Tag: bsf lesson 4

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

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

Summary Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna. He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. He says they will suffer, but to not be afraid. If they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

10) He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. Jesus encouraged the people by telling them that they are rich, but if they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown. He challenged them to be faithful, even to the point of death and to not be afraid of the suffering ahead.

Jesus’ exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

11) The believers were rich because they had Jesus! They would not die; they would live forever. They are spiritually rich.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

I love the similarities of Jesus’ introduction, as well as how he encourages believers. Isn’t it comforting that Jesus KNOWS us and our pain? Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna is another city controlled by the Romans. It was quite wealthy, but almost everyone there was pagan and practiced emperor worship. By this time, emperor worship was required by the Romans, and many cities (including Smyrna) has temples dedicated to the emperors.

Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:11, 1:17).

He chose to state his resurrection, as he is about to encourage the Christians in Smyrna that although they may face persecution and death, there is home and life after death. Again, Jesus has used this before with John (Revelation 1:18).

Jesus knows the works of the church (like he did with the Ephesians). He also knows their suffering and poverty. Bible scholars speculate that the Christians were poor despite the city’s great wealth because they were being persecuted for their faith.

All of us are rich because we have Jesus!

The Christians were afraid. Jesus tells them their suffering is from the devil, but it is limited to 10 days (Bible scholars debate the actual meaning of 10 days. Some think it is a figurative 10 days. Some think it refers to the reign of 10 Roman emperors. Others say 10 days was an expression used back then for a short time.)

If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.

The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)

Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.

Remember, crowns were made of leaves and flowers in ancient Rome and given as rewards for contests. Roman emperors wore crowns of laurel. Therefore, receiving the crown of life/victor’s crown was magnificent, indeed!

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.

Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.

Those who overcome and stay true to their faith shall never face the second death, which is the final condemnation by Jesus for eternal hell (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Jesus conquered death once and for all.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

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

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

6) Compare what false prophets say against what the Bible says. As you grow and become more with Jesus, you will have a greater understanding of God’s ways and word and be better able to discern false teachings. False teaching may curse Jesus.

7a) Jesus says,”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Someone who does not back up their words with actions. They no longer walk the walk of loving God or others. They have let evil into their heart when it comes to one or both of these.

b) I express my love by trying to do God’s will for my life and obeying His commands. I also try to help others along their Christian walk. I fall short in many ways. I can be very selfish, very cautious, and think the worst-case scenarios, rather than helping others. I think more about how it will affect me rather than others.

8 ) Repent means to change your ways and go in a different direction. It’s the act of changing your mind and changing the course of your life. Here, Jesus is telling the Ephesians to turn back to their old ways. God could be telling me to turn to him and away from my sins as well.

9) The tree of life was the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden that God had made. Adam and Eve could eat from the tree of life. Jesus here promises that those who return to him can return to God’s paradise in heaven and have eternal life. Therefore, if I follow God and his ways, I can have eternal life!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how we visit such a great passage twice! Again, we see a repetitive them in Bible and the book of Revelation: if we walk in God’s ways, we’ll have eternal life!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

Most Bible scholars say that the Nicolaitans promoted an incorrect doctrine of Jesus and God’s Word. They could have claimed they were from the body of Christ but then perverted the word.

The Nicolaitans are mentioned in Revelation 2:15-16, too. They are considered a heretical group within the early church. When we see them mentioned again, they are mentioned in association with Balaam. Some say it could have been a reference to a false teacher who taught heretical beliefs. This belief taught Christians to be of the world. Learn more about who the Nicolaitans were HERE

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

  1. Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
  2. Repent
  3. Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

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map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

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

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

3) Jesus identified himself as the one who, “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He told them he knows, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

Jesus offers encouragement by telling them that whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), he will grant them eternal life. He holds against them, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

The consequences of not repenting/doing what Jesus is asking them to do are, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” i.e. remove his blessing from them.

Jesus’ final exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

4a) The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

b) He walks among the 7 lampstands; he also encourages them and chastizes them. Jesus walks with his church/me is wonderful news! I am not alone, and I can always turn to Jesus for anything: advice, help, praise, and worship!

5) I work hard, and I persevere. I would like to love others more and put Jesus first in my life more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how first Jesus speaks positive things and praises the church before telling them what they are doing wrong. He also is gracious enough to give them directions on what they need to do to do right: repent and return to their old ways. While it sounds simple, we know it is hard, but each day is new, so we try, try again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

  1. Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
  2. Repent
  3. Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

Contact me today!

map of Ephesus www.atozmomm.com

map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

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

Summary of John 3:22-36

Both John and Jesus are baptizing in the river. John defers to Jesus, saying he is greater. Jesus is above all and speaks the words of God. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

13a) That everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized rather than to John.

b) John acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and that he is less than Jesus.

c) I don’t want to be jealous of others or take away their glory. Instead, I want to support God’s mission like John did.

14)  John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”

Jesus is Lord and Savior of the World.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

Love John’s example of deference here. So very hard to do with human emotions. We must all defer to Jesus and His ways over ours in all circumstances. I also love how our roles can change throughout life and our calling can change, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

Note Jesus in in Judea here. The other Gospels are mostly about Jesus in Galilee. map of judea www.atozmomm.com bsf study of john's gospel

John was unflustered or bothered by Jesus’ popularity in the same vicinity as he.

John’s gifts were from God. He knew his God-given purpose, and he knew who Jesus was. John is like a bridegroom, a friend of Jesus, at the wedding, but he is not the groom. The bridegroom is Jesus, a familiar reference in the Bible.

John’s mission was fulfilled, and he was full of joy. He knew he would shrink into the background, and he was okay with this.

John has fame and humility. He also continued in his role, albeit changed and diminished from before. He was still doing God’s work.

Jesus came from heaven and is therefore greater than everyone else. No one would receive him.

Note “The Father loved the Son” here (John 3:35) and in John 5:20.

Reject Jesus, and you reject eternal life and receive wrath. The wrath of God lingers until you accept Christ and He comes again.

There are 4 “Must’s” in John 3:

We would do well to abide by all: be born again, lift Christ up, and defer to Christ. So good!

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus was sent to save. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned. Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light and into God’s sight.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

10) They shall not perish but have eternal life. They are not condemned. They come into the light.

11)

John 3:16: Nonbelievers will perish.

John 3:17-19: Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 3:36: Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

12) I am encouraged because I know I will have everlasting life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

LOVE John 3:16. So simple and straightforward of God’s love for me. Always gives me shivers.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

Fun fact: There are 31,102 verses in the Bible.

John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known and most loved.

God loved the world (all of us, not just the Jews). God gave his most precious gift. We have to believe. God will save forever. God’s love is boundless.

Jesus came to save believers. All others are condemned. Those who do not believe love darkness more than light.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:9-15

Jesus says that the Jewish leaders still do not see or accept him and the testimony of the disciples and others. If you do not understand earthly things, how will you understand heavenly things? The Son of Man will be lifted into heaven so that others will be.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

7a) The disciples and John the Baptist.

b) That the Jewish leaders do not accept the testimony of others. That they do not understand God’s Word, essentially.

8 ) The bronze serpent was God’s means of salvation for those bitten by the snake. Similarly, Jesus’ death on the cross is God’s mean of salvation for all of humanity bitten by sin.

9a) When you are saved, you believe in Christ’s sacrifice for your sins on the cross. You then will have eternal life.

b) That Jesus would choose to suffer death for lowly ol’ me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

I love the emphasis on the fact that anyone can be blind to Christ, including religious leaders. We must always grow close to God ourselves and not rely on others for knowledge of God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

Jesus chides Nicodemus as a religious leader that he does not understand the Scriptures.

Christ is the ultimate authority on heavenly things.

Jesus said that the serpent in Numbers is himself, sent to redeem his people. Serpents represent evil in the Bible and appear more than 50 times. Bronze is associated with judgment in the Bible. A bronze serpent is sin judged, which is Jesus who judges sin.

The people trusted the serpent to save them simply by glancing at it. Similarly, we trust in Jesus.

The Son of Man must be lifted up (ascend). We must accept, not do.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:1-8

Jesus talks with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who acknowledges he is performing signs that require God to be with him. Jesus responds, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Nicodemus is confused and wonders how someone can be born a second time in their mother’s womb.

Jesus clarifies: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

3a) Nicodemus approaches at night because he is a Pharisee and does not want word to get out that he is questioning Jesus because the Pharisees are against Jesus. I think Nicodemus is curious about Christ.

b) To know him better and to be more like him.

4a) Because Jesus knows that Nicodemus needs to be born again to be saved. Jesus’ primary concern is to bring everyone to him.

b) Nicodemus is not grasping the spiritual/imagery of Jesus. He’s only thinking of the physical and what can be seen.

5) Humanity. The physical body.

6a) They are born of the flesh, not of the spirit. Those born of the Spirit who have accepted Christ as their Savior have eternal life. You mush have a new birth to have eternal life.

b) Yes. If you are born of the spirit, you are born again. Yes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Great lesson on how even the religious leaders are drawn to Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Jesus wanted to make it known that just because you were of Jewish heritage, descended from Abraham, does not guarantee a place in heaven.

To be born from above (the Hebrew meaning of the word “again”) is to be born again.

Rebirth is a central theme in the Bible. Most Jews thought they had been cleansed for God. No one understood the acceptance of Christ as the rebirth.

Born of the Spirit is the emphasis here.

Born of water has many interpretations: baptism, physical birth, born by the Word of God, born by the Holy Spirit, or the water of cleansing Ezekiel 36:25-28

Nicodemus did not have to understand to have the Spirit; he just needed to accept.

In short, no human effort can save us; only belief in the redeeming blood of Christ.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 5: 1 Kings 18:40-46

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 18:40-46

Elijah then ordered the prophets of Baal killed. He told Ahab to eat and drink as the sound of rain was approaching. He goes to Mt. Carmel and prayed. His servant looked towards the sea seven times before he saw a cloud rising from the sea. He told his servant to tell Ahab to go down before the rain starts. Ahab journeys to Jezreel while clouds form. Elijah ran ahead of Ahab by the power of the Lord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 5: 1 Kings 18:40-46

13) Because they opposed God and had led His people astray.

14a) He goes to Mt. Carmel and prayed. His servant looked towards the sea seven times before he saw a cloud rising from the sea.

b) His persistent faith.

15) Where to move. I just keep on chugging along where I’m at until He moves me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 5: 1 Kings 18:40-46

The most interesting thing here is the judgment of the prophets. It’s no laughing matter to outright oppose God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 5: 1 Kings 18:40-46

Rain could now fall since the purpose of the drought was to prove the false gods of Baal false was now defeated.

Elijah waited on God to answer him. So must we all. We must have stubborn faith, too.

Elijah ran 14 miles to Jezreel with God’s help. He wanted to beat Ahab, but we are unsure why.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 18:1-39

After 3 years, the Lord told Elijah to got to Ahab and present himself. He would end the drought. Obadiah was a devote believer in the Lord, and he was Ahab’s palace administrator. He hid 100 prophets from the evil Jezebel and kept them alive. Obadiah was sent by Ahab to try to find food and water for the horses and mules to keep them alive.

Obadiah met Elijah and bowed to him. Elijah tells him to go to Ahab to tell him he is here. Obadiah, however, balks because he believes Ahab will kill him if Elijah goes missing in the meantime because Ahab has been trying to find him for 3 years. Elijah reassures him, so Obadiah does as bidden.

Ahab blames Elijah for the drought. Elijah tells Ahab the drought is punishment from God for abandoning him. He commands Ahab to assemble the people to meet on Mount Carmel, as well as the prophets of Baal and Asherah.

Elijah says to brings two bulls. He will prepare one for sacrifice and the prophets of Baal will prepare the other. He will call upon the Lord to consume the bull with fire, and the prophets of Baal will call upon their god to do so. Whoever answers is God.

The prophets of Baal called upon their god with no response. Elijah begins to taunt them.

Elijah built an altar to the Lord with 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes. He cut his bull and laid it on the wood. He poured 12 jars of water on the wood. He then prayed to God to answer Him to let His people know He is the God of Israel. God sent fire down, which consumed everything, including the water. The people fell down and proclaimed the Lord is God.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

9) It got Elijah in front of the king so Elijah could show all that the gods of Baal were false.

10) He never wavers in his faith that God will consume his offering. He is 100% confident, even taunting the prophets of Baal. You just don’t do that unless you are sure you are going to “win.”

11a) “Let it be known today that you are the God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked  up the water in the trench.” In short, He answered in an undeniable show of power.

b) “They fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord –  he is God!'”

c) James 5:16-18 tells us that Elijah prayed earnestly. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” The key was Elijah had a heart for God.

12) Unsure on this one. Maybe just staying the course for all He has asked me to do. Asking God to be with me each and every day, to bless me, to keep me, and more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

I love this story! It shows the best in those who have a heart for God in such a human way (with the taunting and all!).

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

Bible scholars are unsure if this is the same Obadiah whose prophesized against Edom. There are 13 Obadiahs in the Old Testament, which is why we can’t be sure. (2 Chronicles 17:7) (2 Chronicles 34:12) (Nehemiah 10:5)

The meeting between Obadiah and Elijah was no coincidence — it was God’s doing.

Ahab wanted to punish Elijah for the drought, which is why Obadiah was afraid. Ahab should have believed the word of God Deuteronomy 28:23-24 if Israel disobeyed instead of blaming Elijah.

Before God sent rain, he had to discredit Baal’s gods. This showdown was God’s doing.

The water Elijah used was precious, indeed, after the years of drought. It was a fitting sacrifice to God and it made the wood even harder to catch on fire.

The people were persuaded, but as in all of this history of God’s people, this faith would not last for long.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 17:7-24

When the brook dried up, God spoke to Elijah. God told him to go to Zarephath of Sidon where a widow will give him food. When he arrived, he spoke to a woman at the town gate gathering sticks. He asked her for food and water. She told him she hardly had any food for her and her son. Elijah told her to go home and make him a small cake of bread and then make something for her and her son. Her jar of flour will never be used up and her jug of oil will not run dry until it rains.

She did as commanded and it was so. She had flour and oil every day, as well as food.

The son of the woman grew ill and died. Elijah took him into a room and cried out to the Lord to give him his life back. The Lord heard Elijah’s cry and revived the boy. The woman believed in the Lord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

6a) She did as Elijah had commanded and made him a cake of bread despite she and her son were starving. He asked her to have faith in God and she did.

b) They both received food and water while there was drought and famine in the land.

7a) The woman responded in anger, mad that God had punished her for her sin by taking her son. Elijah responded by turning to the Lord for help.

b) Probably some of both. I get angry and then I pray.

8 ) I know that there is a life outside of this earthly life that is infinitely better. This gives me hope in my troubles.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

I had forgotten this story! It’s been a while since I’ve studied Elijah, so this is great! I love: 1) When God conquers death 2) He answers our prayers. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

Elijah moved around a lot, and here he’s ordered to go to the home of a povery-stricken widow in the territory of the evil Queen Jezebel, which is not a welcoming place for a prophet.

The woman had no idea she had been chosen by God based on her responses to Elijah.

She says “the Lord your God,” which shows she is a Gentile. Elijah makes a bold response to feed him first when they have only a small amount of food. The widow willingly obeys, and she is blessed by God for it.

The widow is angry when her son dies. Now, she has no one to provide for her in her old age as was the custom. She blames Elijah and her sin.

Elijah asked God to fix this tragedy. Out of faith, God answered. All of the widow’s needs were met.

Fun Fact: This is the first recording in the Bible of God raising the dead.

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