Tag: bsf answers lesson 8

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:13-25

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the Jordan River and cross over. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. Still, they wanted to go and look for Elijah and Elisha let them at their insistance. They looked for three days with no sign of Elijah.

Elisha purified the water of Jericho using salt, saying the Lord healed the water. As Elisha went to Bethel, he was jeered at by some youths. He cursed them and two bears mauled 42 of them. He then went to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

7a) He allowed Elisha to have Elijah’s cloak. He allowed Elisha to part the Jordan River the same way Elijah had done. None of the company of prophets found Elijah.

b) In order to leave no doubt who would be taking Elijah’s place as God’s chosen spiritual leader after Elijah’s departure.

8a) It seems that Elisha took the insults personally and had the youth hurt. Plus, they are youth. Young people do dumb things and say dumb things. The punishment seems severe for just jeering.

b) It must have been in a malicious tone and against God to have such dire consequences. Plus, when you consider that they were mocking Elisha then they were also mocking God, then the punishment makes sense.

9) Matthew 7: 6-23 tells us that you can tell by their fruits or works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 tells us to have confidence in what we know is God’s word.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

It’s hard to read the jeering section. Yet, we were not there and cannot hear the tone of the youths (who may have been older since men lived longer back then). Odds are, the words were threatening and insulting enought for Elishat to ask God to intervene.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

The picking up of the cloak by Elisha demonstrated him picking up the torch passed from Elijah.

The parting of the Jordan River shows that Elisha inherited the same power that Elijah had since God answered Him.

By Elisha asking “Where it the God of Elijah?”, he’s asking where’s the God who performed miracles, provided for Elijah, and gave Elijah strength during his ministry? That’s the God Elisha is seeking (as we all should).

Remember that Joshua cursed anyone who rebuilt what God has destoryed (Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings16:34). God’s grace and mercy are unbounded here.

The youths were from Bethel that has many pagan places of worship. They basically told Elisha to die when they said “go up” referring to Elijah ascending to heaven. This thus mocked Elisha and the God he served, as well as rejected God. For most of us know, the consequences happen at death. Here, God sent a clear message the consequences of rejecting Him. God’s timing is always perfect.

Note Elisha cursed the men, but God provided the consequences. Elisha left it up to God to do this.

42 men is a lot and there were probably more. It could have been a mob jeering at Elisha, which could quickly get out of control and then needed to be dispersed before Elisha was hurt. Note the word “mauled.” It is possible these men were not killed, just hurt.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:13-20

The road to life has a small gate and is narrow and only a few find it. The road to destruction is wide and broad and many enter.

Watch out for false prophets whom you will know by the fruit they bear. They will bear bad fruit and can only bear bad fruit. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad ones bear bad. Bad trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

9a) That the path to life (heaven) is only through him and not many will find this path. John 14:6 says he is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, the life. Acts 4:12 says salvation is found only in Jesus.

b) They want to believe the path to heaven is more complicated than that, and they want to be able to do what they want without following God’s law and still gain access to heaven.

10a) They bear bad fruit. John 15:16 says God chooses those to be with Him to bear lasting fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

b) You have to have the ability to discern those who are false prophets from those who are true; those with good hearts versus those who are bad. Judging is about ensuring you are holding yourself to the same standard when you judge others. Thus, by looking at people’s fruit/good deeds, this can help you discern the truth.

11) Be careful of smooth talkers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and others who sound/say something that is too good to be true. Pray and discern to ensure you are not being led astray.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

Good reminder that God chooses those who go to heaven, and that you have to be wary of false prophets.

Good read on false prophets.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

As Christians know, the path to heaven is narrow and difficult and will not be easy to traverse. Jesus is telling his disciples to prepare for future hardships.

Being aware that there are false prophets is step one. Watch out for those who motivated purely by self-interest. Do these prophets teach God’s Word, are people growing in God, and do they live out God’s teachings?

Before judging others’ fruit, judge your own. Are you bearing good or bad fruit? You are either bearing one or the other. Those who bear neither good nor bad are considered bad.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:10-20:

Abram traveled to Egypt because there was a famine in the land. He pretended Sarai was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared (selfish). Pharaoh took Sarai for his wife, not knowing she was married. Abram prospered while in Egypt. Then God struck Pharaoh and his household with disease because of this. Pharaoh sent Sarai away and told Abram to leave when he found out the truth.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

11a) They went to Egypt because of a famine. Abram pretended Sarai was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared.

b) That God will protect you and will make His plans for your life happen.

12) Personal Question. My answer: God wanted Abram out of Egypt so He made Pharaoh kick them out. God’s will is done despite our decisions. God will protect you when you follow Him.

13) Personal Question. My answer: Just try to persevere through it in a Godly manner (not take your stress out on your family or others) is all you can do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Abram obviously is selfish and has no integrity. If they knew Egypt was like this, why go in the first place? If they had faith in God’s plan for them, He would protect them. Pharaoh should have killed Abram for what he did.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Abram thought he knew better than God to move when God did not tell him to do so. As a result, he compromises his integrity, defiles his wife, and almost dies anyway. While in Egypt, they acquire Hagar who will be trouble all her own later on.

While Sarai was Abram’s half-sister (Genesis 20:12), Abram lied and he justified it to himself. How often do we do this?

Unsure how many women today would agree to become the wife of another.

Knowing Sarai was where the line of the Messiah would come from, unsure how much God appreciated Abram at this moment.

Still, God is faithful. He protected Abram and Sarai and used the Egyptian Pharaoh to move them again. God knows what He is doing even when we obviously do not.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:4-9:

Abram left Haran at age 75 with Lot, his wife, and all the people and possessions they had acquired in Haran. God appeared to Abram when he reached Shechem, telling him he will give his offspring this land. Abram built an offering to God here. He built another altar to God at Bethel. Then he continued towards the Negev.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

9) Abram obeyed, but brought along others and his possessions, which God did not say to do. Still, by faith (being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see) Abram obeyed and was blessed (just being chosen was the best blessing ever).

10a) He obeyed God. He left everything he ever knew and some of his family for a land of unknowns and living in tents. He had kids out of faith. All with no idea how to do this except through God.

b) Personal Question. My answer: Unsure if I’m waiting on anything specific for God to fulfill. I just know He shows up and guides me. I pray and take action when prompted.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Taking the small steps is what leads to great things.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Most of us know Lot’s tale (which is coming up in Genesis 13-14). Abram probably regretting bringing him along in disobedience to God’s exact instructions.

Canaan was not the best place either. It was full of sin. He stopped first at a tree. Shechem means “shoulder,” and is roughly in the middle of Canaan. Most names of places are named after a landmark, which is what Bible scholars believe here. We will see Shechem a lot when we get to Jacob.

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What Happens in Shechem?

  • Jacob comes here (Genesis 33:18) and buys land from a man names Hamor for 100 pieces of silver (Genesis 33:19).
  • Jacob builds an altar to the Lord (Genesis 33:20). known as Jacob’s well.
  • Jacob’s daughter, Dinah was raped and in retaliation, the sons of Jacob massacred the men (Genesis 34).
  • Jacob gave this land to Joseph (Genesis 48:22).
  • Jospeh was buried here. (Joshua 24:32).
  • Joshua said his famous words as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24) and made a covenent with Israel
  • \Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 (John 4:5-6).

Since God had commanded all the people to spread out and He did so after the Tower of Babel, people lived in Canaan. Like most of us, we’re not going to voluntarily moved. It would take 400 years for God’s promise of this land to come true.

Calling of Abram

God told Abram again of His promises, backing it up with the land itself. Remember Abram bought his burial plot here. Genesis 23:14-20

Note Abram built an altar, which served as a meeting place between God and Abram before churches. From the beginning of time, we see how important it is to have your own place to meet with God and Jesus and remember their blessings in your life. Hebrews 13:15   (Hebrews 13:10)

Abram lived in a tent. Culture tells us to strive for material goods when our homes are in heaven. Strive to live here just good enough to live well in heaven. Hebrews 11:16

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:1-3:

The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“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.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

6a) The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“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.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

b) God appeared to Abram while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran and called him. This shows that Abram only made it half-way, and he took his father as well.

7) Isaiah 41:8-10 says we are chosen by God, He is with us, He will strengthen us. Matthew 4:18-22 says Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and he will make them fishers of men. Matthew 19:28-30 says that at the Second Coming those who followed him will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes. Anyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, or chidlren for his way will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life. Mark 8:34-36 says you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus and you will gain eternal life. John 14:15-20 says if you obey Jesus’ commands, you will receive the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you.

8a) Personal Question. My answer: We just moved as well for a better life and pivots in our careers. I plan on many things, including growing closer to God and doing His will in my life.

b) Personal Question. My answer: God’s call never seems to get any easier in life. It’s just a matter of surrender. Knowing that God is behind it all gives me the strength and courage to persevere.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

To us, this is no big deal; people move all the time. However, in ancient times, it was extremely rare for people to travel more than a mile or so outside of their towns and villages. They relied on their family to help them survive. After all, tilling the land is no easy way to live. Thus, when God called Abram to leave both his family and his land for some distant, unknown place, this was a big deal.

his explains why Abram disobeyed God and took family members and why he made it only half way. Perhaps his father could not travel any more. Like I said yesterday, while this is not full obedience, it is better than none at all.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

I typed out the verses because they are so famous and they are good to memorize for us. This promise is repeated here from when God first called Abram.

When God says “I will,” it will be done.

We see Abram growing in faith; this is what we should do as well. We will never be perfect. The point is you journey towards God, one step at a time.

Abram was promised a land, a nation, and fame. All of the major religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) honor him.

Note God’s promise to bless those who blesses His people, and to curse those who curse them. This promise is made to the Jews who are and always will be God’s chosen people. Gentiles were adopted later. God always protects the Jews as history shows, from the Greeks and the Romans to Hitler’s Germany. The moral of the story is: don’t mess with God’s people. The nation of Israel, as tiny as it is, has all of the power in the world because God will never abandon them.

God also promises to make Abram a blessing. If you are a Christian today, no matter your denomimation, you can thank Abram and God. Galatians 3:8-9). (Revelation 5:9)

God’s plan always prevails; aren’t we glad?