All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from Q Place, P.O. Box 1581, Wheaton, IL, 60187, USA; 1-800-369-0307; info@qplace.com. Four Men of God: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David Copyright 2016 by Catherine Schell Previously published as: Four Men of God: Lessons in Obedience Copyright 1998 by Marilyn Kunz and Catherine Schell Cover photo (View of Promised Land from Mount Nebo): vvoe/shutterstock First Q Place Printing 2016 Printed in the United States of America ISBN 978-1-880266-68-7
CONTENTS GETTING STARTED How to Use this Discussion Guide........................ 5 What Is a Q Place?.... 6 Q Place Guidelines...................................... 6 Q Place Discussion Tips... 7 Tools for Studying the Bible in a Q Place................... 7 When You Are the Question-Asker........................ 8 FOUR MEN OF GOD: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David Introduction.... 9 Abraham: Friend of God Introduction...................... 11 1. Genesis 12 15 Abraham, an Adventurer for God.... 13 2. Genesis 16 18 Abraham, the Ups and Downs of Faith...23 3. Genesis 19 21 Abraham, Facing Problems.... 31 4. Genesis 22 25 Abraham, the Supreme Test... 39 Joseph: A Man of Mercy Introduction................... 49 5. Genesis 37; 39 Joseph, Wronged and Tempted... 51 6. Genesis 40 41 Joseph, Disappointment and Waiting... 59 7. Genesis 42 45 Joseph, Forgiveness... 67
Moses: Leader and Deliverer Introduction............... 75 8. Exodus 2 4 Moses, Call to Leadership... 77 9. Exodus 5 14 Moses, Challenges to Leadership..................... 85 10. Exodus 15 17 Moses, Frustrations of Leadership.................... 95 11. Exodus 32 34 Moses, the Cost of Leadership... 103 12. Numbers 11 14 Moses, Tests of Leadership... 113 13. Numbers 20:1-13; Deuteronomy 31; 32; 34 Moses, Leadership Tested and Handed On............ 121 David: A Man After God s Own Heart Introduction........ 129 14. 1 Samuel 16 22 David, Success and Exile... 131 15. 1 Samuel 24 26 David, the Fugitive... 139 16. 2 Samuel 7; 11 12 David, the King... 149 17. 2 Samuel 12; 15 16; 18; 23 24 David, Sorrow and Hope... 159
Four Men of God Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David Introduction Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 A braham, Joseph, Moses, David each of these men holds a strategic place in history. Abraham was the father of the people of God, Joseph was the agent of their deliverance from death by famine, Moses led them out of captivity in Egypt to the boundaries of Canaan, and David established the kingdom and ruled over Israel as God s chosen king. These four men met many challenges and temptations, which tested and developed them. While they weren t perfect, in their lives we can find admirable character qualities to cultivate in ourselves. In fact, each man is noted for an attribute found in Jesus Christ: Abraham for obedient faith, Joseph for mercy toward those who betrayed him, Moses for meekness and sacrificial love for his rebellious people, and David for humility as God s anointed king. Perhaps the most important character quality shared by all of these men is a pattern of reliance and trust in God; so in studying their lives, we also learn much more about God himself. For that full understanding, this study includes accounts presented in the Old Testament as well as New Testament passages that also relate to their lives. God, who led these men, still seeks men and women who will trust him and who will put his glory and his purposes before their own pleasure. Through such people, God will accomplish his objectives in the world today. We have the opportunity to know God, to serve him, and to be the agents of his blessing to our generation, as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David were to theirs. Four Men of God: Introduction 9
This study involves reading a lot of interesting narrative, with background passages as well as discussion passages. Groups that are not able to read them and prepare for the discussion before the meeting are likely to need two or more sessions on each discussion in order to have time to read the discussion sections together with the group. As always, the more prepared everyone is before the meeting, the more interesting and productive your group discussion will be! 10 Four Men of God
Abraham Friend of God Introduction Hearing someone introduce you as my friend can bring a strong sense of affirmation and connection. However, in the realm of social media, the term friend has been leveraged and applied to relationships that are often distant. Being friends with a well-known person might lead to advantages without necessarily indicating that you are part of an inner circle of confidants. Still, when you have had significant conversations and interactions with someone, and when you have gone through challenges and celebrations of life together, the description friend holds deep meaning. In James 2:23, Abraham is given an astonishing description: God s friend. (See also 2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8.) The following four studies from Genesis reveal Abraham s ongoing experiences of personal communion with the God of the universe. As Abraham continues to trust him, God reveals more and more of his character to him. God molds his identity with a new name, he gives him breathtaking promises, and he proves his faithfulness through both failures and victories of Abraham s faith. Abraham: Introduction 11
1Genesis 12 15 Abraham, An Adventurer for God Read Genesis 12:1-20; 13:1-4 1. What is the LORD s initial call to Abram? What promises are included? What is Abram asked to relinquish? What impression do you get of the extent to which God intends to involve himself in Abram s life? How would you compare God s call to Abram to a human marriage proposal? Note: The word written as LORD represents the Hebrew name YHWH, meaning I AM WHO I AM, the Self-existent One. It s the name by which God made himself known to Israel. YHWH was probably pronounced Yahweh. Abraham, An Adventurer for God 13
2. How does Abram respond to God s call? (See also Hebrews 11:8.) At what point does the LORD appear again to Abram? When and why does Abram build the first altar? The second altar? 3. Why does Abram go to Egypt? In view of God s promises in verses 1 and 7, what might have been a better action for Abram? (See Psalm 37:3.) 14 Four Men of God
4. Having failed to trust God for food in the land of promise, what danger and subsequent temptation does Abram face in Egypt? How would you characterize Abram s behavior in Egypt? How does God intervene to prevent further wrongdoing, and at the same time, to rebuke Abram? 5. What does Abram acknowledge by retracing his steps and returning to the altar at Bethel? Read Genesis 13:5-18 6. How does Abram handle the problem that arises between his herdsmen and those of Lot? Abraham, An Adventurer for God 15
What further insight does this give you into Abram s character? What confidence is required for someone to give up material wealth for spiritual gain? Give a present-day example. 7. Based on the LORD s response, how do you think he regards Abram s actions? What additional promises does God make to Abram? What does Abram do in response? 8. Compare Abram s situation with Jesus promise in Matthew 6:31-33. How do the choices between self-interest or trust in God s provision play out in your life? 16 Four Men of God
Read Genesis 14:1-24 9. Why does Lot get into trouble? Note Genesis 13:12-13. How does Abram react when he learns of Lot s difficulty? 10. Describe the encounter with Melchizedek and the king of Sodom. Of what two things about God does Melchizedek remind Abram? How does this reminder prepare Abram to deal with the king of Sodom s tempting offer? What does Abram s response in these interviews reveal about his values (verses 20b, 22-24)? Note: Occasionally it is helpful to refer to the first half of a verse as a and the second half as b. Abraham, An Adventurer for God 17
Read Genesis 15:1-21 11. How is the LORD s message to Abram in verse 1 appropriate in context of the events described in chapter 14? Note: Abram has now defeated four powerful kings (14:17) and he has given up great material rewards (14:22-23). In this context, see God s word to us in Hebrews 13:5-6. What is to be our security and the object of our affections? 12. What is the reason for Abram s distress (verses 2-3)? What specific promises does God give to Abram? Compare 15:5 with 13:16. 13. How does Abram respond (verse 6) to the LORD s astounding declaration, and upon what does Abram base his belief? 18 Four Men of God
In Romans 4:1-5, 23-25, Paul comments on this scene. What do these verses say to you? 14. In two columns, list God s few commands and many promises to Abram (12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:1, 4, 5, 7). Commands Promises 15. What covenant or pact does the LORD make with Abram (verses 7, 18-21)? Abraham, An Adventurer for God 19
What pledge of his promise does God give to Abram (verses 9-17)? What future events are revealed to Abram (verses 13-16)? Note: An ancient form of contract or covenant is described here, in which sacrificial animals were divided into halves, and the two parties to the covenant passed between them. In this particular covenant, only a symbol representing the LORD (verse 17) passed between the pieces, indicating that God alone was undertaking the fulfillment of all the conditions of this covenant. SUMMARY 1. How has the LORD initiated his relationship with Abram in chapters 12 15? What do these chapters reveal about God? 2. What do chapters 12 15 reveal about Abram? 20 Four Men of God
What are his weaknesses and strengths? What spiritual qualities does he exhibit? 3. Which of Abram s qualities do you most desire in your life? What can you learn from Abram s failures? CONCLUSION Abram possesses the spiritual confidence to leave his home and go to a new land in response to God s call. In this new land that God has promised to him, Abram is able to hold his possessions lightly, allowing Lot the first choice of the land. Abram s greatest step of courage and faith so far occurs in Genesis 15:6, where he believes God for the impossible. PRAYER O God, who calls each of us from our former ways to live in agreement with you in a new land of spiritual reality, give us the sensitivity to hear your call, and the courage to obey and move ahead with you. Amen. Abraham, An Adventurer for God 21