Wisdom Booklet 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Wisdom Booklet 3 Major Concept

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Character Focus

Gratefulness

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Theme Song

“Just as I Am”

Student’s Name

Institute in Basic Life Principles Box One • Oak Brook, IL 60522-3001 630-323-2842 • www.iblp.org TUTE IN BA STI

LIFE

INCIPLES PR

SIC

Printed in the United States of America Third Edition, First Printing 210035 04/21

Copyright ©2002, 2021 Institute in Basic Life Principles All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher. Many thanks to the contributing authors of this curriculum. All Scripture verses are quoted from the King James Version of the Bible, unless noted otherwise.

Wisdom Quiz An answer key for this quiz and other projects in this booklet can be downloaded at iblp.org/wisdom-booklet-resources.

How well do you understand the concept of being poor in spirit? T F

The blessing of God refers to the protection and provision of a covenant relationship with Him.

T F

(Read Galatians 3:14–18.)

The word blessing comes from the Old English bledsian, which literally meant “covered with blood.” As believers in Christ, we are blessed through the blessing of Abraham, and in Christ we enter into a covenant with God. What did God promise when He first used the word blessing in Scripture, and how are we included in this promise? (Read Genesis 12:2–3.) T F

(Read I Timothy 1:15–16.)

A beggar must openly acknowledge his bankrupt condition before his need can be met. How does this illustrate the requirement that a sinner confess his need for salvation? T F

We can become poor in spirit by comparing ourselves with those who are more spiritual than we are. (Read II Corinthians 10:12.)

When Jesus said that a person would be blessed, He meant that person would experience continual happiness.

Comparing ourselves to those who are better than we are will produce an attitude of inferiority, while comparing ourselves to those who are inferior to us will produce an attitude of superiority. How do these attitudes differ from being poor in spirit?

(Read II Corinthians 6:10.)

Happiness depends upon happenings, whereas joy comes by knowing that our tribulations are being used of God to reproduce Godly character in our lives and the lives of others. Based on this, how is it possible to experience joy and sadness at the same time? T F

To be “poor in spirit” means knowing that any goodness we have within ourselves is not enough to merit eternal life. (Read Romans 7:18.)

The term poor in spirit pictures a beggar who is totally dependent upon outside sources for his life and daily survival. How does the prayer Jesus teaches us remind us of this fact?

The Apostle Paul acknowledged that he was the worst sinner who ever lived so that no one who lived after him would be able to say that he was too great a sinner to be saved.

T F

When we are humiliated, we experience God’s grace because He promised to give grace to the humble. (Read James 4:6.)

Humiliation occurs when a proud person is embarrassed. Humility occurs when any person recognizes his true spiritual condition before God. Which person experiences God’s grace?

(Read Matthew 6:11.)

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Wisdom Worksheet “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . .”

Painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682)

Blessed: Greek: makavrio" (mah-KAH-rih-oss) Definition: To be joyful, spiritually prosperous, to be envied. Poor: Greek: ptwcov" (ptoe-KOSS) Definition: To be poverty-stricken, beggarly, utterly dependent on others. Another Greek word for poor simply means “life is difficult,” but the Greek word used in this verse means, “I am not going to make it without help.” Do Meditation, Character Quality, and Theme Song Worksheets.

How does a beggar illustrate the attitude of being poor in spirit? • Recognizing that in ourselves we are spiritually bankrupt • Acknowledging that in our own strength we are powerless to do anything about our spiritual condition • Realizing that God has all the resources we need; all we must do is ask Him for them. Spirit: Greek: pneũma (PNYOO-muh) Definition: Breath, the essence of conscious life that God breathed into man’s spirit at Creation, the inner man that is capable of communion with God’s Spirit, the inmost nature of a person. Do Insights Through Investigation, Resource A, pages 10–13.

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Matthew 5:3

LINGUISTICS

HISTORY

“ . . . for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

What men in history were poor in spirit? In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus provided a significant contrast between a man who was poor in spirit and a man who was proud in spirit. (See Luke 18:9–14.) The Pharisee reminded himself how much better he was than others. The publican, “ . . . standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other . . . ” (Luke 18:13–14). David describes his own heart’s condition in Psalm 40:17. “But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.” David’s heart attitude was maintained through the enemies God allowed to rise up against him. They motivated him to From Bible Pictures, courtesy www. SolveFamilyProblems.com pour out his heart before God identifies David as a man who was God and to poor in spirit. cry out continually for God’s re sources. God called David “a man after mine own heart . . .” (Acts 13:22). Over the centuries, many of David’s psalms have been the basis for songs of praise to God.

Languages, Grammar, Vocabulary, Communication

For (that): Greek: o{ti (HAW-tih) Definition: This word shows cause or reason. In each beatitude there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the right attitude and the reward that God gives. Mature Christians operate on the basis of pleasing God, not on the basis of receiving a reward. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? “. . . Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3–4). Kingdom of heaven: Greek: basileiva tw̃n oujranw̃n (bah-sih-LI-uh tone ooh-rahn-OWN) Description: The priceless rewards of living in the presence and protection of God. (See Luke 17:21 and Revelation 21:1–3.) What kind of kingdom does God have for His disciples? • A present kingdom in which Christ rules in the hearts of His people, giving them many spiritual benefits (See Colossians 1:13–14.)

• A future kingdom in which Christ will return to Jerusalem to rule the world (See Revelation 21:1–3.) Do Power Through Precision, Resource B, pages 14–19.

Archaeology, Geography, Prophecy, Music, Art, Literature

Do History, Resource C, pages 20–27.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

SCIENCE

LAW

HEALTH

How did man’s sin increase his need to depend on God? • Our need for food from a cursed earth—“Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee . . . ” (Genesis 3:18). • Our need for comfort in increased sorrows— “. . . I will greatly mul tiply thy sorrow . . . . In sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life” (Genesis 3:16–17). • Most of all, our need for salvation and daily cleansing by the blood of Christ. (See John 3:3.)

How does understanding law affect our ability to be “poor in spirit”?

How does a medical condition in the eyelid illustrate the concept of being poor in spirit?

Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, Geology, Physics, Mathematics

Do Science, Resource D, pages 28–32.

In what way did God create man to be poor in spirit? Every dimension of man’s need was designed by God to be met on a daily basis.

• His need for food, water, air, exercise, and sleep • His need for fellowship with God and others •H is need for wisdom in discerning evil Do Authority Through Accuracy, Resource E, pages 33–35.

Government, Economics, Logic

Justice . . . is based on the principles of God’s Word, which are totally consistent with His holy character. Mercy . . . is the provision that God has made, in that His Son has paid the full price for man’s violation of His holy Law. Fairness . . . is lowering God’s standards to the level that can be achieved by our human will and ability. If we focus on God’s just laws, we will become poor in spirit as we recognize our total inability to keep them. If we focus on man’s “fairness,” we will become proud and tend to curse God. Do Law, Resource F, pages 36–40.

How does the lack of a humble spirit lead to rebellion and treason? Before Satan rebelled against God he was a shining angel of light. Lucifer means, “light bearer.” His heart was lifted up with pride, and he said, “I will be like the most High.” (See Isaiah 14:14.) With two opposing authorities in heaven, the angels had to choose which one to serve. One third chose to follow Lucifer and were evicted from heaven. (See Revelation 12:3–4, 7–9.)

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

Nutrition, Behavior, Counseling, Medicine

The Greek word for poor is a derivative of the root word that is used to describe a drooping organ of the body. Ptosis occurs in the eye when the muscles of the eyelid no longer hold themselves. The result of this condition is that a person is not able to look up. Do Health, Resource G, pages 41–45.

When is looking down a sign of humility? “Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us” (Psalm 123:2). The master would give direction and provision from his hand. When we are truly humble before God, He is the “lifter up of . . . [our] head” (Psalm 3:3), so that we can behold the beauty of the Lord. (See Psalm 27:4.)

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Scripture Meditation Worksheet

Copy the passage.

Ask questions about the passage.

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Do word studies.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Look up cross-references.

Write a paraphrase of the passage.

Determine how to apply the passage in your life. Today

This week

Draw concept pictures.

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Character Quality Gratefulness

Find the definition.

Identify the quality in Scripture.

Dictionary definition:

Scripture references:

IBLP operational definition (see front cover):

Expand with synonyms, antonyms, or related words.

Bible men and women who demonstrated this character quality:

Bible men and women who did not demonstrate this character quality:

Synonyms: Christ demonstrated this quality when: Antonyms:

3 4

Related qualities that bring balance:

How does this quality relate to the Scripture passage and/or major concept?

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Three ways my family and I can demonstrate this quality this month: r r r

My operational definition:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Theme Song “Just as I Am”

How does this hymn text relate to the Scripture passage?

Other Scripture passages alluded to in the text of this hymn are:

How does this hymn relate to the major concept?

What is the history of the hymn and/or hymn writer?

How does the message of this hymn apply to my life?

How does this hymn relate to gratefulness?

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Insights Through Investigation Why Should We Study Word Meanings in Scripture?

The Precision of Greek

Digging deeper into the meanings of words in Scripture provides a rich source of insights for the careful Bible student. When studying a word, it is important to follow these two steps.

1. Discover All Possible Meanings

The Greek language contains many synonyms that suggest subtle differences to the reader. These distinctions provide great understanding into God’s Word. The New Testament uses three different Greek words for poor: pevnh~ (PEN-ace), penticrov~ (pen-ti-KROSS), and ptwcov~ (ptoe-KOSS). The first two of these words are related, each one occurring only once in the New Testament. Either word may be translated poor, referring to someone who has little of life’s means.

Greek words, like English words, often have more than one meaning. Make a list of every possible shade of meaning you can find.

2. Determine Meaning From the Context The context of a sentence gives a word meaning. The precise meaning can be found by observing the rest of the sentence and surrounding verses. For example, the English word run may be used as a verb describing the action of a person who travels quickly on foot. However it may also be used as a noun describing an incremental score in a baseball game.

Courtesy of Veronica Pellascio, Doré Bible Illustrations

The widow gave out of her poverty.

Xenophon, a Greek writer, used a related word to describe people whose entire possessions would not bring even five minae (about $100) if sold. An individual who was “poor” in this sense would normally earn his food through personal labor. (See II Corinthians 9:9 and Luke 21:2.)

The third Greek word, ptwcov~, is translated as poor between thirty and forty times

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A 21 0 /

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

in the New Testament, but Luke 16:20–21 renders it as beggar. This translation reflects the fact that one who is “poor” in this sense depends entirely upon the donations of others to exist. The word ptwcov~ is the word used in Matthew 5:3. This meaning describes our true spiritual condition before God.

How does our spiritual condition contrast with God’s character, resources, and power? It is vital that our idea of God correspond with the true image of His character. Only when we have a correct perception of God will we be able to rightly see our place in relation to Him. The essence of idolatry is entertaining thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him. An idolatrous heart assumes that God is something He is not, substituting for the true God one made after its own image. This imagined “God” conforms to the likeness of the one who created it and will be wicked or good, cruel or kind, according to the morals of the heart that imagines it. This imagined god will not be true to the real person and likeness of God.

Paul explained this progression in Romans 1:19–21. “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the Humility comes by understanding depravity.

invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” A.W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God.”

Seeing God’s Majesty Results in Understanding Our Spiritual Poverty —Excerpts from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon entitled “God’s Barriers Against Man’s Sin”

“The majesty of God, as displayed in creation and providence, ought to stir up our hearts in adoring wonder and melt them down in willing obedience to his commands. The Almighty power of Jehovah, so clearly manifest in the works of his hands, should constrain us, his creatures, to fear his name and prostrate ourselves in humble reverence before his throne. “. . . When we know that God bridles the tempest, though ‘nature rocks beneath his tread,’ and curbs the boisterous storm— he ought to be feared—verily, he is a God before whom it is no dishonor for us to bow ourselves in the very dust. The contemplation of the marvelous works which he doth upon ‘the great and wide sea,’ where he tosseth the waves to and fro, and yet keepeth them

Courtesy of Christian Publications, Inc.

A.W. Tozer, a writer of many books on the character of God, stated that “a right conception of God is basic . . . to practical Christian living. I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble thoughts about God.” (Selections are from The Knowledge of the Holy, 1961, Harper and Row, New York.)

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“The Lord on high is mightier . . . than the mighty waves of the sea” (Psalm 93:4).

Charles Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers”

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in their ordained courses, should draw forth our devoutest emotions, and I could almost say, inspire us with homage. Great art thou, O Lord God; greatly art thou to be praised; let the world which thou has made, and all that therein is declare thy glory! “I can scarcely conceive a heart so callous that it feels no awe, or a human mind so dull and destitute of understanding, as fairly to view the tokens of God’s omnipotent power, and then turn aside without some sense of the fitness of obedience. “. . . Let your eyes behold the stars; God alone can tell their numbers, yet he calls them all by names; by him they are marshaled in their spheres, and travel through the aerial universe just as he gives them charge; they are all his servants, who with cheerful haste perform the bidding of their Lord. You see how the stormy wind and tempest like slaves obey his will; and you know that the great pulse of ocean throbs and vibrates with its ebb and flow entirely under his control. Have these great things of God, these wondrous works of his, no lesson to teach us? Do they not while declaring his glory reveal our duty? “. . . Alas, then the instincts of men very often guide them to act by impulse more wisely than they commonly do by a settled

conviction. Where is the man that will not bend the knee in time of tempest? Where is the man that does not acknowledge God when he hears the terrible voice of his deep-toned thunder, and sees with alarm the shafts of his lightning fly abroad, cleaving the thick darkness of the atmosphere? In times of plague, famine, and pestilence, men are prone to take refuge in religion— they will make confession, like Pharaoh, when he said, ‘I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked:’ but like him, . . . when the plagues are removed, then they sin yet more, and their hearts are hardened. Hence their sin

becomes exceedingly sinful, since they sin against truths which even nature itself teaches us are most just. “ ‘For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.’ “. . . Unbelief of the Almighty Creator is a crime of the first magnitude. If it were a petty sovereign against whom ye rebelled, it might be pardonable; if he were a man like yourselves, ye might expect that your faults would easily find forgiveness; but since he is the God who reigns alone, where clouds and darkness are round about him, the God

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

to whom all nature is obedient, and whose high behests are obeyed both in heaven and in hell, it becomes a crime, the terrible character of which words can not portray, that you should ever sin against a God so marvelously great. The greatness of God enhances the greatness of our sin.”

Despair of Self Leads to Trust in God —Excerpts from a sermon by Martin Luther

“If you want to know how to become holy and do good—which is a common question—I have said in answer that the first and foremost thing to know is that a man cannot become holy or do good of himself but that he must despair of himself, forget about his own actions, deplore his own worthlessness in the eyes of God, and call upon divine grace, in which he should firmly trust. And he who teaches and seeks another beginning than this, errs and misleads himself as well as others, as they do who say: Why, you have a free will. Do the best you can. God will do His part. They think we should not drive people to despair. Of course, we should not drive people to despair; but despair must be properly understood. Of God’s grace no one should despair; rather we should firmly rely on God’s help despite all the world, despite all Humility comes by understanding depravity.

sin. However, we should completely despair of ourselves and in no way depend on our own free will to do even the smallest work. “. . . If you desire to attain the true holiness which avails before God, you must utterly despair of yourself and rely on God alone; you must surrender yourself entirely to Christ and must accept Him in such a way that everything He has is yours and that what you have is His. For so you begin to burn with love divine and become an entirely different person, born completely anew. Your inner being will then be entirely changed.” “. . . Ye shall be holy; for I am holy . . .” (Leviticus 11:44). “. . . We should not be holy in order to earn or prevent something. For people who do this are hirelings, servants, and day laborers. They are not willing children and heirs who are holy for the sake of holiness, that is for the sake of God alone; for God Himself is Righteousness, Truth, Goodness, Wisdom, and Holiness.”

Martin Luther, known as the Father of the Reformation, said that the thing “which moves a man to do something is his god.”

Project: • Discuss why Jesus chose the word ptwcov~ in Matthew 5:3. What does this word tell us about our spiritual condition? __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________

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Power Through Precision Learn Words That Describe the True Condition of the Heart

How did Jesus warn about pride and illustrate humility?

In order to become poor in spirit, we must first learn and accept God’s description of the heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). It is only as we comprehend the true condition of our hearts that we understand our need for God.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus provided a significant contrast between a man who was poor in spirit and a man who was proud in spirit.

Synonyms of “Utterly Dependent” h Destitute

h Base

h Sinful

h Desolate

h Impoverished

h Devoid

h Inadequate

h Wretched

h Unworthy

h Abject

When we understand the true nature of our hearts, we have a choice: we can repent and recognize our utter dependence upon God, or we can reject God and develop the following destructive attitudes of the heart.

Antonyms of “Utterly Dependent”

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h Proud

h Self-sufficient

h Conceited

h Boastful

h Vain

h Egotistical

h Smug

h Pompous

h Arrogant

h Haughty

From Bible Pictures, courtesy www.SolveFamilyProblems.com

The Pharisee reminded himself how much better he was than others. (See Luke 18:11–12.)

The publican, “. . . standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other . . .” (Luke 18:13–14). After learning the definitions of the vocabulary words, test your ability to use

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

them precisely by filling in the blanks of the following account. Choose the best word for each blank, and use each word only once.

The Pharisee and the Publican Two men went up into the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, the other a publican. The Pharisee had a __________ heart, which gave him the pleasurable deception that he was better than others and worthy of their praise. He approached the Temple with a __________ display so that others would be sure to notice him. As he glanced at people along the way, he exhibited a __________ expression of self-righteousness. His __________ eyes added a message of scorn. As he entered the Temple, his __________ manner conveyed to all that he was overly impressed with himself. He stood and began to pray, but his __________ words were simply a preoccupation with his own goodness. “God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Then he went on with a __________ account of what he had accomplished, “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” The number of times that he said “I” in his __________ prayer illustrated just how selfcentered he really was and how __________ he thought he was. When he finished praying, he strutted out of the Temple and was even more __________ than when he came in.

Christ’s Illustration of Humility As the publican entered the Temple, his life was completely __________ of the righteousness that the Pharisee claimed to possess. The publican knew that his __________ living made him __________ to come into the presence of a holy God. Humility comes by understanding depravity.

His evil ways caused him to feel __________, and he knew that in regard to any goodness that would give him entrance into heaven, he was totally __________. The sin in his life had caused even the physical resources that God had given him to be __________. He saw the contempt in the eyes of the Pharisee toward his miserable and __________ condition. When he compared himself to the Pharisee, he felt __________ even to enter the Temple. But when he compared himself with God, he realized that he was completely deplorable, one of the most contemptible men on earth. Conscious of his __________ spiritual poverty, he could not even look up, but lowered his eyes from the holy God Whom he approached. In anguish he pounded his chest with his fist and cried, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Proud Pharisee vs. Repentant Publican If a verse relates to the Proud Pharisee, mark the “P” column. If it relates to the Repentant Publican, mark the “R” column. P R h h “ . . . Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way . . . do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). h h “ . . . A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). h h “ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). h h “ Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:19). h h “ . . . The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad” (Psalm 34:2). h h “ The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15:33).

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When God saw the brokenness of the publican, whose life truly was __________, He forgave him of all of his sin. Thus, Jesus declared, “. . . This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

The Consequences of Pride If any ruler had valid reasons to boast about the greatness of his power and the splendor of his achievements, it would have been King Nebuchadnezzar II. The reign of Nebuchadnezzar lasted from 605–562 B.C. During those forty-three years, he ruled the known world. He built ancient Babylon into the most beautiful and the most fortified city in the world. Babylon was located on the banks of the Euphrates River. It was a world trade center as well as the capital of the Babylonian Empire.

“. . . Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” —Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 4:30

A replica of the original enameled brickwork that adorned the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. The original massive twin towers, decorated with sacred dragons and bulls, stood 40 feet high.

Babylon means “gate of god.” The city of Babylon was founded with the construction of the tower of Babel, which represented an attempt to unite the world around the worship of the heavens. The great tower of Babel, a ziggurat, was located in the temple area. God used the Babylonians to bring judgment to the apostate nation of Israel. After being conquered by the Babylonian army, thousands of Israeli captives were

The city of Babylon was constructed in the shape of a rectangle. Through its center ran the Euphrates River. The gates in the massive walls were made of bronze, and the temples were decorated with blue, glazed brick and pictures of mythical beasts. 21

20 2

The following list gives some hint of the number of structural splendors on the city.

12 22

13 11 10

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16 7

1. Lugalgirra Gate

12. Temple of Ninmah

2. Ishtar Gate

13. Temple of Ishtar

3. Sin Gate

14. Temple of Marduk

4. Marduk Gate

15. Temple of Gula

5. Zababa Gate

16. Temple of Ninurta

6. Enlil Gate

17. Temple of Shamash

7. Urash Gate

18. Temple of Tower

8. Shamash Gate

19. Procession Way

9. Adad Gate

20. North Citadel

10. Temple of Adad

21. Citadel

11. Temple of Belitnina

22. South Citadel

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

A model reconstruction shows the Procession Way that led to the Ishtar Gate. The magnificent thoroughfare was 40 to 50 feet wide, paved with stone that had been quarried in nearby mountains. The Babylonian word for Procession Way is Ai-ibur-sabu. It means “the enemy shall not prevail.”

brought in chains from Palestine to Babylon. There they were used as slave laborers for Nebuchadnezzar’s many building projects. As Nebuchadnezzar surveyed the magnificent city he had built, he must have smiled with great satisfaction. Sixty miles of massive stone walls, wide enough for chariot traffic, encircled the city limits. Spectacular temples overshadowed the broad thorough fares linking each of the city’s gates. An intricate system of canals supplied the city of Babylon (200 square miles) with an abundant source of water from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

From Bible Pictures, courtesy www.SolveFamilyProblems.com

Constructed by Nebuchadnezzar to please his wife, who had grown up in the lush mountain region of Media, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

The most impressive structures were the palaces of the kings and the huge temple built in honor of the patron god of Babylon, Bel Marduk. Not far from the great tower of Babel were the Hanging Gardens. These lush gardens grew on the roofs of a multi-tiered building and provided cool, shady relief from the heat. In addition to the wealth, power, and achievements of which Nebuchadnezzar could boast, he had the distinction of being named by God as the greatest ruler that the secular world would ever know. God revealed this to Nebuchadnezzar and all of his leaders through a dream. Daniel, the Hebrew slave and servant of the king, interpreted it: “Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. . . . whose brightness was excellent . . . . This image’s head was of fine gold . . . . “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory” (Daniel 2:31–32, 37).

“Pride goeth before destruction . . . .” Twelve months before Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful proclamation, God had given him a stern warning that came in the form of a disturbing dream. “. . . I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.”

Doré Bible Illustrations

Nebuchadnezzar has been praised by historians for making Babylon “the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency” (Isaiah 13:19). Herodotus declared, “In magnificence there is no other city that approaches it.”

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“I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit . . . Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth . . . in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him” (Daniel 4:10–16). When all the Chaldean magicians, astrologers, and soothsayers failed to interpret the dream, Daniel declared its true meaning. Nebuchadnezzar was “the tree in the midst of the earth.” His kingdom would be cut down, but a “stump” would remain. However, because God is rich in mercy, Daniel appealed to the king to humble himself. “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity” (Daniel 4:27).

Since God is the One Who gives power to rulers, He is also able to humble them at His pleasure. (See Psalm 75:6–7.)

4000 3000

2400

1500

China

India

Hisa Dynasty Indus Valley

1000 Shang Dynasty Early Vedic

600

However, Nebuchadnezzar did not repent of his sins and his pride. Just a year later, Nebuchadnezzar began to boast of his power and accomplishments. While the words were still in his mouth, a voice from heaven proclaimed the price of his arrogance. “O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee” (Daniel 4:31). The same hour, the once powerful monarch was driven into the fields like an animal. For seven years he wandered aimlessly in

God’s wrath is turned away from the proud when they turn to Him in true repentance.

400

b.c. 0 a.d.

Chou Dynasty Ch’in Dynasty • Confucius (551–479)

Han Dynasty

T’ang Dynasty

Shung–Kanva

Later Vedic

• Aryan Invasion

500

1000 Yuan Dynasty • Marco Polo Ming Dynasty

Sung Dynasty Gupta

• Buddha (563?–483?)

• Crusades

• Adam Creation

Old

• Abraham Noahic Flood Tower of Babel

Middle

New Kingdom • Exodus (ca. 1446)

• Charlemagne

Period of Decay

• Muhammad— Rise of Islam (570–632)

• Hezekiah’s Reign • Josiah’s Reign • Elijah • Judges of Israel • Daniel

Assyria

Babylon

(1348)

• Wycliffe (1320?–84)

• Gregory I—

(1215)

Rurik Dynasty, Russia • Huss (1369?–1415) • Viking Invasions • Socrates (ca. 470–399) • Plato (427–347)

Birth of Christ (ca. 4 b.c.) • Augustus Caesar (27b.c.–a.d.14)

Greece

Persia

Peruvian

• Fall of Roman Empire (476) • Nero (37–68) • Byzantine Empire Death and Resurrection of Christ (ca. 29 b.c.)

Rome

• Alexander the Great (ca. 356–323) • Jerusalem • Aristotle (384–322) Destroyed (586)

Mexican

Inca

Note: Shaded bars and red text indicate time periods discussed in this Wisdom Booklet.

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Europe

Beginning of the Papacy • Magna Carta

(590–604)

• David • Moses • Solomon

• Nebuchadnezzar

• Black Death

(1095–1291)

(768–814)

Egypt

1400

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

ing to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? “At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase” (Daniel 4:35–37).

Painting by Pieter Bruegel

A man’s pride is a signal that he is approaching a fall. (See Proverbs 16:18 and Proverbs 29:23.) The tower of Babel, which was rebuilt by Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrated that God’s swiftest and most severe judgment comes upon those who are proud.

the fields and pastures that surrounded the city he once ruled. During this time he “did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws” (Daniel 4:33). Realizing that he was spiritually bankrupt, the king looked to heaven in a spirit of humility. Nebuchadnezzar had become poor in spirit. At that moment, God returned the king’s sanity, and the once egotistical monarch responded with a grateful heart: “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth accord-

By doing this you will communicate what it means to be “poor in spirit.” Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________

Industrial Revolution

Opium Wars Boxer Rebellion (1899)

2000

Technological Revolution

1900 Peoples’ Republic—Communistic Republic • Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) Taiwan

World War II (1939-1945)

1800

The Enlightenment

Man Chu Dynasty

• Take your written testimony on how you became a Christian (see Wisdom Booklet 2) and rewrite it, adding appropriate words from this Resource. Use antonyms of “utterly dependent” to describe your attitude before salvation and synonyms of “utterly dependent” to describe your attitude as a Christian.

World War I (1914-1918)

1700

The Great Awakening

1600

Project:

Japan—Economic power •M ein Kampf • Joan of Arc (1412–31) • Printing of the Great Northern War (1700–21) • Napoleon (1769–1821) • Lenin (1870–1924) Adolf Hitler (1924) King James Bible • Voltaire (1694–1778) • Rousseau (1712–78) • Gutenburg’s Printing • Darwin (1809–82) • Australia (1611) Press (1455) • Galileo • John Wesley • Carey (1761–1834) United Nations • Queen Victoria (1837–1901) Commonwealth • Elizabeth I (1564–1642) England’s Bill of (1703–91) • Haydn (1732–1809) (1900) • Reunification of Germany Chartered (1945) (1533–1603)) •C ommunist Rights (1689) • J. S.Bach (1685–1750) • Mozart (1756–91) (1990) • Michelangelo (1475–1564) Manifesto (1848) U.S.S.R—Rule of • Handel (1685–1759) • Beethoven (1770–1827) • Rembrandt Communism (1917–1990) (1606–69) • Newton (1642–1727) French Revolution (begins 1789) • Spurgeon (1834–92) • Martin Luther • The Iron Curtain (1946) (1483–1546) • Shakespeare (1564–1616) • Calvin (1509–64) Romanov Dynasty, Russia • Cromwell (1599–1658) • Jamestown (1607) • Columbus (1451–1506)

• Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

Declaration of Independence (1776)

•G eorge Washington— Civil War (1861–1865) First U.S. President (1789)

Pilgrims Come to America (1620)

Aztec

• Moody (1837–99)

• Abraham Lincoln—U.S. • First Airplane Flight (1903) President (1860–1865) • Einstein (1879–1955)

•B enjamin Franklin (1706–1790) War of Independence (1776–1783)

United States of America •G reat Depression • Alexander Graham (Begins 1929) Bell—Telephone (1875)

• Edison (1847–1931)

Vietnam War Gulf War

• First Man on Moon (1969)

Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________ Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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History Resource Does Music Express or Determine the Spirit of an Age? The Hebrew word for music comes from the root rWv (shoor), which gives the connotation of a traveling minstrel. As in the German legend of the Pied Piper who drew away children with his piping, music attracts those who are open to its moral message and influences them for good Kate Greenaway, The Pied Piper by Robert Browning or for evil.

How a Musical Score Made Timeless Truths Come Alive for Centuries Relentlessly driving himself to recover from his countless failures, a composer gave what he considered his farewell concert. In 1741 at the age of fifty-six, this bachelor felt forced to retire from public activities, knowing almost certainly that he would spend his remaining days in debtors’ prison. He was financially ruined. Physical need, however, was not the only poverty this man had known. He realized that he was spiritually destitute without Jesus Christ. God had a purpose for His

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humble servant and used two unexpected events to change the course of his life. A wealthy friend, Charles Jennens, gave him seventy-nine Scriptures and requested an oratorio, saying, “See what you can make of it.” The musician was also commissioned to write music for a charitable benefit concert. George Frideric Handel began to compose. For twenty-four days he did not leave his house, secluding himself often without food. Those who visited found him praying and sobbing, overwhelmed with the glory of God. Later, as he groped for words to describe those three weeks, composing an incredible 260 pages of music, he borrowed a phrase from the Apostle Paul saying, “Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote Messiah, I know not.” The benefit concert for which Handel composed Messiah brought in enough funds to free 140 men from debtors’ prison, but the message of freedom extended far beyond that one event. One writer noted that Messiah “has probably done more to convince thousands of mankind that there is a God . . . than all the theological works ever written.” Handel’s Messiah, still one of the world’s most cherished choral Portrait by Thomas Hudson, 1756 works, is a Studies have shown that listening to structured Baroque and picture of the Classical music, such as Handel’s worship that Water Music, can result in greater memory retention. springs out of

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

a heart grateful to God. For two and a half centuries this oratorio has ministered to millions by its magnificent portrayal of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A History of Music in Western Civilization: Music in Scripture After the Lord freed the children of Israel from Egypt and delivered them from the hand of Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang a song of thanksgiving to the Lord. (See Exodus 15.) This psalm of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord is the first song recorded in Scripture. It is also interesting to note that the last account of music in Scripture makes reference to the song of Moses.

From Bible Pictures, courtesy www.SolveFamilyProblems.com

“ . . . They sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest” (Revelation 15:3–4). Humility comes by understanding depravity.

God’s purpose and design for music is to glorify His name and to bring praise and thanksgiving to Himself. A sharp contrast to the song of praise sung by the children of Israel after crossing the Red Sea is the music that played while they worshiped the golden calf. (See Exodus 32:17–19.)

The idolatrous actions of the people were immoral, and their music reflected their wicked deeds as well as enticed them to more wickedness. This direct disobedience to God brought swift judgment upon the people. The Psalmist said, “O Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms” (Psalm 95:1–2). David was a musician on stringed instruments whose skill brought him to the palace of the king. (See I Samuel 16:16–19.) Most of the Psalms were written as a result of his meditation on the Person of the Lord as found in Scripture. The Psalms became a primary tool for both worship and instruction. Psalm 119, for example, was the Hebrew “alphabet” song of the day. Psalms 120–134, “songs of ascent,” were written for Israel’s special yearly pilgrimages to the Temple, as they ascended the mountain of Zion. Solomon appointed chief musicians for the Temple, and as they sang, the glory of the Lord so filled the Temple that they were unable to enter it. (See II Chronicles 5.) Jehoshaphat appointed singers to the Lord in a day of battle, and Judah experienced the Lord’s victory over their enemies. (See

The Psalms, along with other parts of Scripture, were written as songs and compiled into songbooks called psalters.

II Chronicles 20:21–22.)

In all these instances, music was an expression of spiritual power, for good or for evil.

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Early Christian Music (A.D. 1–400) In the final act of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn before going to Gethsemane. (See Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26.)

From Bible Pictures, courtesy www.SolveFamilyProblems.com

Although little is known of early Christian Church music, it is thought to have been a cappella unison singing, although psalms in Old Testament times were accompanied by stringed instruments.

The Middle Ages (400–1450)

written in special pneumatic notation, a predecessor to written music today. Although many different composers probably wrote these melodies, a legend developed that Pope Gregory the Great (540–604) received them directly from the Holy Spirit. This encouraged careful copying through the centuries, which has provided an unbroken stream of notational development. Many of those early developments enrich the music we have today. Nevertheless, congregational music remained forbidden, and the mandates of men stifled the common people from singing to God as an expression of their worship.

The Renaissance and Birth of the German Reformation (1450–1600) A great spiritual awakening during the German Reformation led to a “spiritual awakening” in church music. A new emphasis in music permitted congregational understanding and participation. Up to this point, church music was executed only by proficient groups of musicians. Martin Luther (1483–1546), known as the Father of the Reformation, was also a musical composer and hymn writer. Hymns such as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” were written to encourage Christians during times of persecution.

After Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313 A.D., a law that “legalized” Christianity, traditions and music began to develop in the Church. However, musical form and style progressed very slowly in the Middle Ages. Understanding that music is a defining aspect of culture, the leaders of the day discouraged change and development through threats of excommunication from a church. In this way, music was used as a tool to define the culture of Christian Europe. One of the earliest known forms of written music is unadorned melody appropriately called plainchant. This plain song During the Middle Ages, certain intervals of music were labeled dissonant was without harmony or and avoided. One such sound was the tritone. Exactly half of an octave (three full tones, from C to F#), this sound produces alarm and today is accompaniment and was frequently used in emergency vehicle sirens.

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

The German chorale, introduced by Luther, allowed the entire congregation to join communally in worship. Many musical disciples of Luther wrote these chorales, which are still used today. John Calvin (1509– 1564), a leading reformer of the day, understood the Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina true purpose (c.1525–1594), the greatest for music. He composer before Bach, wrote more than 400 sacred works. His wisely stated, music, mostly a cappella (without “Care must be instrumental accompaniment), set rules in polyphony that have taken lest the influenced all later composers. ear be more attentive to the harmony of the song than is the mind to the spiritual meaning of the words.” Calvin understood that imbalance in music could bring about undesirable change in the hearts and minds of those who listened to it.

The Four Major Periods of Music Baroque Period:

Development of Harmony and Form (1600–1750) The chorale melodies of the Reformation were used frequently to create new compositions—from cantatas to chorale preludes. Chorale preludes, particularly of the Baroque Period, are considered to be some of the greatest hymn arrangements in history. This music brought to life the Scriptural texts that challenged the congregants to glorify God by living holy lives. In the Baroque Period, tonality replaced modality, and compositions became known by their tonal center or key (e.g., Arabesque in G Minor, Sonata in F Major). Musical Humility comes by understanding depravity.

forms such as oratorio, sonata, concerto, suite, fugue, and cantata, all developed to a high order and standard by the composers and musicians of this time. Many of these composers are still regarded as musical masters. Homophony, a musical development, used one voice for melody with supporting voices in harmony. Today the sound of homophony is familiar to us through hymns. Polyphony, which consists of multiple melodies or voices, is seen in many Baroque pieces written for the piano. Baroque music reached its zenith in the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach, who is considered the greatest of all church musicians. He did not think there should be a distinction between sacred and secular music and considered all music sacred. A father of twenty children, he wrote many pieces for the musical instruction of those who survived infancy. Bach worked most of his life as a church musician and wrote what amounts to sixty large volumes of music—twenty pages of music a day from cradle to grave! He expressed his personal devotion frequently, with notes of abbreviated Latin on his manuscripts, such as J. J. (Jesu, Juva: “Jesus, help”), S. D. G. (Soli Deo Gloria: “to God alone the glory”), and I. N. J. (In Nomine Jesu: “in the Name of Jesus”).

Bach’s contemporary, George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), wrote one of the greatest Christian works in history. After composing the “Hallelujah” chorus, Handel’s comment was, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God himself.”

Library of Congress, Gertrude Clarke Whittall Foundation Collection

An autograph, full orchestral-vocal score by Johann Sebastian Bach. The text is taken directly and in paraphrase from Luke 1:46–55 (account of the visitation).

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), believed that his ultimate purpose in life was to create “well-regulated church music to the glory of God.”

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is considered the “Father of the Symphony,” writing among his many works The Creation, a powerful oratorio of praise to God. During a time of unrest and rebellion, Haydn is known as one of the most content, sane, and productive composers in history. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time, and Ludwig van Beethoven, another musical master, also lived during this time. While basic woodwinds, brass, timpani, and strings were In 1749, to celebrate the Treaty of Aix-laChapelle, King George II commissioned Handel standard for the symphony, to write music for the fireworks display given Beethoven frequently added the during the annual London festivals. Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music played as fireworks were less familiar piccolo, contrabassoon, shot out over the river from a magnificent trombone, and extra percussion. pavilion. During the performance, the pavilion Changing from its grandiose caught fire and burned to the ground. and complicated Baroque predecessor, Classical form simplified Classical* the music while maintaining a King George II, by Thomas Hudson, 1744 Period: similar attitude of order. In contrast to the Baroque Period, when Enlargement of Musical the Church supported much of the writing Elements (1750–1820) of music, the Classical Period saw wealthy Historians call this time the Age of Reason benefactors providing support for the comand Enlightenment in Europe. Many men posers and musicians of the day. who exalted their own thinking over God’s Although musical form reached new Word believed that the secular could be heights of excellence during this time, a separated from the spiritual. As a result wrong philosophy of entertainment through music, rather than worship of God, had of this increased been firmly established. Man praised emphasis on man rather than on God, the genius of the composer, rather than “art music” became acknowledging God Who graced the compopular for its own poser with talent. (See Romans 1:25.) beauty and pleasure to the listener, Even in writing secular music, distinct from the Wolfgang worship of God. Amadeus However, the Mozart (1756–1791) music written durLibrary of Congress, Gertrude Clarke Whittall Foundation Collection felt the need ing the Classical An autograph keyto call upon board score of Period maintained excellent structure and God for Beethoven’s Sonata in inspiration. balance. Out of this period came one of the E-major, Op. 109 “I prayed to most familiar forms of music today—the God for His symphony. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) mercy that all *The word classical has many different meanings and can be very confusing. Here it refers to the Classical Period of music which lasted from about 1750 to 1820.

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might go well, to His greater glory, and the symphony began.”

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Romantic Period:

Deeper Feeling, More Emotion (1820–1900) In contrast to the Classical Period, which corresponded with the Age of Reason, the Romantic Period was a time when men began to view through the emotions subjects which had previously been approached primarily with the disciplined mind. This is manifest in philosophy, doctrine, literature, art, and music. The rise of both capitalism and socialism as economic systems came about during this time, and great strides were taken in science and engineering. Emotionalism, expression, and preoccupation with the mysterious were prominent. In music, harmony developed as a vehicle for emotional articulation. Formal structures became less distinct as form became less important than subjective expression.

Portrait in Oil, J. W. Mähler, 1815

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) wrote that his personal prayer was “In whatsoever manner it be, let me turn to Thee and become fruitful in good works.” Although considered a composer of the Classical Period, Beethoven’s later works led the way into the Romantic Period.

The Romantic Period brought an explosion of musical styles and great composers. Music experienced even more expansion in both form and orchestration. Beethoven’s Humility comes by understanding depravity.

Portrait by Carl Jagemann, circa 1860

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897), best known for his lullabies, also wrote A German Requiem, a song of comfort to those who have their hope in the Lord.

increased emotionalism at the end of the Classical Period contributed to the advent of this period where personal expression was foremost. In orchestral music, composers more frequently used solo passages for the horn and other woodwinds in order to give new and expressive effects. A good example of the Romantic approach in sacred music is Elijah, the oratorio written by the Messianic Jew, Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847). Frederic Chopin (1810– 1849), Poland’s finest musician, wrote almost exclusively for the piano. In keeping with his time, his works are some of the most expressive and beautiful pieces ever written for this instrument. Many Romantic composers such as Johannes Brahms, Antonin Dvorak, Edward Elgar, and Cesar Franck were outspoken believers, and their sacred works are some of their greatest music.

Chopin wrote the

fast-paced “Minute Waltz” (Waltz, Op. 64, No.1), which skilled pianists attempt to play within one minute.

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Modern Period:

Impressionism and Modern Perversions in Music (1900– Present)

Claude Debussy (1862–1918) composed music that reflected the French Impressionism Period in which he lived. He influenced the musical style of Stravinsky, the renowned Russian composer who studied and composed in France before moving to the United States in 1939.

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As personal expression became increasingly important, “popular music” for entertainment grew. This focus, combined with a mixing of many cultures and experimentation on the part of performer-composers, led to the numerous sub-categories of music today (e.g., pop, country, jazz, blues, rock ’n’ roll, cinema soundtracks, celtic, rap, new age, folk). During the Modern Period, composers have used melody, harmony, and rhythm in dramatically different ways than in the past. One example is Igor Stravinsky, who wrote Rite of Spring. The first performance in 1913 erupted in riot, portraying the reality of spiritual confusion in Stravinsky’s life. Subtitled “Pictures of Pagan Russia,” Stravinsky wrote Rite of Spring in his thirties, having long since left his orthodox upbringing. Incredibly, God changed the direction of Stravinsky’s life during the next ten years. He was converted to Christ, then boldly bringing his convictions to the stage, he began to write sacred works. Many modern composers have contributed great works of music, including sacred pieces and prized hymns. However, the Modern Period also has accepted and promoted sensuality in music, bringing tragic consequences in society. The current social problems of rebellion, rage, sensuality, and despair are mirrored and strengthened through the imbalanced, throbbing music that today’s culture has created and embraced. Rock music’s accentuated and driving rhythms stir up physical desire and lust. In other modern “classical” music, extreme harmonic Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971)

dissonance and lack of form and rule speak of emotional unrest and confusion. As one choral director has said, “A medium so powerful as music, packed with such great emotional, spiritual, moral, and physical influence over God’s highest creation, needs to pass through the magnifying glass of Scripture rather than be dismissed through the neutral pretense of taste and preference.” Because of the great power music has in expressing and determining the spirit of our age, it is vital that all music which we compose or listen to be evaluated and examined.

Project: h When discerning the best music to listen to, God’s Word gives us specific instructions and guiding principles. Read the following passages, and write down some of the Scriptural criteria for music. • Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 _______ __________________________________ __________________________________ • I Corinthians 14:40 _________________ __________________________________ • Philippians 4:8 _____________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ • Romans 8:6–14, Galatians 5:22–25, Titus 2:11–13 ___________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ • II Timothy 4:3, John 6:44 ____________ __________________________________ • Romans 13:14, I Peter 1:15–16, I John 2:16 __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ • John 4:23–24, I Corinthians 14:33, Philippians 3:3 ______________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

h Learn the meanings of basic musical terms, such as the following.

music: Sound consisting of the following three elements:

a cappella: Vocal music without instrumental accompaniment.

•m elody: A coherent succession of notes that are recognized by the listener as belonging together. In popular music, the melody is most often the essence of the composition, and lyrics are often written for singing with the melody line. In art music, the melody often becomes a theme used in building a larger and more intricate work. Most cultures revere music that has a strong melody, lilt, or tune.

accidentals: Sharps, flats, or natural signs that raise or lower a given diatonic pitch to deviate from its key signature. • sharp ( ): Raised a half step. • flat ( ): Lowered a half step. •n atural ( ): Returning to the base note after a sharp or flat was observed. choral music: Music performed by voices, with or without instrumental accompaniment. The four basic parts in vocal music are: • s oprano: The highest-pitched general type of human voice, normally possessed only by women and boys. •a lto: The female voice range immediately below the soprano in a chorus. • t enor: The highest natural adult male singing voice. The voice part next to the lowest in a four-part chorus. • bass: The lowest male singing voice. In addition to these four parts, the soprano part may be divided (e.g., first soprano, second soprano), and a baritone part (between tenor and bass) may be added. dynamics: The aspect of music dealing with degrees of loudness. • pianissimo (pp): Very quiet. • piano (p): Quiet. • mezzo piano (mp): Medium quiet. • mezzo forte (mf): Medium loud. • forte (f ): Loud • fortissimo (ff ): Very loud key: In tonal music, the scale used for a portion or all of a composition, as well as the chords that are built on each scale step. Generally, there are two types of scales. scale: Major and minor, indicated by a key signature at the beginning of the affected passage. Keys are sometimes associated with moods, major suggesting happy or positive feelings and minor suggesting sadness or introspection.

•h armony: Any particular combination of pitches sounded simultaneously. In most art music and popular music, harmony is usually based upon threenote groups called triads. Other notes can be added to produce more complex chords, and other schemes can be used, such as building chords on intervals of a second or fourth. Two broad categories of harmony are identified: consonant and dissonant. • r hythm: The aspect of music that deals with time. Included are the lengths of time notes sound and the length of silent spaces between notes. When rhythm is indicated in written music, a set of symbols and note shapes indicate timing. Basic to much Western music is the presence of a regular pulse or beat. The beats are often arranged in regular groups called measures, which are used to organize rhythm. The beat in music is usually apparent and can be “felt,” causing people to move with the music, tap their feet, or snap their fingers. notation: Any means of writing down music. Today’s system focuses on pitches and rhythm, but composers can also indicate the volume, style, phrasing and, to a degree, timbre.

(C, F, etc.) and share a mathematical relationship as well: one vibrates at twice the frequency as the other. orchestra: A performing body of diverse instruments. A symphony orchestra is an ensemble consisting of the following groups of instruments: • s trings: A group of chordophones— instruments designed with a natural or synthetic cord stretched between two points on a musical instrument that vibrates to create a sound, e.g., violin and cello. •w oodwinds: Instruments originally made of wood and sounded by means of air, e.g., clarinet, oboe, and flute. (The flute is now metal, but was derived from wooden ancestors.) •b rass: A group of aerophones made of brass, which resonate as air passes through them, e.g., trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba. •p ercussion: Instruments whose sounds are produced by hitting, scraping, rubbing, shaking, or whirling, e.g., kettle drum, chime, tambourine, and piano. (Though the piano is comprised of many strings, sound is produced as these strings are struck by hammers.) tempo: The rate at which music proceeds, generally measured in terms of beats per minute. May be indicated by numbers such as mm=120 (120 beats per minute, according to a metronome marking). —Compiled from the New Harvard Dictionary of Music, edited by Don Michael Randel, published by The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1986.

note: A musical sound having pitch (vibrates at a steady frequency), duration, volume (loudness), and timbre (tone color). Notes are placed on a five-line ledger called a staff—the higher the note on the staff, the faster the frequency (higher in pitch). octave: In the practical sense, the interval between the first and last note of a diatonic scale, or 8th step away. They both have the same name Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Science Resource How Does the Chemical Composition of the Body Prompt Us to Be Poor in Spirit? One of the Hebrew words for man is:

~"d"a

(adam)

The Hebrew word for ground is:

h"m"d]a

In order to help us keep our relationship with our Creator in perspective, God reminds us that our bodies are simply dust. (See Genesis 3:19.)

The intimate relationship between man and his origin in the (adamah) ground is reflected in the Hebrew language. (See inset at left.) The body is composed of the same non-living chemical elements that make up dust. It is only the breath of God that gives the body life. Without the breath of God, the body begins to decompose immediately and quickly returns to dust. Trace elements Chlorine Sodium Sulfur Potassium Phosphorus Calcium Nitrogen Hydrogen Carbon Oxygen

$5.47

Formed From the Dust “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).

What elements make up the body? More than a hundred different elements exist naturally in the earth. The body, however, contains only eighteen. Oxygen is the single most abundant raw material. It com-

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prises almost 65 percent of the body’s weight. Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus make up another 34 percent. Together these six elements account for 99 percent of the total composition of the body. The other twelve elements, though extremely important, are found only in small amounts. While the commercial value of these elements varies from time to time, the component elements from which our bodies are comprised have rarely cost more than a few dollars. Chemical Composition of the Body

(Based upon 165 lbs.)

% By

Element Symbol Weight

# LBS.

Oxygen O 65% Carbon C 18% Hydrogen H 10% Nitrogen N 3% Calcium Ca 2% Phosphorus P 1% Potassium K 0.4% Sulfur S 0.3% Sodium Na 0.2% Chlorine Cl 0.2% Magnesium Mg 0.05%

107 30 16 5 3 1.5 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.08

Trace Elements Iron Fe Zinc Zn Copper Cu Iodine I Fluorine F Manganese Mn Chromium Cr

* * * * * * *

* less than .004%

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

By understanding the chemical makeup of our bodies, we are able to marvel at God’s creation and remember that without His Spirit we are but dust.

1. Blocks of Life What does the Hebrew word for “dust” reveal about God’s raw materials?

Older adults have less water. Athletes have a greater proportion of water, because excess fat decreases the proportion. Man can survive without water for only a few days. If the loss of water is greater than the intake of water for even a few hours, an imbalance can occur. Cells shrink and poisonous waste products begin to build up. Unless balance is restored, serious illness may result. An imbalance of as little as 1 to 2 percent can lead to death.

How can God make so many substances from so few elements?

Although part of a living body, hands are composed of nonliving atoms.

The Hebrew word for dust is r"p"[ (awFAHR). It does not mean a “clump of clay” or “a collection of dust.” Instead, it is thought to refer to the smallest particles of existence, the atomic elements. Thus, Adam was formed from the nonliving “elements” of the earth. Look at your hand. It is a part of your living body; however, your hand is made up of nonliving atoms. It is only as God places those atoms together according to His design that they become alive. They remain alive only as they function in accord with that design.

What is the most common substance in the body? The most common substance in the body is water (H2O). Water accounts for 50 to 70 percent of total body weight. About half of the body’s water is found within cells and the other half within blood, saliva, tears, and urine. If an average body were completely dried out, it would yield up to 17 gallons of water. There would be less than 25 pounds of solids left. This amount varies depending upon age, activity, and quantity of fat. Humility comes by understanding depravity.

The characteristics of carbon atoms allow them to hook together to form long chains. Substances made from carbon chains are called organic molecules. By attaching hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen at different places along carbon chains, the body can construct hundreds of different substances from the same elements.

The “heme” in hemoglobin

Urea—a waste product that the body “identifies” and eliminates

For example, the growth hormone somatotrophin is made up of a string of 191 groups of carbon atoms. It is composed of C, N, H, and O just like many other organic substances of the body. However, the atoms are arranged in a unique order so that soma totrophin has an unmistakable identity. Skin, muscles, fat, bone, carbohydrates, protein, and amino acids are all made out of the same basic elements. The elements are merely rearranged in different patterns along carbon chains of varying lengths.

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Are some elements more important than others?

Sulfur

Few of the chemical elements occur alone in the body. Most are parts of large molecules that form hundreds of different substances. Even though the body may contain less than one-tenth of an ounce of some elements, each element plays an important role. If an element is missing, one or more kinds of important molecules may not be formed. Such deficiencies often result in serious illness.

2. Function of Minerals in the Body Calcium (KAL-see-um) is a hardening agent that strengthens bones and teeth. As much as 99 percent of all body calcium is located in these two areas. The other 1 percent is necessary to maintain a normal heart rhythm and is a key ingredient in the clotting of blood.

Phosphorus Phosphorus (FOSS-fer-us) is located in every living cell. It is an important component of nucleic acids, which control the function and reproduction of body cells.

Magnesium (mag-NEEzee-um) is required for the chemical reactions that release energy to the body (metabolism). Without magnesium, the body could not keep warm, muscles would not work, and new proteins could not be formed.

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Sodium Sodium (SOE-dee-um) regulates the water balance outside of cells. It is the ingredient in salt that causes thirst. Sodium also plays a major role in controlling the contraction of muscles.

Potassium

Calcium

Magnesium

Sulfur (SUL-fer) is a part of every hair, fingernail, and cartilage of the body.

Potassium (poe-TASS-eeum) regulates the water balance inside cells. It is important in the transmission of electrical impulses along nerve fibers, and it affects the heart rhythm and protein formation.

Chlorine Chlorine (KLOR-een) is part of the gastric juices that digest food in the stomach.

Iodine Iodine (EYE-uh-dine) is an important part of the thyroid hormones that control metabolism and growth.

Manganese Manganese (MANG-guh-NEEZ) is a part of the enzymes that are active in producing the energy that powers each cell.

Iron While iron (EYE-ern) is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust, it is found only in trace amounts in the body. However, these trace amounts are necessary for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Four atoms of iron rest in the center of each molecule of hemoglobin, which are located in red blood cells. The iron captures oxygen atoms in the Norman Rockwell lungs and then releases them in other “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

parts of the body where they are needed. This combination of iron and oxygen gives blood its red color.

Copper The highest concentrations of copper (KOPP-er) are found in the liver, brain, kidneys, and heart. Copper is also found in the walls that surround nerve cells.

Chromium Chromium (KROEmee-um) is a factor in the action of insulin. Without chromium, the body has difficulty metabolizing sugar. Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium. The pressure of chromium creates a surface film that resists oxidation, making it a natural choice for cookware.

Zinc The body uses some twenty-four different compounds that contain zinc (zink). Zinc is found in saliva and plays a major role in the way that we are able to taste. It is also a part of insulin that controls the use of sugar in the body.

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

Fluorine The most common source of fluorine (FLUHReen, known as fluoride when combined with H20 or another element) is water. Fluorine has been used to prevent tooth decay and helps to keep bones strong, although large doses of inorganic fluorine can be toxic. Some water naturally contains fluorine, and many cities add fluoride to water to improve the community’s dental health. Dentists regularly treat teeth with fluoride.

3. Decomposition of the Body How quickly does the body decompose after death? Death is the point at which the spirit is separated from the body. Bacteria exist in the body, in places such as the mouth and digestive tract, at all times. However, as long as the spirit is with the body, white blood cells and lymphocytes work to keep the number of bacteria in check. When the spirit leaves the body, there is no longer a need to protect it from decay, and thus, body functions cease. The ever-present bacteria begin immediately to break down the complex tissues of the body. Brain cells are broken down first, followed by the soft tissues of the intestines, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Then the tissues of the muscles and skin break down. Finally, the hard tissues such as fingernails and hair decompose. The skeletal bones, however, remain long after the rest of the tissues have been converted back to their original elements. Under warm, humid conditions, the process of decomposition may take only a

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few weeks. If animals and insects are present, the process may require only a few days.

What is left when the body decays? “. . . For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). The elements of the body return to simpler molecules containing carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and a few trace elements. These are the very elements of which the earth itself is formed.

How did the Egyptians attempt to preserve their pharaohs?

How do these elements of the body illustrate Scriptural principles of helping others as members of one Body? 1. Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth. (See Isaiah 35:3–4 and Isaiah 58:11.)_____________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

2. Sodium: Causes thirst. (See Matthew 5:13.) _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

3. Potassium: Transmits messages to other members. (See II Timothy 2:2.)

The Egyptians believed that the body and the spirit were tied together and that each person would use the same body in the next world. Anyone with enough money, therefore, could preserve his body while he waited for the next world to come. The process of preserving a body took seventy days. The internal parts of the body were removed and replaced with rags or sawdust saturated with oils, spices, and heavy metals. These prevented the growth of bacteria. The body was then placed in sodium carbonate to dry out all the water. Finally, the body was often covered with pitch and wrapped in layer after layer of linen. By preventing the growth of bacteria, drying the body, and sealing out insects, the Egyptians preserved the physical remains of their dead for thousands of years.

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Project:

_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

4. Iron: Transports life-giving oxygen. (See Mark 16:15.)_______________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

How do these elements of the body illustrate Scriptural principles that keep us spiritually strong? 1. Iodine: Promotes growth. (See II Peter 3:18.) _________________________________________ _________________________________________

2. Zinc: Enables us to taste. (See Psalm 34:8.) _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

3. Manganese: Produces energy. (See Ephesians 6:10.)_____________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

4. Fluorine: Prevents decay. (See Mark 14:38.) _________________________________________ Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Authority Through Accuracy How Does Mathematics Emphasize Our Total Dependence on God?

What steps are required to make this discovery? Fill in the missing figures of the following equations. (Note: “/” means “in a” or “per.”) Quiet breathing pints per day ___ pints/quiet breath × ____ breaths/min × ___ min/hr × ____ quiet breathing hrs/day = ____ quiet breathing pints per day Working breathing pints per day

Painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, National Gallery of Art,.

Pride and the desire to be self-sufficient caused the prodigal son to leave his father for a life of sin. Only after he realized his poverty and dependence on his father was their relationship restored.

What things do we tend to take for granted that cause us to develop an unwarranted sense of pride and self-sufficiency?

1. The Air We Breathe How much would it cost you to buy the oxygen that you need in order to stay alive for one year?

___ quarts/working breath × ___ pints/quart × ___ breaths per minute × ____ min/hr × ___ working breathing hours/day = ____ working breathing pints/day • Add the total of quiet breathing pints to the total of working breathing pints Total number of pints of air breathed in per day________

Discovery 1 A person breathing quietly inhales and exhales about 1 pint of air with each breath. A person who is exercising can inhale about 4 quarts of air with each breath. Based on these amounts, how many pints of air would a person use in one day if he did work that required exercise for six hours and breathed quietly the rest of the day? Assume an average rate of twelve breaths per minute. Answer__________________________________________________ Micah Zak

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Now fill in the missing figures of the following equation.

Discovery 2 Oxygen comprises about 20% of room air, but our bodies absorb only 25% of the oxygen that we inhale. This means that if we breathe in 400 cubic feet of air, we absorb only 20 cubic feet of oxygen. According to this proportion, how many cubic feet of oxygen would be absorbed in one day by the person described in Discovery 1? (One cubic foot contains 51.4 pints of air.)

____ cubic feet of air breathed/day × ____ oxygen absorbed/cu. ft. of air = ____ cubic feet of oxygen absorbed in a day Discovery 3

Answer__________________________________________________

A hospital sells oxygen at the rate of seven and a half cents per cubic foot. How much would you pay for the oxygen you absorb in one year and in a seventyyear lifetime? Answer__________________________________________________

What steps are required to make this discovery?

et 400 cubic fe

20 cubic feet of oxygen

Fill in the missing figures of the following equation. $ _____ oxygen/cu. ft. × _____ cubic feet of oxygen absorbed/day × _____days/year = $ _____ for a year’s supply of oxygen $ ___ cost/year for oxygen × ____ years/life = $ ___ for a lifetime supply of oxygen

2. The Water We Use What steps are required to make this discovery? • First determine how many cubic feet (cu. ft.) of oxygen are absorbed per one cubic foot of air inhaled.

Each one of us must take in about two and a half quarts of water a day or we will die painfully. We take in water through what we drink, eat, and breathe. If you were required to purchase all of the water that you use during your lifetime, how much money would it take?

20 cu. ft. of oxygen absorbed in 400 cu. ft. of air inhaled = 20 = _____ Convert this 400 fraction to a decimal. ____ cubic foot of oxygen absorbed/one cubic foot of air inhaled • Next find out how many cubic feet of air we breathe in a day. _____ pints of air breathed day ÷_____ pints of air/cu. ft. = _______ cubic feet of air breathed in one day

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Discovery 4 The average person takes in 16,000 gallons of water during his lifetime. At $1.20 per gallon, how much would this cost? Answer__________________________________________________

What steps are required to make this discovery? Fill in the missing figures of the following equation. ____ gallons/lifetime × $ ____ cost/gallon = $ ____ cost/lifetime

What steps are required to make this discovery? ____ gallons/day × ____ days/year × ____ years/lifetime = _______ gallons/lifetime _______ gallons/lifetime × $ ____ cost/ gallon = $ ________ cost/lifetime Add your answers from Discoveries 3, 4, and 5 to find the total cost of the oxygen we absorb and the water we drink and use. Answer__________________________________________________

Discovery 5 In the United States, the average person uses seventy gallons of water every day. At this rate, how many gallons are used during a seventy-year lifetime? Answer__________________________________________________ What would the cost of this water be at $0.45 a gallon? Answer__________________________________________________

Project: Make a list of ten other provisions that God has freely given to us. Thank Him for His abundant supply.

1. �� 6. �� 2. �� 7. �� 3. �� 8. �� 4. �� 9. �� 5. �� 10. ��

Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________ Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Law Resource Why Must Laws Be Based on God’s Justice Rather Than on Man’s “Fairness”? Jonah became angry at God for relenting of His judgment on Nineveh because he was operating under the false concept of fairness. God’s justice condemned the city to destruction, and His mercy caused Him to withhold it after they repented. From Jonah’s perspective, it was only fair that a wicked city be mercilessly punished. His unmerciful response is especially shocking in light of the mercy that God showed him in the belly of the great fish after his disobedience to God.

• Principles of justice are universal and are not optional. • Justice reveals the true nature of God. It also exposes the rebellious nature of man. • Justice requires full payment for every violation of God’s holy Law.

Mercy is . . . the provision that God has made, in that His Son has paid the full price for man’s violation of His holy Law. • Mercy is withholding from us the just punishment of our transgression. • Mercy is given to those who affirm God’s righteous standards and confess their failure to achieve them.

Equity is . . . the application of principles of justice to situations not covered by the law. Equity always follows justice. Therefore, principles of justice must be understood before equity can be determined. (See Colossians 4:1.)

“It displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry” (Jonah 4:1).

From Bible Pictures, courtesy www.SolveFamilyProblems.com

God is perfectly just and righteous. His justice, rather than man’s fairness, exposes our need for mercy. As we examine ourselves by God’s Word, we must acknowledge that our righteousness is as filthy rags. We see that we are beggars who can do nothing to satisfy God’s perfect standard.

Justice is . . . based on the principles of God’s Word, which are totally consistent with His holy character.

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Equity is applying God’s general principles to specific situations when the law does not provide an adequate remedy.

How has humanism twisted the meaning of fairness? The Biblical concept of fairness means to be impartial and equitable, based upon the truth of God’s Word. However, humanism has redefined the meaning of fair. A false concept of “fairness” demands that all receive the same thing at the same time, based on personal interests and eroding moral standards. This self-centered view

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

does not recognize our need for God’s mercy and promotes bitterness for the things in life that are not “fair.”

“Fairness” is . . . lowering God’s standards to a level that can be achieved with the human will and ability.

However, Lazarus’s condition caused him to become “rich in faith” and to gain wealth that the rich man overlooked until it was too late. (See Luke 16:19–31.)

• “Fairness” is based on man’s value system and timetable. It is the product of everchanging human comparisons.

In modern times, the false concept of “fairness” has crept into our legal system. Rather than making judgments according to fixed principles and rules of law, judges and legislators are swayed by the idea of what is “fair,” determined by personal or societal values. The resulting rulings and legislation based on “fairness” have slowly replaced laws based on justice.

• “Fairness” is looking at a situation from the viewpoint of each person rather than from the viewpoint of God. It was not “fair” for Lazarus to have to beg for food at the gate of a rich man and for the rich man to have so much more money than Lazarus.

Doré Bible Illustrations

Lazarus at the gate of the rich man

Distinguish God’s Justice and Mercy From Man’s “Fairness”

Justice and Mercy

versus “Fairness”

Justice is based on the universal, unchangeable principles of God’s Word.

Example: God alone is the Giver of life. No individual has the authority or right to destroy it at his own whim. (See Genesis 2:7 and Exodus 20:13.)

“Fairness” is based on the variable customs of a society and the changing will of the majority. Example: Laws based on “fairness” now give mothers the liberty to decide whether or not they want their unborn children to live.

Justice establishes guilt when God’s standards are violated.

“Fairness” tries to remove guilt by lowering God’s standards.

Example: God states that every person is responsible for his own thoughts, words, and actions. (See Matthew 5:21–23, 12:36.)

Example: A judge in Wisconsin excused a high school boy for raping a girl on the basis that the boy had been subjected to sensual stimuli in our society and was only doing what was natural.

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Justice and Mercy

versus “Fairness”

Justice causes us to confess our failures and plead for mercy.

“Fairness” causes us to justify our failures so that we do not think that we have done anything wrong.

Example: A repentant criminal may be shown mercy in the punishment imposed. (See I John 1:9–10.)

Example: Laws based on “fairness” do not convict a criminal who successfully argues “temporary insanity.”

“Fairness” is based on personal interests and will produce rebellion within a nation.

Justice and mercy are based on personal responsibility to a holy God, and they will produce revival in a nation.

Example: When God’s Law was read to the kingdom of Judah during Josiah’s reign, the people wept, confessed their sin, and turned back to God. (See II Kings 22:1–23:28.)

Example: Laws based upon “fairness” legitimize consensual same-gender relationships (sodomy) as personal rights. In reality, such acts are moral rebellion, not personal rights. They deaden the conscience of the community and invite God’s judgment.

“Fairness” is based on protecting temporal values.

Justice is based on protecting eternal values.

Example: Truthfulness and loyalty to sacred vows are more important than personal pleasure.

Example: Laws based on “fairness” concerning divorce and remarriage are based on the assumption that personal happiness is more important than fidelity and loyalty to marriage vows.

(See Ecclesiastes 5:4.)

Justice emphasizes personal responsibility.

Example: Every person is responsible for his every thought. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained that if a man has lustful thoughts toward a woman, he is already guilty of adultery with her in his heart. (See Matthew 5:27–32.)

J ustice is the expression of God’s wisdom for a nation, and its application will lead to prosperity.

Example: If a nation followed God’s principles of finance, the individuals, families, employers, and charitable institutions would meet its welfare needs, not the government. (See Deuteronomy 28:1–14

“Fairness” emphasizes personal rights. Example: Laws based on “fairness” concerning pornography conclude that every person has a personal liberty to read whatever he wants to read. Judicial rulings based on “fairness” claim that morality cannot be legislated. The fact is that every law legislates morality. The only question is, Who determines what is moral—God or man? “Fairness” is the expression of human reasoning for a nation, and its application will lead to financial ruin. Example: Laws based on “fairness” are taking more and more authority from parents, churches, and businesses. As a result, the government is assuming an overwhelming responsibility for the social welfare of its citizens.

and Proverbs 14:34.)

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Justice and Mercy

versus “Fairness”

Justice is impartial. It is objective and nonemotional.

Illustration: On the Statue of Justice, the blindfold expresses the impartiality of justice. God warns us that we should not show favoritism to either the rich or the poor. (See Exodus 23:2–3, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 16:18–19, and Proverbs 24:23.)

Justice results in the swift prosecution of criminals.

Reason: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

“Fairness” is partial. It is subjective and based on arbitrary emotional considerations. Example: In trying to enforce traffic laws “fairly,” a California policeman testified, “I have found that when I attempt to be ‘fair,’ I inevitably cite those who should have been warned, and warn those who should have been cited.” “Fairness” results in the slow or incomplete prosecution of criminals. Example: Laws based on “fairness” allow convicted criminals to evade the consequences of their actions by lengthy trial procedures that focus on the rights of the accused while ignoring the needs of the victims and by parole systems that shorten the sentences for the guilty.

J ustice limits the punishment of a criminal.

“Fairness” results in the inconsistent punishment of a criminal.

Example: “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth . . . .” (Exodus 21:24) puts proportional limitations on punishment. By the time of Christ, the true meaning of this law had become distorted.

Example: Laws based on “fairness” often cause harsh consequences to parents who spank their children, while neglecting drug and pornography pushers who violate the morals of children.

J ustice establishes God’s view of what is essential for a nation to be successful.

“Fairness” establishes man’s view of what is essential for a nation to be successful.

Example: God places great value on the life and worth of an individual. He requires punishment for anyone who murders another person: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6).

Example: Laws based on “fairness” make it legal to kill millions of unborn children, our national heritage; but they bring swift, harsh fines and imprisonment for killing an endangered species such as the United States’ national bird, the bald eagle.

“Fairness” legislates against an employer’s generosity toward those who are in need.

Example: After paying agreed-upon wages, an employer may wish to give an extra amount to someone in need. (See Ephesians 6:8–9 and

Example: Laws based on “fairness” require employers to give each person in a given job classification the same pay, regardless of individual need.

Justice allows an employer to be generous to those who are in special need.

Colossians 4:1.)

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Justice holds the individual guilty for his offense.

Example: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back part of the price of the land they had sold. Because of this, God took their lives. (See Acts 5:1–11.)

Humanistic laws based on “fairness” hold society guilty for an individual’s offense. Example: Laws based upon “fairness” require that the criminal be rehabilitated at the taxpayer’s expense, rather than on the Biblical model that the criminal needs to make restitution for his crime.

Project: h Read

the account of Job and his wife losing their wealth, their children, and his health. Note the opposite responses of Job and his wife to the losses. What qualities enabled Job to focus on God’s justice? (See Job 1–2.)

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ h What

ness?

Courtesy of Veronica Pellascio, Doré Bible Illustrations

statement of Job’s makes it obvious that he was not focused on fair-

Job made a statement that shows what rights he expected from the Lord. What was the statement? What expectations did he have about what he would gain during his life? h

three past situations in your life or in your family that did not seem “fair.” Then list the ways that God brought about justice (or is bringing about justice) since that time.

1.______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 2.______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 3.______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Health Resource How Does Ptosis of the Eyelids Illustrate Being Poor in Spirit? The condition of drooping eyelids is called ptosis (TOE-sis). The Greek word for poor is ptochos (ptoe-KOSS). Both words come from the same root word.

Eyebrow Orbicularis oculi muscle Palpebral conjunctiva

Levator palpebra superioris muscle Superior rectus muscle Retina

Tarsal plate Tarsal glands (meibomian) Iris

What is ptosis of the eyelids? Ptosis takes place when one or both eyelids are physically unable to be raised up all the way. The result is a drooping eyelid. Normal ptosis occurs every time we blink or voluntarily close or lower our eyelids. A seductive ptosis is a winking of the eye that is used by an evil man or an immoral woman to seduce another person.

What causes ptosis to occur? Ptosis can afflict one or both eyelids. Sometimes one eyelid droops more than the other. In most cases the nerve connection is blocked between the brain and the levator palpebra superioris (luh-VAY-ter PAL-puhbruh sue-pir-ee-OHR-is)—the upper eyelid raiser. Blockage may be caused by a damaged nerve, by a chemical imbalance resulting from drug use or disease, or by a tumor. Occasionally the “upper eyelid raiser” itself has been damaged and is unable to “lift” the eyelid. Humility comes by understanding depravity.

Cornea Pupil Lens Eyelashes Conjunctival sac Orbicularis oculi muscle

Micah Zak

Cross section of the eye and eyelid

What three vital functions occur every time we close our eyelids? 1. Cleansing Every time we close our eyelids, they evenly spread lacrimal fluid from our tear ducts over our eyes. This fluid cleans the eyes, kills bacteria, lubricates the movement of the eyes, and keeps the soft tissue of the eyes moist. Without this continual process, the eyes would soon dry out, infection would set in, and we would lose our ability to see. This cleansing process takes place thousands of times every day! In the same way that our eyelids apply cleansing fluid to our eyes, our spirits must take in the water of God’s Word to the spiritual eyes of our soul.

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The cleansing power of Scripture is explained in John 15:3. “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” The need to apply it to our spiritual eyes is emphasized in Revelation 3:18: “. . . Anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.”

2. Protection Eyelids shield the eye from harmful objects that might scratch or puncture the eye. Eyelids also serve to screen out excessive light on bright days. When a person squints,

5 9

6 8 7

3 1

1. Pupil—opening of center of iris for light transmission 2. I ris—circular, pigmented, muscular membrane behind cornea 3. S clera (SKLEH-ruh)—“white” of eye, a coat of fibrous tissue that covers entire eyeball except for cornea 4. C onjunctiva (CON-junk-TIE-vuh)—membrane that covers exposed surface of eyeball and lines eyelids 5. P alpebrae (PAL-puh-bray)—the eyelids, folds of skin and muscle lined by conjunctiva 6. P alpebral fissure (PAL-puh-brul FISH-er)—space between eyelids when they are open 7. M edial canthus (MEE-dee-al CAN-thus)—site of union of upper and lower eyelids near nose 8. L ateral canthus—site of union of upper and lower eyelids away from nose 9. L acrimal caruncle (LAK-ri-mul CAR-unk-ul)—fleshy, yellowish projection of medial canthus that contains modified sweat and sebaceous glands 10. E yelashes—hairs on margins of eyelids, usually arranged in two or three rows

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the eyelid is either lowered slightly to cover a portion of the pupil or it is closed entirely. It is able to keep out about 99 percent of all the light that strikes it. Without eyelids, the eye is in danger of being burned by the concentrated light that the lens focuses on the retina. Protection of the eye comes by the voluntary and involuntary closing of eyelids. Involuntary control is called a reflex. A sudden bright light, a puff of air, or the sight of movement toward the eye will cause the eyelids to close automatically without conscious thought. Sleepiness will also cause the eyelids to close. They blink more slowly and feel heavier and heavier until sleep occurs. The eyelids also blink spontaneously every few seconds to keep the eye moist. All this happens automatically without thought. Voluntary blinking occurs when the mind consciously closes the eyelids, such as when you pray or choose not to look at something distasteful. Spontaneous blinking may occur as many as 20,000 times a day. Each eye has two folds of skin that close over the eye to protect it. That means that we have four eyelids all together. They are called palpebrae. Muscle names often include such terms as superior, inferior, and lateral. These simply mean top, bottom, and side, respectively. The upper eyelid is the superior palpebra, and the lower eyelid is the inferior palpebra. Just as our eyelids instantly protect our physical sight, so God has given us the shield of faith to protect our spiritual sight. Whenever a “fiery dart” from Satan is hurled at us, we must instinctively put up that shield. (See Ephesians 6:16.)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

3. Rest

An eagle, like most other birds, has a third eyelid called a nictitating (NIK-tuhTAY-ting) membrane. Birds close this membrane to blink and the other eyelids to sleep.

God has established the principle of work and rest for the body. The heart rests between every beat, and the eyes rest every time the eyelids close. The blink of an eye lasts for only onefourth of a second. Blinking is so automatic that usually it is completely unnoticed. However, if you add up the total number of blinks in eight hours, you may find that your eyes have been closed for more

different nerves. One signal tells the levator palpebra superioris to relax. The other tells the orbicularis oculi to tighten. This closes the eyelid. It remains closed until a new signal from the brain tells the “upper eyelid raiser” to contract and the muscle around the eye to relax. If both muscles contract at the same time, Four of the twelve cranial nerves are used to or if both relax at the same make the eye blink. time, the eyelid goes nowhere. • The optic nerve carries sight to Just as blinking periodithe brain. cally during the day gives a • The oculomotor “Sabbath rest” to the eyes, (OK-yu-loe-MOEthe Lord designed a day each ter) nerve raises the eyelid. week for man to rest from his • The trigeminal labors and to focus on fellow(try-JEM-uh-nal) ship with God. nerve carries sensations of touch to the brain when the eye is touched by matter.

• The facial nerve lowers the eyelid.

Micah Zak

than fifty-six minutes. That is almost a full hour out of every eight-hour working day. This means that every day during our waking hours our eyes rest about two hours. Added to this is the rest that our eyes receive at night. Blinking requires the coordinated control of two muscles that pull in opposite directions. The levator palpebra superioris lifts the eyelid and the orbicularis oculi (or-BIK-yu-LAIR-is OK-yu-lie) pulls the eyelid closed. To cause the eyelid to close, the brain must send two different signals along two Humility comes by understanding depravity.

How does the blink of the eye illustrate what happens when we are poor in spirit? We must blink throughout the day.

The health of the eye depends on the voluntary and involuntary blinking that goes on all day long. Similarly, the health of our spiritual eyes depends on our voluntary and involuntary attitude of being poor in spirit.

When we blink, our eyes turn upward. In order to blink, the superior palpebra (upper eyelid) lowers until it meets the inferior palpebra (lower eyelid). As the eyelid closes, the eyeball turns slightly upward. When the eyelid is raised again, the eye returns

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worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Refusal to lower the eyelids is referred to in Scripture as a symbol of pride and defiance. “There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up” (Proverbs 30:13).

How are eyelids used for seductive purposes?

From Bible Pictures, courtesy www.SolveFamilyProblems.com

The eyelids are also noted in Scripture as a weapon that is used by those with impure motives.

to its previous position. To be successful Christians, we must continually be aware of our personal insufficiency and repeatedly turn our spiritual eyes on God in meditation and prayer as we go about our daily tasks. (See Psalm 1 and I Thessalonians 5:16–17.)

The curious-looking tarsier (TAR-see-er) has very large eyes. It appears “wide awake” because its eyelids retract completely.

linking requires lowering B the eyelids.

Jesus demonstrated humility as He served His disciples by washing their feet.

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Just as the upper eyelids must be lowered in order to blink, so we must humble ourselves in order to be poor in spirit. When we “lower” ourselves in order to cheerfully carry out menial tasks for others, we demonstrate being poor in spirit. When one person lowers his eyelids in the presence of another, it acknowledges that he is lower in rank or subordinate to the other. When we bow our heads in the presence of God, we acknowledge that we are subordinate to Him. For this reason, we also follow the instruction of Psalm 95:6. “O come, let us

A Naughty Person “A naughty person . . . . winketh with his eyes . . . he deviseth mischief . . .” (Proverbs 6:12–14). The wink spoken of here is that of a deceiver. He uses it to signal others to help or at least to not hinder him as he mocks or deceives a third person.

An Evil Woman “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids” (Proverbs 6:25). An attractive but immoral woman can use a wink to communicate lustful desires and sensual entrapments to the simple. Those who fall to her whoredom are stripped of resources and vibrancy of life. (See Proverbs 6:25–29 and 7:22–27.)

God gives precise instruction in Proverbs on how to avoid the “narrow pit” of the adulterous woman.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

By the amount of the eye that they cover, their shape, and their tightness, eyelids communicate. Droopiness can convey a feeling of dullness, or it can be a sign of

humility. Most of the time, the eyelids work along with the eyebrows, nose, and mouth to express a feeling.

The basset hound’s drooping eyelids make it look sad and lonely.

“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:25–27).

Eyelids can also communicate grief, joy, surprise, fatigue, alertness, danger, judgment, and arrogance. They can be used to bring peace or to entice into sin. This versatility makes the eyelid perhaps the most expressive member of the body.

Project: Analogies on the Eyelid From the information in this Resource, fill in the following blanks. 1. Ptosis is to the eyelid what ___________ is to the spirit. 2. God’s Word is to the heart what ___________ is to eyes.

4. Involuntary blinking is to the eye what God’s ___________ is to the spirit. 5. Work and rest are to the soul what seeing and ___________ are to the eyes. 6. The Holy Spirit’s control of the spirit is like the ___________ control of the eyelids. 7. A humbling limitation is to the spirit what ___________ is to the eyelids.

3. The eyelid is to the eye what the ___________ is to our spiritual sight.

Match these parts of the eye to their correct description. • Pupil

• Membrane that covers exposed surface of eyeball and lines eyelids

• Palpebrae

• Circular, colored, muscular membrane behind the cornea

• Conjunctiva

• Site of the union of the upper and lower lids near the nose

• Eyelashes

• Opening of the center of the iris

• Medial canthus

• “White” of the eye

• Sclera

• Hairs or margins of eyelids

• Iris

•E yelids, folds of skin and muscle lined by conjunctiva Date Completed:____________ Evaluation:__________

Humility comes by understanding depravity.

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Life Classroom Worksheet

Relating a Life Classroom to This Wisdom Booklet True learning does not take place without a change in thinking and a change in behavior. Record below how

Describe the situation:

God has arranged circumstances and situations to give you insight into this Wisdom Booklet. • Students thirteen and older may transfer their insights into their Journal of Knowledge, section four. (Note: Journals may be worked on simultaneously.)

What we would like to know more about as a result of this situation:

How has this situation brought application and insight in the following areas? Major Concept or Resource Topic:

Life Principles:

Character Qualities:

Practical Skills:

Application Verified by Parent �� Date____________

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . .” Matthew 5:3

Just as I Am

Wisdom Booklet 3 — 3rd edition

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