The dragon pursued the woman. The woman was given wings to escape the dragon. The dragon tried to sweep the woman away with a river, but the earth saved the woman. The dragon was enraged that he could not get to the woman, so he targeted believers instead.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 5: Revelation 12:13-17
13) The dragon pursued the woman who gave birth to the male child. He waged war against the rest of her offspring or the believers who keep God’s commands and hold fast to their testimony about Jesus.
14a) God gave the woman wings to escape the dragon. He also allowed the earth to swallow up the river the dragon had sent against her. He waged war against the rest of her offspring or the believers who keep God’s commands and hold fast to their testimony about Jesus.
b) The belief in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to save all believers allows us to overcome Satan, sin, and death. God’s gift of Jesus brought us righteousness and justification before God forever, making Satan’s powers nothing to us. This means so much. I can live forever with Jesus in heaven. I can worship him now and forever, be forever grateful for this, and do my best to live out God’s calling on my life.
15) God provides all comfort. One day we will be rewarded in heaven for all that we do here on earth. We don’t have to fear death or sin. We are forgiven once and for all. This provides the ultimate comfort and peace to believers.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 5: Revelation 12:13-17
I love how no matter what the devil does, God always beats him. No matter what the devil hurls at us, we win. So great!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 5: Revelation 12:13-17
Many say the woman represents Israel or the Jewish people in particular. Satan attacks the Jews because they are God’s chosen people and the people who brought forth Jesus. By attacking the Jews, Satan hopes to thwart God’s plan for all of humanity.
We see the fury of the devil here as mentioned by Jesus as the abomination of desolation Matthew 24:15-22, but God ultimately is in charge and protects His people.
When the dragon loses, he turns towards humanity. This, again, takes place during the time of the Tribulation.
Many people believe the devil knows our thoughts. However, there is no evidence of this, so we can assume that only God knows our every thought.
Jesus now comes to rule after the accuser/dragon has been hurled down.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 4: Revelation 12:10-12
9) “Salvation, power, kingdom of God and authority of Jesus” has come. The accuser has been hurled out of heaven to earth.
10)
“They triumphed over him”: Believers beat the devil by the blood of Jesus.
“By the blood of the Lamb”: Jesus’ blood saved believers from God’s wrath.
“And by the word of their testimony”: By God’s word and testimony of what Christ did for us, we are saved and have life.
“They did not love their lives so muchas to shrink from death”: Jesus gave up his life so that believers could gain life with Jesus.
11a) There was a war in heaven until Satan was hurled to earth. Those on earth must fight the devil who is attacking them, but those in heaven are free now. Note Satan’s time is limited to attack humanity.
b) That time is of the essence since no one knows when Jesus will return.
12) I know that I have the strength to defeat Satan with God’s strength in me. I have confidence that Satan will not win over my life. I worship God all the more for this!
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 4: Revelation 12:10-12
Such a picture! Satan being hurled out of heaven and all the saints rejoicing for Jesus’ victory!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 4: Revelation 12:10-12
Note the voice is not God because of the words “our brethren” referring to humans.
The saints and believers overcame Satan in heaven because of:
The blood of Jesus
Testimony
Our desire to give up our physical lives for our spiritual life with Jesus
If we don’t cling to our physical lives, Satan cannot harm us. We are God’s spiritually.
Satan’s time and influence on earth is limited. This should encourage every believer when they are under attack by the devil.
Satan/red dragon and his angels were thrown out of heaven by Michael and his angels.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 3: Revelation 12:7-9
6) Michael and his angels fought the dragon and hurled them down to earth.
7) Satan only has power that God has granted him. Satan operates under God’s control. Satan’s power is limited by God. God rules over Satan.
8 ) I find comfort and courage knowing that God is always in control, that he won’t give me more than I can handle, that I can defeat Satan through the power of the blood of Christ, that I am stronger than Satan since I have the Holy Spirit within.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 3: Revelation 12:7-9
Love the emphasis here that Satan is not as strong as God, and God always wins. A great reminder that we can win, too.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 3: Revelation 12:7-9
Bible scholars believe this battle happens at the mid-point of the Great Tribulation, or the 7-year period as explained by Daniel (Daniel 12:1).
Bible scholars are unsure if this is a real battle or a spiritual one.
Note that Satan can enter heaven, but only at God’s allowance.
Note the many names that Satan is referred to as. This emphasizes his nature.
Fun Fact: Satan falls 4 times in the Bible. This is the 2nd fall.
Jesus’ hour has come to die for us. A voice from heaven spoke and said: “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again”, that is, God’s name.
Jesus will draw people to him when he is lifted up. He said that they must believe in him so that they may become children of light.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 4: John 12:23-36
10) His time to die on the cross
11) If Jesus did not sacrifice himself on the cross, he would not save countless others. A kernel of wheat grows to reproduce and then they reproduce, yielding infinite others. A seed must die to become a plant. Jesus’ death and burial are necessary for us to have life.
12a) When you lose your life or die to self, you’ll work for God and help countless others come to Him.
b) They want to live for eternal life and be with God and Jesus. Here, on earth, we are always separated. Our home is in heaven.
c) To deny myself with my time and give more of it to others.
13) Once Jesus dies, all will be able to be with God and have eternal life.
14) We walk in God’s path for our lives, doing His will and not our own.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 4: John 12:23-36
I can see how many would be confused by Jesus’ words. Hindsight is a gift, and we are lucky to be able to read this and understand what Jesus meant at the time.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 4: John 12:23-36
We do all things as a follower of Jesus.
Those who follow Jesus want to be where he is. When you serve Jesus, God will honor you.
Jesus is troubled because of the horrors of crucifixion. Jesus’ main concern though was to glorify God.
Fun Fact: This is the third affirmation from God that Jesus is His Son. The others are at his baptism and the transfiguration.
God affirms He will glorify Himself at the cross.
Satan would be cast out from this world with Christ’s crucifixion.
Jesus would be exalted and draw all people to him.
We must remember that people could not read and relied on the priests to teach them about the Bible. Therefore, they were not taught much about the suffering of Christ, only his triumph, which led to confusion.
Six days before Passover, Jesus was anointed by Mary in Bethany at dinner. She poured expensive perfume out to wash his feet. Judas objected, asking why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He wanted to take some of that money for himself.
Jesus said that this perfume was meant for him as he was going away. The Jews also wanted to kill Lazarus since many people believed in Jesus because of him.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 2: John 12:1-11
3a) Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
b) She loved Jesus, believed in him, was devoted to him, and wanted to give him her best.
4a) Judas objected, asking why the perfume was not sold and the money given to the poor. He wanted to take some of that money for himself.
b) He was greedy and only saw the things of the earth. He did not believe in Jesus and did not care for him.
5) Jesus defended Mary’s action, saying “Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
6) Good question. I feel as if not as much as Mary’s gift.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 2: John 12:1-11
I love this example of always giving your best to Jesus.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 2: John 12:1-11
John 12 begins the last week of Jesus’ life.
Fun Fact: Almost half of John’s Gospel is devoted to Jesus’ last week. Matthew used more than one-third of his Gospel to cover that week, Mark nearly 40% and Luke over 25%. This should indicate it’s importance.
Bible scholars believe that this dinner was at the home of Simon the Leper (Matthew 26:6 and Mark 14:3). Martha, Lazarus, and Mary were also there.
Mary humbled herself her. Usually, slaves washed the feet of guests. She did this during supper and used her hair as a towel. She thought her gift was only worthy for Jesus’ feet. Jewish women rarely let their hair down in public.
Judas hid his heart from everyone except Jesus.
Fun Fact: This is the only place in the Bible outside of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus that he is mentioned for doing something evil. Judas was probably jealous of the gift and of the love Mary had for Jesus. John did not know at the time of this act that Judas was a thief.
Jesus chastises Judas for putting a price on Mary’s love and devotion to him. At the end of the day, it’s a funeral expense.
Lazarus must die because the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection.
Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign in Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. He purifed the temple, celebrated Passover, and encouraged worship of the Lord.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31
9a) He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. The first commandment is to love the Lord your God before all others. Therefore, idol worship could not be tolerated ever.
b) The Lord has to be first in everything we do, always. The hard part is trying to remember that.
10)
The role and activity of the priests: He purified the temple and the priests and rededicated them to the Lord. Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the Lord’s dwelling. He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord.
Calling the people back to God: He celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, inviting everyone including Judah to come to Jerusalem and do so. More high places were smashed.
11a) You have to fix what is wrong before you can do what is right. Hezekiah understood this by smashing idol worship and restoring the priesthood and retraining them to serve God. He took action once the corrective measures were taken to restore the priesthood and put God at the center of people’s lives once again.
b) Good question. He’s definitely asking me to put him first more and get my priorities straight.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31
Amongst all the bad kings, the good ones shine out — and boy do they shine brightly. Love reading about Hezekiah and his example of how it can only take a few things to turn the world around for many.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 4: 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31
In 2 Kings, we see Hezekiah’s reign was righteous, so he prospered. God preserved the royal line of King David (and thus Jesus) through Hezekiah.
In 2 Chronicles 29-31, we see Hezekiah cleanse the temples and restore worship and sacrifices. Passover is celebrated, and the regular work of the priests is restored.
SUMMARY OF 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28
2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38
Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The Lord afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house.
Jotham his son succeeded him as king. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God
2 Kings 16
Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. Ahaz asked for help from Assyria rather than God.
2 Chronicles 26-28
Uzziah succeeded his father Amaziah as king in Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God. The Lord afflicted him with leprosy, and he lived in a separate house.
Jotham reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.
Ahaz reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram.
King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help. Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help. In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28
6) Idol worship infiltrated Judah in several ways. First, the Israelites intermixed with the surrounding kingdoms, adopting their ways and gods. Next, Israel would partner with pagan nations for help, rather than with God. And, the kings would worship idols, so the people followed suit.
7a) He made idols for worshiping the Baals.He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. He asked for help from the king of Assyria. He constructed pagan altars and made offerings on them.
b) It’s easy to keep on sinning once you’ve entered sin. The best solution is to pray to resist sin or to turn away and repent as soon as you realize it. Don’t let the lies and sins compound.
8 ) God is in control, and we find hope in Him and His ways, not the ways of the world.
Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 13:1-2: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28
It’s easy to see how infectious sin can be and how it can completely destroy lives. We must always be on guard against this.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28
Azariah (also called Uzziah in 2 Kings 15:13 and other places in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah) was good in the eyes of the Lord. He was a strong king and a builder. He built up the army, too. He left the foreign altars and was struck by God with leprosy for burning incense in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:16). Kings were to be separate from the priests.
Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father had who influenced him. He improved the towns with building projects.
God began to send countries against Judah as a test.
2 Chronicles 26-28 covers the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. Ahaz did evil, rejected God, and chose idol worship. Many Judeans were captured by Syria and carried away. Many died. Ahaz turns to Assyria for help instead of turning to the Lord. Isaiah the prophet was preaching during the reign of Ahaz. God preserved a remnant and did not allow the Syrians to destroy all of Judah so the Messianic prophecy would be fulfilled.
A famine came into the land, and Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines in Gerar (different guy than Abraham’s Abimelech. Remember, Abimelech is the name they give to rulers). The Lord appeared to Isaac and told him to not go to Egypt but to stay here. He will bless him and give all this land to his descendants. He repeats the oath He gave to Abraham. He will bless all nations because Abraham was faithful and his descendants will be as numerous as the stars.
Isaac, however, lied who Rebekah was, saying she was his sister just like Abraham had done in Egypt out of fear of being killed. But Isaac got caught in his lie and was chastised by Abimelech who orders no one to touch or molest Isaac or Rebekah.
Isaac planted crops in the land of the Philistines, and the Lord blessed him. He became rich and had so many flocks that the Philistines became jealous so they filled all his wells with dirt. Finally, Abimelech told Isaac to move away because he had become too powerful.
So Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar and re-opened the wells. Isaac’s servants dug two new wells, but the locals quarreled over them. He dug another well that was undisputed, which showed Isaac the Lord would provide.
At Beersheba, the Lord appeared to Isaac and told him He would bless him and increase his descendants. Isaac built an altar there and called on the Lord. He also dug a well there.
Abimelech saw how Isaac continued to prosper because the Lord was with him and became afraid. So he along with his adviser and commander approached Isaac to make a treaty not to harm them. This was done. Another well was dug.
Esau married Judith and Basemath, both of whom were Hittites, and they were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26
12) The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions.” God was protecting Isaac and his family, as well as strengthening their faith.
13) Almost exactly the same. There was a famine in the land, and instead of praying for God’s guidance, they go to local kings for help instead of the One, True King. He told the men his wife was his sister like Abraham did. Yet God blesses Isaac as well with wealth despite his lie. He got into a water dispute with the locals after Abimelech kicked him out of Philistine. He built an altar for God there. Abimelech makes a treaty with Abraham, afraid of God’s power.
14) Personal Questions. My answer: Tell them to seek God instead. That’s all you can do. Some people have to learn by experience.
15) He made a treaty with them, and he left when he was told to leave. He tried not to quarrel over wells and left them until he dug one that had no quarrel over it. Always try to compromise and avoid conflict with your neighbors.
16) To teach them lessons, to grow their faith in Him, to appreciate the good times, to grow them as humans.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26
I had not seen the close parallels of this story before. So eerily similar. It just goes to show that no matter how good of a parent you are or try to be, your kids wil do what they want to do.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 5: Genesis 26
We see here Isaac facing almost the exact same challenges that Abraham faced, and we see that Isaac responds in almost the exact same way. We’ve saw Gerar in Genesis 20:1-18). where Abraham met a different Abimelech. Isaac begins to travel to Egypt to escape the famine, but this time God stops him before he gets there. God does not want Isaac to leave the Promised Land. He promised Isaac the same things he promised Abraham:
The Promised Land
A nation to come forth
Blessings
Isaac stops in Gerar but tells the same lie his father did, saying Rebekah was his sister. Isaac is caught in this lie, and chastized, just like his father was for his behavior (Genesis 12:18-19) (Genesis 20:10)
God protects Isaac and Rebekah anyways.
Isaac prospered, worrying his neighbors who then stopped up all the wells and told Isaac to leave.
Isaac digs new wells, confident God will bless him. Water is life in the desert, as Jesus is our living waters
Remember names in the Bible have meaning. Esek means dispute. Sitnah means opposition. Rehoboth means room. Now Isaac has room to not have disputes.
Isaac returns to Beersheba, right where God wants him.
Fun fact: This is the first time God appears to Isaac in the Bible.
We see another past play when Isaac’s neighbors approach him for peace out of the fear of God, who is with Isaac, just like we saw with Abraham. Isaac forgives Abimelech for being kicked out of his lands and makes a treaty.
Shibah means oath of seven and Beersheba means well of the oath or well of seven.
Here, Esau is briefly mentioned as he marries two women who are Canaanites which is against God’s wishes and commands. (Genesis 24:3-4).
Esau grew into a skilled hunter, while Jacob grew into a quiet man, prefering to stay around the tents. Isaac loved Esau; Rebekah loved Jacob. One day, Esau returned and wanted some stew that Jacob was serving. He called it red stew, which is why he was also called Edom, which means red. Jacob told him he would have to sell him his birthright for stew. Esau didn’t care and agreed. He ate and left, despising his birthright.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 4: Genesis 25:27-34
9) Esau grew into a skilled hunter, while Jacob grew into a quiet man, prefering to stay around the tents. They are both Isaac and Rebekah’s sons.
10a) Genesis 27:29 is Jacob receiving Isaac’s blessing, which in this case for birthright, is nations and people serving him and lord over your brothers. It also has those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed. Deuteronomy 21:15-17 explains that the right of the firstborn no matter the preference of feelings receives a double share of all he has, as the son is a sign of the father’s strength. Great explanation of birthright HERE
b) He sold the birthright because he was hungry and on impulse. He didn’t care; he only wanted food. He let temporary wants override eternal needs and desires. We can’t let things interfer that are temporary here on earth with eternity in heaven.
11) We see here God’s will be done as Jacob receives Isaac’s blessing despite being the second born. We see Esau make a dumb decision that affects the rest of his life. We must always be vigilant, prayerful, and seeking of God’s will before we make decisions.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 4: Genesis 25:27-34
Like Moses being banned from the Promised Land over one decision, so, too, we see Esau sell his birthright. It seems harsh to us, but we ourselves should know that every decision we make has consequences, most, thankfully are not as severe if we choose poorly. Pray always first, and trust God for the rest.
End Note BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 4: Genesis 25:27-34
We should note that Esau acted impulsively, Jacob, too, was being a scoundrel, taking advantage of his brother and asking for the birthright when it was not his. Interestingly, Martin Luther himself pointed out that the birthright was already Jacob’s because of what God told Rebekah. Jacob had to have know this, as too did Esau. Essentially, this deal was invalid then.
Here, there was much more at stake because the birthright also came with God’s covenant to make that person into a great nation with land and bring forth the Messiah.
We see Jacob’s character as he attempted to take what God had already given him. We see his heart here. This is funny to me because God already said who was chosen. It would have been better if both brothers had just accepted that.
Neither men here were acting Godly at all.
Christians have a birthright to heaven and God via Jesus. Yet, look at how many thumb their nose at this. Ephesians 1:3-14
We are blessed to be in God’s family
We are forgiven for our sins.
We receive God’s grace and mercy.
We receive eternity in heaven with God.
We receive the Holy Spirit
We have life
The writer of Hebrews tells us more of Esau Hebrews 12:16 which shows God’s wisdom in choosing Jacob.
