Tag: bsf lesson 4

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:25-17:6

Nadab became king of Israel and he reigned over Israel 2 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Baasha killed Nadab and succeeded him as king. He killed Jeroboam’s whole family. Baasha became king of Israel and he reigned 24 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. The prophet Jehu told Baasha that God was angry with him for his actions and God will destroy him.

Elah succeeded Baasha as king. He ruled 2 years before he was struck down by Zimri, who succeeded him. He killed Baasha’s whole family. He ruled 7 days before Omri was proclaimed king. Omri became king of Israel and he reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him. Ahab, Omri’s son, succeeded him as king of Israel. He reigned 22 years and did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any before him. He married Jezebel, daughter of the king of the Sidonians and began to serve Baal.

By rebuilding Jericho, Hiel endured the curse of the Lord as spoken by Joshua in Joshua 6:26.

Elijah the prophet proclaims to Ahab that a famine is coming for a few years. The Lord sent Elijah to live in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. The river and ravens will feed and water him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

3)

  1. Nadab. He caused Israel to commit sins.
  2. Baasha. Baasha killed Nadab and succeeded him as king. He killed Jeroboam’s whole family
  3. Elah. He got drunk and was struck down.
  4. Zimri. He killed Elah and Baasha’s whole family. He set the royal palace on fire and he died as a result of the fire and of his sins.
  5. Omri. He caused Israel to commit sins and brought worthless idols to the nation.
  6. Ahab. He began to serve Baal and worship him. He set up an altar for Baal and made an Asherah pole.

4a) Elijah the prophet proclaims to Ahab that a famine is coming for a few years

b) The Lord sent Elijah to live in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. The river and ravens fed and watered him during this time.

c) God cares for his people. All it takes is simple faith and obedience and God will provide.

5) My whole life really. He always provides everything I need and blesses me everyday with a wonderful life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

Lots of “doing evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Truly disheartening.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

You must remember that the books of Kings are more concerned with the ruler’s spiritual health than anything else, which is why the books are written like they are, pointing out who did good in the eyes of the Lord and who did bad.

Baasha conspired to murder Nadab. Little did Baasha know, he was the instrument of God’s judgment against the house of Jeroboam. Baasha faces the same judgment in his death, too.

Assassination to get the throne was common in ancient times, as was the assassination of the entire family so that no claims to the throne could be made.

God exterminated every member of the first two dynasties of Israel.

Fun Fact: Zimri is one of only a handful of suicides mentioned in the Bible. Some of the others are: Samson (Judges 16:28-30), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4) and Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23). This is because God does not approve of suicide and therefore does not want to approve of it in any way.

Omri defeated Tibni in a civil war, presumably killing him. He built what would become the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria. He is regarded by historians as one of the strongest kings of Israel. The location he chose for the capital guarded all routes north and south into the city, a perfect defensive position. He was the 6th king of Israel since the split into two kingdoms.

In 41 years, Israel had 7 different kings.

Ahab was worse than all of the other previous kings. This is because he introduced the worship of new, pagan gods and made people worship them. This is why God was so angry. Both Omri and Ahab did this; whereas, Solomon only worshipped pagan gods himself. Marrying Jezebel only took the country further into idolatry.

Who is Elijah?

God brings Elijah up in order to try to bring light into this dark time of Israel’s history. Elijah means “Yahweh is my God.” The nation was headed deeper into idolatry. Israel needed a prophet to bring them back to God. Elijah came from nowhere to appear on the scene.

Elijah prayed for a drought and God answered his prayer. God has granted Elijah great power in order to bring Israel back to Him.

God protects and preserves Elijah during the drought by taking him some place to be alone so He could provide for him. Here, Elijah would learn total dependence on God as God fed and watered him every day like God did the Israelites in the desert.

So must we trust God to provide for us.

God told him the specific place. So must we listen to where God wants us, too.

Fun Fact: Elijah is the most mentioned Old Testament prophet in the New Testament.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:12-25:

John the Baptist was thrown in prison, so Jesus returned to Galilee from Nazareth. He went to Capernaum in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali to fulfill Isaiah’s words. Jesus preaches how the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus began to call his disciples. He first called Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. He next called james and John who were in a boat with their gather, Zebedee.

Jesus began to travel through Galilee, preaching the Good News and healing people of diseases and sicknesses. Large crowds began to follow him and bring their sick to him to be healed.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25

12 ) Capernaum in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s words that the future king would come from there.

13 ) John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River who came from all over Judea.

14a ) Jesus called and they immediately followed him without question. They dropped everything they were doing in the moment.

b ) It’s best to answer God’s call immediately. Life is too short to delay.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25

We’re about to embark on an exciting journey with Jesus as he begins his work. What I would give to have walked with him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25

Matthew begins his telling Jesus’s ministry in Galilee. John tells the story of an earlier ministry of Jesus where he himself baptized people and where we get the story of the Samarian woman at the well John 3:22 and 4:1-2.

Galilee was a very populuous area for Biblical times, which is probably why Jesus began there. He could make the biggest impact there. It was very fertile and had many wealthy citizens. Both Jews and Gentiles lived here side by side. In ancient times, there were nine cities that had 15,000 or more people who lived on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Remember that the people of Nazareth, his hometown, rejected him because they had seen him grow up ordinary  (Luke 4:16-30), which is why he chose Capernaum. Plus, the disciples were there too, as we see. Jesus was the light in this region as Isaiah predicted.

Jesus waits until John the Baptist is put into prison to begin his ministry.

Do note that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God seem to be the same thing. Bible scholars believe Matthew used the phrase “kingdom of heaven” because the Jewish people never wrote out the word “God.”

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 A Purpose

Jesus didn’t just randomly call his disciples. The Bible records other places where he encounters them  (John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:3). Undoubtedly, Jesus knew who he would call ahead of time. Jesus calls most of the disciples when they were doing something. Jesus needed doers and action-takers.

Most rabbi had disciples so this was not unusual behavior on the part of Jesus. This is how rabbis taught other rabbis.

Just like we have guest speakers at church, they did so in ancient times, too.

Healing shows that Jesus could overcome the consequences of sin (which was death to the body).

FUN FACT: This is the first time the Bible mentions demon-possessed. It shows Jesus’s ultimate authority over the evil in the world. While Old Testament people were troubled by spirits 1 Samuel 18:10, 19:9), this is the first time it is mentioned of removing an evil one from the body.

Large crowds followed Jesus. He is successful.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 4: Matthew 4:1-11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11

The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11

8 )

Deuteronomy 20:1-4: These verses talk about how God goes to war against our enemies with us. It’s important to remember that God fights our battles by our sides.

Matthew 6:25-26: These verses remind us to not worry because God will provide everything we need like he does for the birds.

Romans 1:21-22: Knowing God does not get you out of temptation. You must give thanks to him and glorify him.

Hebrews 12:1-2: This verse tells us to persevere through the life God has given us with an eye on Jesus. It can be easy to loose sight of Jesus in our troubles. We must not do that.

James 1:14-15: This verse reminds us that everyone faces temptation, which can lead to sin. We are not alone.

1 John 2:15-16: It can be easy to fall into the ways of the world; the ways of the world are temporary. God alone and His kingdom is permanent. Remember this is not our home and let go of the things you love here.

9 ) Hebrews 4:12: The word of God is sharp and penetrates to the soul. Ephesians 6:17: The soul of the spirit is the word of God. God’s word is a sword so we must wield it wisely.

10a ) Relationships. I’ve very selfish and not very good at helping others and sharing.

b ) I pray to be more open and more giving, as well as have better relationships with those around me. I like to think I’m getting better but don’t we all.

11) God sent angels to attend to his son after the temptation. Who are your angels in your life whom you can count on to pick you up after a rough time?

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Life is full of ups and downs, and once Jesus hit rock bottom with the temptation, he was picked up by the hand of God. Picture God’s hand on you when you hit a low point, and stand up tall and proud in Him.

Great bookmarks to use when looking up multiple verses!

 

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:

  1. To identify with us
  2. To show us you can overcome temptation

Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.

Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”

“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)

Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!

Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.

TEMPTATION #1

Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.

TEMPTATION #2

Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.

Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.

We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.

TEMPTATION #3

Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.

Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.

TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.

SATAN’S WEAPONS

The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.

Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.

Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.

FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.

Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).

Contact me with questions!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 3: Matthew 4:1-11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11

The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11

5a )

TEMPTATION #1

Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.

TEMPTATION #2

Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.

Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.

We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.

TEMPTATION #3

Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.

Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.

The main compromise behind each is not having faith in God or believing God and His Word. Satan tried to appeal to earthly sins, which Jesus easily overcome as the Son of God.

b ) Well, we all can be tempted when we are low (here, Jesus is very hungry). When our strength to deal with the world breaks down, this is when we are most vulnerable to sin. We all can be tempted to test God and His Word, but, like Jesus, God is not to be tested for frivolous reasons and to prove something. God tests us, not the other way around. Satan appeals to our desire for power, to feel important, and to be someone. Culture influences us to be this way, too. Again, Jesus was the son of a carpenter here on earth. We can make great changes just as we are.

6 ) Temptation 1: Deuteronomy 8:3

Temptation 2: Deuteronomy 6:16

Temptation 3: Deuteronomy 6:13

7 ) 1 Corinthians 10:13: God will never give us a temptation we cannot overcome. This gives me faith to keep on fighting when I all I want to do is curl up and not fight. Some of my favorite lyrics to this song I’m recently listening to (not a Christian song) say “Why do all the monsters come out at night? Why do we sleep where we want to hide?” We have to be careful for Satan lurks in the dark places of our life. But respite in Jesus is right around the corner.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11

I love that BSF talks about 1 Corinthians 10:13, which I mentioned yesterday in my commentary. Sin is a choice, and even when we are low, God is there holding us and giving us the strength to fight.

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:

  1. To identify with us
  2. To show us you can overcome temptation

Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.

Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”

“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)

Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!

Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.

map of temptation of christ www.atozmomm.com

TEMPTATION #1

Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.

TEMPTATION #2

Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.

Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.

We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.

TEMPTATION #3

Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.

Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.

TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.

SATAN’S WEAPONS

The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.

Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.

Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.

FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.

Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).

Contact me with questions!

mount of temptation where jesus was tempted matthew 4:1-11 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 2: Matthew 4:1-11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11

The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11

3a ) Jesus was in the desert sent by the Spirit to fast and face temptation by the devil.

b ) John 4:34 tells us that Jesus came to do the will of the Father and to finish God’s work of dying on the cross, cleansing us from sin so that we can be with God. Hebrews 2:14-18 tells us that Jesus suffered temptation so that we can be helped when we experience temptation. Jesus shared in our humanity to give us an example on how to live. It helps me know if Jesus can overcome, then so can I.

4a ) Eve doubted God’s word and His goodness. The serpent used this against her. In addition, the serpent knew that God wouldn’t kill them, and since Eve had no concept of what “death” was since nothing God had created had died, she had no idea. However, she doubted God’s word at the end of the day; Jesus did not.

b )

Differences:

  • Jesus used God’s words as his defense and answer to the devil
  • Eve knew God’s word, but let the devil twist it
  • Eve gave in to her physical needs; Jesus used will power
  • Jesus told Satan to leave him

Similarities:

  • Both were tempted
  • Both were alone

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Matthew moves from this beautiful picture of Jesus’s baptism where God descends and commends His Son to this horrible picture of Jesus fasting and being tempted by the devil. This illustrates the Christian life perfectly. We can go from the highs of our lives to the next instant horrific lows. It should give us comfort that Jesus experienced this as well.

Check out this map guide for where Jesus walked:

Deluxe Then & Now Bible Maps – Paperback

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11

Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:

  1. To identify with us
  2. To show us you can overcome temptation

Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.

Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”

“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)

Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!

Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.

TEMPTATION #1

Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.

TEMPTATION #2

Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.

Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.

We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.

TEMPTATION #3

Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.

Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.

TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.

SATAN’S WEAPONS

The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.

Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.

Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.

FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.

Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).

Contact me with questions!

 

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 4, Day 5: Genesis 3:14-24

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God curses the serpent for his beguilement of Adam and Eve to crawl on his belly and eat dust and God put enmity between the serpent and man for all time. Literally, this is humans not liking snakes (especially women).  Figuratively, this is humans not trusting Satan and having an inborn wariness of him.

God punished woman by greatly increasing her pains in childbirth; woman will desire her husband who will rule over her.

God punished Adam by cursing the ground so painful toil is now required to eat of it.  The ground will produce thorns and thistles.  And now death is introduced since “for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Adam names Eve and God makes them clothes and banishes them from the Garden of Eden so that he won’t be able to eat from the tree of life.  He places cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

Questions:

13a)  “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals!  You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.  And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

b)  “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children.  Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

c)  “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

14a)  The serpent is Satan and her offspring will be Jesus.  Jesus will ultimately defeat Satan (crush his head) even though Satan will wound Jesus (strike his heel).  “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”  (Romans 16:20)

b)  With garments of skin

15a)  Everyone dies.  We are all sinners through Adam.  Jesus was sent to redeem his people, bring grace, and offer justification through his death so that we may have eternal life.

We were born sinners.  But Jesus can redeem us.  The results and consequences for us today are we have a choice:  to choose or reject Jesus.  Choose Jesus=life.  Reject Jesus=death.

b)  Jesus.

Conclusions:  We see here that God never abandoned us, even when we sinned.  He always had Jesus planned to save us.  It’s hard to comprehend:  why would God create us if He knew we would Fall?  Only God can answer that.  He must think we are worthy in some way.  Sometimes I wish I believed but a piece of that worthiness.

I had never thought of us being born with a wariness to Satan before.  So we’re born with a natural rebelliousness towards God but a natural distrust of Satan.  Again, we must choose.  Naturally, we gravitate towards serving ourselves (like children).  But we learn to choose and no choice in life is more important.  The outcome of our life depends upon this choice.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 4, Day 4: Genesis 3:7-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked; so they covered themselves with fig leaves.  They hid from God when they heard Him in the garden so God called to them, “Where are you?”

Adam said he was afraid cause he was naked and explained that the woman gave him some fruit and he ate it when God asked how he knew he was naked.  The woman said the serpent beguiled her and she ate as well.

Questions:

10a)  They realized they were naked.  Remember, some scholars believe Adam and Eve were clothed in light until the moment they sinned.  So imagine the light snuffed out and now they needed something else to clothe them.

b)  They hid from Him amongst the trees.  Because they were ashamed of being naked.  They felt guilt for disobeying.  They were afraid of dying.  They were afraid of the consequences of disobedience.  They were embarrassed at their own inadequacy.

11a)  “The woman you put here with me–she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”  Technically, yeah, that’s what happened.  But Adam is trying to put the blame on Eve when he clearly disobeyed as well by partaking of the fruit.  He could have said, “No.”  However, he didn’t lie to God about it.  He also did not repent.  God is giving him the chance and Adam missed it.  He does not accept responsibility for his role in the Fall.

Also, note how, essentially, Adam is blaming God by saying, “The woman you put here with me…”  As if it’s God fault for creating a companion to Adam and he wouldn’t have sinned otherwise.

b)  “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”  Mostly because the serpent did deceive her and she admits she ate it.  She didn’t lie.  However, being deceived, listening to the serpent in the first place instead of God, is a sin as well (Romans 1:25: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie…and served created things instead of the Creator”)

c)  Both of them.  Adam for not explaining to Eve better not to eat the fruit and for standing by while the serpent beguiled her.  Adam for eating the fruit Eve gave him.  Eve for even talking to the serpent, for doubting God and His word, and for eating the fruit. Both sinned equally.  Both are responsible.  Both fell from God.

You could say the serpent (devil) but we have Free Will to choose.  The devil offered. Adam and Eve accepted.  The serpent didn’t force them to take a bite.

12)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Honestly, probably very similar.  I’m good at the good stuff.  Bad at the little sins.  Very bad.  Something I need to work on.

Conclusions:  Good emphasis on responding to sin.  We all do it ever since Adam and Eve and I think what matters most to God is how we respond to it.  Whether we truly repent and whether we mend our ways.  We can still give glory to God through our confession and our sincere desire to do better.  Joshua 7:19-20:  “Give glory to the Lord…tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”

Side Note:  God addresses Adam first as the head and one could argue it is Adam who bears the brunt of the responsibility for the sin since Adam is the head of woman.  Interesting since in popular culture you always hear how it was Eve’s fault.