STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 33 May 17, 2009
“Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is” Romans 12:2
“Find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10
Theme Verse: “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
Readings: Hebrews 11:1-12:2
Memory Verse: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are fixed on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12b
Word received: I want you to look at the Faith chapter. Word received: Look at my word to you. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) I want you to live in hope of what you have not yet seen. I want you to remember the heroes of faith. Their way was often difficult and lonely, but they kept their eyes on me. That is what I want you to do.
Let’s look at some of the actual responses of faith that were pleasing to God in the Bible, especially in Hebrews 11. Each person in the class should take one person, pray and listen to what the Lord is showing you, and then share it.
Abraham set off to go to a place where he was to receive his inheritance, not knowing where he was to go. (Genesis 12:1-4) He surrendered his son, Isaac, the child of God’s promise, and was ready to sacrifice him till God intervened. (Genesis 22) He and Sarah by faith believed and she conceived and bore a son, Isaac, when she was past child-bearing age.( Genesis 21)
Joseph lived a life of obedience and faith, and not only prophesied about the Exodus but planned to be eventually buried in the land of Canaan. (Genesis 50:24-25). He also refused to bear a grudge against his brothers but told them “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…so do not fear.” (Genesis 50:20-21)
Moses was willing to be identified with his own people instead of living the life of a prince, and had to escape into exile after killing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. When God called him many years later to return to Egypt and lead the people out, he went, very reluctantly, and by faith kept the Passover and lead the Israelites across the Red Sea and through many difficult years in the wilderness, interceding with God for them.
Joshua lead the Israelites out of the wilderness into the promised land, leading them across the flooded River Jordan and seven times around Jericho till the walls fell down and they conquered it. He was faithful in leading his people all his life and at the end challenged them: “Now therefore fear the Lord …put away the gods your fathers served…and serve the Lord….Choose this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14–15)
Gideon by faith obeyed the Lord and led his people against the enemy even though when God called him he was hiding inside a wine press. He continued obeying even when God drastically reduced the size of his army.
Samuel as a child responded to God’s voice, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening,” and faithfully led the nation. Although he grieved over King Saul and was afraid, he obeyed and anointed David, the future king.
David, who though escaping from King Saul’s jealous hatred, never lifted his hand against the King but waited for God to give him the kingdom. By faith and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he wrote some of the Psalms which talked about events in Jesus’ life. He committed terrible sin and when God’s prophet, Nathan, confronted him, he deeply repented (Psalm 51) and was forgiven (even though many consequences remained.)
Daniel “stayed the mouths of lions”. He was faithful to God as a captive in a foreign land. He and his three friends trusted and obeyed God even in the face of death in the fiery furnace (“quenched the fury of the flames”) and God rescued them.
Isaiah: I read years ago that it was a Jewish tradition that Isaiah was martyred by being “sawed in two”. When God called him and showed him a vision of himself and his holiness, he recognized his own sin. After God cleansed his lips, he heard God ask, “Who shall I send?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 )
Others were Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute who hid the Jewish spies because she said, “I know the Lord has given you the land…for the Lord your God is he who is God in Heaven above and on earth beneath.” They rescued her and her family when Jericho was destroyed and she became an ancestor of David and Jesus. (Matthew 1:5)
Queen Esther was another who risked likely death to go to the Persian king, her husband, to plead for the lives of her people. She went saying, “If I perish, I perish.”
* * * * * * * * *
Notice at the end of Hebrews 11 are the references to many whose names are not known who were persecuted for their faith in God, and by faith remained faithful to God. We live in a time when this is true in many parts of the world. The Lord is calling us to trust him, believe in him, and keep our eyes on him–no matter what!
Now read Hebrews 12:1-2. God is calling us to lay aside everything that draws us away from him and to “run with perseverance the race (of life) that is in front of us, looking to Jesus.”
The heroes of faith expressed their faith in many ways. They were not perfect. They lived in hope of what God will do. They desired to please him. When Jesus called his disciples, he didn’t give them any details. He said, “Follow me.” After the Resurrection when Peter asked about another disciple, Jesus said, “What is that to you? Follow me.”
How is God calling us both personally and corporately to live by faith and obedience to him? Let us keep our eyes and attention on Jesus.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 33
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