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Red Script = Main PointBlue Script= DirectiveYellow Script= Do not miss this point Double underline= Important to rememberBoxed= Biblical Text & SDA Commentary ReferencePURPLE SCRIPT: A Possible Answer INCLUDEPICTURE "/var/folders/kz/w2416nqs3jngmstv8z3lxkjr0000gn/T/com.microsoft.Word/WebArchiveCopyPasteTempFiles/Lesson04.jpg" \* MERGEFORMATINET 2nd Quarter Sabbath School Bible Study Guide“THE PROMISE: God’s Everlasting Covenant”April / May / June 2021Lesson #4“An Everlasting Covenant” April 17th – April 23rd /24th The studies presented here are intended to be foundational in nature. The Student and/or Teacher is expected to draw on these as they depend on the Holy Spirit to gleam deeper insights, make practical applications and drive home the messages to the heart so that the voice of God is heard in the study or presentation.Memory Text:???“I [God] will establish my covenant between me and you [Abraham] and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you”?(Genesis 17:7, RSV).?How many remember distinctly in our childhood a sickness or a touch of pneumonia that made us very sick, with the potential for something even worse? In the long feverish night, we would awaken from a half sleep to see our mother or father sitting in a chair beside our bed in the soft glow of the night-light.Just so, in a figurative, human sense, God sat by the bedside of a sin-sick world as moral darkness began to deepen in the centuries after the Flood. For this reason, He called out Abram and planned to establish through His faithful servant a people to whom He could entrust a knowledge of Himself and give salvation.Therefore, God entered into a covenant with Abram and his posterity that emphasized in more detail the divine plan to save humankind from the results of sin. The Lord was not going to leave His world unattended, not with it in such dire need. This week we will look at the unfolding of more covenant promises.The Week at a Glance:?What is the name of God? What does it mean? What was the significance of the names God used to identify Himself to Abram? What names did He use to identify Himself? Why did God change Abram’s name to Abraham? Why are names important? What conditions, or obligations, were attached to the covenant?Sunday April 18th 2021“Yahweh and the Abrahamic Covenant” “And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it”(Gen. 15:7).Names can sometimes be like trademarks. They become so closely associated in our minds with certain characteristics that when we hear the name we immediately recall these traits. What traits come to mind, for instance, when you think of these names: Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, or Dorcas? Each one is associated with certain characteristics and ideals.During Bible times, people of the Near East attached great importance to the meaning of names. “The Hebrews always thought of a name as indicating either the personal characteristics of the one named, or the thoughts and emotions of the one giving the name, or attendant circumstances at the time the name was given.” — The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 523.When God first entered into a covenant relationship with Abram, He made Himself known to the patriarch under the name?YHWH?(pronounced?Yahweh, and translated as LORD, in capitals in the King James Version [Gen. 15:7]). Thus,?Genesis 15:7reads literally, “I am YHWH who brought thee out of … .”The name?YHWH, though appearing 6,828 times in the Old Testament, is somewhat shrouded in mystery. It seems to be a form of the verb?hayah, ‘to be,’ in which case it would mean, “the Eternal One,” “the Existent One,” “the Self-Existing One,” “the Self-Sufficient One,” or “the One who lives eternally.” The divine attributes that seem to be emphasized by this title are those of self-existence and faithfulness. They point to the Lord as the living God, the Source of life, in contrast with the gods of the heathen, which had no existence apart from the imagination of their worshipers.God Himself explains the meaning of?Yahweh?in?Exodus 3:14?— “I AM WHO I AM”(RSV, NASB). This meaning expresses the reality of God’s unconditioned existence, while it also suggests His rule over past, present, and future.Yahweh is also God’s personal name. The identification of Yahweh as the One who brought Abram out of Ur refers to the announcement of God’s covenant with him in?Genesis 12:1-3. God wants Abram to know His name, because that name reveals aspects of His identity, personal nature, and character — and from this knowledge we can learn to trust in His promises?(Ps. 9:10,?Ps. 91:14).When you think or hear the name?Yahweh, what traits or characteristics automatically come to mind? Those of love, kindness, and care or those of fear, strictness, and discipline? A Possible Answer: Those of love, kindness, and care. But also, greatness, self-existence and ‘beyondness’. What thoughts automatically come to mind when you think of the name?Jesus? A Possible Answer: Like His Father, that of love, kindness, and care, but also, sacrifice, salvation, help and understanding.Monday April 19th 2021“El Shaddai” “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect”?(Gen. 17:1).Yahweh had appeared to Abram several times before?(Gen. 12:1,?7;?Gen. 13:14;?Gen. 15:1,?7,?18). Now, in the above text, Yahweh again appears to Abram (“the LORD appeared to Abram”), presenting Himself as “Almighty God” — a name that is used with two exceptions only in the books of Genesis and Job. The name “Almighty God” consists first of?’El, the basic name for God used among the Semites. Though the exact meaning of?Shaddai?is not entirely certain, the translation “Almighty” seems the most accurate.?(Compare?Isa. 13:6?and?Joel 1:15.)?The crucial idea in the use of this name seems to be that of contrasting the might and power of God with the weakness and frailty of humanity.Read?Genesis 17:1-6, which helps place everything in the larger context. Why would the Lord at this time want to stress to Abram His might and power? Genesis 17: 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.A Possible Answer: God would want to stress to Abram His might and power, at that time, because He desired to reassure him of His ability to carry out His promises. What was God saying that would require Abram to trust in that might and power? Look particularly at verse six. A Possible Answer: God was saying that He would... A) exceedingly multiply his seed and he shall be the father of many nations, B) make him exceedingly fruitful, C) make nations of him, and D) many kings shall come from him. A literal translation of?Genesis 17:1-6?would be, “Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said, ‘I am ’El-Shaddai; walk before Me, and be thou perfect; and I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly … . And thou shalt be a father of a multitude of nations, … and I will make thee exceedingly fruitful.’ ” This same name appears also in?Genesis 28:3, where Isaac says that ’El-Shaddai?will bless Jacob, make him fruitful, and multiply him.A similar promise of ’El-Shaddai?is found in?Genesis 35:11,?Genesis 43:14, and?Genesis 49:25, passages which suggest the bountifulness exercised by God:?’El, the God of power and authority, and?Shaddai, the God of inexhaustible riches, riches that He is willing to bestow upon those who seek Him in faith and obedience.It has been said that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, the idea being that the name does not matter. Yet, how much comfort and hope would you have if the Lord’s name was “The Frail God” or “The Weak God”? Look at the text for today. Replace “Almighty God” with these two other names. What would it do for your faith and trust in Him if the Lord were to present Himself to us in that manner? At the same time, how does the name ’El-Shaddai give us comfort? A Possible Answer: It would put a serious dent into one’s faith. It would give us confidence in that name and would suggest God being able to back up that which He says and carry out that which He wills, irrespective to how the situation may appear or the strength of antagonistic opposing forces.Tuesday April 20th 2021“From Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:4-5).”Though the names of God come with spiritual and theological significance, they do not end just with God. Names of people in the ancient Near East were not just meaningless ways of identification as often they are to us. To name a girl?Mary?or?Susy does not make much of a difference today. For the ancient Semites, however, human names came heavy-laden with spiritual significance. All Semitic names of people have meaning and usually consist of a phrase or short sentence that comprised of a wish or an expression of gratitude on the part of the parent. For example,?Daniel?means “God is my judge”;?Joel?means “Yahweh is God”; or?Nathan?means “Gift of God.”Because of the significance attached to names, names would often be changed to reflect a radical change in someone’s life and circumstances.Look?up the following texts. What situations are they addressing, and why were the names changed in these situations?1. Genesis 32:28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 28. Thy name shall be called. The great spiritual change that had come over Jacob was now symbolized by a change of name indicating the nature of his new relationship to God. The names of Abram and Sarai had likewise been changed (see ch. 17:5, 15); and from that time forward the Scriptures always call them by their new names. But in the subsequent history of Jacob his old and new names are used more or less interchangeably. Jacob’s new name, Israel, became the name of the nation that sprang from his body. For him, the change of name, like his change of character, was far more significant than that of his grandparents. It represented his transformation from a “deceiver” of men to a “victor of God.” The new name, ostensibly a token of physical victory, was to be a perpetual reminder of the completed spiritual renovation that had taken place. No more Jacob. For the meaning of the name Jacob as “heel catcher” or “deceiver,” see on ch. 25:26. But Israel. A combination of yi?ra[h], “he fights” or “he rules,” from ?arah, “to fight” or “to rule,” and ’El, “God.” Without the accompanying interpretation given by God Himself, the name might be translated “God fights” or “God rules.” But the meaning as intended and explained by God is, “he fights with God,” or “he prevails over God,” or “he rules with God.”The honored name Israel was henceforth to memorialize this night of struggle. As applied to the descendants of Jacob, it implied the transformation of character God sought for in them and their destined role of ruling with God. The name was transferred first to his literal descendants and later to his spiritual posterity, who also were to be victors as he had been (John 1:47; Rom. 9:6). Power with God and with men. Literally, “contended [?aritha, also from ?arah] with God and with men.” This obviously refers to Jacob’s nocturnal wrestling with God and to his protracted struggles with Esau and Laban. From all these he had finally emerged victorious. This was particularly true of his experience the night before, from which he emerged a new man, a victor over deceit, dishonesty, and self-confidence. He was a changed man (see 1 Sam. 10:6, 9).A Possible Answer: The situation was the occasion where Jacob had undergone a radical change of character. It was changed because the great spiritual change that had come over him was now to be symbolized by a change of name... thus, indicating a change in the nature of his relationship to God. A new name signified a new relationship and the birth of a new nation.2. Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 45. Zaphnath-paaneah. The name given Joseph by Pharaoh was long recognized as Egyptian, but its meaning was not known. However, the name has been discovered in an inscription of the later, Bubastid period (9th century b.c.), and was written in Egyptian Djed–pa–netjer–iuf–ankh, meaning, “The god speaks that he may live.” Joseph’s name must have referred to contemporary events, signifying that God had spoken through Pharaoh’s dream and Joseph’s interpretation and counsel, to preserve the lives of the king, of Joseph, and of all others as well. Asenath. Joseph received not only an Egyptian name but also an Egyptian wife, a woman from one of the most eminent priestly families. Pharaoh apparently sought to increase Joseph’s honor and reputation by this marriage, as is evident from the fact that some of the kings themselves took their wives from priestly families. Asenath means, “belonging to [the goddess] Neith.” A Possible Answer: Here, the situation was that of Pharaoh honoring Joseph for answering the question as to the meaning of the two dreams the king had. His name was changed in the light of the contemporary events and signified that God had spoken through Pharaoh’s dream and Joseph’s interpretation and counsel, which led to preserving of the lives of the king, of Joseph, and of all others as well.3. Daniel 1:7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. 7. Gave names. The new names given to the Hebrew youth signified their adoption into the Babylonian court, a custom that has several parallels in Biblical history. Joseph received an Egyptian name when entering court life in Egypt (Gen. 41:45), and Hadassah’s name was changed to Esther (Esther 2:7), probably when she became queen. This custom is also attested among the Babylonians from ancient sources. The Assyrian king Tiglathpileser III adopted the name Pulu (Biblical Pul) when he became king of Babylon (see on 1 Chron. 5:26; see Vol. II, pp. 156, 157), and Shalmaneser V seems to have borne the name Ululai in the same office. Belteshazzar. The Hebrew and Aramaic transliteration, representing the later, Masoretic pronunciation of a Babylonian name. Though scholars have proposed various identifications with Babylonian forms, none is entirely satisfactory. Shadrach. The name is inexplicable in Babylonian... Jensen suggested it was the name of the Elamite god Shutruk, but it is difficult to explain why an Elamite name should have been given by the Babylonians. Meshach. A satisfactory explanation as to the origin of this name has not yet been found. Like Shadrach (see above), Meshach is not a Babylonian name. Abed-nego. It is generally agreed that this name stands for ‘Ebed–Nebo, “servant of [the god] Nabu,” a name that is attested by an Aramaic papyrus found in Egypt.A Possible Answer: For Daniel and the other three Hebrew youth, the occasion for the new names given to them signified their adoption into the Babylonian court. The reason was that it was a custom for people to receive new names indicating status, affiliation or loyalty. In one sense, however, it is not that hard, even for modern minds, to understand the significance of what a person is called. There are subtle and, at times, not so subtle effects. If someone is constantly called “stupid” or “ugly,” and if those are the appellations used for them all the time by a lot of people — sooner or later those names could have an impact on how the person views himself or herself. In the same way, by giving people certain names, or changing their names, it seems possible to influence how they would view themselves and thus influence how they would act.With this in mind, it is not so hard to understand why God would want to change Abram to Abraham. Abram means “Father is exalted”; God changed it to Abraham, which means “Father of a multitude.” When you look at the covenant promise in which God says “I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you”(Gen. 17:6, RSV), the name change makes better sense. Perhaps it was God’s way of helping Abraham trust in the covenant promise, which was being made to a 99-year-old man married to an old woman who had up until that time been barren. In short, God did it to help increase Abraham’s faith in God’s promises to him.Wednesday April 21st 2021“Covenant Stages (Gen. 12:1-2)”In those two verses the first stage of God’s covenant promise to Abram (there are three) is revealed. God approached Abram, gave him a command, and then made him a promise. The?approach?expresses God’s gracious election of Abram to be the first major figure of His special covenant of grace. The?command?involves the test of total trust in God?(Heb. 11:8). The?promise?(Gen. 12:1-3,?7), though made specifically to Abram’s descendants, ultimately includes a promise to the whole human race?(Gen. 12:3,?Gal. 3:6-9).The?second stage of God’s (The command wherein lies the test of total trust in God) covenant with Abram appears in?Genesis 15:7-18. In what verses do we find some of the same steps that appeared in the first stage? (the approach involving God’s gracious election)Genesis 15:7 Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.”8 And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” 9 So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” 17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—The approach of God to man? Verses? A Possible Answer: God approached Abraham.... A) in reminding him of His call and His promise to protect him all along the way, (verse 7) B) when He made a covenant with him, (verse 9) C) when He gave him a vision of what was going to happen to his descendants in a foreign land and their return with great possessions, (verse 13). D) on his awakening after the vision and seeing a blazing torch and burning lamp pass between the pieces of the animals and consuming them ((verse 17) and lastly, E) on establishing that they had made a mutual covenant, (verse 18). The call to human obedience? Verses? A Possible Answer: For him to bring the animals to be sacrificed and walk between the pieces, thus, pledging perpetual obedience to God, (verse 10). Plus, Abrahams obedience credited to him by faith when the Lord consumed Abraham’s part of the sacrifice, (verse 17). The divine promise? Verses? A Possible Answer: Not withstanding that from the firstborn of Sarah’s womb and all their subsequent descendants would have to suffer affliction and be enslaved for 400 years, God will punish that nation, free them and they will return with great possessions, (verse 13-14). God promised that he would live to a ripe old age, die in peace, be joined to his fathers and that both he and his descendants will be given the land from the river of Euphrates to the river of Egypt, (verse 15, 18).In the solemn ritual of stage two, the Lord appeared to Abram and passed between the carefully arranged pieces of animals. Each of the three animals was slaughtered and divided and the two halves placed one against the other, with a space between. The birds were killed but not divided. Those entering into the covenant were to walk between the divided pieces, symbolically vowing perpetual obedience to the provisions thus solemnly agreed upon.Describe?what took place during the third and final stage of divine covenant making with Abraham.?(See?Gen. 17:1-14.)Genesis 17: 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” A Possible Answer: What took place in this third and final stage of divine covenant-making with Abraham that dealt with the promises, was that God reiterated His promises and acknowledged the process of the covenantal agreement by changing Abram’s name to Abraham and instituted circumcision for all male firstborns (natural born or not) as a symbol.The meaning of the name?Abraham?underscores God’s desire and design to save all peoples. The “many nations” would include?both?Jews and Gentiles. The New Testament makes it abundantly clear that the true descendants of Abraham are those who have the faith of Abraham and who trust in the merits of the promised Messiah.?(See?Gal. 3:7,?29.)?Thus, as far back as Abraham, the Lord’s intention was to save as many human beings as He could, whatever nations they lived in. No doubt, it’s no different today.Read?Revelation 14:6-7, the first angel’s message. What parallels can you find between what the angel is saying and what happened in the Abrahamic covenant? ? Revelation 14:6, 7 The Proclamations of Three Angels 6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”A Possible Answer: The parallels are.... 1) Divine initiatives and activity, as in God being the prime-mover and the one who empowers/sustains the entire process. 2) Global inclusivity as seen in the realization of God’s will being embraced by all who would respond to His gracious action. 3) There are only two stances to assume and positions to be identified with; both of which have lasting consequences. In what ways are the issues the same? A Possible Answer: The issues are the same as it relates to... a) the possession of faith that would cause the hearers to embrace the revelation of God’s will, b) whether or not each responded would actualize the benefits of God’s messages based on their own works or that of faith and c) the call to take a stand and be a part of only one of two families. Each person can identify with only one of two sides or ‘families’: those who respond to God’s message and enter into a covenantal relationship with Him and receive the resulting blessings or those who do not respond for whatever reason and ultimately end up on the ‘other side’ in opposition to God’s movement and saving activity.Thursday April 22nd 2021“Covenant Obligations” “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him”?(Gen. 18:19).As we have seen so far, the covenant is always a covenant of grace, of God doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. There is no exception in the covenant with Abraham.In His grace, God had chosen Abraham as His instrument to assist in proclaiming the plan of salvation to the world. God’s fulfillment of His covenant promises was, however, linked to Abraham’s willingness to do righteously and to obey Him by faith. Without that obedience on Abraham’s part, God could not use him.Genesis 18:19?demonstrates how grace and law are related. It opens with?grace?(“I know him”) and is followed by the fact that Abraham is someone who will obey the Lord and have his family obey, as well. Faith and works, then, appear here in a close union, as they must.?(See?James 2:17.)Notice, however, the phrasing of?Genesis 18:19, particularly the last clause. What is it saying here about Abraham’s obedience?Genesis 18:19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” 19. For I know him. Abraham could be trusted; he would not betray God. Happy tribute to the aging patriarch! The intelligent discharge of his divinely appointed task required that he share in a knowledge of God’s purposes. Abraham’s posterity must also understand, lest they share the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was to be his duty to pass on to future generations what he knew of God’s dealings with the human race. God’s moral and ceremonial laws were also part of the sacred heritage he was to transmit to future generations. Abraham not only prayed with and before his family, but interceded for them as priest, a practice followed by other patriarchs and holy men of old (see Job 1:5). As a prophet he instructed his family in both the theory and the practice of religion, with emphasis on the practical virtues. He taught his family not only to know these things but to do them as well. A benevolent husband, father, and supervisor, he gave positive direction to the social and religious life of his vast family.God could trust Abraham, for he would “command” his family, not by dictatorial methods, but by clear precept and consistent example. In training children, every word, look, and act has its effect. In many homes, there is little training by way of either instruction or example. Parents are held accountable for the sacred trust of children and should therefore combine firmness with love, as did Abraham. This task of training up children in the way they should go cannot be delegated to another, custodian or teacher, without grave danger of loss. The influence of godly teachers should not be expected to supplant, but rather to supplement, home training. Each has its place, and is incomplete without the help of the other to aid and reinforce it. James 2:17??Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 17. Faith. Literally, “the faith,” that is, the “faith” without “works” of v. 14. Such a faith is merely an intellectual conviction that certain doctrines are true. The mind is convinced because of the overwhelming evidence from God’s Word, but the heart remains cold and unconverted. Not works. As good wishes for the poor and needy can be shown to be genuine by works only, so faith cannot be proved genuine without works. Faith without the fruit of Christian works is faith in name only, without the living principle controlling the actions of the heart (cf. Rom. 2:13; 1 Cor. 13). Dead. Like a corpse, faith without works may retain an outward resemblance to its living counterpart, but it is lifeless. As a dead vine bears no fruit, dead faith produces no consistent pattern of Christian deeds. Both are worthless. Being alone. James is not comparing faith with works, but a genuine faith with a dead faith. The dead faith believes in God, but it will prove useless in that this mental conviction has not made Christian service a life habit. In addition to being worthless in this life, this dead faith cannot save its owner (see on v. 14). A Possible Answer: It is saying that Abraham’s faith, which was rooted in and dependent on God’s grace, would lead him to be an example and thereby free God to do for him what He promised. Though obedience is not the means of salvation, what importance is it given here? A Possible Answer: the importance that it is given here is that it demonstrates the presence of faith as seen in one’s obedience. According to this text, could the covenant be fulfilled without it? Explain your answer. A Possible Answer: No, it could not. Its fulfillment is predicated on a faith that produces works of obedience. God was willing and able to do His part but Abraham had to perform his part also... which was for him to accept God’s gesture of grace, utilize his faith in God’s promises and live in harmony with the agreement. The blessings of the covenant could not be enjoyed or maintained unless certain conditions were met by the beneficiaries. Though the conditions were not needed to establish the covenant, they were to be the responses of love, faith, and obedience. They were to be the manifestation of a relationship between humankind and God. Obedience was the means by which God could fulfill His covenant promises to the people.Covenant breaking, through disobedience, is unfaithfulness to an established relationship. When the covenant is broken, what is broken is not the condition of bestowal but the condition of fulfillment.In your own experience with the Lord, can you see why obedience is so important? A Possible Answer: Yes, most definitely. Can you think of any examples, either from the Bible or from your own experience, where disobedience makes the fulfillment of covenant promises impossible? A Possible Answer: . If so, what are they, and, more important, what is the remedy? A Possible Answer: From a personal perspective, it could have been a time when you didn’t enjoy good health, experience God’s provisions or a higher degree of happiness and success because of one’s disobedience. Biblically, 1) Abram/Sarai and Hagar in Genesis 16, 2) Sampson’s many failures to live in harmony with his blessings as recorded in Judges 13-1, 3)Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, 4) The Children of Israel in the non-acceptance and crucifixion of Jesus as verified in Matthew 21:42, Mark 8:31 and in the death of Stephen, Acts 7:51-60, Hosea 13:9, 14:1. Acts 13:46. (COL 308)Friday April 23rd 2021“Further Thought”Read Ellen G. White,??“The Call of Abraham,” pp. 125-131, in?Patriarchs and Prophets;?“Jew and Gentile,” pp. 188-200, in?The Acts of the Apostles.The rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant with Noah. Read?Genesis 17:10?to discover what the sign of God’s covenant was with Abraham. Circumcision “was destined: (1) to distinguish the seed of Abraham from the Gentiles?(Eph. 2:11), (2) to perpetuate the memory of Jehovah’s covenant?(Gen. 17:11), (3) to foster the cultivation of moral purity?(Deut. 10:16), (4) to represent righteousness by faith?(Rom. 4:11), (5) to symbolize circumcision of the heart?(Rom. 2:29), and (6) to foreshadow the Christian rite of baptism?(Col. 2:11-12).” — The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, pp. 322, 323.The rainbow will remain as a sign of God’s promise until the end of the world, but the sign of circumcision will not. According to the apostle Paul, circumcision was received by Abraham as a token of the righteousness he had received by faith in God?(Rom. 4:11). However, through the centuries, circumcision came to signify salvation by obedience to the law. By New Testament times, circumcision had lost its significance. Instead, the essential element is faith in Jesus Christ, which leads to an obedient, transformed life. Read?Galatians 5:6;?Galatians 6:15; and?1 Corinthians 7:18-19.Discussion Questions:Discuss the relationship between faith and works. Can there be one without the other? If not, why not?“Many are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear the voice of God speaking directly from the heavens, but He calls them by the teachings of His Word and the events of His providence. They may be required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor, to leave congenial and profitable associations, and separate from kindred, to enter upon what appears to be only a path of self-denial, hardship, and sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; but a life of ease and the influence of friends and kindred would hinder the development of the very traits essential for its accomplishment. He calls them away from human influences and aid, and leads them to feel the need of His help, and to depend upon Him alone, that He may reveal Himself to them. Who is ready at the call of Providence to renounce cherished plans and familiar associations?” — Ellen G. White,??Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 126, 127. Discuss any contemporary examples of those you know who heeded this same call.Summary: God called Abraham into a special relationship with Him, one that would reveal the plan of salvation to the world. ................
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