Digging in the Old Testament and Finding Jesus - Exodus

It felt like we stopped last week’s lesson at a very critical juncture. We left Jacob anticipating the events that will transpire as he reunites with his brother Esau the next day.

Last week a beautiful picture was painted for us regarding Abraham and his son. We saw Abraham was more afraid of losing his relationship with God than he was surrendering his most precious possession. The whole scene points to God offering His most precious Son for us. Realize what God was willing to do for you.

Faith that saves is not merely faith that believes in God, or tries hard to obey His commands. Saving faith is putting all our hopes in what God has promised, specifically His Son, Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection. Abraham rejoiced as he had this faith. Don’t you think that should also be our attitude also?

From last week’s lesson, we learned that all those who have hidden themselves in the ark of Jesus Christ will be protected from the coming destruction just as Noah and his family were protected from the flood. Our Savior will safely deliver us to a new heaven and earth. On to another digging expedition!

What happened in the garden regarding the serpent is critical for us to understand. We begin this week to analyze this relating the fulfillment as seen in the New Testament.

Nancy Guthrie in her book, "The Promised One?" says the Old Testament is an uncompleted story. As it ends, the people are still waiting for the fulfillment of the Promise. The Old Testament was to provide the context with which we could understand the necessity of suffering and the certainty of glorification. It is the foundation of all we need to know about Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Salvation, the cross, resurrection and glorification made little sense without an understanding of the Old Testament.

The verses 1-16 of Chapter 16 are special greetings that Paul was sending. At least 26 different people are named, two unnamed saints and churches that met in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter.

*Note - This week and prior week are using the same study guide.

The verses 1-16 of Chapter 16 are special greetings that Paul was sending. At least 26 different people are named, two unnamed saints and churches that met in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter.

*Note - The next two weeks will use the same study guide.

We are in the midst of Paul sharing his insight about how to live for God. Last week we studied patterns for living God’s way. Believers may hold different convictions about many matters, but they must hold them in love. Today we will dig in to discover how we are to glorify God. You might be surprised!