Tag: bsf lesson 18 day 5

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 4

Zechariah’s fifth vision is of a lampstand with 7 lamps with 7 channels leading to it. This vision is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”

The “great mountain” shall “become a plain” before God. Zerubbabel’s hands “laid the foundation” and “shall also finish it” with the “capstone,” amid shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18 Day 5: Zechariah 4

12) The lampstand fed continuously by olive trees illustrates a limitless supply of oil, representing the Holy Spirit’s power. This symbolism proves that success relies not on human “might,” but on divine sufficiency. It assures Zerubbabel that God will supernaturally level “mountains” of opposition to bring the work to a triumphant finish.

13a) God encouraged him that success comes by the Spirit, not human strength, promising that “mountains” of opposition would vanish and he would finish the Temple. The warning cautions against despising “small beginnings” or relying on self-effort, urging him to trust solely in God’s sufficient grace.

b) It shifts focus from human exhaustion to divine reliance, teaching that success depends on God’s Spirit, not our striving. It reframes overwhelming “mountains” as obstacles God will flatten. Finally, it validates “small beginnings,” assuring us that God rejoices in humble starts and guarantees to finish His work with grace. I am encouraged by God doing it all by grace.

14) ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.’ This verse is comforting because I can let go of things and put them in God’s hands rather than mine. Everything is from Him, by Him, and for Him. Everything is in God’s power. When I feel like I can’t do something, it’s okay because God can do it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4

Great study! I love all the different visions. God is so gracious to speak to His people and lead and guide us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4

You’ll see that many of these images have to do with the temple since the people were currently rebuilding it at this time.

The golden lampstand was meant to stand in the temple. The olive trees’ job was to supply the 7 lamps with oil via 7 pipes.

The Jewish people would know instantly that this was special. Here, the olive trees supply the oil. In ancient times, the lampstands had to be constantly tended to, so the analogy of God doing it all hit home.

Zerubbabel was in charge of the temple building. The message to him was that God, via the Holy Spirit would supply the power to finish the temple.

Oil was a popular symbol in the Bible. Its properties were what was important: healing, lubrication, light, warmth, polishes, etc. Here, it represents God’s Spirit.

The building of the temple was a great mountain. But with God’s power, it would be as a plain.

When work is done by the Spirit, it is by grace. God always finishes what He starts.

The small things shape us.

The 7 are the eyes of the Lord who rejoices in us doing His work.

The 2 anointed ones were Zerubbabel and Joshua. We see this symbolism again in Revelation, as 2 more will rise up for the Lord (Revelation 11:3-13). Revelation 11:4

The anointed ones would have a continual supply of oil like the lamps.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 4 (The Vision of the Golden Lampstand) is a message of supernatural empowerment specifically designed to encourage Zerubbabel, the governor.

  • The Power Source: The prophet sees a lampstand fed directly by two olive trees, meaning it never runs out of fuel and requires no human maintenance. This illustrates the central truth: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The work will be accomplished by God’s endless supply of grace, not by human military force or political maneuvering.

  • Leveling the Mountain: The “great mountain” of opposition (rubble, politics, discouragement) facing Zerubbabel is promised to become a “plain.” God will flatten the obstacles that seem insurmountable.

  • The Capstone: God guarantees that Zerubbabel, who laid the foundation, will personally set the final stone (the capstone) to finish the Temple. This triumph will not be met with boasts of “We did it,” but with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”—acknowledging God’s help from start to finish.

  • Small Beginnings: The vision rebukes the cynics who “despise the day of small things.” God rejoices to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand, affirming that humble beginnings often lead to glorious finishes.

Conclusion

God’s work is done by God’s power. When we face “mountainous” obstacles, the solution is not to try harder (might/power), but to rely deeper on the Holy Spirit. God assures us that what He begins by grace, He will finish by grace.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 18, Day 5: Read the Passages Accompanying the Following Questions

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 18, Day 5: Various Passages

10)

Psalm 23: God gives His presence. He gives His comfort. He refreshes your soul. He gives you His strength and courage. He guides God prepares a table for you, anoints your head with oil. God gives His goodness and love and protection. This helps me to know I am not alone in my struggles.

Matthew 11:28-29: God gives rest and knowledge. This lets me know that God holds my burdens, too.

1 Corinthians 10:13: God won’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He also provides a way out when you are tempted so that you can endure it. This is comforting when your temptation causes your suffering.

2 Corinthians 12:6-10: God offers His grace and strength in our weaknesses. This is encouraging when our sufferings seem to be unending.

Hebrews 4:14-16: God offers us mercy and grace in our time of need. Jesus knows our temptations and our weaknesses. Therefore, we can take comfort in the fact that God forgives us and offers us all that we need in our times of need.

Revelation 21:4: God promises that there will be no more tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain in the Second Coming. It is comforting to know that one day, all of humanity’s suffering will end.

11a) We are called to love each other as God has loved us. We should praise God for our sufferings that bear his name and be overjoyed when his glory is revealed and continue to do good in the work as we’ve been called to do. We are blessed as the Spirit of glory and God rests on us. Since God comforts us in our troubles, we are to comfort others in their troubles with God’s comfort. You will have patient endurance.

b) I think I’m good at encouraging others and helping others understand His word. I hope my life is a testimony to others as to what God can do in your life when you are faithful. I hope I help others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 18, Day 5: Various Passages

Some of the best Bible passages for being comforted during our sufferings and struggles and helping others, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 18, Day 5: Various Passages

Suffering is a part of life, and while it’s never fun, having a healthy, Godly perspective can make it easier to bear. After all, you have to walk through your struggles anyway, so wouldn’t you rather have God by your side than no one?

It’s a choice. Go through life alone, or go through it with the help of God. It’s really that simple for choosing to believe in Christ, too.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 18, Day 5: John 14:5-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 14:5-14

Confused, Thomas asks Jesus the way. Jesus says,”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.”

Philip asks to see God, and Jesus says that by seeing him they have seen God. Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in Jesus. If you believe in him [Jesus], you will do great things. Jesus will do whatever you ask in his name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Jesus for anything in his name, and he will do it.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 18, Day 5: John 14:5-14

13a)  “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

b) He was confused, and the disciples wanted to go with Jesus.

c) “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Jesus meant if you believe in him as the Savior, you will be with God for all of eternity. And, you will know God through knowing Jesus.

14) “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

15a) Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.  It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

b) The works is spreading the Good News about who Jesus is. Jesus is going away, leaving his disciples to carry on his work for him. Therefore, they will bring more people to God.

16) So many. I am encouraged because it shows we can ask Jesus anything, and he will answer.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 18, Day 5: John 14:5-14

I love how simple Jesus makes it: he is the way and his way leads to truth and life.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 18, Day 5: John 14:5-14

The disciples always ask clarifying questions; it shows us that we can ask those questions, too.

Jesus’ 6th I am Statement: I am the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus is the only way to God. To know Jesus is to know God.

Philip’s question teaches us that you can be “close” to God and still not know him.

Jesus spoke God’s words.

“Very truly” marks the first of 3 assurances Jesus will give his disciples on his last night alive. They will carry on his work. It will be greater because they will reach more people than Jesus could in his lifetime on earth.

The Holy Spirit would come so the disciples could accomplish his work.

These works would be possible because they asked in Jesus’ name according to his character and authority and he would respond.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

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

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 6:9-13

God describes Isaiah’s mission, which is to preach to people who won’t hear except for the remnant until destruction/judgment comes. But a holy seed (Jesus) would rise from the stump of David to save us all.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

12a) God gives Isaiah his commission. He tells him to preach to the people even though they won’t hear him, but this would prove their guilt.

b) Till destruction or judgment comes. Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, The houses are without a man, The land is utterly desolate, The LORD has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many.

13a) Unsure as of the moment. I need healing of my knee right now that is inhibiting me from one task I believe. Unsure on any others. All of my tasks seem difficult at the moment.

b) He gives His word, His hope, and strong will to keep pressing on. The glimpses of hope are enough.

14) That there will be a remnant who hears His word and turns to Him. So all of his preaching wouldn’t be in vain.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

I love how God calls people. Clear and concise in this case. Now, we just need to hear Him in the same way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 18, Day 5: Isaiah 6:9-13

God gives Isaiah his commission. He tells him to preach to the people even though they won’t hear him, but this would prove their guilt. God’s word can bring you understanding, make him return to Him, and bring healing to your life.

It’s hard to preach fruitlessly to those who won’t hear, so Isaiah asks for how long. God answers till destruction comes. Yet, there will be a remnant who will hear.

The message is always more important than the messenger.

We know that Isaiah saw God in His glory, which would be Jesus before he was human. We are priviledged to have this knowledge because the Apostle John quotes Isaiah 6:10 and says so (John 12:41).

But God tells Isaiah there is hope: a holy seed (Jesus) would rise from the stump of David to save us all. Hope we all need.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:22-27

Jesus tells the disciples more about his impending death after they arrive back in Galilee. He tells them he will be betrayed, killed, and then he will be raised on the third day. His disciples are filled with grief at this news.

Jesus arrives in Capernaum. He is questioned if he has paid the temple tax. Peter (of all people) is asked if Jesus paid the temple tax. He replies yes. When Jesus sees him again, he asks Peter who does the kings collect their taxes from? Peter answers from others. Jesus says he (the Son) is exempt from paying the temple tax, but he tells Peter to go and catch a fish, open its mouth, and there he will find four-drachma coins to pay the tax so as to not offend anyone.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

13a) That he would die.

b) They grieved. Jesus’s death should be a cause of joy for all.

c) I’ve grieved most of my moves to other locations, mainly because I did not want to move in the first place. Yet, there was a plan in all things, even in death.

14) Sometimes it’s best to not rock the boat and go along with what is asked of you.

15) So many. Every day, my needs are met. I’m encouraged in my job and my life

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

I don’t remember the temple tax story, so I liked that best of all. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing. Period.

map of Caesarea Philippi www.atozmomm.comEnd Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

Jesus usually paired his death with the hope his resurrection brought. The disciples were so grieved that they couldn’t comprehend the meaning of Jesus’s death until much later.

The temple tax is a tax every Jewish man paid. Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax since he was a priest (the Most High Priest in fact).

Jesus did not want to rock the boat, so he paid it. Plus, he wanted to set a good example for others. It’ good to think about and serve others, rather than ourselves.

Jesus used this tax to once again explain his deity to his disciples.

Obviously, the very fish that Peter caught that had money in its mouth would be a miracle from God.

Trying to catch one fish was something Peter, a fisherman, never did in that day. Instead, fishermen used nets to catch a lot of fish, so he was probably baffled by Jesus’s instructions. Still, you obey. I mean, it’s Jesus.

Jesus paid the price for all of us, as he does here for Peter in this example. Cool, isn’t it? It’s like Jesus never gives away an opportunity to foreshadow his true purpose on earth.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 28:16-22:

Jacob awakes the next day, declaring that this place is the house of God. He poured oil on top of the stone he was sleeping on and called the place Bethel, which means House of God. Jacob vows the Lord will be his God if God is with him and watches over him and gives him food and clothes so that he can return safely home. He declares he will give God a tenth as well.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

12) It’s as if Jacob finally realized that God is with him here. I don’t like how it seems like God will be God to Jacob only if God is with him and watches over him and gives him food and clothes so that he can return safely home. It seems like Jacob’s promise is conditional; whereas, God’s promises are not.

13) Every day.

14) Just to trust that I am where I need to be at this time in my life and doing what He wants me to do even though I’d like to be doing something else.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

I like how Jacob has completely changed after this encounter with God. So it is for Christians, but we need to hold onto that when life does get us down.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 28:16-22

Fun Fact: Bethel is mentioned more times in the Old Testament than any other place except Jerusalem.

God grasps its significance to Jacob by calling himself the God of Bethel. (Genesis 31:13).

Other places we see Bethel in the Bible: (1 Kings 13:32, Hosea 10:15, Amos 4:4).

God is everywhere, not just one place.

You can translate this as “Since God is will be with me.” However, most Bible scholars believe if is accurate. Jacob is still not confident God will be with him, which is why he puts condition on God being His God. He had to see God do what he said he would before he would believe. Sadly, many are like this instead of just believing God. (Philippians 4:19) (Nahum 1:7).

Laban will help teach Jacob submission.

God did not back down from His promises despite Jacob’s response. He still is the God of Jacob (Exodus 3:6).

God’s promises were not good enough for Jacob. Are His promises good enough for you?

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 18, Day 5: Genesis 22-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac as a burnt offering in the mountains of Moriah. So Abraham faithfully takes Isaac to where God calls him, bounds his son, and prepares to kill him.  On the journey, Abraham tells Isaac that God will provide the burnt offering.

An angel of the Lord stopped Abraham before he killed Isaac, saying he has proved he fears God because he didn’t withhold his son from Him.  God provided a ram instead to sacrifice.  The angel says because of Abraham’s faithfulness the Lord will bless him and make his descendants as numerous as the stars and will rule over the cities of their enemies.

All nations on earth will be blessed because of Abraham’s obedience.  Then Abraham went to Beersheba.

Sarah lived to be 127 years old.  She died in Hebron.  Abraham offered to buy a burial plot from the Hittites and they told him he could pick any plot to bury her in.  He approached Ephron and offered to buy his cave.  Ephron offered to give it to Abraham. Abraham refused and offered to pay for the land.  Ephron reluctantly agrees and the land is deeded to Abraham.

Abraham then buries Sarah.

Questions:

11a)  Honestly, I wouldn’t connect the two if you hadn’t of told me to.  In Abraham’s mind, he has sacrificed Isaac.  His mind was tested and he knew what God’s will was.  He offered Isaac’s body as an act of worship.

b)  Being a living sacrifice is denying ourself and being God’s instead.  We yield our body, mind, and will to God.  It’s reading the Bible instead of watching TV.  It’s helping others instead of ourselves.  It’s giving of our time and money when we’d rather not.  It’s changing your poor attitude, giving up destructive addictions, and changing your thinking to be more in tune with Christ’s.

It is a daily death to self.  We must understand and know the will of God and walk that path every day.  We must change our thoughts by obeying God and God’s word and in turn our hearts will change as well.  We must find God’s will for our life and live it and go where HE directs, not where you direct.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Today I will do my utmost to listen and obey Him and His will for my life.  That includes teaching my children, taking care of my family, doing laundry and dishes, and loving others as myself.  I will try to live and breathe Him as much as humanly possible and at the end of the day hopefully I will find rest in what I have done, which I did for Him, through Him and by Him AND according to His will.  Amen.

12a)  On the surface, he purchased it as a place to bury Sarah.  But really he purchased it to set a precedent of an alien owning land in Canaan.  As a landowner in ancient times, you were accorded certain rights others were not.  Now, Abraham could claim those rights.

b)  God promised Abraham he would take possession of Canaan and Abraham now owns a piece of it.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Good question.  God promises to provide for all of my needs and He has.  I purchase food, clothing, and shelter.  We also own cars to transport us to do His work and care for others.  He also has given more.

Conclusions:  I couldn’t help the flippancy in 11a but my haunches raised when I’m told to read a passage and then told to go somewhere else.

I’m conflicted on this lesson as well like yesterday’s.  It was interesting how Abraham used Sarah’s death as a means to own land.  Not sure if I approve of this.  I did like the living sacrifice example.  It brought out the importance of obeying God not only in word and deed but also in heart and mind.

The exchange between Ephron and Abraham is an example of how bargaining was done in that time and in that culture.  Ephron had no intention of giving Abraham the land but that is how the bargaining started off.  Kindness took precedent and is still predominant in the Middle East today when bargaining.

I liked this concise article on living sacrifices enough to link to it despite the overpowering presence of ads:

http://www.abideinchrist.com/selah/mar27.html

Fun Fact:  Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age when she died is recorded.