Promises for the Journey

Transcription

1 Promises for the Journey 2 Peter 1: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, selfcontrol, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 1

2 Promises for the Journey Women of Trinity Bible Study September 2012 Hello Fellow Travelers! Welcome to the Bible Study, Promises for the Journey! Whether we turn on the lights, pop bread into the toaster, hit the On button for the coffee pot, dishwasher, microwave, hair blower, curling iron, click to start the car or receive something by FedEx, we expect the appliance or company will do what it promised. In the journey of life we are living, we count on everything working! We all live by promises! Whether you have promised loyalty to a friend, love to a spouse, hard work to an employer or money to a creditor, the expectation on their part is that you will fulfill your promise! All of us know how disappointment, hurt or sadness feels when those promises are broken! We all make promises and know the pain of broken promises. In the larger scheme of things of promises made and promises broken, we who live in the world as it exists know one thing is certain: the God of the Bible created the world based on a plan with purposes that rest on great and precious promises. Unlike frail beings that break promises, God s promises come true. His promises unfold over time and showcase His glorious plan of Salvation. It is our privilege to study God s plans, so clearly revealed to us in the Bible. You will find Promises for the Journey introducing you to the God of the Bible as the original and infinite PROMISE maker As you look from Genesis to Revelation, we will discover God to be consistent with His promises and Scripture to be the complete, sufficient and reliable blueprint of Redemption Story. You will see that the Sovereign Lord oversees His creation and like every important journey maker, has set the destination in place first: the plan to send His beloved Son on a Journey into time and space to be our Savior. As you study, you will see from His Word the greatness of His love that compels Him to fulfill His eternal plan. You will delight in the fact He has brought hope to earth because His purpose to glorify Himself centers on One who reveals His heart. You will realize again how your spiritual journey past and present intersects with His and offers rest in His promises. As you meet in your small group you will have the opportunity to discuss this grand journey God has purposed from eternity past. You will exult in how God has worked through humble servants to achieve His plans. You will have weekly opportunities to ask questions when things seem less clear. In fact, some of the most important questions you will ask are ones of your own as you read God s Holy Word. As you grow in grace and knowledge, you will enjoy a time of shared prayer as together you bring your needs to the Lord and know He hears and answers prayer. As you study God s amazing journey across the landscape of time and space I pray your expectations of satisfaction and trust in the Bible will respond in worshipful praise for His grace and respond in humble repentance for your sin and glad obedience to God s Word. In doing so, may you find your life strengthened by God s unchanging truth and see your hope in His will and Word, renewed. Journeying together Elizabeth September

3 I How the Study Works Each study includes Five Days with a focus on Scriptures where God reveals His great and precious promises. Readings from The Messiah in the Old Testament are included for clarity. Day ONE: On this Day on the Journey, you will read Scriptures that reveal God s plans, purposes and promises. This provides the Biblical background for the lesson. Day TWO: On this Day on the Journey, continue to read and learn the MEANING of God s specific revelation in the Scripture under study. Day THREE: On this Day on the Journey, understand from Scripture the purpose for the PROMISE/S given by God during this time in Biblical redemption history for insight into God s salvation. Day FOUR: On this Day on the Journey, identify clearly God s specific PROMISE that gives hope as it points to the future for encouragement, instruction, or warning of judgment. Day FIVE: On this Day on the Journey, consider and meditate, rejoice in God s revelation of truth from Scripture to your life and pray for life-change based on these great and precious promises. II Navigating Scripture. (Things to remember) Context is everything (historical, national, geographical, grammatical, and theological). Words matter (define words in Scripture as God intends them to be defined in the Bible). This includes careful use of literary devices as symbols, metaphors, motif, allegory or any figurative language etc. First audience meaning is our first consideration for meaning and practice. Check other Scriptures where similar words/themes are used to explain and expand meaning (The Bible is its own best commentary, both in the OT and NT.) Establish a clear application from God s promises so that principles and lessons beyond the first generation are applied to our lives, allowing us to establish practices for this age. Memorize/meditate on verses that bring to your mind the lessons for your life you have learned and seek to obey. This comes with great promise! (Ps. 19:7-11; 119:9, 11, 49, 67, 71, 89, 98, 162, 165) 3

4 Promises for the Journey Table of Contents Fall Semester September 10 and 12 An Invitation to Join the Journey! (Kick-Off Dinner/Breakfast) September 17 and 19 Study ONE: In the Beginning: The EDENIC Promise September 24 and 26 Study TWO: The GODLY SEED ESTABLISHED October 1 and 3 Study THREE: The Patriarchs of the PROMISE: ABRAHAM October 8 and 10 Study FOUR: The Patriarchs of the PROMISE: ISAAC and JACOB (Judah) OPTIONAL/SUPPLEMENTAL Study (Job, Balaam) October 15 and 17 Study FIVE: The PROMISE for Moses October 22 and 24 Study SIX: PROMISES under Yahweh s Rule (Theocracy) October 19 and 31 Social BREAK! November 5 and7 Study SEVEN: Preparing for GOD S MAN November 12 and 14 Study EIGHT: A Usurping Ruler: MAN S CHOICE for a KING November 19 and 21 Thanksgiving Week November 26 and 28 Study NINE: The PROMISE: The Davidic Covenant Christmas Break Christmas TEA December 1 Kaiser s Definition and Development of the Promise-Plan in Scripture Kaiser s Appendix and Glossary 4

5 Promises for the JOURNEY GOD S PROMISES FOR BELIEVERS Conditional Unconditional Conditional Unconditional NEW HEAVEN NEW EARTH Fulfilled in Christ Genesis 3:15 The seed of the woman.. will..crush the serpents head! John the Baptist Prophets 5

6 PROMISES for the JOURNEY An OVERVIEW OCCUR: In MOVEMENTS in HISTORY = God s reveals His plan with the purpose of bringing Him glory HAPPEN: In UNREPEATED EVENTS in TIME = God s people in God s place learning God s Word, Ways and Will principles for living DETERMINE: ONGOING CHOICES = Based on Conditional and Unconditional promises = Offer God s people the choice to obey for a lifetime = Enable God s people to choose responsibly = Expect God s people to obey so the LORD is pleased 6

7 Promises for the Journey INTRODUCTION: BEFORE IT BEGAN, THERE WAS GOD! For TODAY as we consider Promises for the Journey I Getting Ready for the Journey Today we begin the Journey that God began in eternity past. It provides us with a unique perspective as we look back on time and then forward to beyond. Settled between eternity past and eternity future is time from the beginning to end as we know it. It is a wonderful Journey because God is its Creator based on eternal truth and unconditional promises. In simple terms, it is the grand story of how God unfolds Redemption Story and in so doing, reveals His plan that unifies His story in people and events across the centuries. This journey in time allows us to trace the finger of God in a grand overarching metanarrative that runs through the whole Bible. It teaches us how to better know WHO God is, WHAT He has purposed and HOW He keeps His promises! All of this in a language we understand! II The God Behind the Promises A. The Eternality of God Without an eternal God, there can be no promises kept in time. For time sensitive linear creatures such as we who populate the planet, it is hard for our minds to capture that concept. Eternality is one of those essential attributes God has revealed to us about himself. It describes the duration of God, who at the core of His nature has never had a beginning and will never have an ending and one He alone owns. Everything in creation is impacted by the nature of God and the truth He reveals about Himself. In particular, God gives the gift of eternal life in heaven to all who believe in Christ Jesus. What truths about the eternal God in these verses are reason to praise Him? 1. Creator: He speaks creation into being by His Word, causing all things to come together. Ps. 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 2. Sustainer: He continues to hold creation together by His Word. Col. 1:17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Heb. 1:3-4 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 3. Architect and Builder: He plans and makes all things for a purpose. 7

8 Isaiah 45:18 For thus says the LORD, The creator of the heavens, who is God, The designer and maker of the earth who established it, Not creating it to be a waste, but designing it to be lived in: I am the LORD, and there is no other. Hebrews 11:9-10 By faith Abraham went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 4. Finisher: He fulfills all things and brings all things to completion. Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. B. The EFFECT of God s Eternal Attributes on Us As we begin our journey investigating God s Promises for the Journey, we will rejoice in what the Bible says about this God who existed from before time began. Think of your life, being lived now in time as you read the verses below. What encourages you from these verses about God s eternal existence and its influence on your life? Moses in Dt. 33:27 declares: The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. One afflicted in Ps. 102:24-27 cries: "O my God," I say, "take me not away in the midst of my days - you whose years endure throughout all generations!" 25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end. (Quoted in Heb. 1:10-12) Paul, in Rom. 1:19, 20 explains: For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Someone in Hebrews 9:13-15: For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Consider and Meditate Psalm 90:1-2 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. 8

9 Promises for the Journey Study ONE: IN THE BEGINNING I Day ONE: Every PROMISE for good begins with God! This DAY the Journey begins in Eden. In the Beginning it was Good and Very Good. Read Genesis 1 to 3 and selected verses; pages 37 to 42 in The Messiah in the Old Testament. Every important journey begins with a destination. As we open God s Word, the Holy Spirit makes it clear from the beginning that God had a plan for time and space. The account written by Moses in Genesis reveals the goodness of God on every level. Genesis 1 and 2 will remind you of the accounts of Creation. This should give you the broad picture of God s plan in the beginning for man and creation. Notice Genesis 1 gives a general description, and Genesis 2 recaps the specifics. Comment on the following. 1. What is God s perspective on everything He had made? (Gen. 1:25b, 31; 2:1-3) 2. How is God s unique plan for man different than the rest of creation? (Gen. 1:26-30; 2:5-10; 15 25) 3. What is man s responsibility to his wife and to his God? (Genesis 2:16-18; 21-26) MAPQUEST: All is well in Eden. It is important to know that both promised blessings and definite warnings of judgment serve God s purposes as promises. To whom does God make the first promise of judgment? (Gen. 2:16, 17) II Day TWO: Lucifer, Fallen Angel, falls from God s Presence As the story of humanity progresses, it becomes clear that a superior being is roaming in the Garden and his intelligence causes turmoil for the man and woman. Little in Scripture is directly said about Satan s history but most students of Scripture read Ezekiel s words about the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:11-19 as a symbolic reference to Satan, his beauty, his existence guarding God s holiness and the scandalous sin of pride he committed. Read Ezekiel 28:12-19 and list some of the things you recognize as characteristic of Satan. Make note of who is speaking to Ezekiel (v. 11). What statements in this description would only God know? 1. v. 12b 2. v v v v v v. 18, 19 9

10 BUMP on the ROAD: The major BUMP in the journey of life is the rebellion of Satan. He remains an enemy but as the chart shows, he has been disarmed and soon will be destroyed. MAPQUEST: There is no date in time given in Scripture for this prehistoric event. But it is treachery at the highest level in the universe: the premier created being turning arch-enemy of God. The creature s once honored position turned diabolical sin and final treacherous end leaves him in debt to God, without hope and with restricted power over the world (Rev. 12:7-12; 20:7-10). Why must believers understand the diabolical nature of Satan as well as God s authority over him? III Day THREE: The Fall with a PROMISE Read Genesis 3. It is impossible to know the length of time Adam and Eve lived in Eden before they fell. We only know their mandate included ruling over the earth and to multiply and fill the earth! How would Eve have known the command and promise related to the tree in the middle of the Garden? 1. What is at the heart of the serpent s deception in v. 1, 4, 5? How does he misquote God? 2. What is Eve s huge mistake? (v. 2) Why do you think she does this? 3. What choice does Eve make according to v. 6? 4. What colossal effect does the disobedience have on the man and the woman? (v. 7-13) BUMPS on the ROAD: To call disobedience to and rebellion against God a bump on the road does not do justice to the severity of Eve and Adam s choice to sin in Eden. To suppress the truth and listen to the devil s lie about God is the height of pride the very sin that doomed the devil. MAPQUEST: The innocence and idyllic joy of the journey to the Garden of Eden is now gone. God s first two children are naked, hiding and actually dead not physically dead but spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1,2) Their evening walk with God is no longer possible; their relationship together is broken - they blame each other for their sin. But God who keeps His promises discloses the judgment against this massive sin. Human life will never the same again. Gen. 3:14-19 captures God s the truth behind this important passage. 1. What is God s curse against the serpent? (v. 14) 2. What amazing the PROMISE does God make in v. 15? What might Adam and Eve think about how/when it would come to pass? What do we know about it? 3. What is God s curse on Eve? (v. 16) Is this fair? Why/why not? 4. What is God s curse on Adam? (v. 17, 18) Is this fair? Why/why not? 5. Some significant things happen at the closing scene before Adam and Eve are driven out of the Garden. What do you believe is their meaning? a. Related to Adam s naming his wife (v. 20) b. Related to God s preparation and clothing of Adam and Eve (v. 21) c. Related to God s knowledge and the tree of life (v. 22) 10

11 d. Related to the cherubim and flaming sword that guarded the tree of life (v. 24) IV Day FOUR: The EDENIC PROMISE: In the context of Genesis 3 and the story of the fall into sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve, the promise in Genesis 3:15 is called the "Proto Evangelion". In Greek it means "First Gospel" and is a term used to describe this verse in the Bible: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel. (NASB) This is a statement of some event in history that sounds like a destination a time when the serpent (who is a personification of Satan) will be crushed. This is the first prophecy (promise) of the coming of Christ. This not only prophesies (promises) the birth of the seed or offspring of the woman but prophesies (promises) a superior work. Think on this amazing promise by answering these questions: 1. To whom is God speaking, and what is He predicting? What implies this as a battle? 2. For what reason does the passage say the seed of the woman and not the seed of Adam? How does Galatians 3:16 in the NT refer to Jesus? 3. Isaiah 53 grandly reveals the battles spoken as enmity in Gen. 3:15. Can you see them? What magnificent victory is predicted here and how in fact is Satan s power crushed according to Col. 2:14, 15 and Heb. 2:14, 15? V Day FIVE: REJOICE in the Lessons from the EDENIC PROMISE for the Journey The Protoevangelium is a presentation of the entire history of humanity in a miniature declaration. Relief (from enemy blows) will come from the same God who created all things. (Kaiser, 41) Colossians 2:13-15 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Hebrews 2:14, 15 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver all those who through the fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. What principles guarantee the PROMISE God makes in Gen. 3:15 for the future of the male seed of the woman, and the woman and Satan? What wonderful BENEFITS do believers enjoy because God s grace was purposed AHEAD of time even before that first bite for sinners such as us? Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 11

12 12 The Table of Nations [map]. In: Easley, Kendell H. The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, p6. Map for Study 2

13 Promises for the Journey Study TWO: THE GODLY SEED ESTABLISHED I Day ONE: The Promised Godly LINE Read Genesis 4:1-5, 25, 26 It is impossible to date our earliest parents exit from Eden or to date the births of their first children. It is possible however to identify the fact that God s three pronouncements came true: the serpent crawled on his belly, Adam worked hard and Eve s deliveries of her children were painful. It was a pain that would continue into their adult years. It is equally possible to say that Eve expected God would keep His word and provide a seed. 1. To whom does Eve give credit for the first child she delivers? (v. 1) Based on the rest of the story (Gen. 4:2-16) how do we know Cain is not the seed who crushes the serpent s head? (Check Heb. 11:4, 1 John 3:12 and Jude 1:11 to get the lesson from Cain s life). 2. Time passes, Adam and Eve have other children and when Adam is 130 years old, Gen. 4:25, 26 records another birth. How does Eve respond to this child? (v. 25) Hebrews 11:4 and 12:24 establish the model godly seed for us, so we understand clearly God s immediate promise in Seth. 3. What wonderful thing occurs during Seth s lifetime? (v. 26) BUMPS on the ROAD: Whenever I grieve that my family of origin wasn t perfect or the family Gary and I made together, I remember God s first two kids and grandkids; to rebel is in the DNA. To admit our sin is the key to hope and transformation. It doesn t change things, but it reminds me that Rom. 3:23 is true for all of us but so is Rom. 3:24-26 when we trust in JESUS! MAPQUEST: Genesis 5 records the generations of Adam and Eve. Seth is the primary focus as the seed of the woman and was born when Adam had lived 130 years. Fast forward to Gen. 5:8, 1 Chron. 1:1 and Luke 3:38. In each case, Adam s son Seth, is listed as the primary seed from his loins. Would Eve have thought that Seth was God s seed of deliverance? II Day TWO: The Promised Godly SEED and Noah The Noahic Covenant and Promised Seed Some groan at reading the genealogies in Scripture (see Num. 1 through 8!). In the context of our study, the Spirit inspired permanent record of the promised seed of the human ancestors of our Lord Jesus Christ. The story of Noah is familiar to us as God grieves over and judges man s sin with a flood (Genesis 6:6 through 9) and gives the sign of the rainbow to all mankind that He will never again judge mankind by water (Gen. 9:16, 17). 1. What is true of Noah during this time according to Gen. 6:8-22; 7:1 and 8:17-21? a. Noah found in the eyes of the LORD. (6:8) b. Noah was a man, in his generation. Noah with God. (6:9) c. Noah did this; he did that God commanded him. (6:22) 13

14 d. Noah went out (of the ark) and his... and s and sons wives with him. (8:18) 2. After hundreds of years of faithfulness to the LORD, Noah s last scene serves as the story through which God identifies the promised seed. In your own words, review the story in Gen. 9: How is it that a godly man could sin in this way at the end of His life? 3. What seems to be the sin of Ham related to his father? In the tent metaphor, how does the LORD describe his promise to Shem? (9:26) In addition to the curse on Ham for his sin, what blessing comes to Ham and Japheth because of Shem s chosen position? (9:27) MAPQUEST: By now we see that apart from the LORD at work in peoples lives, ungodliness flourishes. How do Prov. 16:18 and 1 Cor. 10:12 remind us of our own weakness? What in your life is a besetting sin that could stumble you and keep you from finishing well? BUMPS on the ROAD: Learn from Noah: You re only as good as your last decision! What hope can we have after a bad decision? III Day THREE: The Nations separated at BABEL On this day in the journey, Genesis 10 paints the big picture of the sad tale that unfolds in Genesis 11 of God s judgment. The new beginning of Noah s three sons did not go well as people multiplied; each one is moved to specific parts of the earth. As you read the story, what is significant about the way God judged the sin of pride and arrogance? (Did you remember how this judgment is reversed for a moment when the promised Holy Spirit gives the waiting disciples gifts of languages so 3,000 Israelites will hear the God of Israel praised in their own language? See Acts 2.) MAPQUEST: By now you will see that a godly line is being established in spite of the presence of sin and difficulties. God s desire is to be within the tents of the godly so they understand he is a God like no other: he is with us. The genealogy of nations in Genesis 10 shows the three sons of Noah spreading across the earth. IV Day FOUR: For CONSIDERATION: Lessons in the NT from the OT It is significant that the Holy Spirit uses the stories and the promises from this period of time in the NT to give us insight into how God works within His world. Take the time to consider the passages that address different parts of the stories. 1. Read 2 Peter 2:4-10 to understand how important it is for God to keep His word both in judging sinful man and in keeping His people. Can you put the promise to believers into your own words? 2. Read Heb. 11:4-7 to consider how the attitude of faith is planted deeply in the souls of those who are at the heart of The Promise. What is compelling about Noah s life? 3. Read Matt. 24: to hear how Jesus compares the times of Noah to the times in which we live. 14

15 V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate Hebrews 11:4-7 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous. God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through faith, though he died he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God By faith, Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 15

16 Maps and Charts for Study 3 The Ancient Near East [map]. In: Easley, Kendell H. The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, p13. Possible Chronology for the Patriarchs [chart]. In: Easley, Kendell H. The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, p22. 16

17 The Migration of Abraham [map]. In: Easley, Kendell H. The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, p15. Abraham in Canaan [map]. In: Easley, Kendell H. The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History. 17 Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, p17.

18 Promises for the Journey Study THREE: Patriarchs of the PROMISE ABRAHAM I Day One: Introduction Read Gen. 12:1-3 and other passages included in study. Read pages 46 to 50 in The Messiah in the Old Testament. The stage for the PROMISE has been set with Eve s son Seth and Noah s son Shem in the early part of Genesis. They are set apart by God to serve as carriers of the godly seed for the sake of The Promise! They are a link to the scattered nations. The story of their descendants - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - dominates the rest of the book of Genesis, chapters The name Shem birthed the name Semites and Heber, (11:16, ancestor of Abraham) the name, Hebrews. Both names are applied to God s chosen nation, the Jews at different times in History until the present. The first Promise was made to one man and is called the Abrahamic Covenant. Yahweh (God s relational Name often written as LORD) called Abram ( exalted father ), to leave the sophisticated and advanced city of UR of the Chaldeans in Mesopotamia to go to the land of Canaan. As the stories unfold, God makes The Promise to one man that will affect not only his progeny but the nations of the world. If you have not read Abram s story, Genesis is worth reading knowing that at each stop on the journey, God reveals specific instructions and promises to insure his plan will be fulfilled. II Day TWO: The Abrahamic PROMISE (Covenant) made to Abram 1. What three promises in Gen. 12:1-3 does God include in the Covenant with Abram? a. b. c. 2. What personal promises did God make to Abraham during these times? a. Gen. 12:2 - b. Gen. 13:16; 15:1-6; 17:6 - c. Gen. 17:4, 5 - d. Gen. 12:3-3. What National promises did God make to Abraham during these events? a. Gen. 12:2 - b. Gen. 12:7 - c. Gen. 13: d. Gen. 15: e. Gen. 17:7, 8, What Universal promise was given for the families of the whole earth? a. Gen. 12:3 - b. Gen. 22:18 - c. Gen. 28:14-18

19 MAPQUEST: Comment on what Hebrews 11:8-10 says about Abraham as he left an advanced civilization to go to the land of promise? What would he need to remember to keep him from going back home or getting impatient? Any lessons you could share here about your own journey of faith? III Day THREE: The Abrahamic Covenant God made the Promise of the seed, land and blessing to Abraham, but it didn t happen overnight! By Genesis 15, a detour to Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20), a distraction from Lot (Gen. 13, 14) and an encounter with the first King of Jerusalem (Gen. 14:17) prefaces the LORD S life changing conversation with Abraham in Gen What is Abraham s concern in Gen. 15:1-3? 2. What does the LORD clarify for him from Gen. 15:4-6? 3. How does the LORD confirm and formally establish the Covenant for Abraham so there is no doubt (see Gen. 15:7-21) whose word the Covenant was dependent on, and why do you say this? BUMPS on the JOURNEY: No journey with the LORD is free of road bumps. Some of the bumps along Abraham s journey forced him to stay focused on God s promise. State them briefly and compare the LORD S plan to keep His promise to Abraham s problem with it. God said the promised seed would not come from Gen. 15:2-6 God said the promised seed would not come from, a plan cooked up by Sarah, Gen. 16 God said the promised seed would be marked by the sign of which Abraham was commanded to obey even before the birth of the promised son! Gen. 17:1-14 God said the promised heir would come from the old bodies of and ; he would be called. Gen. 17: Sarah at the promise! Gen. 18:9-15 MAPQUEST: Genesis 15:6 is a milestone in Abraham s life and becomes the primary plum line for true faith. How did Abraham respond (v. 6a) to God s object lesson in v. 1-5? What essential action does God take on Abraham s behalf? SIDE TRIP: When Abraham believed that God would give him descendants numbering more than the stars of the sky, God counted him righteous. This means God charged righteousness to the account of one who had only earned death as the wages of sin. Paul in Rom. 4:1-5 and and James in James 2:20-26 use this to teach us how sinners are saved and includes US who share the faith of Abraham (Rom. 4:16, 17). Share a time in your life when you believed God s Word about Jesus so your debt was changed to paid in full and you were considered a believer. IV Day FOUR: TESTING the PROMISE Genesis 22 God s Covenant with Abraham throughout his lifetime concerning a seed, as we have seen, was fraught with challenges. Against all odds, two bodies as good as dead (see Heb. 11:11, 12) are enabled to bring forth a living child? We know the story of Isaac ( laughter ) as the story of The Promise God kept to 19

20 Abraham and Sarah. But in Genesis 22 the story takes a sudden twist as Abraham is asked to give up his only son as a sacrifice. 1. What do you suppose is most difficult about this command from God? 2. Describe the emotion that must have surrounded this journey in Abraham s and Isaac s hearts. What would the servants be thinking? What would Sarah be thinking? 3. Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us exactly what Abraham was thinking about God! Why are our thoughts of God the most important thing about us? How do they affect how we look at God s promises? V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate It is both humbling and exhilarating to read the story of Abraham, Terah s son as we watch him leave the familiar life, land and religion (Moon worship) of UR to go to the unknown life of Canaan. All based on the Word of God to him with three distinct promises. The Abrahamic Covenant is the first promise made with the father of the faithful and of the company that will become the nation of Israel. It is the first of three unconditional and eternal promises made by the LORD with Israel that depends on His Word and impacts the whole world. This promise expands the promise made to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 to be given to a specific family (the family of Terah beginning with Abraham), a specific place where they will live (a land the LORD would tell him about) and a specific effect on the whole world: blessing through the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent s head. As you pray, think about the verses below: - why not thank God the Father that all who believe what God has said about Jesus are counted righteous through faith, that all who believe are of Abraham s seed. - why not praise the Father for not sparing his own Son but who gave him up for us all? Ephesians 2:8, 9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Hebrews 11:8, 11, 12 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 20

21 Promises for the Journey Study FOUR: Patriarchs of the PROMISE ISAAC and JACOB, JUDAH (JOB, BALAAM supplement) I Day ONE: Introduction Read Genesis 22 to 36 and 49:8-12 as you would read a story of a family. Read pages 48 to 53 and 61 to 64 in The Messiah in the Old Testament. In spite of the fact that Abraham had a son Ishmael by the Egyptian servant Hagar and six children by his second wife, Keturah, the son of promise who the LORD would choose as his heir was Isaac. The Covenant the LORD made unconditionally promised a seed, a land and a blessing alone to the son of Abraham s old age. In turn, Isaac would father twins. God would choose one as the godly seed to benefit by the promise. MAPQUEST: It is impossible to separate the three Patriarchs from each other. Their stories overlap, as do the significant events that mark their lives. In this study, notice the distinct factor true for both Isaac and Jacob: in spite of their faithless moments, Yahweh the God of unconditional promise and relationship remained faithful. He repeats what he has promised to do. What in your life has shown you God s faithfulness even when you have been faithless? II Day TWO: ISAAC Abraham s Son of PROMISE Two events in Isaac s life should have prepared him to trust the LORD to carry out the promise He made to Abraham concerning the godly seed. They are worth noting as bumps on the journey and remind us that God doesn t always do things the way we think he should but he does things as he purposes for our good! Share a time when you have seen him do that in your own life. BUMPS on the Road: The first bump is Isaac s most unlikely birth. Isaac is the son the LORD promised to aged parents! No wonder Sarah laughed! Read Gen. 18:9-15 and 21:1-7 and comment on why Sarah would have told this story to Isaac from his earliest years? How does Heb. 11:11, 12 explain it? The second bump is even more amazing! The historical event of imminent death occurred in Isaac s teen years. Read Gen. 22:1-19 to see the clearest foreshadow of the future Son who was not spared (Rom. 8:31, 32) What troubles you about God s request in the light of the promises made to Abraham about his son? What beautiful things does God do in response to Abraham s obedience? (Gen. 22:11-13; 15-18). Comment on how Heb. 11:17-19 portrays it. 1. ISAAC Father of Two Nations The story of Isaac continues as Rebekah, his bride from Abraham s home town is brought to him as an answer to prayer. (Gen. 24:12) Rebekah proves to be a comfort to Isaac after Sarah s death; Isaac proves to be a comfort to Rebekah as he prays for his barren wife. The LORD not only grants Isaac s request in giving twins, he makes a promise while they are in utero. Read Gen. 25:

22 a. What information does the LORD reveal to Rebekah about her boys. Notice the attention drawn to the meaning of their names: Esau means reddish h y one (25:25) and Jacob means heel holder as an opponent would overthrow someone by g g the heel. (25:26) b. What dysfunction arises in the family as the boys grow? (v. 27, 28) Why does favoritism cause so much pain in a family? What do you think is the solution? MORE BUMPS on the Road: Though both parents are aware of God s plan regarding Jacob, two events in the lives of Isaac, Esau, Jacob and Rebekah create havoc in the family. Between these two events and following the second, the LORD repeats the promise of the Abrahamic Covenant personally to Isaac and Jacob. The first bump occurs in Gen. 25: The Birthright: In ancient Near Eastern culture, the first-born normally became his father s heir. Why did Jacob respond to God s sovereign choice of supernatural revelation that overruled this natural custom? Comment on Esau s response to Jacob s action in light of Heb. 12:16. Who are you most like? Is there a stew or strong desire that keeps you from loving the Lord? The second bump occurs in Gen. 27. The Blessing: In ancient Near Eastern culture, the first-born could expect to be given the oral blessing which was as legally binding as a written will. This would be Esau s, except for God! What motivates Jacob to deceive Isaac to get the blessing? How does he go about this deed? What is wrong with all the family members actions in this scene? What should or could they have done differently because of what they knew of God s particular promise? III DAY THREE: ISAAC and JACOB The PROMISE Repeated Tucked between the time of Jacob s grasping of Esau s birthright and Jacob s deception of Isaac is God s first revelation of the Abrahamic Covenant to Isaac, promises Isaac had known about for a lifetime. See Gen. 26:1-6 and 28: What promises did the LORD repeat to Isaac in v. 3-5 that Isaac in turn repeats to Jacob before he sends him away from the murderous hatred of Esau? The story of Jacob, his two wives, two concubines and 12 sons fills the rest of Genesis. In order to follow God s protection of Jacob as the promised seed of the woman, it is useful to look briefly at how the LORD leads Jacob in spite of what he does. Remember, Jacob whose name means deceiver and supplanter is changed to Israel as God later intervenes in his life. 2. What marvelous promises were repeated in God s first appearance to Jacob in his dream (28:13-16) at the top of a ladder reaching heaven? What does he vow to God in v. 21b and 22 in return for God s promise, presence and protection? 3. Following Jacob s years of growing a family and prior to meeting his brother Esau, another meeting with the angel of the LORD impacts Jacob s life. What happens because of this? (Gen. 32:22-32) 30 years later, God confirms it - Gen. 35: What exciting new promise is made in v. 11b related to royalty? 22

23 5. Two final promises are important in Jacob s life and to the future of God s people. a. In the Gen. 46:1-4 the LORD promises b. In Gen. 49:8-12, Jacob gives a Patriarchal blessing to his sons, Judah and Joseph (a double portion). Five promises of honor are given to Judah and his tribe personal, national and international! His brothers would p him. He would have preeminence in. He would have v over his enemies. He would command the ob of the nations. He would know unusual prosperity in his f and h. c. The scepter will not depart from Judah or the r s staff until he comes to whom it belongs and the nations will obey him. Comment on how this wonderful promise foreshadows a Ruler who would someday come from Judah s line and reign with power among the nations? IV Day FOUR: LESSONS from the Patriarchs The Abrahamic Covenant the LORD made with Abraham and ratified with Isaac and Jacob was the LORD s idea. He made it with those who were on a journey learning to believe what the LORD promised! The promise is given personally to individuals (Abraham and his seed) and particularly to the Hebrew nation. But inherent in the promise made by Yahweh with the Hebrews at a specific time in history is the blessing that extends to us, the Gentile nations. It signals how the LORD develops his plan of redemption! How are the following LESSONS evident in what we have studied so far? 1. The nature of the promise confirms that the LORD alone is sovereign in saving men. His Covenant is unconditional; its existence and fulfillment depends on the Word alone. (see Ps. 103) 2. The conditions of the promise are made with Israel for her good and the good of the Gentiles so that the LORD S faithfulness will be glorified! (Romans 4) 3. The facts of the promise foreshadow specific facts of salvation history, some of which have been fulfilled and some of which remain to be completed. (Romans 9) MAPQUEST: What major BUMP on the ROAD did the Emmaus travelers trip over? Which of these stories in Luke 24:27 might Jesus have pointed out to the travelers that foreshadowed himself from Genesis 12 to 49? Is there one you are deeply touched by? V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate Read Psalm 103:7-11 to be reminded why God s Word and his promises never fail! Praise him that HIS Word never changes in spite of the way waywardness of his children. Hebrews 11:9, 10, By faith he (Abraham) went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your offspring be named. He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 23

24 Promises for the Journey OPTIONAL/SUPPLEMENTAL Study I Day ONE: Introduction This is not a study we will do together. For those who want to follow the chronology of promises in the Pentateuch (Torah or books of Moses), the two incidences on this page will give you that opportunity. Read pages and in Kaiser for additional insight. Two contrasting figures offer future promises that are bound up in the Gospel promise of Gen. 3:15 and the Abrahamic Covenant. The first is Job, who lived during the time of the Patriarchs (probably Moses) and as a non-semitic, godly and blameless man (words similar to those used of Noah). The book of Job is placed according to genre, not chronology. Therefore, it is the first of the wisdom/poetry books. The second is the pagan soothsayer, Balaam whose oracles were intended to curse Israel and instead the LORD uses a pagan to bless his people. II Days TWO and THREE: JOB during the time of the Patriarchs In a nutshell, the story of Job is the story of God. Satan (never known to Job) blames God for Job s blameless life: he only worships you because you give him things. God permits Satan to attack Job. Job never charges God with wrongdoing in spite of the attempt of Satan s accusation and Job s denigration of God. In the context of this intense suffering, what does Job cry out to God that anticipates the promised One who can mediate for him? Job 9:33: There is not between us, who might lay his hand on us both. (1 Tim. 2:5,6) Job 16:19-21: Even now, behold, my is in heaven, and he who for me is on high. My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God, that he would the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor! (1 John 2:1) Job 19:23-27: Oh that my words were written inscribed in a book engraved in the rock forever! For I know that my R lives, and at the last he will upon the earth. After my skin has been destroyed in my flesh I see and not another. (John 14:1) Job 33:23-28: If there be for him, an angel, a m, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him, and he is merciful to him, and says Deliver him then man prays to God, and he re him he re to man his righteousness (and man says) I sinned.it was not re me. He has re my soul from going down into the pit my life shall look upon l. (1 Peter 1:17-21) III Days FOUR and FIVE: BALAAM Israel s 40 th year wandering (Num. 22:41-24:24) The story of Balaam is peculiar to say the least. During the final year of Israel s wandering in the desert, the king of Moab hired Balaam, a pagan soothsayer to curse the Israelites who would soon cross into Moab s territory. Balaam refused because the LORD forbade him through his donkey who talked! A blessed nation could not be cursed! Instead of cursing Israel, by God s intervention, Balaam blessed her. In his final oracle, he predicts a glorious future for Israel. Using the language of Judah, Balaam speaks of a coming st, sc and ru who will arise out of Israel and overcome evil and those who oppose his reign. Balaam ends shamefully, advising Balak to send Moabites to seduce Israel s woman. In Israel, worship of Baal erupts. God sends a plague and the NT names Balaam a false prophet! (2 Pet. 2:1-3; 12-16) 24

25 Promises for the Journey Study FIVE: Promises to MOSES Protection, Presence and a Prophet I Day ONE: Introduction Read Passages included in study and Exodus 33:2,3; 7-16; Deut. 18:15-19 During the signing of the Abrahamic Covenant in Gen. 15:7-19, the LORD promised Abraham that his offspring would be slaves in a foreign land for 400 years. To properly sanction this Covenant as his doing, the LORD put Abraham to sleep and walked through the slaughtered goats and birds. Revealing himself as a smoking fire pot and flaming torch, the LORD alone was taking responsibility to ratify and keep the Covenant based on the promises. Now, as we journey through the Promises of God, we open Moses second book. We will not tend to the details of Moses birth, life in the palace or as a shepherd as much as notice how, for 400+ years (Ex. 12:40, 41) after the death of Joseph the Hebrews were enslaved in Egypt just as the LORD had said. In Exodus 1, a family of Levi (Amram, Jochebed and their three children) sojourners were enslaved in a foreign land. The judgment of Yahweh promised for Egypt, came true. (Gen. 15:14 with Ex. 1:8-14) Before the LORD gave Moses the Constitution for Israel the Civil, Moral and Religious Law at Mt. Sinai that set them apart from all the nations of the earth he promised Moses many things, three of which we will look at: II Day TWO: The Promise of his Provision of Protection in the PASSOVER 1. What is the first great provision Ex. 12:1-14; And when I see the blood (on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses) I will and no will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 2. Ex. 12:29-42 gives the actual record of how God kept his promise of final judgment based on the institution of and obedience to the Passover. a. What were the Israelites to do with the passover lamb? (v. 21, 22) b. What protection would the LORD provide for those who trusted the Lord s Word? (v ) For those who were not covered by the blood of the lamb? (v. 29, 30) c. What did the LORD do during this first Passover night in the history of Israel? (v , particularly v. 36) MAPQUEST: As early as Abel (see Heb. 11:4) the shedding of blood was the symbol of an acceptable sacrifice to God. After Moses received details for the Levitical Priesthood on Mt. Sinai, the shedding and sprinkling of blood to cover sin was central to Jewish sacrifices. How do the following NT passages fulfill God s promises to us by the Lamb of God, the one Paul calls Christ, our Passover Lamb! - John 1:29-31 Behold the Lamb of God away the sin of the world. - Rom. 5:6-9 the believer is by His blood and saved from the of God. 25

26 -1 Peter 1:17-21 the one who calls Him Father is ransomed with the of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot! - Heb. 9:11-14 the blood of Christ has secured for believers an redemption because the Spirit has our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. -1 John 1:7,9 - the believer who walks in the light and confesses her sin is by the of Christ, forgiven our and cleansed from all. What present and eternal promises are ours, we who have been forgiven, justified, purified, ransomed and cleansed by Christ our Passover Lamb? Have you believed in Christ Jesus so these essential provisions are yours by faith? If not, why not? If so, what do you love best about HIM? BUMPS on the ROAD: What are things that threaten your trust in Jesus? That strengthen it? III Day THREE: The Promise of his Protective PRESENCE You and your family have followed Moses command to plunder your neighbors, slaughter the lamb, and using hyssop, paint the lamb s blood on the door posts and lintels. You have believed the truth and prepared your home for the angel of death who will go through the land of Egypt and pass over those whose homes are protected by the blood. You gather your family together, grab the plundered silver and gold from your next-door neighbor s, tuck the bowl of unrisen dough under your cloak and go through the door marked by the blood of the lamb whose flesh you will eat. It is then you remember your brother Moses words spoken to him shortly after they chose him to be the deliverer. The words fill your mind: 1. I will you; when you come out of Egypt, you will serve me on this mountain Ex. 3: When Pharaoh let the people go the LORD went before them by day in a of to lead them and by night in a of to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The p of by day and the of by night did not from the people. Ex. 13: Behold, I send an angel before you to you on the way to you to the place that I have prepared pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not against him, for he will not your transgression, for is in him. When my angel goes before you do not bow down to their gods nor serve them Ex. 23:20-24 (Who is this angel of the Lord who promises to be with Moses and the people?) 4. My will go with you, and I will give you rest! (Ex. 33:14) BUMPS on the ROAD: Despite the LORD S promises, the people disrespect Moses leadership and God s holiness. With Aaron, they reject the promise keeping God and worship bulls of gold. In spite of the fact that God s presence filled the Tent (Ex. 33:7-10) and would later fill the Tabernacle as the SHEKINAH glory of God s is manifest (Ex. 33:9,10), the people did not stay faithful. 1 Sam. 4:22 and Ez. 10; 11:23 climax their rejection and helps us understand how Rom. 1:18-25 how they (and mankind) exchange God s glory for a lie. MAPQUEST: What idols/lies entice believers like us so we are pulled away from loving and worshiping the Lord Jesus alone? Discuss your thoughts with your group. Remember 1 Jn. 5:21. 26

27 IV Day FOUR: The Promise of a PROPHET greater than Moses After 120 years (40 years of learning, 40 years of shepherding sheep and 40 years tending 2 m wanderers!), Moses is going to die. Denied access to the Promised Land, he writes the Book of the Law or Second Law: Deuteronomy. He reviews his journey with the Israelites, offers a fare-well speech, reminds them of God s faithfulness. He warns of curses on disobedience, blessings for obedience and appoints Joshua as the new leader in Israel. It is Deut. 18:15-20 that catches our eye as continuing the promise which the Jews looked in the time of Jesus. 1. What kind of prophet is promised in these verses? (v ) What response to this prophet is expected by God? 2. What were the Jews thinking when they asked John the Baptist who he was in John 1:19-23? 3. What did Philip, one of the first disciples, tell Nathanael (also known as Bartholemew) about Jesus in John 1:43-49? 4. What does the writer of Hebrews say about this one in Hebrews 3:1-6? MAPQUEST: The promise of a final prophet is given to us in Heb. 1:2. The Lord Jesus himself has manifest the Father to us, modeling God in His nature, character and works. Look for no one else but be satisfied with HIM! V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate The Lord Jesus himself referred to himself in John 4:45 as a prophet who was not honored in his hometown. We know him in the terms of the beautiful description of God s Final Prophet, the LORD JESUS CHRIST in Hebrews 1:1-13. Read it aloud to yourself and luxuriate in his presence. Listen for this glorious description of HIM as the radiance of God s glory, power and superiority, so we can all rejoice in his protection and the presence of our Triune God because we are his children. This angel of the LORD who guided, protected and provided his presence to Moses and the Israelites, has come to us in human flesh our Emmanuel, God with us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8) Hebrews 3:1-3 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. Hebrews 11:24-26, 28 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. 27

28 Promises for the Journey Study SIX: PROMISES under Yahweh s Rule (Theocracy) I Day One: Introduction Read Dt. 30:5-14; 31:1-8; 34:9-12; Joshua 1:1-9; 5:13-15; Judg. 17:6; 21:25; 1 Sam. 2:22-36 The final sermons of Moses (Deuteronomy) and the history of Israel when the LORD ruled in Joshua, the Judges and 1 Samuel are known as the Theocracy. The LORD himself led the nation as Moses leadership transitioned to the warrior Joshua and later, the judges. In spite of Israel s persistent refusal to obey the LORD (Dt. 31:26-29), the Abrahamic Covenant promises continued to emerge. Three important figures: Moses, Joshua and Samuel carry the heart of the message to show us God s faithfulness with promise that Israel s disobedience would not be the last word. II Day TWO: A New Day of PROMISES: MOSES Final Words (Deut. 30, 31) Moses final speech in Dt. 30:1-10 and comments in Dt. 32:45-47 highlight a future time when the once disobedient nation of Israel will remember what Yahweh said to her. It is helpful to say that the LORD S unconditional commitment to Abraham and his seed of corporate blessing will be fully honored. Even Moses death will not stop God s promises. At the same time, it is essential to understand God interacts personally with individuals who obey (even with flaws as obvious as Moses ) because they know the LORD intimately and trust his ways. 1. What tangible promises would Israel enjoy if she will repent and return to the LORD? (v. 1-5) (It is interesting to note that 69 times in Deuteronomy, Israel is promised she will one day possess and inherit the land promised to her and repeated in Dt. 1:8; 6:10, 18; 7:8; 34:4!) 2. What must occur inside the hearts of Abraham s seed when Israel repents? (v. 6) and what will the LORD then do for Israel in the land of promise? (v. 7-10) 3. How do Moses closing words in Dt. 31:5-8 and Dt. 32:45-47 emphasize the following promises: a. The presence of the LORD with them - b. The protection of the LORD for them - c. The provision of the LORD for them - BUMPS on the ROAD: Moses had his own BUMP as listed in Dt. 32: As the prophet God spoke to face to face, Moses did not enter the land of promise because of his sin as described in Num. 20: In what way did Moses not uphold the LORD as holy or break faith in front of the people as recorded in Dt. 32? MAPQUEST: What lesson does Moses teach us in these closing writings of his life about God s faithfulness and about his sin? How is it possible to serve the LORD faithfully and yet still blow it? How does God deal with us when we sin? (Check 1 John 1:9, discuss Heb. 10:3-11 and then pray 1 Peter 1:13-16 for the rest of your life!!!) III Day THREE: A PROMISE for War: JOSHUA (Joshua 1:1-9) Following the transition of leadership to Joshua (who had been a faithful student of Moses for 40 years!), the people of Israel followed him over the Jordan, destroyed Jericho and settled in the land. The promises 28

29 given from the Lord to Joshua were specifically for the battle he and the people would face as they encountered the enemies of Canaan. Joshua means, the LORD is salvation! 1. What promises did the LORD make to Joshua? (Joshua 1:1-9) a. Related to Joshua personally - b. Related to the land promises and battle - c. Related to the Book of the Law - Following the crossing of the Jordan, Joshua carries out traditions that will cause Israel to remember the LORD S word and prepares them to overtake Jericho. Prior to the event, Joshua meets the grand leader for his battles in Canaan in Joshua 5: Where is Joshua when he meets the man? What is Joshua s question? (v. 13a) 3. What about the man implies he is ready to go to battle with Joshua? (v. 13b, 14a) 4. We are about to witness a similar interaction to Moses (Ex. 3:1-6) as Joshua recognizes this person. Why must Joshua understand this Commander of armies is holy? From the description, who is he? What does he promise? MAPQUEST: The next section of Israel s history focuses on two things: a willful and sinful people and the 12 Judges who served 330 years. They oversaw 12 cycles of apostasy: disobedience, oppression, prayer, deliverance and peace. Why did the Israelites rebel (Judg. 17:6 and 21:25) in spite of Joshua s faithful service of God s Word? Why does God s Word keep believers strong? How does God s Son fulfill the Commander of the armies role? (see: Rev. 9:11-16 to read similar language!!!) BUMPS on the ROAD: It is hard to find any bumps recorded in the life of Joshua! Perhaps it is because the Book of the Law did not depart from his heart or his mouth! For 40 years Moses taught him. (Ex. 33:11) His deep understanding of the holiness and grandeur of God set him apart to do the will of God. Compare Joshua 1:8 with Ps. 1:2 worth memorizing! IV Day FOUR: The PROMISE of a PRIEST: 1 Samuel 2:22-36 As the last of the judges, Samuel served after the years of national decline until he was an old man. As an answer to his mother s prayer, Samuel lives the Nazarite vow, teaches, prays for and leads the people. Serving as a Levite, Samuel is God s spokesman for hard tasks, moving Israel from Theocracy to Monarchy. Day FOUR looks at God s rejection of Eli s family as priests and views God s unconditional promise that someday He will send a faithful high priest. 1. What is the LORD S argument against Eli? (v ) 2. What will be the discipline in Eli s family because of this serious personal sin? (v ) 3. What wonderful promise does God make to the nation in spite of this severe discipline? (v. 35) 29

30 BUMPS on the ROAD: The prediction to cut off Eli s family from serving as priests was told first to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10-19 and fulfilled the day the Philistines captured the Ark of the covenant of God (1 Sam. 4:1-10), Israel and Eli s sons treated the Ark in war as though it were magic instead of reason for worship; both sons died (v. 11). The discipline was later completed by Saul, when in an impulsive burst of jealous anger against David, he kills the 70 priests of Nob plus others = 85 of Eli s family, for showing favor to David. (1 Samuel 22:11-19). Only one escaped. MAPQUEST: The writer of Hebrews pulls the promise of the faithful priest together in Heb. 4:14 to 5:6. What is the trouble with human priests? What amazing and marvelous fulfillment does the writer tell us about the Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest? How does this encourage us as believers? V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate This might be one of the most important things we talk about this year: the provision of a faithful priest for all who believe in Jesus! There is no separate group of superior people in the church who have access to the Father. Nor is there a position of spirituality only a few enjoy! Those who know the Lord Jesus as Savior have the Spirit of God living within. And Peter calls us a kingdom of priests. We have a privilege no OT human priest had and no unbeliever has! You are free to come into the holy presence of the Father knowing you have an advocate representing you (1 John 2:1) and the Holy Spirit within you, alive in you, bearing witness within you and interceding for you (Romans 8:8-16; 26-30). Lessons from Moses: Guard your heart, your tongue, your actions!! Lessons from Joshua: Meditate on God s Word day and night. Lessons from Samuel: Trust in what the LORD provides. Rejoice in your Father s provisions: a safe and protected position in Christ; a certain and complete provision of the Holy Spirit! Hebrews 7:25 27 The former (OT) priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 11:30-31 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 30

31 Promises for the Journey Study SEVEN: Preparing for God s Man I Day ONE: Introduction Read the Book of Ruth (4 chapters, 85 verses and 1,294 words!) Situated during the time of the Judges, possibly during Gideon s tenure as Judge, the story of Ruth shines like a diamond on the darkness of Israel s cycles of apostasy. It is a book of dialogue. 55 verses are conversation words from the lips of the book s main characters: Naomi, Ruth, Boaz. It is a book of God s promises that will not fail. It records David s genealogy as the promised seed (Ruth 4:18-22) who will later be known as the greatest king of Israel, forerunner and ancestor of Messiah! Primarily, it is a book about God. He is mentioned 23 times, mostly appearing in prayer (9 times) or descriptive actions (7 times). His unseen hand permits famine, providentially answers prayer, ends the famine that brings Ruth to Judah and provides the grandchild to be born to Naomi who becomes the father of Jesse. As such, it is a story lived in the land of promise (Bethlehem) when the people urged Gideon to become king (Judg. 8:22). Gideon declined, deferring to God (Judg. 8:23). The book of Ruth is a showcase of God s sovereign oversight of events in the life of his people that displays how God always keeps his promises to Jews and Gentiles! II Day TWO: The PROMISE of BREAD in Bethlehem Deut. 28:36-42, Ruth 1: Inherent in the promises of God to Abraham and his seed was the promise of many children (seed in the number of stars), many living bountifully in the land (the specific land promised is Canaan) knowing personal and corporate blessing and being a blessing to the nations. Under the Mosaic Law (the constitution given to Israel from God to set her apart as holy) the people were also promised judgments for unfaithfulness (such as famine because of their idolatry) and promised blessing for their repentance. An example of the curses given in Deut. 28: In your own words, describe the state of the people s heart and the state of their land. 2. Ruth 1:1 says this was the state in Bethlehem when Elimelech, Naomi and their sons lived there during the time of the judges. How did they solve their problem? (v. 2b-5) Would there have been a better way to deal with the famine? (fast forward to 2 Chron. 7:14 to hear what would be written!) (Find out the meaning of the word, Bethlehem.) BUMPS on the ROAD: Nothing ended up going right for Naomi in Moab. What would you list as hardships for Naomi evident in Ruth 1 that would make a person bitter? As you list them, you might want to know that the sons names meant sick (Mahlon) and weakening (Chilion). Why could Ruth 1:16 be called the highlight on the bumpy road to Bethlehem? Or is it 1:19, 20? MAPQUEST: What can you see as being credited only to God in the story so far? What might be on your life list of bumps as you journey this year? In what instances can you see the hand of God keeping promises to you that you did not earn? 31

32 III Day THREE: The PLACE of Bread and Blessing Ruth 2 and 3 The story of Ruth was never intended to be a simple human romance, thought it qualifies to be one! Rather, it was meant to be a story behind a story that highlights the promises of God to a Hebrew widow because of God s faithfulness to protect the seed in Israel. 1. What reminders would Leviticus 19:9, 10 and Deut. 25:5, 6 give Naomi for how God had promised to care for them? (Ruth 2:1-3 and 20). Comment on the divine coincidences ( it just so happened that ) in this story. 2. Comment on the conversation between Boaz and Ruth? (2:8-18) What heart attitude is evident in Boaz toward Ruth? 3. The story proceeds with great delight in Ruth 3 as Naomi moves to action! The bigger story of redemption is now hovering over the women as Ruth acts on the promises Naomi remembered! Two words are essential for us too: a. Boaz shows Ruth great ki ss in the same manner Ruth showed ki ss to Naomi. (3:10) b. Because Boaz respects God s Word given to Moses regarding levirate marriage, He is willing to be a r for Naomi and Ruth. (3:11-16) MAPQUEST: There is no God like our God! As Naomi and Ruth s lives unfold, they see the promises found in the Law of Moses (for Israel s growth and protection) come alive as they look back at the day. What would you say to Ruth about God s faithfulness if you had a chance? Take time to do that in your own life, recognizing how God has been faithful to you yesterday, last week, through your life. NO BUMPS on the ROAD. Just a SIGN POST: The KINSMAN-REDEEMER has come! IV Day FOUR: The GENEALOGY and the SON of David The final chapter in Ruth sets up the future so the promises of God will be fulfilled! In fact, the unwillingness of the closest kinsman redeemer to redeem, (4:6) the public redeeming of Ruth (4:9, 10) and the genealogy at the end of this book shows the glory of God in this story. At the same time it prepares us to welcome the seed of the woman (in this case, a pagan, non-hebrew woman!) and the sign post points us toward the bigger story of the greater Son of David, King and Messiah yet to come. 1. How is it that the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of David (see Matt. 1:1, 5, 6) qualifies to be our kinsman redeemer? Romans 8:1 and 3: At the center of the GOSPEL is the word, REDEEM. It has three essential parts to its meaning. How did our Lord Jesus do this when he died on the cross? a. to purchase someone s release by payment of ransom = paid in full b. to deliver someone from bondage = no slavery c. to liberate someone into freedom = set free 32

33 V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate We will return to more discussion of the amazing truth of REDEMPTION, REDEEMER, and REDEEM, but for today, consider what a perfect kinsman redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ is. How did he meet all the requirements for us so we could be redeemed? Read these verses to yourself, reminding yourself of the grand story of redemption, and why you can t redeem yourself any more than Ruth could. Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 33

34 Map for Study 8 Kingdom of David and Solomon [map]. In: Easley, Kendell H. The Illustrated Guide to Biblical History. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, p63. 34

35 Promises for the Journey Study EIGHT: A Usurping Ruler Man s Choice for a King I Day ONE: Introduction Read: Deut. 17:14-20 Samuel s anointing of Saul: 1 Samuel 8:1-10; 19-22; 12:19-24 God s rejection of Saul: 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:10-30 Samuel s anointing of David: 16:1-5 and The Israelites wearied of Samuel s leadership. They wanted a King to rule over them like other nations in Canaan. Samuel s feelings were hurt but the Lord assured him the people weren t rejecting him; they were rejecting the LORD. He ordered Samuel to anoint Saul as king. Saul proved to have no spiritual heart for God and because of his disobedience, the kingdom was torn from him and given to another man with a whole heart for God. It is with this man that God makes another unconditional, eternal Covenant. II Day TWO: Samuel Anoints of Saul: 1 Sam. 8:1-10, 19-22; 12: In response to the people s request and God s order, Samuel anoints Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. He is an unwilling participant to become king. He is a strong warrior but weak follower of God s leader, Samuel and ultimately, God. Is this all a mistaken seed identity? Comment on how God might permit the wrong king to rule to achieve the plan. Could this fit into Rom. 8:28? 1. How did the people s request affect Samuel? How does he respond to it? (8:6) 2. What do you believe motivated the hearts of the Israelites to act for the reason God said they were acting? (8:7-9 and 19-22) Why will nothing change their minds? 3. Following Saul s anointing (1 Sam. 10), Saul fights for Israel and Samuel warns Israel about the peril of disobedience. (1 Sam. 11, 12) What do you learn from the conversation between Samuel and the people? (1 Sam. 12:19-24) BUMPS on the ROAD: If you remember Jacob s blessings upon his 12 sons, why would you consider the choice of Saul as a mistake? (Gen. 49:9, 10)? Discuss together this BUMP in the road, as the nation asks amiss something we see repeated during Israel s United and Divided Monarchy. MAPQUEST: What part does prayer play in Samuel s life? What in his home life could have stirred this habit? What in your life drives you to pray? How well do you handle rejection by people? III Day THREE: God Rejects Saul: 1 Sam. 13:8-14; 15:10-30 Two examples of Saul s ongoing rebellion occur as he leads Israel to fight her enemies. Read the two passages and comment on why God deals so firmly with Saul. 1. Following the war with the Philistines: 1 Sam. 13:8-14. What does Samuel say is Saul s problem? How serious is it to reject the Word of the LORD? What is God s response to Saul s sin? 2. Following Saul s war with Israel s enemies: 1 Sam. 15:1-3;

36 What offenses does Saul commit? (v ) What does God value most of all in a leader? (v. 22) Why is rebellion and presumption so insidious? (v. 23) 3. What is the difference between repentance and regret? What do you think Saul is modeling in v ? Any thoughts on v. 30? MAPQUEST: The test of a person s heart is not what they say but what they do. How does Saul expose his real self in these passages? What is the key to listening to and obeying the Word of the Lord? Ps. 119 has 22 paragraphs (all beginning with letters from the Hebrew alphabet) extolling the grandeur of God s precious word. Some of my favorites are v. 9, 17 and 37. What are yours? BUMPS on the ROAD: The hardest things in Samuel s life were the people he led and the Lord whose will he did! Samuel obeyed the Lord in the hardest times; the man he anointed, failed. But as a faithful judge, prophet and priest he had to do some hard tasks. Check 1 Sam. 15: What is the hardest thing you have ever done for the Lord? Why? IV Day FOUR: USURPERS in the FAMILY The promises of God cannot be stopped by the will of the flesh or the deceit of the enemy. As they depend on the LORD, his promises STAND firm. The ones that come in a Covenant (such as the Abrahamic) are unconditional and everlasting. So, the question at least related to this story of Saul is: does God allow bad people to have their way? Does God permit people to usurp his plan in order to get their own way? Walk back in the journey and decide what these would say if we asked them that question. Add your own comments. Cain yes. I got what I wanted: a dead brother. But I paid dearly for the rest of my life. Esau yes. I gave up what I didn t value and my remorseful tears couldn t bring it back. My behavior exposed my heart. (Heb. 12:15-17) Pharoah yes. I tried to kill off the Hebrew nation by reducing the number of boys but their God was bigger and stronger than I was. His arsenal of plagues was unlimited! He took my son. Saul yes. I didn t belong as God s king but the people wanted one badly. I was physically strong and powerful but weak in character: jealousy drove me to want to kill the man of God s choice! The Unwilling Kinsman Redeemer yes. I wasn t willing to take Ruth as my wife or split my inheritance with another man s wife or children. I was able but not willing. Athaliah yes. I tried to kill all my grandsons but didn t know that my son s sister rushed to save the baby. My plan failed and my only living grandson, King Joash was kept alive! Satan yes. I tried to outfox God by tempting and deceiving humans because I was the most beautiful creature and deserved to be loved and worshiped. My plan seemed to succeed at times but nothing I could do could stop his power and might. His Son did not stay dead, and I could not sin successfully forever. (Rev. 20:1-3; 7-10) V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate 1 Samuel 12:20-24 Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart For consider what great things he has done for you. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. 36

37 Promises for the Journey Study NINE: The PROMISE: The Davidic Covenant A King with a Whole Heart for God I Day ONE: Introduction Read Deut. 17:14-20; 1 Sam. 16:1-13; 2 Sam. 7 Read pages in The Messiah in the Old Testament (W. Kaiser, Jr.) You may know the story of David and Goliath and even know the story of David s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. Though God had made the guidelines clear as to the status and choice of a King (Dt. 17:14-20). The people asked for a king but for the wrong reasons (Dt. 17:14b). With God s rejection of Saul, it was clear that his kingdom would not last and a new king would replace him. In obedience to the LORD to get over the distress of Saul s failures and demise, Samuel visits Jesse of Bethlehem (the city of Ruth and Boaz) and based with go from the LORD, He anoints David to be king in a private ceremony (1 Sam. 16:1-13). 1. What does Jesse, the proud father assume when Samuel asks to see his sons? 2. What mistake does Samuel make as he determines which of Jesse s sons should be king? 1 Sam. 16:7 (Listen to his thoughts in 1 Sam. 16:6: Surely the LORD S is before him. ) 3. What had the Lord said would set David apart as the choice for the next King? (1 Sam. 13:14) MAPQUEST: What is the problem with evaluating people from the outside? How does the description of what the King of Israel must be, confirm this? (Dt. 17:14-20) Why is it important for any servant of the LORD to faithfully live congruently (inside and outside match)? BUMPS on the ROAD: David will hit many bumps along the way as he journeys from shepherding sheep in Bethlehem to serving in Saul s court to running from Saul s jealousy for over 20 years. What does 1 Sam. 13:14 suggest is the reason the LORD will not turn away from him? It is always a good thing to ask ourselves: What would you say is the state of your heart toward the Lord? Do I have a whole heart for him? Half a heart? Or no heart at all? II Day TWO: The LORD S Anointed: Set Apart to be Holy The promise that kings would come from Abraham s seed (Gen. 17:6, 16) and from the line of Judah (Gen. 49:10) is the basis on which the nation would recognize the King. David qualified on both counts: he is from both Abraham and the line of Judah. It is possible to fulfill the legal qualifications but not to live up to the purpose for which one was anointed. In this case, it meant to live up to the standard of being the king! David had a heart for the LORD. 1. How did David show he respected God s anointing of Saul to rule the nation even though Saul modeled rebellion, disobedience and murderous anger at David? 1 Sam. 24:4-10; 26:7-12) (2 Sam. 1: Saul dies and the one who killed him is disdained.) 2. With Saul dead, David is now anointed publicly in Hebron before his family and 37

38 the men of Judah; 2 Sam. 2:1-7. What does David s heart reveal about how he values those set apart by God s for His purposes? Why is this so important if you are the king? MAPQUEST: To be set apart for God s purposes is something all know who are called by God. It was true of the Lord Jesus and is true for us. How does Phil. 2:1-8 confirm such respect for others believers? Anyone in your life you want to get back at? This is your chance to let the LORD manage it. (Jude 9 reminds us to step back and let the LORD rebuke our arch enemy.) BUMPS on the ROAD: David s 20 years being chased by Saul drove him to write his feelings in Psalms. Even after being crowned king, enemies plagued him some who had been loyal to Saul and others from within his family. Psalms David wrote during this time include: Ps. 18, 57, 59, 63, 70 and 142. Choose one to read and tell how it comforts those under enemy fire. III Day THREE: The Davidic Eternal and Unconditional Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:1-16 Fast forward through David s life as King of Israel. Things are quiet in the Kingdom. King David compares his elegant cedar paneled home with the humble animal-skin tent that houses the ark of God. He says as much to Nathan the prophet and decides to build a house for God! 1. What does the LORD say to Nathan to go and tell David about his past? (2 Sam. 7:4-7) 2. What promise-plan does the LORD reveal to David? (2 Sam. 7:8-16) Using the list on p. 79 in Kaiser s book, find out the amazing Covenant the LORD established for David and his house! Seven promises are given in three categories. (cf=cross reference) a. I will make your great. (2 Sa. 7:9; cf Gen. 12:2) b. I will a for my people Israel and will plant them. (2 Sa. 7:10; cf. Gen. 15:18; Dt. 11:24, 25; Josh. 1:4,5) c. I will raise up your (seed) to succeed you. (2 Sa. 7:12; Gen. 17:7) d. David s seed will a for (God s) Name. (2 Sa. 7:13; 1 Kings 8:18-20; 1 Ch. 28:6,7) e. I will be (your seed s) father, and he will be my son (2 Sa. 7:14: cf Ex. 4:22,23; Ps. 89:26, 27) f. David s dynasty, k and au (rule) will endure. (2 Sa. 7:16) David s decision to build a House for the Lord (2 Sam. 7:1-3) was stopped by God through the prophet Nathan. This promise of God to David is the next big theme that will impact the rest of the OT: the establishment of the royal plan for David s family! It supersedes David plan for Yahweh! God s promises in it are nothing David could have imagined! It is a glorious extension of what God has promised his nation before without such detailed specification! Who is the one keeping the promise and how long will this promise last? 38

39 MAPQUEST: Scholars use three categories of promise and blessing in the Davidic Covenant. God promised David: 1. A dy y (the family seed a singular man who is God s son and as well as a specific nation ) 2. A th e (the seat of power in Jerusalem) 3. An eternal k (not just a temporal one as Jesus planned to see but forever) 4. How does God explain why David is not to build His house? (v. 8-9a) BUMP on the ROAD: To plan to do something spectacular for God and then to have him say no was not what David planned. Read 1 Chr. 27:1-10 to hear David s rendition of God s Covenant! Later, we are told this bump didn t stop David from doing something. What was it? 2 Chr. 5:1-12. MAPQUEST: The LORD S promise to David was greater than he could have imagined! There is a beautiful comment many years later by David s son, Solomon, who dedicates the Temple David didn t build (but collected materials for!) 2 Chr. 5:1-12 esp. v. 7! What encouraging thing does he say that can help us as we serve the LORD? What is on your heart to do for the LORD? What is reasonable, given your time, talents and responsibilities? What is unreasonable for you to do? IV Day FOUR: David s RESPONSE and David s GREATER Son: 2 Samuel 7:18-29 David is a wonderful model of how he responds to the LORD S Word, his works and his will! We have his thoughts and words in around 75 Psalms; this prayer is one of those we benefit from reading. Read David s response to the news of the promises regarding his dynasty, throne and kingdom. 1. What does David give thanks for in 2 Sam. 7:18-21? Have you ever felt humbled by God s kindness to you? Why not give thanks. 2. What does David praise God for from the past in 2 Sam. 7:22-24? What are things you can look back and praise God for? 3. What does David pray for related to God s fulfillment of this promise in 2 Sam. 7:25-29? MAPQUEST: David was the greatest King of Israel, coming as the royal forerunner of Jesus. It is David s greater Son, King Jesus Messiah, who will someday come to earth and set up his Kingdom. The disciples, impatient for Jesus to restore the kingdom to Israel say when it would come? (Acts 1:7) He answered another question! But Rev. 20:1-6 tells us that someday King Jesus will reign on earth for 1000 years as the first stage of David s eternal kingdom. Will you be there? Why? V Day FIVE: Consider and Meditate, Rejoice in the Davidic Covenant made with David! Rev. 1:5, 6 Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen! 39

40 The Promises for the Journey Kaiser s Definition and Development of the Promise-Plan in Scripture The promise form of biblical theology focuses on one all-embracing divine word of promise rather than on its many scattered predictions. In doing so, it presupposes that a plan follows whereby the promise made will in fact, be kept! It traces the growth of that declaration of God in the large teaching passages in each era of divine revelation. It provides a center and distinct unity to Scripture. God gave a promise to Abraham an expansion of the evangelion first declared in Genesis 3:15 and developed throughout the Old Testament and realized in the New Testament. It is a promise eternally fulfilled and fulfilling in the history of Israel. It is chiefly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, he being that which is principal in the history of Israel from the patriarchs through the renewal in the exodus narrative, restated and renewed with David whose seed is to be given a dynasty, throne and a kingdom and into the books of poetry and historical books. It is the nation of Israel who was Yahweh s son and his people were those out of which the seed would come who was God s Messiah for the whole world. Definition of the Promise-Plan of God The promise-plan is God s word of declaration, beginning with Eve and continuing on through history, especially in the patriarchs and the Davidic line, that God would continually be in his person and do in his deeds and works (in and through Israel, and later the church) his redemptive plan as his means of keeping that promised word alive for Israel, and thereby for all who subsequently believed. All in that promised seed were called to act as a light for all the nations so that all the families of earth might come to faith and to new life in the Messiah. Ten Characteristics of the Promise-Plan of God 1. The doctrine of the promised Messiah is found throughout all the Scriptures and not just in isolated or selected passages. See what Jesus said in Luke 24:25-27 to doubting disciples. 2. The OT Messianic teaching was regarded as the development of a single promise that was repeated and unfolded through the centuries with numerous specifications and in multiple forms but always with the same essential. (Acts 26:6) 3. The NT writers equate this single, definite promise as the one made to Abraham when God called him from Ur of the Chaldeans. Hebrews 6:13,14, 17; 11:9, 39 confirm this. 4. While the NT writers occasionally speak of promises (plural) the way they do does not weaken the case for a single definite promise in the Scriptures. In fact, the promises are all related, connected and only possible because of the primary promise. Romans 15:8,9. 5. The NT writers regard this single, definite promise, composed of many specifications, to be the theme of the OT and the NT. The OT word used is blessing and God s pledge, oath and rest and messianic metaphors used that the NT builds upon. 40

41 6. The promise made to Abraham is seen as both being partially fulfilled in the Exodus events and yet still to be fully fulfilled in the distant future. Both Stephen (Acts 7:17 and Paul (Acts 13:22,23) understood this as the ongoing process moving through history. 7. The NT writers not only declare the promise-plan of God is seen through the whole OT but they adopt the OT language as their way of expressing God s revelation to them! They use terms we are familiar with: the day of the LORD, My Son, My Firstborn, My Messenger, My Holy One, the kingdom of God, the Messiah OT terms that are routine NT vocabulary! 8. The NT writers teach that the promise of God is operating eternally and is irrevocable. Though a hardening in part has come over Israel (Rom. 11:25), God s call is irrevocable (Rom. 11:28, 29; Gal. 3:15-18; Heb. 6:13, 17,18). 9. The NT writers make a strong connection between the promise and a number of other doctrines: 1. Abraham received the gospel in advance of later, fuller explication. 2. The substance of the gospel is described: ALL NATIONS will be blessed through you. 3. The gospel given to Abraham is the same one by which ALL the nations/gentiles on earth are to be saved at the hearing of the name of JESUS CHRIST. (Gal. 3:6-8, 29; Eph. 1:13; 2:11,12; 3:6) On the basis of this divine promise, the NT proclamation of the Kingdom and its anointed king is central confirmed by 2 Peter 3:10 and Heb. 9: The culmination of all the specifications is wrapped up in the one promise doctrine or promise plan which focuses on the LORD Jesus Christ! Both OT and NT repeats the three parts of the promise: 1. The promissory WORD used 2. The events of HISTORY that serve as the MEANS or LINKS for maintaining it until the goal is reached 3. The FINAL FULFILLMENT described in revelatory words spoken ahead of time by God s prophets and apostles. (These are established as the foundation of the church.) On the following pages are excerpts from The Promise-Plan of God by Walter C. Kaiser Jr. 41

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