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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 5: Isaiah 48

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 48

God foretold the events of the exile even though God’s people are stubborn so they could not say they were not warned.

God will tell His people of new things, but they will not understand nor hear them. God will delay His warth and not destroy His people. He will refine them for His sake and glory.

God is the first and the last. He teaches His people which way to go and what is best for them. If only they had paid attention, they would not have suffered.

Leave Babylon and be redeemed. There is no peace for the wicked.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 5: Isaiah 48

12a) Verses 4-8

b)  Verses 8-11. God knows His people neither hears nor understands Him, yet he delays His wrath and does not destroy His people. Instead, He refines them for his sake.

13a) God teaches His people which way to go and what is best for them. If only they had paid attention, they would not have suffered.

b) Peace and well-being. Prosperity and posterity.

14) Every day of my life. From all the places we have moved over the years to the present moment. At times, I cannot understand, but you just trust. Currently, I would like to move again. But I am abiding here until God says to move. I’m trying to embrace “Bloom where you are planted,” and some days are easier than others. Still, I trust God knows what is best for me and where we shall go.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 5: Isaiah 48

Much easier day! You made it. What a chapter of hope! Despite God’s chastizing, He never quits loving us. Verse 17 is a good one to hold onto in the midst of your troubles.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 5: Isaiah 48

God chastizes Judah, yet shows them mercy. Judah is without excuse since God announced what would happen many times ahead of time. Yet, the people still sinned and rebelled.

God shows mercy for His name’s sake, to glorify Himself, and to further His eternal purpose.

God loves His people and wants what is best for them. He frees them from captivity to praise His name.

We see “There is no peace for the wicked” again in Isaiah 57:21

We’ve seen God promise to deliver His people from captivity and from Cyrus out of His love for His people.

Coming up, Isaiah will focus on the Messiah, the ulitmate deliverer of God’s people.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 44:24-47:15

Isaiah 44:24-28

God tells His people that He is the Maker of all things and the one in control. Jerusalem shall be inhabited and rebuilt. Cyrus is his instrument of justice.

Isaiah 45

God will go before Cyrus and give him victory so that he will know that God is Lord. God gave him his title for the sake of Jacob and Israel (His people). God will strengthen Cyrus so that all may know that He is God.

Righteousness will flourish, and woe to those who quarrel with Him. God is not to be questioned. He made the earth and the heavens. He will free his people from Cyrus.

Everyone will acknowledge that God is with Cyrus. The makers of idols will be shamed. Isreal will be saved for the ages.

God declares what is right. There is no other god. Turn to Him and be saved. He has sworn by himself. Every knee will bow and every tongue will swear. Everyone will boast in Him.

Isaiah 46

Idols cannot rescue themselves and are carried around by others, not with their own power.

God will sustain His people. Carry them. Rescue them. God is incomparable. There is no other God. God will bring about His plan.

Isaiah 47:1-15

God will take vengenance on Babylon for their sins. They showed no mercy on His people. They loved pleasure. They were prideful. They engaged in sorcery and spells. They did not trust God; they trusted in themselves.

God promises disaster and calamity will fall on them. Their magic spells, sorceries, and astrologers cannot help them. They cannot save them. There is no one to save them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

9a) Cyrus is the king of the Persians who would conquer the Babylonians. God appointed him to be His instrument of justice on Judah, to carry them away to exile in Babylon. God grants him victory so that all may know that He is the Lord and that God is the one behind Cyrus’s power. He also shows some mercy to the Israelites and frees them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild God’s temple.

b) First, it reveals that God is the only God and is omniscient. Second, it reveals that God’s people will flourish. God has a plan. His people will be saved for all of eternity by His son, Jesus Christ.

c) It gives me hope. Gives me a purpose. Allows me to be more God-like in my every day interactions with others.

10a) Babylon showed no mercy to God’s people. They loved pleasure. They were prideful. They engaged in sorcery and spells. They did not trust God; they trusted in themselves.

b) It’s the same reason that knowing that God will punish those who do evil to us. When something bad happens to you, you want justice. There is something inside all of us that demands justice. Justice is God’s and Jesus’ responsibility. So, when we know that God will handle evil, we are comforted knowing they will pay with consequences for the evil they have caused others.

11) The same as 10b. It’s comforting to know that God has it all. I don’t have to worry about what others do and how they will pay. God knows.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

Another LONG passage, but this one is not as difficult as yesterday’s, so hang in there! The gist: God uses Babylon to show the world that He is in charge; God will then bring justice on Babylon for their treatment of His people. There is no one that can save you EXCEPT God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 4: Isaiah 44:24-47:15

Isaiah 44:24-28

God, Judah and Israel’s redeemer, prophesizes a future deliverer of Israel, Cyrus, whom He will use to bring consequences to His people for their disobedience.

Isaiah 45

God calls Cyrus (200 years before the exile will take place) to subdue nations, including Israel. He would allow Cyrus to win, knowing God was behind him. He wanted Cyrus to be king to His people, granting His people the right to return to the Promised Land after the exile.

God is in control, and it’s foolish to resist the Creator of the universe. God will deliver His people, saving them. Idolaters will submit before Him. They are foolish, and He is great.

Look to God and be saved. This verse saved Charles Spurgeon. And, it can save you.

Every knee will bow.

Isaiah 46

The idols of nations are carried away, powerless to defend themselves.

God is not powerless; He will carry and save His people. God knows everything, and He will bring a deliverer to His people (Jesus).

Isaiah 47:1-15

Babylon will be humbled, and God will be glorified. Babylon will pay for their pride and arrogance, sorceries and enchantments, their treatment of God’s people. The sorcerers cannot save Babylon; only God can save.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 41:1-44:23

Isaiah 41

Let the idolatrous nations speak. God declares He’s the one who has made all of Creation. The nations tremble. God is with Israel. He strengthens them. God helps His people and redeems them. He will not forsake His people.

He tells the idolaters to present their case, but they can’t because they are false.

Isaiah 42

God speaks of His servant (Jesus) who will have his Spirit on him. He will establish justice on earth and be a light to the Gentiles. The Lord will be praised, and He will never forsake His people. God calls out to those who are deaf and blind to Him to turn to Him. The pain of life is meant to draw them back to God.

Isaiah 43

God created us. That we are His. That He is with us. We will not drown nor be burned. For God is our God. We are precious and honored in His sight. He loves us.

Gather the nations to see if their gods are right. God’s people are His witnesses; He’s the only one who can save. God will have revenge on Babylon. He tells Israel to forget their exile, as He will do new things. Their sins will be forgiven.

Isaiah 44:1-23

God tells His people to not be afraid. He will pour out His spirit on us.

There is no other god than Him. Idols are worthless and those who make idols are nothing. They know nothing and see nothing.

God tells Israel to remember He made them. He will not forget them. He has redeemed them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

6a) Idols are worthless. They can’t do anything. They are merely creations of mankind. God created mankind, so only He is worthy of worship and belief. When people believe in something other than God, they have nothing — no hope, no strength, no future. God is a jealous God, and when someone worships idols, it angers Him.

b) Anything can be an idol, and people make idols out of others, material possessions, and anything they put above God in their lives.

7a) Jesus

b) Jesus’ mission is to bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will speak to the deaf and the blind of Israel. He will bring justice to the nations. In him there is hope.

8 ) It’s good to remember that God created us. That we are His. That He is with us. We will not drown nor be burned. For God is our God. We are precious and honored in His sight. He loves us. When we feel unloved or abandoned, remember God’s promises. We are not alone; we never have been. So, hold God tight.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

LONG passages and lots of reading. The gist: only Jesus and God can save. Idols are worthless.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

Isaiah 41

God calls all lands to renew their strength, even those who don’t believe in Him. God asks them who is in charge of human history. God says he has.

The lands are afraid, but they turned away from God, not to Him.

But Judah is God’s servant and should not fear Him. He is with them and will strengthen them. No obstacle is too great with the Lord. God is a God of abundance.

God asks idolaters to present their case, but there is nothing to present. Therefore, idols are worthless.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the Bible where God uses the title “King of Jacob.” The King of Israel is used 138 times in the Bible.

Fun Fact: God uses the words “I Will” in this chapter 14 times, all in reference to how He will help His people.

Isaiah 42

God speaks of His servant, Jesus, the Elect One. God delights in Him who will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will hold Jesus’ hand and keep him. He will be the light to the Gentiles.

I am the Lord, that is My name. This is the four letters of God: Y H U H. No one knows how to pronounce it. It is known as the tetragrammaton.

God praises the work of Jesus. All who serve false gods will be punished.

Jesus will heal the deaf and the blind.

God will defend His people.

Isaiah 43

God tells his people to not fear Him because he has redeemed them. God is with them.

He calls to those who are blind and deaf to Him to prove their case or accept God.

God commissions witnesses for Him. There are no other gods before or after him. Only God can save.

God will judge Babylon for what they did to God’s people. God will make a new path for them.

Even though His people have hard hearts towards Him, He will show mercy and forgive their sins.

Isaiah 44:1-23

The Lord made His people and will pour out His spirit on them. We are God’s. He alone is God.

Those who make idols are useless. They do not know or understand. Idols cannot deliver or redeem.

We should praise God’s greatness and glory. He has redeemed us.

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 20

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 19 BSF LESSON 20

  • God hates divorce
  • Divorce is never God’s plan
  • God brings man and woman together and no one can break that bond
  • Some remain single; God has control over that, too
  • God wants us to be content and fulfilled
  • God accepts, loves, and honors everyone
  • Love nothing more than you love God
  • God can do the impossible
  • God helps us value what He values
  • Surrender to Jesus, and all will be yours

TAKE AWAY: Be willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 5: Matthew 19:16-30

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 19:16-30

A rich man asks Jesus what he must do to reach eternal life. Jesus said to obey the commandments. The man asked which commandments and Jesus answered, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

The man says he has done that, but what does he lack? Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions, give the money to the poor, and then follow him to have treasure in heaven. The man went away sad as he wasn’t going to do this.

Jesus said it’s hard for a rich man to enter heaven. The disciples ask who then can enter heaven. Jesus said with God all things are possible. Peter asks Jesus what the disciples will receive. Jesus says they will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel when he sits on his throne. Those who have left everything for Jesus will inherit eternal life and receive 100 times as much. But many who are first will be last and vice versa.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 5: Matthew 19:16-30

13) Heaven cannot be earned. By pointing out what matters most — the treasures you build in heaven not the treasures you build in your own life are what matter.

14a) That it’s not about possessions — it’s about following Jesus first with your heart. He has to put God first and be willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus and God.

b) Money and his possessions

c) It’s clear-cut what you must do to get to heaven. The rules apply to everyone across the board. Everyone is equal in God’s eyes.

15a) You must be willing to give up everything you own to follow Jesus and enter God’s kingdom.

b) Everyone can be saved who leaves everything for him.

c) Those who have left everything for Jesus will inherit eternal life and receive 100 times as much. But many who are first will be last and vice versa.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 5: Matthew 19:16-30

It’s quite simple to get to heaven but people complicate it — be willing to give everything up and put Jesus first in your heart to receive eternal life. Period.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 5: Matthew 19:16-30

Note you can’t earn eternal life as the rich man thinks — it is freely given.

All three gospels are clear that this man was rich, which is the point of the story. Luke says he was a ruler.

Jesus is called good by the man, but Jesus says the only good one is God. So if Jesus is good, then he is God. God requires perfect obedience, which only Jesus was able to keep.

Mark  Mark 10:21 tells us that Jesus had compassion on the man because he could see his heart did not follow him 100%. He was concerned with earning heaven, not with accepting Jesus’s gift of grace and love.

Jesus lists 5 of the 10 Commandments found in Exodus 20:1-17. These are the easiest to follow and relate to how we should treat others.

The man knew something was lacking (sacrifice), but could not identify it. So many of us need someone else to tell us important things, too. An outside perspective can help.

The man thought he had to do something; all he had to do was accept Jesus’s doing — the cross.

The Meaning of The Rich Young Man

The message is clear:

  • We are to put God first in everything and be willing to give up everything in order to do so. For the rich man, his riches were the obstacle to God. Jesus calls him to be his disciple  (Matthew 4:198:229:9Mark 2:14); the man cannot get over his pile of riches.
  • Note this command is not for everyone; it’s for this man whose riches were his hindrance to God, his idol. Many who are rich do God’s work with their money.
  • Everyone’s hindrance to God is different. Yours is what you must give up.

Riches are a hold up for many because they make us happy in this life; we need to be happy in eternal life.

The camel analogy was immediately known to the disciples and those of that time as being obviously impossible.

Wealth was seen as God’s blessing upon you, so the disciples were shocked that Jesus was saying to give that up.

The rich still enter heaven since everything is possible with God. God can turn a person’s heart from riches to Him.

Again, Peter’s heart is in the right spot, but he bumbles over it. Yes, the disciples will have a special place in heaven, but doing things for God for the sole purpose of that right spot is not what God wants. The disciples helped build the church, too. (Ephesians 2:20). We’ll all have a home  (Revelation 21:14).

Everyone who sacrifices for Jesus will be rewarded here and in heaven richly. This is different for everyone, from riches to contentment and happiness.

Rewards include:

  1. Blessings here in this life
  2. Future rewards in heaven
  3. Eternal life

We will be surprised by who is first in rewards in heaven, Jesus says.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 4: Matthew 19:13-15

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 19:13-15

Here Jesus rebukes his disciples for rebuking those who brought him little children to bless. Jesus tells his disciples that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 4: Matthew 19:13-15

11a) For Jesus to place his hands on them and pray for them.

b) No one valued children in ancient times, and they probably thought Jesus was wasting his time.

c) Jesus cares for everyone, no matter who they are, big or small.

12a) They treat children as if they don’t understand such things. They belittle them when God allows them to understand more than adults sometimes.

b) Unsure. I just stay on the lookout for those God places in my path to influence in some small way.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 4: Matthew 19:13-15

Jesus changed everyone’s beliefs about the world, including how children held little value. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 4: Matthew 19:13-15

All children should be brought to Jesus to be blessed.

Here, we see the laying on hands as we see elsewhere in the Bible (Acts 6:6Acts 8:17Acts 9:171 Timothy 5:222 Timothy 1:6). Note Jesus does this, which means we should if we are comfortable doing so as well.

Children are worthy, as are all of us.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 19:7-12

The Pharisees keep pressing Jesus, asking why Moses command a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away. Jesus said that Moses allowed divorce because their hearts were hard, but it was not that way from the beginning. Jesus said that any man who divorces his wife except for marital unfaithfulness and marries another commmits adultery.

The disciples ask then if it’s better not to marry then. Jesus says marriage is not for everyone. Some are eunuchs by birth or made that way and some have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

6a) The Pharisees keep pressing Jesus, asking why Moses command a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.

b) Jesus said that Moses allowed divorce because their hearts were hard, but it was not that way from the beginning. Jesus said that any man who divorces his wife except for marital unfaithfulness and marries another commmits adultery.

7) Malachi 2:13-16: This says that the Lord has made man and wife one in flesh and spirit. He says to not break faith with your wife. Here, God says He hates divorce.

1 Corinthians 7:10-16: Here Paul says a wife must not separate from her husband, but if she does, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to him. A husband must not divorce his wife. If one spouse is not a believer, you should still remain married so that your children will be holy. Yet, if an unbeliever leaves their spouse, let them do so because a believing man or woman is not bound in this circumstance.

Ephesians 5:21-33: Here Paul says to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives are to submit to their husbands and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives as he loves himself. A man will leave his parents and be united to his wife as one flesh.

8 ) God is and will always be the ultimate father and spouse. He is always there even if the other spouse is not. He understands mankind is broken, and He forgives.

9) The disciples ask then if it’s better not to marry then. Jesus says marriage is not for everyone. Some are eunuchs by birth or made that way and some have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.

10) The church can encourage them that marriage will come in God’s timing. If you are not married, God is there and fills that gap. Everything is God’s plan.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

I love these passages so much. Such great review on the covenant of marriage as God intended.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

The Pharisees wrongly believe that God commanded divorce. In reality, God permitted divorce, which Jesus sets straight.

Divorce is only permitted when someone is sexually unfaithful. They can then remarry, too.

Paul adds that God permits divorce if a believing spouse is left by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Any other reason (abuse, conflict, irreconcilable differences, addiction, and more) spouses can separate but not remarry.

You have to be divorced in the eyes of God in order to remarry; otherwise, you are committing adultery.

You cannot break your promise; only God can.

Don’t try to undo the past or feel guilty for it. Live your life the best you can according to God’s will.

The disciples wonder if people shouldn’t marry since marriage is such a big responsibility.

Jesus says those who can accept celibacy should, but you should not burn with passion 1 Corinthians 7:7-9 Then, it’s better to marry.

Eunuch here may mean those who are called to not marry, either by birth, childhood trauma, or for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. Castration was common in ancient times for male servants in households. However, this does not apply to most of us today.

Some people will remain single for different reasons, Jesus says. You love them, too.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 2: Matthew 19:1-6

map of Jesus's ministrySUMMARY OF MATTHEW 19:1-6

Jesus leaves Galilee and travels to Judea to the other side of the Jordan River. He healed many. Pharisees came to test Jesus again and asked him if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus answered that God made man and woman to be one, and a man will leave his parents and be united with his wife. What God has joined let no man separate.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 2: Matthew 19:1-6

3) Pharisees came to test Jesus again and asked him if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason. Matthew tells us they are testing Jesus. They are also looking for ways to trap him, to get him to say the wrong thing, so then they can accuse him of blasphemy and either throw him in jail or even kill him. They were also seeing which side of the law he fell on — if he supported the Mosaic law or not.

4a) Jesus is showing the Pharisees he knows and understands Scripture. He also is answering their question with God’s words, so they cannot counter him at all. He is ensuring his answers will not provoke the Pharisees so he can continue his earthly ministry. Jesus is emphasizing that marriage is from God, not man and man’s arbitrary rules.

b) God intends for man and woman to be together once they commit to a marriage; divorce was never God’s idea. Yet, He allows it because He understands we are broken. God commands a man to leave his parents, never his wife. Jesus is pointing this out to the Pharisees that their rules are wrong.

5) Because that is our ideal and what we should strive for every day of our lives. Does it always happen? No. But we can move towards God’s plan one small step at a time every day. That is all we can do and all that God asks of us.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 2: Matthew 19:1-6

I love studying about God’s plan for marriage. It’s so relevant in today’s world.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 2: Matthew 19:1-6

We only have a bit of Jesus’s ministry recorded in the Gospels. It’s safe to say that Jesus had many more adventures, healed many more people, and went to many more places that what is recorded here. Jesus made waves wherever he went — and for good reason. He is now headed towards Jerusalem and his ultimate destiny — the cross.

In ancient times, you were expected to get married and have many children. Remember, first the earth was not as populated as it is today. Next, people needed one another to work together; the idea of being independent did not exist. Family was highly valued and sacred. Finally, children were depended upon to help procure food and help the family survive. Jews were encouraged to marry and have many children — it was considered breaking the law of procreation if not.

Because the Pharisees had interpreted the Bible with the eye of man and not God, men could divorce their wives over the most frivolous things.

The “for any reason” is what is up for debate here. Mosaic law permitted divorce Deuteronomy 24:1, but what was up for debate was the reasoning. One school of thought believed divorce was only for adultery, while another taught it was for anything.

For Jesus, divorce is about marriage, which is why he talked about marriage. The emphasis on what God meant marriage to be is from the very beginning of time with Adam and Eve. Note that polygamy was never allowed either. The Bible clearly stated one man and woman, or two, are to come together as one. Polygamy was allowed but was never meant to be long term. Marriage is for our good.

In sum, what God has joined was never meant to be broken by man.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 20

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTERS 30 & 31:

  • God is with you every day through every challenge
  • God brings about good despite our mishaps or missteps
  • God has a plan no matter what we do
  • God uses all of us for His glory
  • There is a time for patience and a time for action

Take Away: God pursues us even when we don’t pursue Him.