Unit 2
God never gives us more temptations than we can handle. What Scripture passage would you use to prove this statement to a struggling friend?
"God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape." (1 Cor 10:13)
What four examples of craftiness appear in Jacob's life?
1.) He bought Esau's birthright with a bowl of stew. 2.) He stole Esau's blessing with disguise and falsehood. 3.) He tried to steal Laban's cattle. 4.) He left Laban without seeking his permission or saying good-bye.
What were the two reasons Joseph's brothers hated him (Gen 37:4,8)?
1.) Jacob loved him more. 2.) Joseph told them his dreams of about ruling over them.
What are the three characteristics of true forgiveness?
1.) True forgiveness removes all barriers to a relationship, 2.) forgets past wrongs, 3.) and restores complete fellowship.
List two of the three crisis experiences that God used in Jacob's life and tell what God was doing through these experiences.
1.) When he fled from Esau and saw the vision at Bethel 2.) When he feared meeting Esau and wrestled with God (the turning point in Jacob's life) 3.) When he feared the Shechemites' revenge for Simeon and Levi's raid. Through these experiences, God was bringing Jacob to the point where he had to recognize his dependence on Him, submitting to being led and transformed.
List three of the seven tests that Abraham underwent.
1.) dependence on God for material needs(famine) 2.) trusting God for personal safety(fearing being murdered because of his wife) 3.) trusting God in conflict(yielding rights to Lot) 4) Showing loyalty (to Lot when he was captured) 5.) waiting for God's timing for a son(taking Hagar) 6.) resisting others who would lead him astray (listening to Sarah's bad counsel) 7.) making God his highest priority (sacrifice of Isaac)
What are three common symptoms of profaneness?
1.) desire for immediate pleasure; 2.) failure to maintain standards of separation; 3.) not valuing what God values; hypocrisy
What are three reasons Lot's choice was not a good one?
1.) he failed to consider the effect his choice would have on others; 2.) he failed to consider God's will; 3. ) he gave no thought to the future.
Joseph's age when he was sold into slavery (Gen 37:2)
17 years old
Joseph's age when he was brought before Pharaoh (Gen 41:46)?
30 years old
Length of the famine (Gen 41:29-30)
7 years
What did Jacob learn from his trials?
A peson reaps what he sows
What does that passage in Roman say that Abraham believed about God?
Abraham believed that God can give life to the dead, that He can call things into existence that do not yet exist, and that He is able to perform what He promises.
What demand did God make of Abraham?
Abraham had to leave his familiar surrounds to go to an unknown land.
Why is Abraham called the "father of the faithful"?
Abraham obeyed the divine call to leave his homeland and go to an unnamed land, even facing a famine when he arrived there. He also believed that God was able to fulfill His promise to give a son in his old age. Romans 4 says that Abraham believed that God can give life to the dead, that He can call things that are not as though they are, and that He is able to perform what He promises. Abraham's faith counted for righteousness.
Which of the following should we stay away from as we form convictions?
All of the below: a.) anything that will adversely affect our relationship with God b.) anything that's specifically condemned by Scripture or scriptural principle c.) Anything that will cause another Christian to be hurt spiritually d.) Anything that will cause our testimony to non-Christian to be hurt spiritually.
What is the chief danger of marrying an unsafe person?
An unbelieving spouse can turn you away from following God, sometimes even to false religions.
What was one way that preincarnate Jesus Christ appeared in the Old Testament?
As the Angel of the Lord
Why should Christians surrender in faith to God?
Because He and His Word are reliable and authoritative.
Why is personal godliness more beneficial than physical fitness?
Because physical fitness profits for only a little while. Godliness is profitable in this life and in the life to come.
Memorize Verse: Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whiter he went.
Who is the Angel of the Lord mentioned in the Old Testament?
Christ in a reincarnate appearance
Where did Jospeh find his brothers (Gen 37:17)?
Dothan
Where did Abraham go to get away from the famine. (Gen 12:10)
Egypt
Who deceived Jacob?
Esau; Laban; his own sons
T/F-Esau's profaneness ruined his prosperity.
False
T/F-If we are to follow, For, we must give up pleasure.
False
T/F-The actions of Joseph's brothers when they went to Egypt show that they were only trying to save their skin, without ever really acknowledging their guilt.
False
Paul told the early believers that they would reap what they sowed. What New Testament Scripture verses tell this truth?
Galatians 6:7-8
Abraham's faith is described in which of the following passages?
Genesis 15:6
One of the most memorable character qualities of Joseph is his forgiveness. Which verse records his statement, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good"?
Genesis 50:20
Who was the actual interpreter of dreams (Gen 41:16)?
God
What did God accomplish by letting Satan attack Job?
God demonstrated that Job's motivations for service were indeed pure. When God and His blessings are separated from each other in our experience, we can clearly see whether or not we are trusting God Himself or the blessings that He has given us. Job trusted God Himself. Satan was proved wrong.
Jeremiah 10:23
God directs our lives
Why is it impossible to hide sin from God (Prov. 15:3)?
God's eyes are in every place.
Who did Abraham take as a second wife (Gen 16:15)?
Hagar
How did Isaac reveal his meekness toward God in his social life?
He allowed God to reveal the proper person and the proper time for his marriage.
What did God use to transform Jacob?
He allowed several periods of crisis in Jacob's life.
How did God confront them with their sin?
He brought them before Joseph twenty years later.
How does Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife (Gen 38:10-12) illustrate 2 Timothy 2:22?
He fled from youthful lust.
How does Joseph's life illustrate Matthew 19:27-30?
He forsook all to follow the Lord and was greatly rewarded.
In what ways did Job suffer?
He lost all his material possessions, his children, and his health.
What consequences did Esau's profaneness have in his life?
He prospered in man's eyes, but he failed in God's eyes. He is know as a fornicator and a profanity person.
Why was Joseph able to forgive his brothers?
He realized that God was in charge of his life.
What did Abraham do when he heard that Lot had been captured (Gen 14:13-16)?
He rescued him from his captors.
What should a Christian do when facing conflict with another person?
He should go the extra mile to keep peace and avoid conflict.
What are two ways Esau showed his profaneness?
He sold his birthright; he married pagan women.
Why did Joseph test his brothers?
He wanted to see whether they were repentant.
Why did Joseph put his brothers through an ordeal?
He wanted to test whether they had repented
Why does God allow us to face difficulties?
He wants to mature us, to make us stronger.
What was God's attitude toward Job?
He was confident of Job's dedication.
What were the two major setbacks in Joseph's life?
He was sold into slavery and thrown into prison.
What two promises has God given to those who follow Him?
He will protect; He will reward.
What would happen to any male in Abraham's house who did not have this sign of this covenant?
He would not be considered part of God's people.
By who or what did God swear His promise to Abraham (Heb 6:13)?
Himself
What did God swear by in order to affirm His trustworthiness in the Abrahamic Covenant?
Himself.
What reasons did Joseph have to become bitter?
His brothers sold him into slavery/ He was imprisoned unjustly.
What did God begin to reveal in Abrahamic Covenant?
His plan for the Redemption of mankind
What two themes does Scripture repeatedly use Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate?
Human wickedness and divine judgment
Matthew 6:12-15
If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us
What was the name of the son born to Abraham when he was one hundred years old (Gen 21:5)?
Isaac
Give some examples of Isaac's meekness.
Isaac was meek toward his father when he submitted to the sacrifice on the mountain. He was meek toward God's will in waiting till he was forty years old for just the right bride. Isaac was meek toward Abimelech by obeying when Abimelech told him to leave. Finally, Isaac was especially meek toward insignificant herdsmen who made unjustified complaints against him and encroached on his property.
What was the name of Abraham's son by his second wife (Gen 16:15)?
Ishmael
Who purchased Jospeh and took him into Egypt (Gen 37:25, 27-28)?
Ishmaelite (or Midianite) traders
What new name did God give to Jacob?
Israel
How would knowing Psalm 23:4 have helped Joseph in his periods of slavery and imprisonment?
It would have helped him to realize that God was with him even in the tough times.
Why is the Abrahamic Covenant important?
It's the gospel in embryonic form.
How did Jacob reap what he sowed?
Jacob exploited Esau's weakness for the birthright, methodically derived his father for a blessing (even lying in God's name), took matters into his own hands to procure more cattle for himself, and tried to leave Laban in secret. He reaped what he sowed in that he had to leave home for years, never seeing his mother again. He was duped on his wedding night in a way that closely parallel his deceit of his father. His sons sought vengeance by deceiving the Schechemites without their father's approval. And finally, Jacob's own sons deceived him regarding their kidnapping of his favored son.
In Old Testament times, it was the custom for fathers to give an inheritance to their sons. Jacob gave his material inheritance and his spiritual inheritance to two different sons. To which son did Jacob give his material blessing?
Joseph
Who received a double portion of the material inheritance from Jacob?
Joseph
Trace God's providential hand by listing Joseph's apparent setbacks and blessings.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but elevated to a position of authority by his master Potiphar. Joseph was imprisoned for Potiphar's wife's false charge of attempted rape, but even the prison warden noticed Joseph's faithfulness and put him in a position of authority. Joseph was forgotten by the butler but ws finally brought to Pharaoh. When he interpreted Pharaoh's dream, Pharaoh made him second in authority over all of Egypt.
To which son did Jacob give his spiritual blessing?
Judah
Who received the spiritual double portion from Jacob?
Judah
Who suggested Jospeh be sold into slavery (Gen 37:26-27)?
Judah
Joseph's firstborn son (Gen 41:51)
Manasseh
God described Moses as a meek man. Meekness is a character quality that Christ declared to be blessed. In which Scripture verse does Christ say, "Blessed are the meek"?
Matthew 5:5
Define meekness.
Meekness is the ability to submit intelligently, humbly, and willingly to authority.
Is it possible to get away with sin (Gal. 6:7-8) Why or why not?
No. A man reaps what he sows. A man who sows sin will reap judgement.
Did God immediately reveal His complete will to Abraham? If not, what did He do instead?
No; He simply pointed Abraham in the right direction and granted him further insight as he traveled
Did Abraham pass all his tests? What benefit did they have in his life?
No; he learned from them and developed into a mature servant of God.
What tablets, discovered between 1925-1931, offer valuable insights into the patriarchal era by telling us of traditions common throughout the Near East in that time period?
Nuzi Tablets
Who was Captain of Pharaoh's guard; purchaser of Joseph (Gen 37:36)?
Potiphar
What is profaneness?
Profaneness is the inability to f athom the depth and value of what is truly worthwhile, regarding that which is significant to be common.
What is the biblical way to deal with guilt?
Repent, confess sin, and seek forgiveness.
Which brother intended to save Joseph's life (Gen 37:21-22)?
Reuben
What chapter in Roman describes Abraham's faith?
Romans 4
How can you benefit from testing? Mention possible purposes for God's testing His children.
Testing undermines our self-sufficiency so that we recognize God's control over our lives and our dependence upon Him. With our self-confidence shaken, we must turn to God as our only hope. Furthermore, testing shows what we are truly like. It is hard for a hypocrite to endure difficult testing. For sincere Christians, testing shows up weaknesses and removes pride For all Christians, testing from God should build spiritual maturity so that we can face battles against the enemy.
Why are we unable to fool God with outward conformity?
The Lord searches or examines our hearts.
Who or what does Shiloh (Gen 49:10) probably refer to?
The Messiah
Genesis 49:10 says, "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." What does the word Shiloh mean in this verse?
The long awaited Messiah.
How should we handle guilt? How is it that our sins can be forgiven?
The only cure for guild is to remove the cause- the sin the Holy Spirit is convicting your of. Repent of your wrongdoing (turn away from it). Confess your sin (agree with God that it wad wrong). Make things right with God and the offended person (ask forgiveness and make restitution). Christ has taken the punishment for human sin; because sin has been paid for, Christ's righteousness will be imputed to all who humble themselves to ask for it.
How did these difficulties help Joseph?
They brought him into Egypt, put him in contact with the chief butler and baker, and eventually brought him before Pharaoh. These experiences further refined his character.
Why are heavenly treasures more valuable than earthly treasures?
They cannot be destroyed or taken away. Moth and rust cannot ruin them. Thieves cannot steal them.
What fears plagued Jospeh's brothers?
They feared that their sin would be discovered and that God would punish them.
How did Jacob's sons deceive their father?
They kidnapped Joseph and sold him into slavery. Then they pretended that he had been killed by a wild animal.
How did Joseph's brothers try to hide their sin?
They made it appear that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.
What was Joseph's brothers' sin?
They sold Joseph into slavery and covered up the act.
How did Joseph's brothers try to hide their sin (Gen 37:31-33)?
They went to get food. There was a severe famine, and there was food only in Egypt.
Even though Sarah laughed at the thought of a child, she, too, ultimately came to accept the divine promise because of the kind of God she believed in.
This is correct; she believed that God was faithful, and because of her faith, God blessed her with conception.
Even people who have never heard of Jesus Christ are saved if the believe that there must be a God Who will forgive them for anything they may have done wrong.
This is false. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing God's Word, not a leap of faith into vague speculations.
Abraham regarded himself as a sojourner in Canaan because he missed hid homeland, but he knew that this was for the best.
This is incorrect. Hebrews 11:15 shows that if Abraham had really missed his homeland, he had plenty of opportunity to return. Hebrews 11:16 says that Abraham's affections were set on a different land.
When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham thought that God's promises would not be fulfilled through Isaac.
This is incorrect. Hebrews 11:19 indicates that Abraham expected God to raise Isaac from the dead.
Why is it better to confess sin (Prov. 28:13)?
Those who confess and forsake sin will receive mercy.
Describe the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant. How can people today participate in the covenant?
Through a miraculous son, Abraham would have numerous descendants. These descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. Through Abraham's descendants would come the Messiah, who would accomplish Redemption for people from all nations on earth. Like Abraham, those who rest secure in God's promises will be saved.
List two of the four biblical ideas (in the lecture) that will help us to form convictions.
To build godly convictions we should commit ourselves to avoiding: 1.) anything that will adversely affect our relationship with God, 2.) anything that is specifically condemned by Scripture of scriptural principle, 3.) anything that will cause another Christian to be hurt spiritually, and 4.) anything that could cause our testimony to non-Christians to become ineffective.
T/F-In all his trials, Job never cursed God.
True
T/F-In the incident with the rods, Jacob followed a superstition that worked only because God chose to intervene.
True
T/F-Jacob's life (like a Christian's) was one of gradual transformation.
True
T/F-Joseph's main concern in the matter of Potiphar's wife was not to sin against God.
True
T/F-Lot's decline in morality was a gradual one.
True
T/F-The Abrahamic Covenant is the gospel in embryo--the mechanism for God's Redemption of mankind.
True
Matthew 18:21-22
We must forgive continuously.
Ephesians 4:31
We must get rid of bitterness.
1 John 4:20
We must love other people
What should be our attitude toward an imperfect government leader?
We should still be obedient.
What must we all do at the judgment?
We will all give an account of ourselves to God.
What do Isiah 38:17 and Micah 7:19 teach about God's forgiveness?
When God forgives, He forgets.
Memorize Verse: Proverbs 26:27
Whoso diggers a pit shall fall therein: and he that rollers a stone, it will return upon him.
How is your Christian life like a diamond?
You begin rough, uncut, and covered with the grime of sin, but your goal should be to shine like a precious stone in a sinful world.
What happens when you compromise your convictions?
You risk losing them altogether.
What should you do when you encounter difficulties?
You should remember to trust in the Lord with all you heart (Prov. 3:5-6)
God tested Abraham in the following areas. Indicate whether Abraham passed or failed it.
a.) Material needs---failed b.) personal safety---failed c.) stress and division--passed d.) loyalty--passed e.) proper timing--failed f.) tempting pleas of loved ones--failed g.) priorities--passed
How much land did God promise to Abraham's descendants?
all the land of Canaan from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates
What type of choice is clearly not God's will?
any choice that causes harm to your Christian life
Why did Joseph rise from shepherd boy to Egyptian ruler?
because God directly controlled every circumstance of his life
How did God reward Jacob's act of dedication?
by changing his name from Jacob, which means "supplanter," to Israel, "one who strives with God"
How did Lot fail?
by making a selfish choice
In what ways does God make similar demands of you?
by requiring me to separate from bad friends; by expecting me to trust Him with my future
One who informed Pharaoh about Joseph (Gen 41:9-13)
chief butler
What was the outward sign of the Abrahamic Covenant?
circumcision
What was the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant?
circumcision
How should you deal with profaneness in your own life?
confess sin; begin to care about pleasing God more than pleasing anyone else
What is faith?
confidence in the reliability of God and His Word
Where did they learn to practice deception?
from their father
By the time of the famine, what position did Joseph hold in Egypt (Gen 42:6)?
governor or ruler
What kept Job faithful to God?
having the right motive for service
What about Job did Satan call into question?
his motive
What did Satan question about Job?
his motive for serving God
What four things did Lot lose because of his selfish decision?
his possessions, his testimony, his family, and his self-respect.
What is meekness?
humble submission to the rule of those in authority
What should you do when you are lonely or scared?
look to God in prayer; listen to the pastor's sermons; pay close attention to Bible lessons; read the Bible often
Which of the following did the textbook not mention as a characteristic of Esau's profaneness?
never reconciling with Jacob
List two of the there things Lot selfishly failed to factor into his decision-making?
others; God: the future
Who should you seek advice from when you need to make a choice?
parents, teachers, and pastors
When did Job live?
possibly about the same time as Abraham
What concept underlies many biblical metaphors for forgiveness?
removal
Supplant meant to:
replace
What is improper motive for service?
service for what God will give us
What is the proper motive for service?
service from a heart of love and reverence
What does the fifth commandment teach?
that children should honor their parents
What did Jospeh's dreams reveal about his future?
that he would be in a position of leadership
What lie did Abraham tell about his wife? (Gen 12:13)
that she was his sister
What three promises were included in the Abrahamic Covenant?
the "great nation" promise; the "land of Canaan" promises; and the "universal blessing" promise
Who stopped Abraham from offering Isaac (Gen 22:11)?
the Angel of the Lord
Which of Abraham's descendants would be the most important in history?
the Messiah; the Lord Jesus Christ
Bible References: Luke 17:33
the dedicated life
Bible References: Matthew 7:16-20
the fruit-bearing life
Where did Abraham go to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:2)?
the land of Moriah
What do profane people live for?
the pleasures of this life
Bible References: 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
the separated life
What was Abraham's most difficult test? What did this demonstrate about his character?
the test of priorities, his willingness to place God first in his life by offering Isaac as a sacrifice; that the years of testing had strengthened him.
Bible References: Romans 12:1-2
the transformed life
What kind of people cannot find peace of mind (Isa. 48:22)?
the wicked
How does God reveal His will to you?
through His Word and through circumstances
How did Joseph prove the sincerity of his forgiveness?
through his kindness and good works
Why does God bring crises into our lives?
to motivate us to turn to Him so that He can teach us lessons
What was Joseph's ultimate task in Egypt?
to prepare a place for Israel to develop as a nation
What was God's ultimate purpose in allowing Joseph to be separated from his family and taken to Egypt?
to provide a place for the Israelite people to develop as a nation.
What negative quality do many people think is the same as meekness?
weakness
What things did Job not Know?
why he was suffering; what Satan was doing; whether he would get his wealth back
How long does the transformation process take?
your whole life
