If you already have a regular devotion habit that's great! If not, use this section to help you to study the bible every day!
Sword Practice Tip:
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword." (Hebrews 4:12)
A man from Uganda asked Pastor John Piper (click to listen to the podcast) what basic skills he needs to find meaning for himself from the Bible. Piper replies: "Something mysterious happens when we pick up a pen or pencil and write out the text or our observations... writing down the text causes you to have thoughts you wouldn't otherwise have."
The Promise of the Kingdom (Abraham):
Study based on God's Big Picture: Tracing the storyline of the bible, by Vaughan Roberts.
Have you ever been able to see the story that ties together the whole bible? Neither had I. Let's continue in the third part of this bible study series.
We saw last time how the Pattern of the Kingdom (eden) became the Perished Kingdom (fall). But before the creation of the world God had a rescue plan to bring rebellious hearts back to himself where they would receive blessing under his kingdom rule. There are little hints of grace (undeserved rescue) even as God judges people in the early stories of Genesis rife with human sin. Then comes the story of the Tower of Babel: the people build a tower in pride and God acts in judgement by confusing their languages and scattering them on the earth. The hint of grace comes in the form of a promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3:
“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
It's a promise to reverse Babel and bring all the peoples on earth back together under God's rule and blessing. It's a promise to reverse the fall and the rest of the bible is all about how this Promised Kingdom is fulfilled. Please use the study guide below to see for yourself this part of God's Big Picture in the bible.
Study Guide:
Monday: Genesis 12:1-3 - God promises three things to Abraham: people, land and blessing. Where do these three elements appear in this text?
Tuesday: Genesis 17:1-8 - God confirms his covenant by repeating the promise of people, land and blessing. Where do these three elements appear in this text?
Wednesday: Galatians 3:6-14 - Paul is countering false teachers in the Galatian church who taught that people need to obey the Jewish law. Why are those who have faith in God the true children of Abraham?
Thursday: Galatians 3:6-14 - What does it mean in verse 10 to say "rely on the works of the law"? How might Christians do that today? Why is it futile?
Friday: Galatians 3:6-14 - Is it possible to receive God's blessing instead of judgement? How might you explain the truth from this passage to a non-Christian?
If you have a question, feel free to post it below.
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