II.
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SCRIPTURAL STUDY.
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B.
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AN UNEXPECTED TURN OF EVENTS. 4:27-42
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1.
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Interrupted by the return of the disciples, the woman excitedly seeks confirmation from the men of the city (likely those
found traditionally at its entrance) of what she already has come to believe in her heart. It can readily be assumed here
that her reason for excitement caused her to:
a.
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Forget her physical needs (seen with her forgotten waterpot left behind);
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b.
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Forget her probable shame (her adulterous relationship likely known to these men); and
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c.
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Forget her public social restrictions concerning contact or conversation in public with men.
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TRUTH:
CHRIST BREAKS DOWN ALL RELIGIOUS, PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, AND CIVIL BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL, ITS HEARER, AND BEARER!
(Ro.10:15,17)
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vs.30
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2.
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Her boldness and sincerity, together with the message of Christ, drew them out for a personal inquiry.
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TRUTH:
PEOPLE WILL RESPOND TO THE GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS) WHEN CHRIST IS PROCLAIMED FROM DEEP PERSONAL CONVICTION.
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vs.35-39
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3.
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"Four months" to the harvest likely indicates this
time was late December or early January A.D. 26, since the first yearly harvest begins in early April.
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TRUTH:
WE SHOULD ALWAYS SOW EXPECTING TO REAP WHEN CHRIST LEADS INTO THE HARVEST, ALWAYS REMEMBERING IT IS HE WHO GIVES THE INCREASE.
(I Co.3:6,7)
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vs.40-42
Study:
Mt.10:1-15
Lk.10:1-24.
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4.
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The disciples have been taught a major lesson in this encounter with the Samaritans -- never overlook anyone in their haste
to be busy in the Lord's work. Following the descension of the Spirit on Pentecost, Philip will return and do a tremendous
work here. The Water that Christ promised them, which was poured out for all on Pentecost, will be freely given them through
Philip, and Peter and John who are sent to them from the Church in Jerusalem. The division and distinction between Jew and
Samaritan will no longer be recognized by those united in Christ. All are made one, whether Jew, Samaritan, or Greek.
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Lk.17:1
15:10
13:34
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5.
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As a result, who then is anyone to erect walls between peoples where Christ has successfully removed them in His atoning and
uniting work, whether they be natural by birth, or added by man? There is but one Lord, and He is Lord of all.
All then who are in Him are of the same seed of rebirth -- common in Spirit. Let us lose our carnal eye when we
look upon those around us who are born of the same Blood, and obey His only commandment to us for abiding in His Love -- loving
each other as He loved us!
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