Discover Jesus in Genesis

Transcription

1 Discover Jesus in Genesis Inductive Studies for Personal Study, Family, or Small Group Interaction Study written by: Larry Edison Illustrations in the book by: Deborah Obeid copyright: Larry Edison & Deborah Obeid 2001

2 Creation: The Beginning In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1) In Genesis, we are told that God created the heavens and the earth. God made the world by His word. He spoke and said, Let there be trees, and sure enough, there were trees. He said, Let there be animals, and sure enough, animals appeared on the earth. 1. According to the Scriptures, how did God bring forth creation? 2 Peter 3:5 2. According to the Scriptures, how powerful is God s Word? What does the Word accomplish? What is the reason the text repeats the phrase, and God said.. and it was so? What else does God accomplish by means of His Word (spoken or written)? (1 Samuel 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 4:12; 1 John 2:5) 3. Give examples of the power of Christ s word. As we see God creating all things in the beginning by His word, what was Jesus able to do simply by speaking? Matthew 8:13 Mark 1:25 Mark 4:39 What parallels and conclusions can you draw as you notice the similarity between these examples and the word at creation? 4. Will God s Word ever fail? What does the Scripture teach about that? Write your summary of the following passage: Isaiah 55: In what ways, throughout history, was God s Word made available to God s people? Try to think of all the different means by which God communicated His word to His people. (Numbers 12:6; Genesis 40:8; Genesis 24:7; Acts 7:30) 7. Why is Jesus properly described as the culmination of all previous ways of God speaking? Look at Hebrews 1:1 8. Do you see the parallel between Genesis 1 and John 1? What are the parallel words :

3 What are we to learn from this deliberate parallel? 9. What do the following passages teach about the relationship between Christ and creation? According to the Bible, not only was Jesus there at creation, but Jesus was there and working. For it was Jesus who creating all things. Colossians 1: What do these passages teach about Christ, God s Word, and our redemption: James 1:18 Ephesians 2:10 What is Christ s place in re-creation (redemption)? Why do you think our conversion is described as a new creation? (2 Corinthians 5:17) 11. We believe the Scripture teaches there is one God. On the other hand, it seems clear that Jesus was also involved in creation. What does this mean about the nature of God? (John 10:30) 12. To whom does all creation owe its existence? _ What are the implications for those who are created? _(Psalm 102:18 & Revelation 4:11) Looking back at creation through the glasses of the New Testament, we can clearly see that it was Jesus who spoke these words, let there be at creation. That s why the Bible says that Jesus is God s Word. Jesus was there at creation, and by His word, everything sprang into existence. Calling Jesus God s Word is like saying that Jesus is God s voice. He was that voice calling into the darkness and making the lights, the land, and the animals. We owe Christ our worship and our obedience. In what ways do you worship God and give Him thanks for His good creation? In what ways are you letting God s Word transform your life? If, by the power of His Word, He created all things, and if Christ s Word has the power to transform you, how is that Word changing you? 12. In what ways do you worship and give thanks to our Lord for His wonderful creation? 13. How do you show you are grateful to the Lord for His work of redemption (recreation) in your life?

4 Crowned with Glory God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."(genesis 1:28) On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and LORD OF LORDS. (Rev. 19:16) God created Adam to be the ruler of His creation. Adam was the Lord of all creation, and was told, with his wife, to subdue and tame creation for God's glory and his own enjoyment. Listen to what God said: 1. Look at the words of Genesis 1:28, and write out the words that we usually associate with the task of a King or Queen 2. Do the same with Psalm 8(3-8). What is talked about in this Psalm that we associate with the task of a King, Queen, or Ruler? 3. The writer of Hebrews (2:6) quotes from Psalm 8 and applies these words to Christ. Why would this text from the Old Testament, originally speaking of Adam, be applied to Christ? It is no surprise that Adam and Eve were King and Queen of creation. They, as with us, were made Image of God. What does it mean that you are Image of God (Genesis 1:28) 4. Describe the manner in which the task recorded in Genesis 2:19 is a task fit for King. 5. Read Colossians 1:16. What does this passage teach of Christ? 6. What do these passages teach about Christ and His role as King: Revelation 19:16 1 Tim. 6:15 By the way, what does this passage teach about the relationship between God and Christ? In other words, did you notice the term used to describe both God and Christ? What is that term or phrase? Revelation 17:14 John 12:15 Ephesians 1:20 Revelation 3:14

5 7. Do you see the parallel between Adam and Christ? Describe that parallel. 8. Now do the same with Romans 5:14 9. Look also at one of the tasks assigned to Adam and Eve as the beginning of humanity:... multiply and fill the earth. Compare this to Christ s command in Matthew 28:19ff which says make disciples of all nations. What are the similarities?. 10. Let s summarize: Describe the similarities between Adam and Eve and Christ. What do we learn about Christ as we look at Adam and Eve? 11. What difference does it make to you that, in Christ, you are a King or Queen? 12. Describe the implication of being a Ruler in Christ as you look at the following passages: 1 Corinthians 6:2 Matthew 28:19 1 Corinthians 9:25 James 1:12 We can t think of Adam without, at the same time, thinking of Christ. When we understand Adam, we see our high calling as followers of Christ. How does this affect your self-image? If others are also Image of God, how does this affect the way in which you regard and treat others?

6 The Promised Battle And I will put conflict between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head though you will wound his heel. (Genesis 3:1-9,15) 1. What does Genesis 1:31 teach about creation? 2. What was specifically forbidden (Genesis 2:17)? 3. What was promised if Adam and Eve chose to eat of the tree? 4. What do you think this probationary test was designed to teach? But you know how it is with people. Sometimes when a parent or someone in authority says No!, it seems like we can be all the more eager to do it anyway. The Bible says that Eve was tricked, but Adam deliberately disobeyed. They both decided it was more important to do what they felt like doing rather than obeying God. 5. What is it that seems to motivate us to do that which is forbidden? The answer is, of course, sin. But talk about our desires and ambitions. 6. If you were to describe sin, what would you say? 7. Compare what you said with what the Scriptures say: 1 John 3:4 Isaiah 14:13 Romans 1:21 Romans 1:25 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 59:2 8. What was the result of Adam and Eve s sin (rebellion). What did they try to do (Genesis 3:8; Exodus 3:6; Psalm 13:1)? 9. Ultimately God must separate Himself from sin. What is the ultimate separation (Genesis 2:17)? In the midst of the sentence of death, God also makes a promise. The promise is that Someone would come to do away with satan. Actually, the promise is that the Messiah would crush the

7 serpent (Genesis 3:15). This Someone would have to bear the consequences of separation in our place. 10. Look at these passages, and list the work of the Messiah in our behalf. What has the Messiah done for us? 1 Corinthians 15:22 Romans 5:19 Isaiah 53:6 11. What do these passages teach about what the Messiah has done to satan, the serpent? Rev. 12:9 Rev. 12:10-11 Matthew 12: Because Christ has crushed satan on the cross, what does this mean for us? Romans 16:20 Matthew 10:1 Luke 10: What has Christ experienced for us (Isaiah 53:10)? How has Christ crushed the serpent (Colossians 2:15 and Revelation 5:5)? 14. Genesis 3:15 promises a war through generations. The seed of the woman is the church, the people of God. The seed of the serpent are the people of the world. What is the promised relationship between these two peoples? 15. God does not want these two lines to become one. He wants the church always to remain separate from the world. Look at the following passages and discern the way in which God kept the church and the world (the serpent and the woman) from blending together as one. Ezra 9:1 and 6:21 Genesis 6:12 Genesis 34: Corinthians 6: What will the war look like through the ages? The church will always be in a fight? What exactly is the fight? 17. Who will win the war? Numbers 24:17 Romans 16:20 Revelation 20:10 Revelation 17: How can we make sure we are on the winning side (1 John 5:4)? 19. How do you feel involved in this battle?

8 Out of the Garden: Banished So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:23-24) And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Hebrews 13:12) We discussed punishment in the last study. Summarize the punishment for sin Ephesians 2:12 Isaiah 59:1 Luke 16:25-26 Jeremiah 15:16, 29:14 This passage from Jeremiah refers to the Babylonian exile. The people of God were removed from the land because of their sin. As God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden, so God banished the people of Israel from the Holy Land for the same reason. Notice the manner in which the following passages talk, not simply of people s banishment from God, but God also leaving His people. What happens in these passages with the Lord s presence: 1 Samuel 4:21-22 Isaiah 59:1-2 Ezekiel 10:18 Ultimately what does this mean (Romans 6:23) To try to return to the Lord s presence means sure (Genesis 3:23) Why is this the case? What can God not allow into His presence (Habakkuk 1:13)? Now, think ahead to the account of Christ s death. Do you know what happened the day Jesus was killed? Hebrews 13:12 In what ways was Jesus separated from the Father as He became our Substitute. Psalm 22:1 Because Christ was punished in our place (because He was separated from the Father in our place), what is the result for us, His people? (Isaiah 45:7) When Jesus took His cross and walked outside of the city to die, it was just as though He were the One forced from the Garden. That s why Jesus had to be forced to go away from Jerusalem; He was being forced out of God s presence to suffer in the place of disobedient people. What does this passage teach about Christ, and what are the implications for us Acts 2:31

9 Hell is described as outside the presence of God. What do these passages teach about the relationship between separation from God and eternal judgement Revelation 22:15 Hebrews 13:1 What does this passage teach about the people of God Revelation 22:14-15 Why is it that these people are allowed inside the city (which represents the presence of God) Why, in these passages, is this Jerusalem called the holy city? Revelation 21:2 Revelation 21:10 Revelation 22:19 The painting pictures the parallel between Adam and Eve having been banished from the Garden with Jesus banishment from Jerusalem walking to His death. Is this a good picture of what Christ has done in our behalf? Does this explain why we are allowed back inside the city, the presence of God. By the way, why, in these passages, is this city called the holy city? What makes it holy? This language is grounded in the Scriptures. Look through these passages and write out the reason these places are considered holy. Exodus 3:5 1 Chronicles 29:16 What made the Tabernacle holy: Exodus 40:34 What made the Temple holy? 1 Kings 5:5 What makes you holy in Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Corinthians 6:19 What makes the church holy (Ephesians 2:21) What is our response to the presence of the Lord? 2 Corinthians 6:16 How do you draw close to the Lord How are you assured of His presence? (Hebrews 10:22)

10 Murder near Paradise Now Cain said to his brother Abel, Let s go out to the field. And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:8) But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: They hated me without reason. (John 15:25) It did not take long for sin to grow and spread. Once exiled from Paradise, which was the special presence of God, sin would grow and flourish. When Adam and Eve rebelled, a chain reaction would continue through the generations. Most think that people are basically good. What does the Bible teach about our basic human nature: Genesis 1:27 Romans 3:23 Psalm 14:3 Psalm 51:5 What is sin s ultimate desire (if we can personify sin for a moment): (Genesis 4:7) Do we understand the reason Cain murdered Abel (Genesis 4:4-5) Once sin is allowed and nurtured, it breaks forth into horrible reality. What do the following passages teach about this? James 1:15 Hebrews 12:15 Psalm 7:14 Romans 7:18 Sin s corruption is not in outward actions, but in a root which wants to dominate and control our entire being. What do these passages teach about the nature of sin? 1 Timothy 6:10 Hebrews 12:15 Genesis 8:21 Jeremiah 17:9 Galatians 3:22 As Cain wanted nothing to do with Abel because of jealousy, so also, the world wants nothing to do with Christ. As Cain despised Abel, so the world despises Christ. In what ways do the following passages teach this same tragedy. John 1:10 Isaiah 53:3 1 Peter 2:4 Revelation 17:14

11 When Abel was killed, Adam and Eve s hope must have been dashed. They probably assumed that the promised Messiah would be one of their children, whether Cain or Abel. But now Abel was dead and Can was a murderer. It was as though history repeated itself in the death of Jesus. When He died, everyone was confused because they were hoping He would be the Messiah. Hopes were shattered. How is this described: Luke 24:21 Mark 15:40-41 Of course, after His resurrection, His disciples came to understand Jesus was the Messiah, and His death was not the last word. Jesus was raised from the grave proving He was God s Messiah. John 2:2 Acts 10:40 Acts 2:36-37 Throughout the Bible it is taught that whenever the world persecutes the church, the world is ultimately persecuting Christ and trying to get rid of Him. When Cain killed Abel this was typical of the manner in which the world would respond to Christ. Abel s murder gives us a peek into the future as the Bible shows what will happen to God s Messiah, who was murdered for our sake. Romans 12:4 1 John 3:13 The punishment He received was the punishment which brings about our forgiveness. By His stripes we are healed says the prophet Isaiah. Jesus death was not the last word, for He was raised from the grave, and He lives even now. 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 Revelation 19:16 Instead of hatred toward the Lord and toward His people, when we come to Christ, we are changed from the inside out. The Lord gives us a new nature which loves the Lord. Colossians 3:12-14 Galatians 5:22-24 What needs to happen in order to break the mastery sin has over us? Romans 8:5-9 Romans 13:14 John 3:3 1 Peter 1:22-23 Romans 6:9-14 Paradise is gone. Outside Paradise, sin seems to reign. But in Christ, sin s mastery is broken, and we are set free (John 8:33) from the power and control of sin.

12 Christ has set you free from the mastery of sin. Now, what is your response?

13 The Flood "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence... So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth." Genesis (6:11-13) "For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:38-39) Everyone was surprised when the flood came. Everyone but Noah that is. Most of the people living on the earth had become so wicked and violent that God could not stand it anymore. God s patience does come to an end. What do these passages tell you about God s patience? Genesis 15:16 with Joshua 6:21 Exodus 20:5 1 Samuel 2:17 with 1 Samuel 4:11 Ezekiel 9:9-10 Numbers 25:4 Noah and his family, the only believers left who loved the Lord, were all surrounded by wickedness. God wanted to protect Noah by getting rid of the wickedness and its influence. He would not allow Noah's family to be swamped with people who were a terrible influence and who might eventually lead them astray. So God sent a flood which would cover the earth with water. What does the Scripture teach about the influence of the wicked? Exodus 34:12 Judges 2:14 Judges 2:19 Eccles. 7:26 Ezekiel 13:20 God acted to protect Noah and his family. God would not allow the wicked to ensnare Noah s family. God kept that family in His care by removing the wicked influence from their midst. He kept them from becoming like the world by removing the world s influence. Deuteronomy 23:14 Psalm 12:7 2 Thessalonians. 3:3 John 17:11 John 17:15 It took Noah and his family 120 years to build a boat big enough keep them and many animals safe. For those 120 years Noah warned the rest of the people what was coming. But no one was listening.

14 They all laughed at Noah and continued with their immoral and destructive ways. No one really thinks God will intervene in history. But that is not the case. Genesis 18:13 Luke 1:36 2 Chronicles 6:37-38 What did the flood actually accomplish? Was it designed to fully get rid of evil or was there another purpose to the flood? According to 1 Peter 3:20, it was not the ark but the water which saved Noah. How was it the water which saved Noah? The flood teaches us about Jesus. On the very last day of history (we do not know when that will be) Jesus will come back. But many, many people laugh and ridicule that idea. They ignore God's commands, and live as though there is no God. But like the time of Noah, Jesus will come back. When He does return, the wicked who do not believe Jesus is Lord will be punished forever. But those, like Noah, who know Jesus, will be protected from this punishment just like Noah was protected. Acts 1:11 1 Thessalonians 5:2 2 Peter 3:7 Hebrews 9:27 2 Corinthians 5:10 How does the flood fulfill the promise given in Genesis 3:15? Remember that the promise in Genesis 3:15 was the promise of separation as a result of antipathy or enmity between two peoples. The children of the serpent (the world) would be at war with the children of the woman (the church). How did this come into play during the time of the flood? As the flood saved Noah and his family, so Christ saves us. He does so by transforming us and giving us His Spirit. That transformation continues until Christ brings us safely into heaven - His presence. What are these promises of deliverance: 2 Timothy 4:18 John 17:12 How does God want us to be separated from wickedness today? In other words, how are we kept from being swallowed up by the wickedness of the world?

15 The Promise of Protection: The Rainbow I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.(genesis 9:13-16) After an event as terrible as the flood, God promised never to destroy creation in that same manner. Does this mean God will never destroy creation again? What do these passages teach? 2 Peter 3:7 2 Peter 3:12 God would protect His people in other ways. That s what the rainbow was all about. God has promised that He will protect His people. Neither the serpent nor the wicked will be able to put an end to the people of God. What are these promises? Deuteronomy 23:14 Psalm 20:1 Psalm 32:7 Psalm 40:11 John 17:15 2 Thessalonians 3:3 When people see a rainbow, they are reminded of the promise God made that He would protect His people from complete destruction. Actually, it was a reminder for God. Scripture says that God will see the rainbow and it will be reminder for Him. God does not forget, but in these passages He says He remembers. What is the benefit for us, His people? Genesis 9:15 Leviticus 26:42,45 Ezekiel 16:60 What is the benefit of God saying that He will remember when He sees a particular sign? Why is it that Christ is the foundation for the rainbow? In other words, how is it that the promise of God rests on Christ? The answer is that Christ deals with our. Christ does not have to judge us, for judgement has already ben poured out on Christ. Isaiah 42:25 Jeremiah 44:6 Ezekiel 22:22 Romans 5:8 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

16 Just as Jesus was protected from the ruthless despot Herod, so God protected creation for the sake of Christ. How did God protect Christ: Matthew 2:12 Matthew 2:14 In the same manner, Christ was promised in Genesis 3:15. God made sure, throughout all of human history, to protect the world for the sake of Christ. The world could not come to an end until Christ was brought forth according to God s perfect plan. In what ways, in the following passages, did God protect His people to make certain the Messiah would be born according to His Word of promise. Isaiah 10:21-22 Isaiah 51:11 Though the world of people began in the Garden of Eden, the world will end with what the Bible describes as the New Jerusalem (Rev 3:12; 22:14-19). Or, to give you another picture, the history of God s people has been a history of travel from a Garden to completing their earthly journey in the new city. God will protect His people until His return. When you think of a city, what is it that you think about? The Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song talks about the delight of going back to the Garden again. Though we all have the urge to return to a Garden-like Paradise, we will never return to the Garden. All of history has significance. God s idea was that His people would develop a culture - embodied in the idea of a city, not Garden. Will we be able to experience the intimate relationship with God in the new city He has in store for us. Revelation 21:2 Revelation. 21:22-23 Revelation 22:2-3 Hebrews 13:14 God promised that, until the end of the world until Jesus comes back for a second time the earth will be spared from complete destruction. You have heard the song, He s got the whole world in His hands. That s what the rainbow promises. He can promise because nothing can stop His plan. What He plans and determines will be carried out. What is the promise contained in these passages: Isaiah 14:26-27 Ephesians 1:11 Genesis 50:20 Isaiah 14:27 Why are these promises comforting to you? In what ways do you crave paradise?

17 The Tower of Confusion It was there the Lord confused the people by giving them many languages (Genesis 11:9) We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our language (Acts 2:11) Long after the flood, when the earth was repopulated, it was clear arrogance and pride had grown as fast as the population. As a matter of fact, people began to think they could be as powerful as God Himself. This was nothing new. Pride does not have to be sin, but it seems that more often than not, it is identified with sin. How does pride turn us away from God? 2 Kings 19:22 2 Chronicles 26:16 Psalm 10:4 Isaiah 23:9 Obadiah 1:3 Our attempts to pretend we are God causes Him to laugh. Our best efforts are as nothing. Psalm 59:8 Psalm 2:1 Those gathered in the plains of Shinar were not the first to think they could become as God. Isaiah 14:13 Genesis 3:5 Daniel 4:28-30 What happens when people gather together apart from Christ and devise their own plans and schemes? Acts 4:26 2 Tim. 4:3 Psalm 2:2 It is almost laughable (if it were not so sad) when we think of the way in which God frustrated the efforts of those on the plain. All He did was confuse their language. Something as simple as that caused their plans to collapse. What are some other events which happened when God came down to His people or to His creation? Genesis 11:5 Genesis 43:20 Exodus 34:5 Exodus 34:29

18 Centuries later God came down again. He came in the flesh as the person of Christ. For some that would mean condemnation, for others this would be the means to life. How do these passages confirm this concept? John 3: Cor. 2:16 John 7:43 Even though God confused people at Babel, Jesus would later bring people together. The church is made of what kinds of people? Galatians 3:8 Revelation 15:4 Philippians 2:11 Romans 10:12 How was this demonstrated at Pentecost: Acts 2:5 Acts 2:6-7 The unity God wants is not a unity of pride and arrogance, but of humble recognition of His power and grace. God wants to bring together, in Christ, a people unified in: Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4:13 Romans 15:5 1 Corinthians 1:10 Ephesians 3:6, 4:4 God has a plan for the nations. We call it the missionary endeavor. God plans to gather people from all nations into His church. The Spirit of Christ, given on the Day of Pentecost, is a missionary Spirit. Those who were scattered at Pentecost are, in Christ, to be gathered by His Spirit. Matthew 23:37 Matthew 24:31 That s what the church is people from varying backgrounds who belong to Jesus, and who, therefore, are one. How are you to work toward building unity in Christ s church today? Where do you see people vying for power and unity apart from Christ today?

19 God s Promise to Abraham He took him outside and said, Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, So shall your offspring be. (Genesis 15:5) A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham... (Matthew 1:1) He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,... The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say and to seeds, meaning many people, but and to your seed, meaning one person, who is Christ. (Galatians 3:14-16) What is the point of the genealogy in Genesis 11? The first time God appeared to Abraham was in Genesis 12. What are the three promises given to Abraham (in verses 1-3): a. b. c. Between Genesis 12 and Genesis 15 there were many years. Through the passing of time Abraham and Sarah (actually named Abram and Sarai) had their doubts. So God came a second time and gave Abraham a promise and a picture. In Genesis 15:5, what was the picture? What was Abraham s response (Genesis 15:6)? This response is a hallmark response to the Word and promise of God. Look at the following passages and see the recurring theme. Habakkuk 2:4 Romans 1:17 Jonah 3:5 John 1:12 The Scripture clearly teaches that we are brought into a right relationship with God, not by our works or obedience, but by faith. We trust what the Lord has done for us, and we are credited as righteous, even as Abraham in Genesis 15. When you trust Christ by faith, what exactly are you trusting? More than just children, God promised Abraham that these children would be a special nation, and live in a land which God would give them. The land became known as the Promised Land. What are the promises in regard to the land in these passages? Genesis 15:14,18 Genesis 17:8

20 The people, living in the land, would then, according to God s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, be a blessing to all the other nations of the world. In what ways have the people of Israel been a blessing to the nations? Galatians 3:16 Galatians 4:4 Matthew 1:1,16 Matthew 28:19ff But the promise does not stop there. From God s perspective, the child promised to Abraham was more than just Isaac. When God spoke to Abraham that late night and promised a son, God was promising actually Abraham that Jesus would be born as Abraham s greatest son. According to the Scriptures, if you belong to Christ, what is your spiritual family heritage? Galatians 3:29 Jesus would be God s special blessing to all the world (Gn.12:3). When people come to believe Jesus, Abraham s greatest son, they are blessed and are given eternal life. If we believe in Jesus, then we also are counted as sons and daughters of Abraham. Isn t that exciting to think that God had us in mind when He promised Abraham would bless people from all nations?! What promises to you share with Abraham? 2 Peter 3:13 John 14:2 Galatians 3:29 In what way does the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:5 fulfill the promise God gave to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15? What are the promises you share with Abraham because you are his spiritual descendant (assuming you belong to Christ)?

21 Cut Off Genesis 17:14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." The imagery of cutting throughout the Scriptures has several meanings. Talk about the nuances in the following passages. Ask yourself about the purpose for the cutting. Genesis 3:24 Exodus 4:25 Genesis 15:10 Numbers 15:30-31 Circumcision is an act of cutting. That same act of cutting was also an act of the shedding of blood. Circumcision was part and parcel of a bloody sacrificial system. It was designed to teach that the way to the Father is by way of death - - the shedding of blood. Someone had to pay the wages of sin, and the wages of sin is (Romans 6:23). The cutting away of a piece of flesh was a picture of God cutting away our sin. What is the meaning of circumcision in these passages: Deuteronomy 10:16 Deuteronomy 30:6 Jeremiah 4:4 Jeremiah 9:25 There is even more to circumcision than the shedding of blood. Read Genesis 15:10 and Exodus 24:6, and notice the pattern. What do you see as similarities? God instructed first Abraham and then Moses to cut animals in half. The halves were then separated. In the Genesis account, a flaming torch passes between the two pieces. In Exodus, half the blood from the animals is sprinkled on the altar (which represents the presence of God) and half the blood is sprinkled on the people. By the presence of torch and the altar, we understand God was present and taking an oath. He was walking between the pieces of the animal or symbolically having blood sprinkled on Him. In do doing, He was saying: Here is my promise. If I fail to do what I promise, then let me end up like these dead animals which have been cut in half. This was an oath of self-malediction. Remember as a child, when you made a promise, you might have sworn something like: cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye. That is an oath of self-malediction. This part of the symbolism of circumcision. Circumcision is a promise that if we depart from the Lord and turn in unbelief, we will end up like those who are dead (we might use the expression today, we ll be dead meat. ). Circumcision is a promise of forgiveness for those who belong to the Lord and walk in faith. But circumcision is also a promise of judgement for those who do not walk in faith. When Christ died for us, He was from His people and He was cut off from life. The death Jesus died, and the blood He shed for us was because He bore the curse we deserve. We deserve to be

22 treated as those dead animals. But instead, in Christ, we are given life. In other passages, the idea of being cut off is the idea of being isolated from the presence of God - the presence of the One who is Life Himself. What do these passages teach: John 17:3 Romans 8:35ff Ephesians 2:12 Where or when did Christ experience the ultimate separation from the Father (in our place)? Psalm 22:1 1 Peter 2:24 Matthew 27:46 After Abraham believed the promises of God, he was circumcised. But when Isaac was circumcised, he was only a child. Does this have any implications for baptism (Romans 4:11)? Was it proper for Abraham to circumcise his child before his child was old enough to confirm the covenant himself Why or why not? With whom does God make His covenant? Deuteronomy 14:26 Acts 16:31 Jeremiah 38:17 Deuteronomy 30:2 If this is the case, what is a major responsibility of believing parents? Why does God not cut His covenant into our flesh? a. Galatians 3:29 b. Hebrews 9:26-27 How it is that we are to display the fact that we are in covenant with God? What about your family? Where does God want you to make a difference in your family? What does God want from believing parents? Genesis 18:19 Deuteronomy 4:9 Deuteronomy 6:2 Ephesians 6:4 What is His goal for children who grow up in a covenant household? Colossians 3:20 Titus 2:4

23 3 John 1:4

24 Abraham's Greatest Sacrifice "Then God said, Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.'" (Genesis 22:2) "He gave His one and only Son" (John 3:16) How sad it must have been for Abraham to be told to sacrifice his special son. You would think his response would have been, "anything but that Lord!" Can you imagine anything more horrible? What are the facts? Even from the beginning, what must Abraham have believed. Genesis 22:4 (notice the pronoun) Abraham knew that Isaac was the promised child. He knew that through Isaac (and his descendants) the final Promised Child would be born into this world. Therefore, from the beginning, what did Abraham know? Hebrews 11:19 What had Abraham learned in more than twenty years of following the Lord? According to Hebrews 11:17, he was a man of Isaac could not die. At least that could not happen until he had grown older, married, and had a child. Just as Abraham's knife was poised to plunge down onto Isaac, God sent an angel to stop Abraham. God provided a substitute offering instead. It was a ram God provided, and not Isaac which was offered as a sacrifice. By means of this offering, God was teaching Isaac, and teaching us about what it means that Jesus was a substitute. In what ways is Jesus our substitute? Romans 5:8 Romans 5:18 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 John the Baptist saw Jesus, and called Him "the lamb of God." Isaac's ram was a foreshadow of Christ's own sacrifice. Even as Isaac was Abraham's special son, so it was Jesus who was God's special Son. Both were called to die. Yet, because God provided Jesus as a lamb, Isaac did not have to die. The lamb took Isaac's place just as Jesus took our place. There was no substitute for Jesus -- He died as the lamb of God. What do these passages teach? Isaiah 53:7 Revelation 5:6 1 Corinthians 5:7 Can you think of anyone who had been raised from the grave before Christ. Isaac was figuratively given life, but what about real returns to life? John 11:43-44 Matthew 9:24 Hebrews 11:35

25 2 Kings 13:21 Ezekiel 37:10 (this last reference is a figurative reference. To what does it refer? ) These were not permanent. All those raised to life before Christ s resurrection eventually died. What is different about Christ being raised from the grave? Acts 13:34 Psalm 16:10 Revelation 19:6 What does the phrase only son mean considering that Isaac was technically not the only son of Abraham? (John 3:16 and Genesis 22:2). What is the promise God holds out to you in Christ? Abraham knew and believed the promise of the resurrection? What are the promises you believe and what difference do these promises make to you? Luke 24:47 Acts 2:38 James 1:3 1 Thessalonians 2:19 John 14:2 Where has God tested your faith? What has been the result Can you thank God for those times of testing? How does it help you to appreciate God s grace in giving His son when you place yourself in Abraham s shoes and try to imagine his feelings through the entire ordeal. Are you able to pray as Paul did, when he was in prison. This must have been something similar to Abraham s prayer and response. Philip. 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

26 Jacob's Stairway to Heaven "He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." Genesis 28 (28:12) "The angels of God going up and down" (John 1:51) Jacob was in trouble. He was running from his older brother who wanted to do some major damage to Jacob. He and his Mother had schemed against Isaac and Esau. They had tricked Isaac into giving Jacob the family blessing (the blessing of an heir). What was the deception in Genesis 27:6 What did Jacob receive in Genesis 27:27ff What was Esau s reaction (Genesis 27:41-45) When Isaac died, years later, Jacob had to run for his life. He was lonely, in despair, wondered what was going to happen. After traveling all day, he lay down to sleep and he had a dream. What was the basic content of the dream (Genesis 28:10-15)? What is it that the angels were bringing from God What is it that angels do as they serve the Lord? Revelation 7:11 Hebrews 1:7 Genesis 19:1 Acts 12:23 Acts 12:7-8 It might seem that God helps those who help themselves. Rachel and Jacob took things into their own hands, and as a result they received Gods blessing. Is it true that God blessed because of Jacob s deception, or was it in spite of Jacob s deception? What did God promise as Jacob s before Jacob was even born (Genesis 25:23)? Do you think they needed to take things into their own hands, or could God have had His way without the deception? What do these passages teach: Psalm 33:20 Psalm 124:8 In the dream, God was promising to take the initiative. Jacob would not have to deceive in order to protect Himself. Jacob was to walk by faith, and not by confidence in his own skills. Why is it that God decided to protect and be with Jacob? Was it because of something Jacob had done or because of Jacob s character?

27 Romans 9:12 Genesis 24:7 What does this have to do with Genesis 3:15 and the promise of a Messiah? Now let's skip centuries in to the future; during the time in which Jesus was just beginning His public ministry. In talking with Nathaniel, how did Jesus use the imagery of Jacob s dream and apply it to Himself? (John 1:51) What are the promises given to us regarding His presence? Philippians 4:9 John 13:36 Exodus 33:14 2 Kings 23:27 Actually, this is the heart of God s covenant with His people. God s covenant promises are expressed in the following manner: Leviticus 26:12 Ezekiel 36:28 2 Corinthians 6:18 Ephesians. 3:17 The basic idea of the covenant is that God would have a people who would experience His presence. God gathers a people to be His and in whose presence He would live. That is the ultimate blessing of life - to be able to enjoy God s presence. If this is the case (and it is), what is the significance of Christ s name? Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 How can God live with us, His people, if we are sinful? (Hint: see Isaiah 6:5-6, Hebrews 9:22 and Joshua 22:17) Jesus was there with Jacob in the wilderness. We can understand now that Jesus was Jacob's stairway. He is the reason God can give promises and provide good things for His people even now. Jesus promises never to leave or forsake us. What difference does this make to you? (Hebrews 13:5)

28 Wrestling with God "So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.' (Genesis 32:30) He struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor. He found him at Bethel and talked with him there--the Lord God Almighty" (Hosea 12:4-5) Jacob, Isaac's son, is on the run again. He stayed with his Uncle a very long time while living just out of the reach of his brother (about 15 years). Then, one day, with his wives and children he thought it would be a good time to return home. Actually he was in trouble with his Uncle and had no choice but to gather up his family and leave - not knowing for sure what Esau would do after all these years. What was the problem between Jacob and Laban? Genesis 31:19-20 What were some other reasons that Jacob was living in fear? (Genesis 27:42) Basically this entire time - while in exile from his own home - Jacob did not live by faith. He lived by confidence in his own (hint: the meaning of his name). Giving way to fear, this was one means by which God was humbling Jacob and causing him to properly live by (Deuteronomy 8:3). People tend to live by their own skills and cunning. But God wants us to live in/by: Galatians 3:11 2 Samuel 22:28 In what areas do you find it very difficult to live by faith: Can you see areas in your life that you have tried to control, but have failed? What areas have you recently turned over to the Lord, trusting Him with control of your life? Though Jacob did not realize it, God was having His way. Remember that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their children were to inherit the Promised Land. God had to get Jacob back to THE land. When he came near Esau s turf Jacob once again took things into his own hands. He tried a great political manoeuver. What was it that he tried to use to pacify Esau after all these years? Genesis 32:11 Genesis :13ff

29 He truly seemed to believe that God helps those who help themselves. But then God met with Jacob. How do we know, by the way, that it was God and not simply a man who wrestled with Jacob? Hosea 12:1 Genesis 32:30 What was the wrestling match all about? More important, why is it that God seemed to let Jacob win? What are some other passages which talk about the positive aspects of being relentless in pursuing the Lord? What is the real reason God blessed Jacob? (Exodus 33:1) Do you know the reason Jacob was able to win the wrestling match? How could anyone wrestle with an angel, or with God, and expect to win? It was because Jacob was clinging by faith, to the promise of God. As with all who belong to God, Jacob s wrestling and grasping was an act of (Galatians 3:8). That's why Jacob was able to wrestle with God - God had already given a promise. When Jacob was wrestling with God it was as though Jacob was saying, "I won't let you go until you reassure me that you will do all that you have already promised. (32:26b)" What insight do these passages give you as you think about Jesus wrestling with Jacob? Psalm 13:2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Jesus wrestled in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-42). In what ways was this wrestling with the Father a parallel with Jacob s wrestling at the brook? Have you ever wrestled with God? What did you learn from this? [A great resource is a book by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman entitled, Cry of the Soul] All of this teaches us about grace. God did not bless Jacob because Jacob was so great, or because Jacob was so faithful. God blessed Jacob because He wanted to show Jacob (and his descendants) His favor and mercy. In what ways have you been shown favor and mercy in Christ?

30 Rejected! "So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe--the richly ornamented robe he was wearing--" ( Genesis 37:23) "Hated without a reason" (John 15:24-25) 1. Is there anything worse than rejection and loneliness? In what ways did Joseph experience terrible loneliness? In what ways did Joseph experience rejection How did Christ experience both, even from the very beginning? Do you see a parallel in Joseph s betrayal and Jesus betrayal? If so, do you see how Christ is revealed in the life of Joseph (Matthew 10:4 and Genesis 37:26-27) 3. Jeremiah 12:6 Your brothers, your own family--even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you. How is this a prophesy of Christ s betrayal? 4. What do you think suffering accomplished in Joseph s life? 5. Does that bring you any comfort? Why or Why not? 6. What did suffering accomplish in Christ s life? Isaiah 53:10-11 Luke 24:26 Hebrews 2:10 Hebrews 2:18 How does the following passage display the parallel between Joseph and Jesus? John 1:11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Not only was Joseph sold as a slave, but he was later imprisoned for something he did not do. Yet, through all this, God was with Joseph. He was raised from certain death in prison and seated on the throne of power ruling and directing all of Egypt. Eventually Joseph was set free and promoted as one of the powerful rulers in the land of Egypt.

31 7. Do you see the parallel between Joseph s rescue from prison and subsequent promotion to Christ s resurrection and then His coronation as King?(see Matthew 28:18 and Revelation 19:16) 8. Do you see this as a way in which God was preparing His people for the coming of Christ? One reason God allowed Joseph to experience these horrible and tragic events was to disclose what would happen to Christ. In what ways does Christ call you to parallel His life? a. Ephesians 5:29 b. 1 Peter 4:!6 c. Luke 21:12 There are other passages. But do you see in these the way in which all believers, to some extent, walk the same road as did Christ? Why the cross before the crown. Why does it seem that the way to victory is always through times of suffering? a. Luke 24:26 b. 1 Peter 2:20 c. Revelation 2:10 c. 2 Corinthians 1:6 The pattern for the suffering of believers is always Christ. He suffered once, but will never do so again. He has entered His glory forever. (Hebrews 9:26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.) Does it help you to know that God has suffered agony, and that you are not alone in your suffering? How does it encourage you to know that, for the believer, suffering and rejection will not be the final word? As God did not abandon Joseph, He did not abandon Jesus. That is our hope and surety.

32 Savior and Ruler of Egypt They told him, Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.' Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them." (Genesis 45:26) "...and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." (Rev. 1:5). God did not forget about Joseph. All this suffering and rejection was preparation for the moment when Joseph would be released from jail and promoted as a Ruler over Egypt. When the King saw that God was with Joseph, that is exactly what happened he was promoted to the second-highest position of authority in Egypt. Only the King himself had greater power. In these events of tragedy and heartbreak, we might think that the world was out of control. These events in Joseph s life might cause us to believe God does not have a plan. God announced His plan concerning Christ - - before than plan unfolded in history. What was that plan? Luke 24:26 1 Peter 2:4 To Joseph, the way God s plan unfolded throughout His life, must have, at times, led Him to believe he was alone in a world which was out of control. But how did God announce His plan beforehand to Joseph? Genesis 37:5-8 Genesis 37:10 God s plan was, from all time, to raise Christ from the grave. The Father was never planning to abandon His Son to death (Acts 2:27). But events sure seemed like events were out of control. What do these passages teach about God s plan, yet the tragic events in Christ s life? Acts 4:27-28 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." How does all this parallel Joseph s understanding of the events surrounding his own life? Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. While Joseph did not absolve his brothers from their wickedness, he also made it clear that God had other plans. God used their evil actions for His own glory - even to accomplish His own purpose and plan. All the plotting and planning of the Pharisees, and even of Judas, could not frustrate God s plan. It was just the opposite. Even Judas plot was prophesied in the Scriptures:

33 Zechariah 11:12-13 I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. [13] And the Lord said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter. Does this parallel Joseph s dream and then the response and subsequent actions of his brothers? (Genesis 37:5ff) Sometimes (many times, actually) we cannot see the hand of God in the events and circumstances of our lives. But God s plan cannot be frustrated. What confidence does this give you? What difference does this make in daily living? What do these passages teach about this concept (of trusting the Lord because His plan cannot be frustrated)? Was this the luck of the draw, or was God really controlling not only the wind and the waves, but the casting of the dice as well? Jonah 1:4-7 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. [5] All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. [6] The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish." [7] Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. Read the events surrounding the death of this King. Was this a lucky shot, or something planned by the hand of the Lord even though the King tried t outwit the prophet? 1 Kings 22:28-34 Micaiah declared, "If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me." Then he added, "Mark my words, all you people!" [29] So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. [30] The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. [31] Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, "Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel." [32] When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, "Surely this is the king of Israel." So they turned to attack him, but when Jehoshaphat cried out, [33] the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel and stopped pursuing him. [34] But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told his chariot driver, "Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded." From the beginning, it was God s design to let Jesus ascend to the throne by way of suffering. But after suffering is only and forever glory. How does this encourage you? In what way did God show His grace to Joseph?