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Maintaining Holiness in Service Before God - Hebrews. 12: 14
Introduction
Much of the book of Leviticus is devoted to teaching God`s people to observe the boundary between things that were clean and things that were unclean. The distinction between those two was important because God wanted His people to be different and several verses in Leviticus 7 introduce the idea of being clean before God. Moreover, the place of worship is expected to be clean. Isaiah cited these principles in Leviticus when he urged God`s people to touch nothing unclean as they prepare to return to Jerusalem and the temple [Isa. 52: 11 – 12].
In the Sacrificial system, God established a pattern, and we need to see how it continues in the church in the New Testament because Paul highlighted the same principle as Isaiah when writing Christians in Corinth to stay away from uncleanliness and obey God according to 2 Cor. 6: 17. Our relationship with God is like that today to stay – God wants us to remain clean and obedient in worshipping and serving Him. In other words, God`s purpose for an altar of sacrifice was to provide a place where people would come into His God`s presence and offer sacrifices to atone for sin.
Recalling how the word of God came to Habakkuk that, ‘…The vision is yet for an appointed time,’ – Hab. 2: 3. Likewise, the plan of God for our salvation was for an appointed time as is seen from the Old Testament where God referred to atonement repeatedly in connection with sacrifice. Because we have sinned, atonement is necessary for us to be reconciled to God so we can come into His presence. Today, our study will reveal how this plan of God was unfolded in Jesus as the whole plan of God for man`s salvation and forgiveness. He was the real Passover Lamb for our forgiveness and cleansing [John1: 29]. As well, Christ is our strength for obedience and service [Phil. 4: 9 – 13].
QUESTIONS
The first five chapters in Leviticus describe God`s instructions concerning the five
types of sacrifices where sacrificial animal was killed and burned on the altar in
the place of the sincere sinner to atone for the sin that was committed.
A. First, what from the Bible do you think makes an animal clean or unclean?
B. Read Lev. 6: 14, 16 -18, 25 and Lev. 17: 1, 5 – 8, 11. List the different types of
offering that was mentioned and discuss how the Bible begins the description of
each offering and God`s original intention.
C. During the sacrificial system until the New Testament period, God commanded
some kind of support for spiritual leaders 1 Cor. 9: 7 – 14, Gal. 6: 6. Jesus
states the same principle in Matt. 10: 10, Luke 10: 8. What greater application is
in this command since Jesus did not command support or care for Himself
directly?
The New Testament says all followers are priests in a sense [1 Pet. 2: 9 and Rev.
1: 9] Is there a way to explain to a friend how the church can establish a pattern
from the sacrificial system of providing for priests and Levites in the churches
today.
A. Some people believe the Old Testament is full of rules regarding external
religion and not matters related to the heart. Read Lev. 19; 9 – 18 and
describe virtues that should characterize our lives! On the call to holiness in
Heb. 12; 14, how many times did God said that to His people according to
Lev. 11; 44, 45, 19; 2, 20; 26.
B. The sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice, the Lord
Jesus. Considering Lev. 21 why did God restrict priestly service to men who
had no blemishes, and why is this important for Christians to remember.
C. To show the gap between Holy God and Moses, God instructed him not to
come closer in Exo. 3: 1 - 5. Now, according to 1 Pet. 2: 9, 1 Cor. 1: 30, and
Ephe. 1: 4, Heb. 10: 19 - 22, how might we be accepted by God if He is so
Holy.
When Jesus was proving the resurrection to the Sadducees in Mk. 12: 26 - 27,
there was a statement that speaks something about the relationship that was
spoke of earlier In Exodus 3: 1 - 8 and Josh. 5: 13 – 15. What in your view is
God alluding to in Exodus 2: 24?
A. Reading closely at Exo. 3: 11 - 13 and Exo. 4: 11 - 22, mention and discuss
everything that has encouraged you from this section of God`s conversation with
Moses in the passage.
B. When reading Col. 1: 13 – 23, a list of some ways was mentioned to describe
Christ as head of ‘all things in heaven and things on earth.’ List some ways that
Christ is head of all things in heaven and on earth.
C. When do God`s people have access into His presence? Considering Exodus 3:
12, 18, what in your opinion is the ultimate purpose of salvation and what results
are secondary.
What God Demands
Introduction
Text - Isaiah 56: 1- 12
Isaiah 56: 1 - 8 is an introduction to the final major section of Isaiah 56 – 66 which presupposes the text for our study forms a distinct section of the prophecy of Isaiah over a long historical period. But the circumstances are a long period of witnesses to the struggles of hopes... What is important to note is that this section of Isaiah is a prophetic exhortation in which the prophet gives instructions to those who wish to live according to God`s covenant. Likewise, our week of consecration highlights the conditions placed upon us as God`s people, just as the Israelites who are God`s covenant people to maintain justice and right judgment which is an excellent illustration of Jesus teachings [Luke 18: 7-8; Matt. 5: 21-28].
It is well to say, our text and Micah have complimentary themes because Micah`s time during the eighth century witnessed the emergence in Israel and Judah of a commercial civilization of great material prosperity. Its foundation was laid in the peace and security which Jeroboam II [783 - 743] won for Israel and Uzziah [778 - 740] for Judah during their reigns, and in the extension of the borders of their kingdom which gave the Israelites a long command of the trade routes of ancient days. But it was a civilization displayed with all evils of a society, making haste to be rich, greed and covetousness, recklessness, unscrupulous competition, lack of pity, showing disregard of the claims of sympathy, charity, and brotherly consideration.
We all know, punishment is inescapable when we continue to neglect God`s call in His word for justice, mercy, and love. In other words, the Lord`s expectations are for us to have our arrogance removed from us and be fair, reasonable, and honest, always discerning what is fair, reasonable, and sincere because God is just, and no human righteousness provides escape from divine judgment [Romans 2: 1-11].
Interactive Questions
The greatness of the statements in Isa. 56: 1 and Micah 6: 8 lies in the fact that what the prophets said are essential elements of the Christian faith and detaching from what they have said is to set ourselves in contrast to what God intends clearly about those who follow Him and about true worship.
A. Reading from Micah 6: 8, the prophet replies with a sublime statement of the simplicities of God demands. Explain.
B. Identify the similarities of Isa. 1: 27; 5: 5 -9; 9: 6 -7, 16: 5; 28: 16 -18; 32: 1; 42: 1- 4 that attest to the truth or validity of the reply in Micah. 6: 8 to remove any doubt that it is an occurring theme in the Bible.
C. God wanted to sink something deeply into our religious consciousness in Micah 6: 8. Discuss how God links ethics with piety and elaborate on Micah`s message about believers’ duty towards man and God and what makes both co-equal factors in matters of religious practice.
Our text is a struggle of what God hopes that Israel as God`s people should not exist for themselves. But as light to the nations should bring God`s salvation to the ends of the earth [Isa. 49: 5 - 6]. Accordingly, Isaiah invites the Israelites to keep the Sabbath and worship God with a heart of obedience that is not self-justifying and self-serving.
A. Considering the theme of universalism in Isa. 49: 6, examine and discuss the idea that the Eunuchs along with others had originally been excluded from community of the Lord in Deut. 23: 1 – 6; Neh. 13: 1- 3.
B. Reference to the Sabbath in Isa. 56: 2, 4, 6, consider the conditions Isaiah placed upon the people that is important and clarify on the meaning of Amos 4:4.
C. The imagery in Isa. 56: 9 shows how foreign nations are invited to ravage and devour Israel. Use verse 10 - 11 to explain what was responsible and demonstrate from Isa. 1: 1 – 9 how it starts earlier until it developed.
Today, before our very eyes, issues of injustice are trending in the news and social media. But people could feel relieved from the pressure of injustice if believers chose to conduct themselves and practice righteousness because justice is concerned with righteousness and the flourishing of all people [Amos5: 24].
A. List or mention and comment on any story related to biblical injustice that is commonly seen in our world today.
B. Discuss the call of Isaiah in Isa. 6: 1-13 and his faithfulness to the divine commission. In view of that, discuss the theme of universalism as is being developed in Matt. 20; 18-20 and explain how righteousness could flourish as a result.
Christmas Reflection
Introduction
Inasmuch as last month of the year is with us and we are thinking of Christmas and New year celebrations, we have so much to be thankful for and so much to remind ourselves of because God`s salvation plan includes ’whoever’ chooses to acknowledge, accept, and follow Jesus. How God interrupted our broken world with a message of hope about the birth of the Saviour is one thing in the world and is something more than the human mind can totally understand [Luke 1:26 - 38,2: 8-11]
First, it is normal during Christmas to reflect on Christ as the special gift from God to man [John 3: 16 -17]. Because of the reason and purpose of His birth, it would be good to attempt some conversations related to Christ`s birth during Christmas. We all know as a fact that nothing is more important than the grace of God and Jesus is all the blessing God intends for man to seek. No wonder, the ‘New Testament highlighted ‘Grace’ not as blessing or an influence from God which Man could receive, but rather an attribute of God which governs God`s attitude to Man. It goes on to mean, Christmas is everything about the grace of God for man which we all don`t deserved.
Looking around us, we need to yield to the fact and recognize the decline of Christianity in our world during this celebration period so we can admit the full extent of our role as Christians since the whole essence of Christmas is that Christ came to live and reign in the hearts of Men as Saviour and Lord. So, whatever we see happening in the world and whatever Satan brings or whatever lies across our path, we have a responsibility to celebrate the birth of Christ who loves and freed us from bondage with what is happening these days in mind, serving Christ in the freshness of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, grace is no longer grace and the world may misunderstand God`s Divine Purpose’ why Jesus had to be born completely.
QUESTIONS
Report has it that Canada is a very large country with people of different cultural backgrounds. People in Canada send Christmas cards to friends and family, others decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights and decorations, and roasted turkey[s] is served as the main Christmas meal, with cakes, elaborate exchange of gifts etc., Children also watch and visit to catch fun with Santa Claus.
On a different level, Christmas in Nigeria is more of a family event when family members travel from cities to villages and vice visa to join with parents, grandparents, and other relations and friends to celebrate, go to church in new dresses and rice as the main Christmas meal is shared with neighbors with a few gifts, evening is full of traditional dances and parties for fun.
A. The above statement is increasingly the case every year and is widely accepted. Choose your preferred celebration of Christmas in Canada or Nigeria and explain any reason[s] behind your choice.
B. Assuming a choice is forced on you and you feel differently, comment on what Christmas is ALL about and distinguish yourself from how you planned your celebration.
C. In view of 1 Peter 3: 15 discuss how you can convince or debate to convince anyone who has a strong opposition to your preferred choice of Christmas celebration in Canada or Nigeria.
According to Luke 2: 1 - 14, the angel appeared to the shepherds and Luke 2: 15 – 20 has it that the Shepherds left their sheep and hurried off to see the baby Jesus. Why, in your view, were shepherds chosen. Comment on why God chose an angel to announce and proclaim Jesus`s birth to the shepherds and the implication today.
A. Describe the life of a shepherd from the Nigerian context and give your understanding of how the purpose of these shepherds in Luke 2: 1 – 20 has changed significantly before and after they heard the angel and since they saw the baby Jesus.
B. From Matt. 4: 19 – 22, share with specific example[s] how your relationship with Jesus has given you a sense of purpose in a particular area that you want to apply during this period of Christmas moving forward.
Our world is riddled with pain and destruction resulting in heartache that we all experienced and witness either directly or indirectly. We need to recall also; Jesus took our human form and entered our world in pains and suffering along a life purpose and tries to overcome life challenges within the will of the Father John 1: 14; Matt 27: 46.
A. Reading from Matt. 2: 1 – 12, how will you define purpose, and what can you say was wise about the 3 wisemen. From Matt 2: 13 – 18, how did Christ’s parents endure hardship and fear during his birth, what encourage and informed your ability to find peace in your own challenging circumstances.
B. Today, people are confused about identity and purpose. But Jesus offers understanding about who we were made to become as his followers in James 1:1; Titus 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1. From Romans 3: 25 – 26, comment on how the cross has become a symbol of hope that even in our brokenness we can find restoration and salvation from Romans 3: 25 – 26 .
C. In Matthew 1:21, Jesus has a mission to save his people from their sin. As noted in Matt. 28: 16 - 20, Jesus has fulfilled His mission as described in a certain way that underscores believers have a mandate to share the gospel. Explain the driving force of Jesus` commissioning of the disciple for us to spread Christianity across the globe.
OCCUPY TILL I COME
Introduction
We, as God`s children regard Jesus as our God, the Shepherd of our soul and Friend. As we approach Christmas, the ember months should remind us of the predictions, promises and references to Jesus in the Bible unless Jesus` purpose for coming into our world to be born is no longer crucial for us. In John 3: 35, Jesus states that ‘… The scripture are about Me.’ To be sure we understand, every truth about Jesus is supposed to guide and shape our identity daily in the world and make us serve Him diligently. As such, because ember months, Christmas and New is known to be full of atrocities, temptation, accident etc., we must ask once again, what does Jesus mean to us, and why do you think we were saved.
First, Christmas is about Jesus being sent to bind up our broken hearts, proclaim freedom for us as captives to Satan and slaves to sin - He came to proclaim the Lord`s favor and comfort us when we mourn and grief, as well display His splendor in our broken world to convince the world that except in Christ`s birth, death and resurrection, beauty cannot come out of ashes, joy from despair and freedom from sin is impossible – Isa. 61: 1 – 3.
So, if you don`t mind, let us attempt an answer to this question, why are ember months associated with all kinds of atrocities because the Bible says, ‘Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he Himself tempts no one,’ – James 1: 13.
It would not be until we know of Christ`s death and resurrection and remind ourselves during the ember months about the reality of His person being conscious of the sole purpose for our existence, freedom will be hard because there is no freedom in just doing what we want. As you know, if given the slightest opportunity, Satan wants people to remain prisoners to him, humiliate believers and bring them to despair to distract them from God`s mission, and so much of these happens during these seasons. These are the reason for our study so we can celebrate Christmas as truly saved and free, bringing others to Christ.
The Old Testament is the story of God`s dealing with the Hebrew nation for the purpose of bringing into the world a Messiah for ALL nations. What are the initial thoughts, assumptions, and expectations about Gen. 49:10, Hosea 11:1, Isa.7:14, 9: 1-2, 53:3, Zech. 9:9, 11: 12-13 Mic.5:2, Psa. 22:16 and how did that evolve or change over time.
A. Were there moments when you doubted or questioned your thoughts about Christ and why He had been born. If so, what helped you navigate through those thoughts and affirm your commitment to follow Christ that you now celebrate Christmas with understanding and confidence.
B. How has these prophecies impacted your faith to maintain a balance between leaning on Christ`s comfort and seeking spiritual support from a faith community or fellow believers – Gal. 6: 2.
Considering the Supernatural conception of the Virgin Birth in Luke 1: 26 -38, very little was told of Joseph though further reference to him is that he was carpenter, and head of at least seven children in Matt. 13: 55 - 56. With Lk. 2: 4. 16, 33, 43, 51 and Matt. 2:13, 19 – 23, describe Joseph as a good man, and provide the context of a good man with Matt. 19: 16 – 26.
According to Luke 4: 16 – 21, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth and ends His reading in verse 2. Consider Isa. 61: 1 - 3 and clarify to someone who wants to respond to the Gospel why Luke ends in Isa. 61: 2 since verse 3 shed more light on the mission and work of the Messiah.
A. When you contemplate on the mission of Christ to bring Good News to the poor and save man from sin in Matt 1: 18 - 21, you recognize according to John 10: 10, Satan has a different mission from Christ. Since we are called to examine our lives in 2 Corinth. 13: 5, how can you say you have experience freedom in Christ and equipped with God`s wisdom that you`re no longer driven by selfish ambition and worldly gain.
B. As believers, we can be sure we`re rich according to 1 Peter 1; 4. From Psa. 49: 20, what`s the implication of not knowing you`re rich as a believer. With Isa. 61: 1 - 3 and Luke 10: 30 – 37, describe riches and wealth. What story about yourself makes you redefine riches because of Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Peter`s confession reveals Jesus as the Christ the Son of God in Matt. 16: 16 – 17 and testifies to how God Has anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power according to Acts 10: 38. Discuss every truth about Jesus and what His incredible Anointing signifies, and how this powerful truth is supposed to impact on our lives.
A. As good steward of God`s grace according to 1 Peter 4: 10, what will you say about the role of the Shepherds in Luke 2: 8 – 20 that is significant to help you to begin thinking of the other side of believers work with God.
B. In Luke 2: 13 – 14, the Nativity scene broke in praise with a great heavenly host because of Jesus in a manger. In view of the Nativity scene, read Jeremiah 1: 5 with Ephesians 2:10 and explain why Jesus should mean everything to you and you want to praise God because you have seen and have discerned the purpose of God for you in ECWA Canada and feel accountable to God and His mission.
Special men from the east known as wise men attended the birth of Jesus with gold, myrrh, and Frankincense, as gift and worship Him Matt. 2: 1 - 11. What a child will do with such a gift leaves room for more theological questions.
A. As recipients of God`s grace and those who experienced freedom in Christ, we are called to love our enemies and engage in good works Matt. 5: 43 -48, Eph 2: 10. What would this teaching of Jesus directing Israel to love their enemies have meant to Jews who wanted Jesus to deal ruthlessly with the Romans.
B. Contemplate engaging in faith conversation with a new believer in the church or someone else during Christmas from Scriptures related to the Great Commission in Matt. 28: 18 – 20, and Spiritual gifts in 1 Corinth. 12: 1 - 11 and Romans 12: 6 – 8. Mention some of the things you must know as you plan your conversation.
Occupy Till I Come
INTRODUCTION
People say every month of the year is good. However, ember months though special cause lots of anxiety because they signal so much about Christmas. In these parts of the world, ember are months of great activity. Christmas lights and decorations including Television programs are seen and heard everywhere the moment it gets closer to December. What is most confusing is that though Christmas is about God`s plan for salvation, the story of redemption is hardly told, and people wonder what`s this unfolding promise of God to save man about. Taken together, Christmas is confused with business because a lot of businesses happen during the Christmas period. It`s the season of stock taking, and people giving accountability of their stewardship. Conjointly, we should remind ourselves about the Lord`s call on us to ‘OCCUPY’ in Luke 19. Because in the rush to satisfy human hope and expectation during this period, people fondly justify unpleasant choices as better than making no choice at all.
Again, we all know, dangers of losing faith appear common during Christmas because of increased trials and temptation during the ember months. Significant to remember is why Jesus Himself prayed to the Father and said, ‘I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one…’ - John 17: 15 - 16. Remember, God`s promises doesn`t look promising even for Abraham - His life should remind us that being in God`s path or out of it is not totally free of challenges. But as children of faith, like Abraham, we can always keep our eyes on God, looking forward to the city with foundation whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11: 8 – 10).
It is not early therefore to begin to remind ourselves more that we don`t belong here but here for the sake of the gospel. Ultimately, as representatives of the gospel, our expectation and hope, must find fulfilment in Christ. On this note, in this study, we are going to begin looking at the story of redemption first hinted in Genesis 3: 15 to learn significant lessons from Abraham t and equip ourselves for the unexpected.
Immediately after the fall of man, Gen. 3: 15 has the Bible`s first hint of a coming Redeemer. The account is not about snake, but Satan the enemy of man`s soul and the language contains victory in the promise of a Seed.
A. Briefly discuss the fall, and comment on the significance of the idea that is behind Gen. 3: 15 in Gal. 3: 16; 4: 4 -5. Discuss how Col. 1: 13 - 14; Col. 2: 13 - 15 compliment Gen. 3: 15 concerning the Seed of the woman?
B. With Phil.1 27 -30 in mind, what is this ‘Gospel of Christ,’ what does it mean to live worthy of it, and why is it important for the Philippians to conduct themselves to this gospel of Christ whether Paul was present and absent?
C. In a practical manner, what steps can we take as members of ECWA to ensure our church stands firm and united in faith for this gospel - See Gal. 6: 2 - 5, Lev. 25: 35, Rm. 15: 1, Exo. 17: 12, Acts 20: 35, 1 Thess. 5: 11, 2 Corinth. 11: 21-28, Mk. 10:45;
Lk. 9: 23; LK 22: 24-27; Heb. 13: 7, 9 16.
The call of Abraham in Gen. 12: 1 - 5 starts the beginning of redemption as hinted in Gen. 3: 15. Explain why God started by asking Abraham to leave his family and what might have specifically caused the promise of the land?
A. Abraham trusted God and entered Canaan. Considering Gen. 12: 10 – 16, was the initial results of Abraham`s journey to Canaan promising and was he free from anxiety seeing how he pulled out his family to Egypt miles away – See, Gen. 15:13;Exo 8: 1; Matt. 2: 13 - 15?
B. According to Gen. 12: 6 - 9, Abraham built an altar at Shechem and near Bethel then moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent. Comment on the biblical importance of these locations along with the altars he built.
C. Read and briefly summarize Gen. 13: 1- 5.
In view of what the writer of Hebrews exhorts in Heb. 12: 1-3, comment on the closing statement in Gen. 13: 1 - 5 that ‘The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.’ What does that mean to you?
A. Abram and his nephew Lot parted ways according to Gen. 13: 8 – 13. Mention anything significant concerning the narration about Lot`s action. In addition, what did you find interesting reading from the narrative in Gen. 14: 5 - 12?
B. Read Gen. 14: 13 - 14 and comment regarding where Abram was when he received the report about his abducted nephew in Gen. 13: 14 - 18?
C. God told Abraham what He was about to do in Sodom, and Lot and his family were propelled from their home by physical force. Reading from Gen. 18: 16 – 33. What in your opinion is the whole point of the story?
The land of Canaan was a gift by God to the descendants of Abraham. Specifically, God told Abram of what would have to happen and what Israel will endure in Egypt before they occupy Canaan in Genesis. 15: 9 -16.
A. Further to the information in Gen. 15: 16, if Canaan has already been occupied by the Canaanites, justify God`s action about making the land of Canaan belong to Abraham`s descendants – See, Gen. 19: 12 - 25; Gen. 6: 9 – 14.
B. From Gen. 13: 10, Lot likens what he saw with the description of the ‘Garden of Eden’ in Gen. 2: 8-14. What refreshes your mind about Lot seeing how Jesus likens the time of His return to the days of Sodom according to LK 17: 26-32?