Finding Encouragement In God's Word

January 15, 2013            Gen 31, Matt 11:2–19, Ps 9:6–11, Prov 2:1–3

“A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, enclosing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it. God Himself is here waiting our response to His Presence. This eternal world will come alive to us the moment we begin to reckon upon its reality.” A. W. Tozer

Genesis 31

Jacob fled the scene after working for twenty years. Most importantly he was listening to the Lord’s instructions. God made it clear to him that his success was given to him by God. Why did his wife steal the household idols?

The real source of contention was the household idols (vs. 30). Why was Laban so anxious to get them back? God had spoken to him and he obviously had some idea who God is, how does this play into the situation?

The covenant they made with one another was not based on trust, love, or friendship. Rather it was based on mistrust, hatred, and animosity. The pillar of stone was a boundary to leave one another alone. God was to be the witness not of their friendship, but of their staying away from one another. It is a very sad thing when families cannot get along. How many families have been broken apart due to money? How many have been shattered because they refused to forgive?

Matthew 11:2-19

John was in prison and had been for some time and he needed some encouragement. Why did he ask Jesus this question? What do we learn from Jesus’ response?

Jesus used the Word to comfort John. How have you used the Word to comfort those who were down? How could you in the future?

John was a man of convictions and Jesus said no greater man had been born. What does it mean that the least in the Kingdom is greater than John? How can this be the case?

Jesus rebuked that generation for being immature. They could not be pleased and were always looking to be entertained. Do you think the same could be said of this generation?

Psalm 9:6-11

God is everlasting and above all things. He will come in judgment for those outside of Christ this is a terrible thing. For those who are in Christ it brings some sense of relief because He will set all things right. Do you fear or look forward to the Second Coming? Why or why not?

He says to sing praises about God’s deeds to those that do not know Him. The first step of coming to God is hearing about Him. How do we do this today?

Proverbs 2:1-3

We are to eagerly receive and treasure wisdom. To treasure it is to place it in memory and to think of it often. Would you say you treasure God’s Word?

We are to use our ears and mouths to seek out wisdom. Wisdom does not come automatically with age, but with a striving for the truth of God’s Word.

Pray today about family that you need to reconcile with? Pray about how money affects your relationships with others.

Pray about who you can encourage with God’s Word today.

Consider if you are acting childish or mature. Pray about if you are content in the Lord.

Pray about how you can tell of God’s deeds to others that do not know about Him.