and anyone who willingly submits! Paul attributed all his success to the strength given him by the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, must we all recognize and accept that fact: without Him we can actually do very little or nothing that really counts in the eternal perspective (Jn. 15:4).

Conclusion: Look at Paul, Daniel and others --in difficult situation purposed Not to be defeated; understanding each can succeed!

2. He'll give us strength -- when we are weak enough to depend on Him, we are strongest! Beloved each of us can do all things that REALLY COUNT through Christ who strengthens!

Tent à Death à Building

Exposition of 2 Cor. 5:1-10

Warren E. Berkley

The best approach to the study of Second Corinthians five is by way of the first four chapters of the epistle.

There is one phrase in Second Corinthians chapter one that may well set the tone for much of what Paul discusses in these early chapters. Consider this phrase: “…the sufferings of Christ abound in us,” (2 Cor. 1:5). Paul describes the suffering he and his companions endured as they lived and preached the gospel of Christ. He uses words like “tribulation, trouble, afflictions, burdened, sorrow, anguish” and “many tears.” These apostles of Christ endured the hardships He said they would experience (Jno. 15:18-25).

Paul’s purpose in these reports in Second Corinthians is not to create gloom. Scattered throughout his report of suffering there are intense statements affirming the comfort of faith. God “comforts us,” (1:4), “…for as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ,” (1:5). Paul acknowledges: our hope is steadfast (1:7); God is faithful (1:18); and we are fellow-workers for your joy (1:24). So the apostle objectively reports the suffering they endured as ambassadors of Christ, but not to promote despair; rather, to stress the endurance possible by faith.

As Paul describes their suffering, more than once he speaks of death! He said, “We had the sentence of death in ourselves,” (1:9), and he speaks with joy of deliverance “from so great a death,” (1:10). He uses the poetic expression, “the aroma of death leading to death,” (2:16). Then he says: “For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.” So, as Paul describes the suffering they endured as ambassadors of Christ he frequently uses terminal terminology – the language of death! (If you speak “gospel language,” the language of death is always accompanied by the language of hope!)

How do you go through something that can best be described by the terminology of death? Their suffering was like dying daily. Paul said that in 2 Cor. 6:9 – “as dying.” And, in a more literal sense they faced death. In 1 Cor. 4:9, Paul said the apostles were men condemned to death. So the question for those men was: How do you go through something that can best be described as death?

The more direct question for us today is: How do we face death? Now we are ready to introduce 2 Cor. 5. {Read the text before continuing – 2 Cor. 5:1-10.}

Verse 1: “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” This is how Christians handle death; in fact, this is the only way to face it; knowing that when this earthly body is destroyed, there is another body: “a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

Be careful not to overlook the details. Verse 1 is introduced by that simple phrase that is filled with meaning: “we know!” Guessing affords no power in facing death. The philosophical speculation of men supplies no strength. Paul writes of that which we can know here in 2 Cor. 5:1. This is the knowledge enjoyed by those who walk by faith, not by sight.

Now to the essence of the verse, two bodies are mentioned. One we have now; another we will have then. One is earthly, the other is “eternal in the heavens.” The present body is called a “tent,” while the future body is called a “building.” A tent is a temporary habitation of a traveler. A building is the permanent habitation of a resident. The tent is the body we now occupy; the building is the glorious body we are destined to occupy, so long as we walk by faith (see Phil. 3:20,21). For now, we are “tent-bound.”

I believe the “building from God” in this verse is the same thing Paul wrote about back in 1 Cor. 15 – the resurrection body; the body God will give us when we are raised; a body suited to inhabit heaven.

The body we live in now will not live forever; these bodies we have now will age and become weak; and these bodies will be buried. God will raise a body that is suited to life in heaven. Paul wrote about that back in 1 Cor. 15, and I think that resurrected body is the “building from God” here in 2 Cor. 5:1. It is an eternal building, “from God… not made with hands,” and it is what we anticipate – if we walk by faith.

This truth upholds us under suffering, even unto death. When we become conscious of our earthly tent moving toward death, decay and destruction, we do not lose heart because our eyes are fixed, not on what is seen, but what is unseen. {To grasp the full meaning of this, read the entire context: 2 Cor. 4:16 – 5:1}.

The impact of this is practical and every one of us can make it personal, because we will not live forever as we are now! These earthly bodies were not made for eternity. But because of the work of Christ for us, and our participation by active faith in those blessings, we can fix our hope on a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

In verse 2 Paul continues with this statement: “In this we groan…” I strongly suspect every reader of this article knows what it means to “groan.” It is a word expressing the emotion of pain. It is an utterance expressing pain (Webster). We know what it means to groan, and it may be – we fulfill that word in several ways not worthy of our calling. But I think Paul is talking about something here beyond the ordinary groaning we do.

This is a specific kind of groaning; defined in this verse. “Earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.” In the NIV: “Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…” This is the groaning of wanting to occupy that other body – that eternal building from God, prepared for those who walk by faith!

It may be this is easier to grasp through the years of experience. Or perhaps I should say, this becomes more meaningful to us, as we grow older. I tell you it is common for aged Christians to long for that eternal body they will occupy in heaven. And it may also be, the more you suffer, the deeper your appreciation of that which is eternal. (There is a legitimate, commendable mood that seeks death, see Phil. 1:23).

This was written by a suffering man. An inspired apostle – Yes. But do not rule out his experience of suffering – which is the background of the text. He said this, expressing his hope and the hope of all – who walk by faith: “For we know, that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.”

“..indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.” (Vss. 3,4)

Verses 3 & 4 further explain this groaning. The thought was not to just get out of suffering; it was not just the emotion or longing of pure escape. The essence of this groaning was – “that mortality may be swallowed up by life.”

This desire is not just to get out of pain and get beyond death, but to live! The body we will have in eternity will be free of the diseases, pains and burdens of earthly existence. So free Paul said, “swallowed up by life.” This is about living in a body prepared by God (glorious, Phil. 3:20,21), in a place prepared by God (heaven), for those who walk by faith. As we struggle in “this tent,” we long for this eternally clothed existence (not naked, but eternally clothed, immortally clothed.)

Verse 5: “For He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” Paul had the Spirit’s assurance these things were so. I repeat: This is not mere guessing or speculation! The passage begins, “For we know…” How did Paul know? “By revelation,” (see Eph. 3:1-6). The Holy Spirit has revealed it; Paul wrote it and we can know it, and take our confidence in it. As we walk by faith, God is preparing us for better things.

What is the value of this? Confidence. “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord,” (verse 6). While we live on earth in these bodies, there is an absence from the Lord – in this sense: We do not yet enjoy His presence, in the eternal sense! We enjoy fellowship with Him now as we walk by faith. But while we live on earth in these temporary bodies there is an absence from the Lord in this specific sense: We do not yet enjoy His presence in the eternal sense. We are now “tent-bound.”

What must we do while “tent-bound?” Walk by faith, not by sight. Verse 7 expresses both obligation (obedience) and ground of confidence (trust). It is our ground of confidence – as we live by faith – that when these bodies are destroyed – “we have a building from God, eternal in the heavens.” That’s our ground of confidence. Those with this confidence walk (active mobility) by faith

What does that mean in practice? It means hearing, believing and doing as God directs. It means not living according to what you see in the temporal world. It means even in the face of death, maintaining your obedience of heart to Jehovah. As we walk by faith verse 8 says, “we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from body and to be present with the Lord.”

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (Verses 9 & 10)

Look at verse 9 as the effect this teaching should have on us, and will have on each of us, if we are wise – making it our aim to please the Lord. If you want to face death the way Paul faced it, make it your aim to please the Lord. If you want hope to strengthen you and get you through the struggles on earth – make it your aim to please the Lord. As you please the Lord – though the body may deteriorate, your spirit will soar to great heights. You will be strong and courageous. And you will be ready . . .

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Observe, in 2 Cor. 4:16-5:10, movement in the text from hope to accountability. As we accept the promises of the gospel, by the activity of our faith (walking by faith, not sight), we personally embrace the necessary accountability to stand before “the judgment seat of Christ.”

I wonder – if there are people who read and study this, with the immediate reaction, “I would love to have that hope!” It may occur to you that you cannot have this courageous hope, because of what you have done.

Because of your sin you may think all of this we have studied is not within your reach. The message of the gospel is – You can have this hope; you can depend upon this confidence every day, and have this hope every hour - - even to your last hour!

Regardless of what you have done you can receive these blessings and have this hope because of who Jesus Christ is, and what He did. Still in 2 Cor. 5 - - read verses 17-21.

This is about what God did for us: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This is the gospel – and by your response to the gospel – you have every element of hope we have studied; all of that confidence you can have. That’s the good news.

But something is required and that is, the activity of your faith, “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” Faith is the result of hearing the Word of God. Faith becomes active in repentance, in confession and baptism. Faith remains active and grows, as we aim to be well pleasing to Him.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” (2 Cor. 7:1).

In Jn. 11:25,26 Jesus made an amazing statement, then He followed it by asking a very simple and direct question.

Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died just a few days before. Four days after His friends’ burial, Jesus went to the cemetery and was met by Lazarus’ sister, Martha. Martha said to Jesus the very same words that her sister Mary would come up and say a few minutes later, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (vs. 21 & 32) They must have been strengthening each other’s faith in the days since their brother’s death. Some lose their faith in such times of grief, but these good sisters did not.

Jesus then spoke to Martha about the resurrection of her brother. Martha interjected with a statement revealing her faith in the great resurrection at the last day. (vs. 24) Jesus not only told her that there was going to be a resurrection, Jesus Himself was that resurrection. “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (vss. 25,26)

What an incredible statement. Here was a man standing before Martha telling her that He was the resurrection of life, and that if anyone would believe in Him they would live forever. Would this cause Martha to doubt? Wasn’t Lazarus a believer, a disciple, of Jesus? And just where was it that Martha was having this conversation about life and death? Wasn’t it in a cemetery near the fresh grave of her beloved brother? Many lose their faith in just such a scene as this.

So even though Martha had first told Jesus that she was sure Jesus could have healed her brother had he arrived before his death (vs. 21) showing her belief in His power and goodness, and she had affirmed her belief that her brother would rise again in the general resurrection (vs. 24), Jesus asked her a direct question of faith.

In vs. 26 Jesus asked Martha “Do you believe this?” How should Martha respond? Should she get mad that anyone dared ask her about her beliefs? That’s a very personal question isn’t it? Or should she be aghast that Jesus would talk about life and death here at the graveyard so near the fresh grave of her brother? Wouldn’t it be more sensitive to broach this subject at another time? Martha instead made a great confession in the divinity and position of Jesus. “She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.’” (vs. 27)

Martha didn’t just say that she believed in a Christ, but the Jesus, the one standing before her, was the one. She was asked if she believed Jesus was the resurrection and the life, she responded by saying that Jesus was the Christ. She rightly realized that these were the same questions.

Since Jesus is the Christ, He is the source of eternal life. If we believe in Him with the confidence that Martha did (a confidence that you can take with you to the graveyard), you can be as calm and assured in the goodness, grace and power of Jesus as she was. And you can have eternal life.

Martha made her great confession in Jesus just before He raised her brother from his early grave. She believed and her faith was quickly vindicated. If we believe in the same way that she did we don’t expect to so quickly leave the cemetery in triumph. But the power that Jesus demonstrated in Bethany assures us that one day (that last great day) we can leave the cemetery just as surely as Lazarus did when Jesus says, “Come forth” to all the faithful.

There were a series of movies starring Harrison Ford as "Indiana Jones", an archaeologist and adventurer. In the first movie, "The Raiders of the Lost Ark", Jones battles the Nazis in the days just prior to the Second World War. The Nazis had found the ark of the covenant and were seeking to discover and employ it's mysterious powers to help them one day conquer the world. Interestingly enough, though the movie is fiction, there was an army that really did foolishly try the same thing once. The Philistines once took the ark in battle, but gave it back when they began to be plagued with problems. But even Israel also had some erroneous ideas about it. They thought it had some sort of mystical power (much like the "Raiders" movie did), not realizing that the power was God's and that without faith and obedience it was just a box.

In the movie, when the lid is raised and the Nazis peer inside, at first they see dust. The Gestapo agent sneers, thinking it has all been wasted effort, but then the dust begins to swirl and a light bursts forth up into the clouds. Then, spirits begin to rise up out of the ark and the flesh of the Nazis begins to melt from their bodies as they scream in anguish. Oops! Jones, who has been tied up with a companion, closes his eyes and says, "Don't look!" and so they are spared.

We do not know what became of the real ark of the covenant. It became lost from history about six centuries B.C. when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. But assuming it survived intact, and its contents were left undisturbed (these are big assumptions. Again, we do not know for sure what happened to it), what would a modern day discoverer of the lost ark find if he or she was to raise the lid and look inside?

The last time the ark's location was known was about six centuries before Christ. It was in Jerusalem, in the temple, in the most secluded chamber known as "the most holy place. " It had been moved to Jerusalem about three centuries before by King David. Previous to that, it had been located in the tabernacle after it's construction during the wilderness wanderings when Israel had been freed from slavery in Egypt. (Hebrews 9:1-4; 11). We note that three items were kept inside the ark. The Bible describes the "most holy place" as "having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant." (Hebrews 9:4).

That makes three items: a golden jar holding manna, Aaron's rod and the two stone tables of the covenant. Each of these three items reminds us of God's character. Consider:

The manna reminds us of God's care and providence for His people. God provides all with blessings such as sun, water, food and air (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:24-28). He also provides special blessings for His people. He always has (1 John 3:22-24).

The manna reminds us to trust in God. After Israel left Egypt, they lived in the wilderness for forty years before coming into Canaan. There would not be nearly enough food for so many people in such a desolate place. The Lord would cause manna to fall and the people would gather it together and eat it. The first morning this occurred, the Bible says, "When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, 'It is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat.' (Exodus 16:15). It was white in color and tasted like wafers with honey. It was evidently very nutritional because the people thrived and continued to increase in number even in the wilderness. The people were instructed to keep a serving of the manna throughout their generations to remind them of God's care. He commanded, "Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt." (Exodus 16:32). This reminder was kept in the ark.

It is always good for God's people to remember God's blessings and to give praise and thanks unto God (1 Timothy 4:4-5). It is also helpful to know God is trustworthy and deserves our absolute confidence, no matter what present distress we may face (Romans 8:37-39; 2 Timothy 4:16-18).

The second item mentioned as being in the ark was Aaron's walking staff. The rods of the leaders of the twelve tribes were gathered together, and overnight God showed His selection of Aaron by causing his to miraculously bud overnight. "Now it came about on the next day that Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds." (Numbers 17:8).

This had all occurred because of a man named Korah who had instigated a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. There had been much bloodshed, and though Korah's rebellion had been put down, the earth itself opening up and swallowing them, the people began accusing Moses and Aaron of causing their deaths. This was the Lord's demonstration to the people not to rebel. "But the Lord said to Moses, "Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put an end to their grumblings against Me, so that they should not die." (Numbers 17:10). Let it be remembered by us as well to submit humbly unto our God as we faithfully obey His word, and that to do otherwise is to forget this important lesson.

The third and final item is actually two items; the tables of stone upon which the ten commandments had been written. God had instructed, "And you shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you." (Exodus 25:16; see also 40:20). The Lord wanted Israel to remember that these were the Laws of God, not man. God's commandments are always important for the people to whom He gives them, whether the old covenant written on stones or the new covenant brought into force by the blood of Christ (Psalm 119:9-16; see also Hebrews 9:15-16, 8:6; 10:28-30 and 2:2,3).

So there you have it. Not all that mysterious, but very powerful to one who looks at the items, and remembers God's providential care, the need to be loyal to Him and to respect His Divine will. Good lessons from inside the ark!

Announced by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to new believers in Christ who asked what they must do:

If you are preparing to teach an adult Bible class based on some book of the Bible, take at least these steps in your preparation.

1. Ignore everything you have previously prepared. This is especially critical counsel for preachers who have files, binders and computer media loaded with their previous work, and often the work of others. If you are getting ready to teach the book of Matthew, for example, resist the temptation to pull out work you’ve done before. (a) If you have any sense of expository excellence, you’ll find your old material stale and lacking. (b) Anything worthwhile you discovered in previous studies will not require physical retrieval to remember. The significant and sound conclusions you drew the last time you taught Matthew, will re-emerge in your mind as you read through the book in a fresh setting. In the interests of time, convenience and laziness, there is the powerful temptation for a preacher to prepare a set of notes on Matthew (for example) back in 1971. Then every time he teaches Matthew, He pulls those old notes out and but with few marginal supplements, teaches from those old notes. I am suggesting this is not the best approach. It is like warmed over toast. To the person being served it looks like toast, but upon first bite, you know it has a history. Load the old notes into a paper shredder and start over. Your work will be more satisfying, will reflect your current level of growth and ability and will better serve the needs of your students. {And you wife will have more space in the house for her doll collection.}

2. For several weeks before you begin your assignment, read through the book several times. Try to arrange times when you can read the whole book through at once. The first readings can be rapid reading, primarily to survey the contents, identify movement and become familiar with thematic content. After a few initial quick reads, start slowing down. Always read to the end. Each time new discoveries will surface. You are learning the book you have been assigned to teach. {Let all Bible reading be accompanied by prayer.}

3. Once you are familiar with the book you are going to teach, based on these early readings – begin reading the book from several translations. Most likely, this will not change your mind about content, but may help you link ideas and better express the content. If something can legitimately be said in four different ways in English, being away of those alternatives can help you learn the content and be prepared to talk to others about it. {In this process, you may also find translation differences that need to be brought to the attention of your students. Remember that in modern adult class audiences, there may be as many as five translations open.}

4. You are ready to begin outlining the book. Do not just modify an old outline, or use someone else’s outline. Construct your own outline, a product of your recent reading through the book. This is a first draft outline you will revise as you continue your initial preparation. If you resist the habit to revise and modify your old notes, you will always find your latest work superior to the former. If you do all the reading recommended above, you will not be content with anything but your own current outline of the book.

5. Look through the book you are to teach, this time to identify key words and phrases. List them, compare them, consider how they fit into your initial outline. Refer to other passages and other contexts outside the book you are to teach, to see how these words and phrases are used by the Holy Spirit through other writers and on other occasions. Prepare a glossary of words and phrases, complete with definitions, context and references to other passages. Be sure to emphasize in your teaching – each word and phrase must be defined as governed by the context.

6. Write (or takes notes) of your exposition, beginning with 1:1. Individual style plays the greatest role in how you do this. Some write notes in the margin of their Bible and depend largely upon memory, offering extemporaneous leadership through the book. Others follow a more scripted, lecture format, relying closely on their detailed notes. Today, some teach with the passages visually displayed on PowerPoint. Whatever your method, your purpose is – to get your students into the words and phrases of the text; to take them through the process of reading, thinking and eventually examining themselves according to the text presented.

When you have followed these steps, you are ready to teach the adult Bible class. But where do commentaries fit into the process. They are not essential. If we believe the Word of God is sufficient, we cannot insist that commentaries be consulted. Neither can we deny their use as help from other students. In my judgment, commentaries should be at the end of the process of preparation, not at the beginning! Read Matthew before you read Chumbley. First Corinthians before you read Willis, and Romans before you read Whiteside. {I was in an adult Bible class many years ago where Whiteside was quoted more than Paul.}

Don’t begin your study of a New Testament book by reading a commentary on it. Read the book! Read it again; do all the work you can do with it, before you ever open a commentary. I wrote on this subject not long ago:

Commentaries are works of men. When you read a commentary, you are simply reading what some man said about the text. If you forget that, you suffer the risk of confusion, error and lack of independence. “Second only to the fault of not doing adequate study is that of introducing into one’s preparation too soon the secondary resources. When used at the proper time they are indispensable, but if too early opened, they take over. They suppress and intimidate the preacher. After all, who is going to venture a thought or an interpretation when at the very same desk are six internationally known Bible scholars?” (p.#106, Preaching, Fred B. Craddock).

Commentaries may help you find the best words and phrases to express what you have found in the text. You should not let commentators dictate to you what the text means. While commentators may help you see the text in accurate perspective, it is your task to conclude what the text is saying. Once you do that, the rhetoric of the commentator may help you find the right words and phrases to express what you have decided the text means. For example, 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” After you have studied this verse in the context of First John and in keeping with everything else the Bible says, you can know what it means before consulting any commentary. Then, if you consult Barnes’ commentary to help you find the words to emphasize what the text means, you may find his comments helpful: “He [John] cautions them against trusting to every kind of spirit, or supposing that every spirit which animated even the professed friends of religion was the Spirit of God…” Thus the value of the commentary is not to convince you as to the meaning of the verse, only help you express the meaning.

In our time, there is another word of caution: When preparing to teach a Bible class, don’t begin on the Internet! Eventually, you may find it helpful to gather some resources from the Internet, but I cannot recommend this as your first step. My fear is, some are quickly downloading someone else’s material and present it – completely cutting out the step of personal reading and study! One evidence that this may be happening in large numbers is, site statistics on websites with sermons outlines and class notes show highest visit and download rates on Fridays and Saturdays. This would seem to tell us, some are scrambling to find material others have already prepared, late in the week!

As a teacher of the Bible, you are missing great personal riches when you take the shortcuts. And you are not giving your students a full meal. There is something wholly basic that needs to be said – you cannot teach what you have not studied!