BibleSF

People of Promise Kingdom Divided Lesson 3 Lecture

Kings of Judah; Abijah and Asa

1 Kings15:1-24; 2 / 2Chronicles 13-16

Superficiality or authenticity of faith? What's the difference? Jesus says: "Whoever hears my Words and does them is like a man who built his house on the rock." The Old Testament kings were instructed to inscribe God's commands and statutes and then to meditate on them all their lives, but rarely if ever did they do so. When taking up the position of leading God's people, they took it up as if they were fully prepared and ready for the job and failed miserably to steward God's people to a distinctly countercultural Levitical nation that pointed the nations of the world to God's Kingdom under His perfect King.

We'll look at both men who lacked for nothing of the world, but was missing the most vital attribute for being a leader of eternal influence, an unmitigated devotion to God's heart.

Divided Kingdom: Rehoboam and Jeroboam

1 Kings 11-14 and @ Chronicles 10-12

If you notice the abundance of leadership books on the market today, you get a sense that we place a high value on good leadership. Leaders not only impact the nature of our work and whether we'll enjoy what we do, they set the tone for the organization's culture, outlook, mission and vision, and generally accepted attitudes that make up the social-cultural vibe of the people they manage.

How importantly then we see how God takes a strong interest in the kings of Israel. We see kings become overcome by their fears, doubts, uncertainties even as God gives them special promises that He would bless them if they only followed His commands and statutes for leading His people.

Why do kings and leaders go stray from God's design and prescription for godly leadership? Today, we'll take a look at three kings: King Solomon, King Jeroboam, and King Rehoboam and take away vital life lessons from they departure from God's gracious promises and plans.

Notes:

*** CORRECTION: Our TL announced that our fellowship is Oct 8th. Actually, it is for all groups the WEEK OF Oct 8th. So if you're meeting on Tuesday, it will be Oct 11th. Our 1st Baptist Church groups will enjoy the fellowship on Oct 11th at 6pm.

Concluding music selection Scott Brenner - Levites. Your Grace is an Ocean

Recommended readings on the unity of the Gospel message tying the OT with the NT, Graeme Goldsworthy's three part book, Gospel Kingdom, Gospel's Wisdom, and The Gospel in Revelation (Trilogy).

The review by Brian Hedges (ck the above link, his is the first Amazon review) is excellent. He says: "This brief foray into history is concluded with the author's contention that "the most compelling reason for Christians to read and study the Old Testament lies in the New Testament" (18). The New Testament, with at least 1600 direct quotations from Old, and several thousand more allusions, "presupposes a knowledge of the Old Testament." The attitude of Christ Himself towards the Old Testament must determine our own. "The more we study the New Testament the more apparent becomes the conviction shared by Jesus, the apostles and the New Testament writers in general: namely, the Old Testament is Scripture and Scripture points to Christ" (19-20). Just how the Old Testament points to Christ is what we must learn. The New Testament itself will govern our steps as we remember that "the process of redemptive history finds its goal, its focus and fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. This is the principle underlying this book" (20)."

People of the Promise, Kingdom Divided

Have you noticed that many times when Christians share the Gospel message, the Old Testament is oddly missing from their explanation of Jesus's life and atonement? When the early believers testified of Jesus, they always referred back to the Old Testament which they called the words of Moses and the Prophets. Jesus explains the Gospel Himself in this way to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus? Why do we not do the same?

The Old Testament and the New Testament are telling the SAME story, not a different one. They are essentially of one piece and constitute the entire Words of God.

What is the full arch of the Gospel Message and how does the words of the prophets fit in the Gospels?

We'll look at these questions today in our discussion on Lesson 1 of Bible Study Fellowship's study in the minor prophets.

Links to references:

People of the Promise Kingdom Divided - The Part of the Bible We Skimp Over

Welcome back to BSF study in the Minor Prophets. You might think these prophets were in the minor leagues but that's a totally incorrect notion. They were messengers of God in a major way, addressing issues of their day not at all too different from the idolatry and ideologies of pagan cultures of their day. They were standing often alone and against formidable opponents and enemies of God's Word and prevailing by the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us in this remarkable but often neglected look into the Prophets and the historical context within which God used them mightily to prepare their hearts for the coming Messiah- God's covenant fulfilled.

Congratulations on completing the final lesson in our Study of the Gospel of Matthew.

This final lecture talk for the term is a few of my reflections that I've been thinking and meditating on the last few weeks that I hope will stir in you a confidence and assurance in the Great Welcome Christ calls us to in Himself into the Kingdom of God.

Please be aware of these last reminders:

1. Please let your GLs know if you are NOT returning next term in September for our brand new BSF study in the People of Promise. We want to be sure to have an accurate count and make room in our groups for new members.

2. Keep checking our local BSF San Francisco website for the latest information on the new study, how to order the new study books in June, and updates on the Covid guidelines for our we will hold events and meetings.

3. And finally, BSF Menlo Church is holding a summer session study on the Book of Job for men and their children. If you would like to participate in their inter-term study which is fully Online and fully in-person at Menlo Church, please contact Larry Wilson at Larry Wilson [email protected] (415) 602-3472

NEWS: We have one final testimony meeting next week with your regular small groups. If you would like to join our Leader's Meeting for in-person fellowship, please send me an email at [email protected].

Also, if you're interested in a Summer BSF 9week study hosted by veteran leaders at Menlo Church, they are offering online and inperson study in the book of Job. Men and their children welcomed. Contact Larry Wilson to register and enroll. [email protected] (415) 602-3472

BI: The Risen Christ - Fulfillment of the Messiah’s Deliverance

Aim: God’s people are called to follow the risen Christ in building His Church.

I. The Resurrected Jesus Encountered (28:1-15)

a. v 1: When hope appears lost

b. v 2-4: The literal earth-shattering event of the Resurrection (doctrine v2)

c. v 5-8: Go tell the Good News (doctrine v6)

d. v 9-10: Jesus encountered (doctrine v9)

e. v.11-15: The futility of denial

P: Encountering the Risen Lord introduces new, eternal life for those who turn to Him.

II. The Resurrected Jesus Commissions (28:16-20)

a. v 16: The obedience of faith

b. v 17: The response of faith

c. v 18: Authority confirmed (doctrine v18)

d. v 19-20: The blessed call of partnership

P: Encountering the Risen Lord introduces new, eternal purpose to believers

Today we're going to look at Matthew chp 27 and unpack what was happening through Jesus's crucifixion and burial in the context of all that Moses, the Prophets and Psalms said about the Messiah, the Deliverer in our Lord Yeshua - Jesus.

We'll talk about the Simon the Cyrene who helped carry the cross, the Tomb, the religious leaders and political leaders who inadvertently became witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, the irrelevance of the shroud that some Christian sects believe still exists, and we'll also say a few words about the risen holy peoples who entered the city when Jesus arose from the tomb.

BI: Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice - Jesus paid with His Life for our sins.

Doctrine: Salvation from the penalty of sin

Aim: To show Jesus fulfilled everything God described as the only solution for our sins.

I. Christ’s Suffering (vv.32-44)

a. Vv.32-37 – Prophecy fulfilled

b. Vv.38-44 – Ironic Insults

P: Christ’s suffering was the only way for our salvation.

II. Christ’s Brokenness (vv.45-56)

a. Vv.45-50 – Reality of Christ’s death

b. Vv.51-56 – Impact of Christ’s death

P: Christ’s complete assumption of our punishment gained  our reconciliation to God.

III. Christ’s Silence (vv.57-66)

a. Vv.57-61 – Joseph’s Faith

b. Vv.62-66 – Religion’s Fear

P: Christ’s burial confirms He died and endured the penalty for our sin.

Big Idea in the Lesson: God’s sovereign plans

Doctrine: Substitution

Aim: CATL God works His sovereign plans through Jesus for our good and His glory

I. God’s sovereign plans require a response (26:47-68)

a. A response of reception (26:47-56)

b. A response of rejection (26:57-68)

Principle: God’s sovereign plans overrule all opposition.

II. God’s sovereign plans reveal people’s hearts (26:69-27:31)

a. Peter’s heart: denial leading to repentance (26:69-75)

b. Judas’ heart: betrayal leading to remorse (27:1-10)

c. Pilate’s heart: capitulation leading to condemnation (27:11-26)

Principle: God’s sovereign plans required Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Applications:

1. In what ways do you struggle to surrender to God’s plan when His path for you is difficult?

2. How are you helped to remember God’s perfect justice when you ponder this world or your life?

3. What facts about Jesus’ willing sacrifice for your sins have impacted you this week?

BI: Jesus’ Faithfulness vs. Human Unfaithfulness

Doctrine: Redemption

Aim: CATL. Jesus’ faithfulness triumphs over human sin.

I. 26:1-16 Human Devaluation

A. (1-5) Devaluing God’s Son (R-leaders devalue Jesus to death)

B. (6-13) Devaluing Devotion (Disciples devalue Alabaster Jar worship as wasteful)

C. (14-16) Devaluing God’s King (Judas devalues Jesus down to 30 silver coins...price of a slave)

P: Costly devotion is precious to Jesus.

II. 26:17-35 Human Betrayal

A. (17-25) Unrepentant Betrayer

B. (26-30) Sin-Bearing Savior

C. (31-35) Defiant Defector

P: Jesus faithfully poured himself out for the forgiveness of human sin.

III. 26:36-46 Human Weakness

A. (36-38) Sorrowing Savior

B. (39-44) Willing in Weakness

C. (45-46) Heroic Surrender

P: Jesus faithfully embraced the cross to redeem the unfaithful.

NOTICE: Remember to visit www.biblesf.com for all news and updates on the local San Francisco BSF community, resources, and events,

BI: Readiness for Christ’s Return

Doctrine: Second Coming of Christ

Aim: CATL. Jesus followers are called to anticipate and prepare for His return.

I. Ready for His return (21:1-30)

a. Prepared vs Unprepared (1-13)

b. Faithful vs Unfaithful (14-30)

P. True Disciples believe in and work for His Kingdom.

II. Judged upon His return (21:31-46)

a. Believers (31-40)

b. Unbelievers (41-46)

P. True disciples will inherit the Kingdom of God.