Why did Abram refuse the king of Sodom’s offer to keep the goods Abram won from the battle to free Lot? vs. 23. The king of Sodom saw in Abram a valuable ally after witnessing Abram’s army easily defeated the king’s enemies. He’d be a good guy to have in any future war. King of Sodom attempted to “buy” Abram’s loyalty to him. Make it where Abram would be obligated to serve him in the future. Play on Abram’s sense of honor. Abram was wise enough to refuse the king of Sodom’s offer. What characteristic do you see in Abram? Wisdom.
III. God’s Covenant – Genesis ch. 15
1) Define covenant – a solemn agreement that is binding on all parties. Examples – mortgage, marriage
Read vs. 1-7 – Why does God tell Abram “do not fear … I am your shield”? Abram’s heart is troubled by many things. Fear of other peoples in the land. Example – King of Sodom may have been upset at Abram for refusing his offer. Also Abram was experiencing a crisis of faith. God told Abram to not fear, I will protect you/reward you. How could Abram have faith in that promise when God had yet to fulfill his first promise – offspring/children? Abram asked God, “Where is the child you promised me?” God responded by renewing his covenant with Abram.
2) Genesis 15:1-7; 18-19 – What was God’s covenant with Abram? Offspring, specifically a son who would come from his own body and the land of Canaan.
Homework – count number of times God repeats the covenant to Abraham beginning in Genesis ch. 12
3) Genesis 15:5-6 - What sign did God give Abram to show him that he would have a son from his very own body? Told Abram to look at the stars in the sky and count them. So will be the number of his offspring.
4) Genesis 15:6 – What did Abram do? He believed what God said. Covenant – God makes promise to Abram. In exchange, Abram is to place his faith in God. God will do what He says. What did God do in response? Define “credited/reckoned” – God regarded Abram’s faith as an act of righteousness even though Abram did not do any physical act – no sacrifice, no good work. Simply believed in what he did not see and was sure of his hope that God would give him what he wanted most – a son.
vs. 7-8 – second part of covenant: God will give Abram and his descendants land of Canaan. Abram again questions God. Again, he needs a sign. God provides one. Speaks to Abram in a dream. Prophesies of the Israelite’s slavery in Egypt. After 400 years, God will bring his descendants to the Promised Land. This seems to be an odd and depressing sign to strengthen Abram’s faith. God giving Abram insight into the future of his descendants. Not pretty BUT the outcome will be positive. They will possess the land just as God promised Abram.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Walking With Abraham pt. 2
II. Egypt, Lot, and War of the Nine Kings – Genesis ch. 12-14
Genesis 12:12-20 – Abram goes to Egypt. What is your impression of Abram? Coward; selfish. See Abram’s faults. Not perfect. He is still in the infant stage of his faith. Abram has yet to learn how to fully trust God.
Genesis ch. 13 - vs. 4 Abram returns to altar at Bethel and calls on God. What do you think he talked to God about? Repentance for his lack of faith in Egypt; thankful that God spared his life; the altar reminded Abram of God’s promise to him. Summarize dispute between Lot’s herdsmen and Abram’s. Abram and Lot go separate ways.
Read vs. 9-11. What is your impression of Abram? Generous, humble, peacemaker. What is your impression of Lot? Selfish, disrespectful to his “father.” Read vs. 14-18 – What does God do? Reaffirmed the covenant. Gives Abram reassurance. Once again Abram builds an altar to God.
Genesis ch. 14 – Nine kings in Canaan get into a big war. Lot finds himself in trouble. Taken hostage by one of the kings. Abram hears about it. Vs. 13 – first time word “Hebrew” used in the Bible. Describes Abram’s nationality.
If you had been Abram, what would your response had been to the mess Lot found himself in? What was Abram’s response? Determined to rescue Lot. Led his special forces unit/Green Berets/Seal Team 318 to rescue Lot.
What characteristic do you see in Abram? Love. A “turn the other cheek” love, a forgiving love. Abram willing to sacrifice his life and the lives of others to rescue his disrespectful nephew. Abram gets into a war among rival local kings to rescue Lot.
Read vs. 18-24. What is unique about Melchizedek? King and priest. His name means “king of righteousness.” Salem – Hebrew for “peace.” Early name for Jerusalem. Melchizedek is a “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.” Sound familiar. Hr foreshadow Jesus Christ. Read Hebrews chapter 7. First communion service and first tithe. Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he won in the battle against the kings.
Genesis 12:12-20 – Abram goes to Egypt. What is your impression of Abram? Coward; selfish. See Abram’s faults. Not perfect. He is still in the infant stage of his faith. Abram has yet to learn how to fully trust God.
Genesis ch. 13 - vs. 4 Abram returns to altar at Bethel and calls on God. What do you think he talked to God about? Repentance for his lack of faith in Egypt; thankful that God spared his life; the altar reminded Abram of God’s promise to him. Summarize dispute between Lot’s herdsmen and Abram’s. Abram and Lot go separate ways.
Read vs. 9-11. What is your impression of Abram? Generous, humble, peacemaker. What is your impression of Lot? Selfish, disrespectful to his “father.” Read vs. 14-18 – What does God do? Reaffirmed the covenant. Gives Abram reassurance. Once again Abram builds an altar to God.
Genesis ch. 14 – Nine kings in Canaan get into a big war. Lot finds himself in trouble. Taken hostage by one of the kings. Abram hears about it. Vs. 13 – first time word “Hebrew” used in the Bible. Describes Abram’s nationality.
If you had been Abram, what would your response had been to the mess Lot found himself in? What was Abram’s response? Determined to rescue Lot. Led his special forces unit/Green Berets/Seal Team 318 to rescue Lot.
What characteristic do you see in Abram? Love. A “turn the other cheek” love, a forgiving love. Abram willing to sacrifice his life and the lives of others to rescue his disrespectful nephew. Abram gets into a war among rival local kings to rescue Lot.
Read vs. 18-24. What is unique about Melchizedek? King and priest. His name means “king of righteousness.” Salem – Hebrew for “peace.” Early name for Jerusalem. Melchizedek is a “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.” Sound familiar. Hr foreshadow Jesus Christ. Read Hebrews chapter 7. First communion service and first tithe. Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he won in the battle against the kings.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Walking With Abraham pt. 1
I. The Call – Genesis 11:27 – 12:9
Ur – Cultural/historical background. Metropolitan city. Wealthy. Had a tall ziggurat (shrine) built to the moon god Nanna. Abram raised in a pagan culture.
Summarize Genesis ch. 11 verses. Abram’s family. Marriage to Sarai – Half-sister. Journey to Haran. Death of Terah, his father. Abram made Haran his home. The city of Haran is a wealthy city. Important city along the Middle Eastern trade routes. Not a bad place to settle down.
After hundreds of years, God speaks. God reaches out to man. Specifically to one man, a fella named Abram. Why did God choose Abram? An old man (75yrs old) who was a nobody from a nobody people. I Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." What did God see in the heart of Abram that would have God choose Abram to be the Father of the Chosen People? Attributes/characteristics? God does not choose names out of a hat.
Read Genesis 12:1-8
1) Genesis 12:1 – What did God say to Abram? Leave. Go to a land I will lead you to. Did God tell Abram where to go? Abram has never seen this land.
2) Genesis 12:2-3 – What did God say he will do for Abram and through Abram? Make a great nation; bless Abram; make Abram’s name great. For what purpose? To establish an empire? To acquire great wealth? Purpose: to be a blessing. Define blessing - to consecrate or sanctify; make or pronounce holy; bestow divine favor on (material, spiritual, emotional). God will make Abram a blessing. Set Abram and his descendants apart for a divine purpose. Who will be blessed through Abram? Just Abram and Sarai and nephew Lot? All peoples. Who are all peoples? What did God mean when He said that all peoples on earth will be blessed through Abram? Through Abram all of humanity will know God’s favor/make them holy. All humanity – all races. Not just Jews/Hebrews. Gentiles (non-Jews also.) Problem – Abram has no children.
In Genesis 12, God takes the next step in His plan to redeem humanity that will culminate in one individual - Jesus Christ. The plan starts with one individual: Abram - an elderly man (age 75) of no significance/no claim to fame/not the smartest man/not the wealthiest man and who is a member of a people of no significance. Moreover, Abram has no children. The name Abram means “exalted father” yet Abram has no children. Let that sink in for a moment. Every time you hear your name, it reminds you of your greatest failure. Knowing that makes it a little easier for us to relate to Abram. Brings him down to our level. Just like God to take an insignificant nobody from a nobody people group and make him significant … the foundation for His plan of redemption. Why? Read I Corinthians 1:25-29. God carries out His plans in ways that to us seem foolish/don’t make sense … in ways we wouldn’t do it. EXACTLY! Otherwise we would not give credit/glory to God. Abram has no right to boast to the fact that he is one of the most famous individuals in world history who is revered by three religions that trace their origins to him. Why? Without God, Abram would to this day still be a nobody. Abraham Lincoln might have been named Melchizedeck Lincoln. God chose Abram. Abram did not choose God.
Clarify blessing – Misconception that purpose of God’s blessing directed at me for me. “God blessed me with a nice home, great job, wonderful family, good health, etc., for my benefit.” God’s blessings are directed to you but they are NOT JUST FOR YOU. God did make Abram a great nation (Jews, Arabs, Christians – spiritual nation); God did bless Abram with material wealth; God did make Abram’s name great. Thousands of years later, Abraham is still revered throughout the world. But these blessings were not meant for Abram alone nor for just his family/his race, they were for the benefit of others – humanity. The ultimate blessing being salvation through the descendant of Abram – Jesus Christ. (Draw on board Abram – Children of Abram (Israelites/Hebrew/Jews – Jesus) The blessings that God has given you (wealth, health, wisdom, talent, spiritual gifts, etc.) are to be used for the benefit of others so that they can receive God’s blessings.
Application: Are you a blessing? Have you been set apart/pronounced holy by God? Has God bestowed divine favor upon you? More importantly, have you taken what God has blessed you with to be a blessing to others? Write down how God has blessed you then think of ways you can use those blessings for the benefit of others.
3) Genesis 12:4-9 - What was Abram’s response to God’s call? Obedience. One of faith. Read Hebrews 11:1 for definition of faith. Leaves the comfort of Haran for a place he has never seen. What about Sarai? She had to have faith as well. Haran was the “known.” Canaan was the “unknown.” God takes Abram on a tour of the land He was going to give to Abram and his descendants. Show map. What do you think Abram saw? Positive - Rich, fertile land – land of milk and honey. Canaan part of the Fertile Crescent. Negative - The cities and lands of other peoples – Canaanites, Jebusites, Perizzites, and seven other –ites people groups. All worshipped other gods, primarily Baal. Moreover – they all hate each other. Constantly fighting one another. You’re Abram. Seeing these people groups, what’s going through your head? These peoples are not going to give up there cities and land without a fight. Twice what did Abram build? An altar. Abram does this several more times. What is the purpose of an altar? Worship (acknowledge God – who He is and our need for Him); thanksgiving (expression of gratitude); petition – request God’s aid; memorial (place of remembrance of God’s appearance/blessings/favor. When Abram returned, he would see the altar – remind him of God’s blessings – and he would worship.) Do you have an altar?
Ur – Cultural/historical background. Metropolitan city. Wealthy. Had a tall ziggurat (shrine) built to the moon god Nanna. Abram raised in a pagan culture.
Summarize Genesis ch. 11 verses. Abram’s family. Marriage to Sarai – Half-sister. Journey to Haran. Death of Terah, his father. Abram made Haran his home. The city of Haran is a wealthy city. Important city along the Middle Eastern trade routes. Not a bad place to settle down.
After hundreds of years, God speaks. God reaches out to man. Specifically to one man, a fella named Abram. Why did God choose Abram? An old man (75yrs old) who was a nobody from a nobody people. I Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." What did God see in the heart of Abram that would have God choose Abram to be the Father of the Chosen People? Attributes/characteristics? God does not choose names out of a hat.
Read Genesis 12:1-8
1) Genesis 12:1 – What did God say to Abram? Leave. Go to a land I will lead you to. Did God tell Abram where to go? Abram has never seen this land.
2) Genesis 12:2-3 – What did God say he will do for Abram and through Abram? Make a great nation; bless Abram; make Abram’s name great. For what purpose? To establish an empire? To acquire great wealth? Purpose: to be a blessing. Define blessing - to consecrate or sanctify; make or pronounce holy; bestow divine favor on (material, spiritual, emotional). God will make Abram a blessing. Set Abram and his descendants apart for a divine purpose. Who will be blessed through Abram? Just Abram and Sarai and nephew Lot? All peoples. Who are all peoples? What did God mean when He said that all peoples on earth will be blessed through Abram? Through Abram all of humanity will know God’s favor/make them holy. All humanity – all races. Not just Jews/Hebrews. Gentiles (non-Jews also.) Problem – Abram has no children.
In Genesis 12, God takes the next step in His plan to redeem humanity that will culminate in one individual - Jesus Christ. The plan starts with one individual: Abram - an elderly man (age 75) of no significance/no claim to fame/not the smartest man/not the wealthiest man and who is a member of a people of no significance. Moreover, Abram has no children. The name Abram means “exalted father” yet Abram has no children. Let that sink in for a moment. Every time you hear your name, it reminds you of your greatest failure. Knowing that makes it a little easier for us to relate to Abram. Brings him down to our level. Just like God to take an insignificant nobody from a nobody people group and make him significant … the foundation for His plan of redemption. Why? Read I Corinthians 1:25-29. God carries out His plans in ways that to us seem foolish/don’t make sense … in ways we wouldn’t do it. EXACTLY! Otherwise we would not give credit/glory to God. Abram has no right to boast to the fact that he is one of the most famous individuals in world history who is revered by three religions that trace their origins to him. Why? Without God, Abram would to this day still be a nobody. Abraham Lincoln might have been named Melchizedeck Lincoln. God chose Abram. Abram did not choose God.
Clarify blessing – Misconception that purpose of God’s blessing directed at me for me. “God blessed me with a nice home, great job, wonderful family, good health, etc., for my benefit.” God’s blessings are directed to you but they are NOT JUST FOR YOU. God did make Abram a great nation (Jews, Arabs, Christians – spiritual nation); God did bless Abram with material wealth; God did make Abram’s name great. Thousands of years later, Abraham is still revered throughout the world. But these blessings were not meant for Abram alone nor for just his family/his race, they were for the benefit of others – humanity. The ultimate blessing being salvation through the descendant of Abram – Jesus Christ. (Draw on board Abram – Children of Abram (Israelites/Hebrew/Jews – Jesus) The blessings that God has given you (wealth, health, wisdom, talent, spiritual gifts, etc.) are to be used for the benefit of others so that they can receive God’s blessings.
Application: Are you a blessing? Have you been set apart/pronounced holy by God? Has God bestowed divine favor upon you? More importantly, have you taken what God has blessed you with to be a blessing to others? Write down how God has blessed you then think of ways you can use those blessings for the benefit of others.
3) Genesis 12:4-9 - What was Abram’s response to God’s call? Obedience. One of faith. Read Hebrews 11:1 for definition of faith. Leaves the comfort of Haran for a place he has never seen. What about Sarai? She had to have faith as well. Haran was the “known.” Canaan was the “unknown.” God takes Abram on a tour of the land He was going to give to Abram and his descendants. Show map. What do you think Abram saw? Positive - Rich, fertile land – land of milk and honey. Canaan part of the Fertile Crescent. Negative - The cities and lands of other peoples – Canaanites, Jebusites, Perizzites, and seven other –ites people groups. All worshipped other gods, primarily Baal. Moreover – they all hate each other. Constantly fighting one another. You’re Abram. Seeing these people groups, what’s going through your head? These peoples are not going to give up there cities and land without a fight. Twice what did Abram build? An altar. Abram does this several more times. What is the purpose of an altar? Worship (acknowledge God – who He is and our need for Him); thanksgiving (expression of gratitude); petition – request God’s aid; memorial (place of remembrance of God’s appearance/blessings/favor. When Abram returned, he would see the altar – remind him of God’s blessings – and he would worship.) Do you have an altar?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
TOWER OF BABEL
Chapter 10
Migration of descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Japheth – Coastline of Turkey, Greece, Italy
Ham – Northeast Africa (Egypt, Ethiopia) and Palestine. Talk about Nimrod. Man of great reputation. “Your like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before God.” Your like Michael Jordan, a great basketball player.” Your like Paula Dean, a great cook.” Founded two great cities that play a major role in the Bible - Babel/Babylon and Nineveh.
Shem – Eastern Mesopotamia. Present day Iraq, Iran, and Arabian peninsula. We get the term Semite/Semitic from the word Shem. Eber – some scholars associate with the name Hebrew. Peleg – either born or lived at the time of a great earthquake.
The events in Genesis chapter 11:1-9 take place somewhere in chapter 10 a few generations after the Flood. Descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth had yet to spread across the earth.
Read Genesis 11:1-9
1. What observation is made in verse 1 concerning the people of earth? They speak the same language and the same words.
The land of Shinar is located in present day Iraq. History refers to this region as Mesopotamia. Show on map.
2. What did the people want to do and for what purposes? Build a city and an extremely tall tower. Purposes – a) Fame. Selfish, prideful, egotistical. b) Maintain unity. They did not want to spread across the earth.
3. Read Genesis 9:1. What did God tell Noah and his three sons to do? Have lots of kids and fill up the earth. Spread out across the earth.
These people were disobeying God’s commandment. Their purpose for building a city and a tower was to assert their independence from God. “We know what’s best for ourselves. That is to remain together. To prove it, we’re going to build a city. Symbol of our independence will be a great tower that will reach to the heavens … God. We don’t need God to come down to us. We’ll go to Him. Relate to God as equals (like gods.) If there is one sin God despises above all others, it is pride. Why? I think it reminds him of the first sin – Satan’s rebellion. Isaiah 14:13-14 - You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' Pride excludes God from your life completely.
The tower the people were building is known in history as a ziggurat. Very prominent in ancient Mesopotamian cities. A stepped pyramid. At the top was a shrine where the god of the city could come down and reside in. Purpose was to connect heaven with the earth/gods with humanity. See that in names of some of the early ziggurats: ex. Temple of the foundation of heaven and earth built in Babylon.
4. Who came to see the city and the tower? God. Something funny about people building a tower to reach God and God coming down to see them.
5. vs. 6. How would you characterize God’s reaction to what He was seeing? Impressed by what humanity had accomplished in a short span of time. What all goes into building a city? Engineering skills; architectural planning; mathematics; technology that went in to building the city and the tower was amazing. Organizational skills. Everyone working together.
6. What do you think motivated God to say, “And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them”? Fear that humanity would pose a threat to Him? No. It was out of concern for humanity’s future. In their present unified state, humanity will be able to accomplish anything. But for what purpose/whose purpose? Good or evil/God or humanity. Repeat why the people built the city and tower. What could be the outcome? If purpose is evil, out come could be self destruction. Examples – nuclear technology, the internet.
7. What did God do to get the people to scatter across the earth? He confused their language. Someone said “Bring me that tool.” The person he spoke to could not understand what he was saying. It was like this throughout the city. People could not understand what other people were saying. Consequently, they could not complete building the city or the tower. The people spread out across the earth as God intended.
The reason why the city was called Babel – After God confused the language, when someone spoke what they heard was “ba, ba, ba,” … a bunch of babbling.
God’s problem with the people of Babel was not advancements science and technology. His problem was with their hearts’ motivation for building the city and tower. Selfish motivation; ungodly.
Migration of descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Japheth – Coastline of Turkey, Greece, Italy
Ham – Northeast Africa (Egypt, Ethiopia) and Palestine. Talk about Nimrod. Man of great reputation. “Your like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before God.” Your like Michael Jordan, a great basketball player.” Your like Paula Dean, a great cook.” Founded two great cities that play a major role in the Bible - Babel/Babylon and Nineveh.
Shem – Eastern Mesopotamia. Present day Iraq, Iran, and Arabian peninsula. We get the term Semite/Semitic from the word Shem. Eber – some scholars associate with the name Hebrew. Peleg – either born or lived at the time of a great earthquake.
The events in Genesis chapter 11:1-9 take place somewhere in chapter 10 a few generations after the Flood. Descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth had yet to spread across the earth.
Read Genesis 11:1-9
1. What observation is made in verse 1 concerning the people of earth? They speak the same language and the same words.
The land of Shinar is located in present day Iraq. History refers to this region as Mesopotamia. Show on map.
2. What did the people want to do and for what purposes? Build a city and an extremely tall tower. Purposes – a) Fame. Selfish, prideful, egotistical. b) Maintain unity. They did not want to spread across the earth.
3. Read Genesis 9:1. What did God tell Noah and his three sons to do? Have lots of kids and fill up the earth. Spread out across the earth.
These people were disobeying God’s commandment. Their purpose for building a city and a tower was to assert their independence from God. “We know what’s best for ourselves. That is to remain together. To prove it, we’re going to build a city. Symbol of our independence will be a great tower that will reach to the heavens … God. We don’t need God to come down to us. We’ll go to Him. Relate to God as equals (like gods.) If there is one sin God despises above all others, it is pride. Why? I think it reminds him of the first sin – Satan’s rebellion. Isaiah 14:13-14 - You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' Pride excludes God from your life completely.
The tower the people were building is known in history as a ziggurat. Very prominent in ancient Mesopotamian cities. A stepped pyramid. At the top was a shrine where the god of the city could come down and reside in. Purpose was to connect heaven with the earth/gods with humanity. See that in names of some of the early ziggurats: ex. Temple of the foundation of heaven and earth built in Babylon.
4. Who came to see the city and the tower? God. Something funny about people building a tower to reach God and God coming down to see them.
5. vs. 6. How would you characterize God’s reaction to what He was seeing? Impressed by what humanity had accomplished in a short span of time. What all goes into building a city? Engineering skills; architectural planning; mathematics; technology that went in to building the city and the tower was amazing. Organizational skills. Everyone working together.
6. What do you think motivated God to say, “And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them”? Fear that humanity would pose a threat to Him? No. It was out of concern for humanity’s future. In their present unified state, humanity will be able to accomplish anything. But for what purpose/whose purpose? Good or evil/God or humanity. Repeat why the people built the city and tower. What could be the outcome? If purpose is evil, out come could be self destruction. Examples – nuclear technology, the internet.
7. What did God do to get the people to scatter across the earth? He confused their language. Someone said “Bring me that tool.” The person he spoke to could not understand what he was saying. It was like this throughout the city. People could not understand what other people were saying. Consequently, they could not complete building the city or the tower. The people spread out across the earth as God intended.
The reason why the city was called Babel – After God confused the language, when someone spoke what they heard was “ba, ba, ba,” … a bunch of babbling.
God’s problem with the people of Babel was not advancements science and technology. His problem was with their hearts’ motivation for building the city and tower. Selfish motivation; ungodly.
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