Tests and temptations

January 09, 2013            Gen 20–22, Matt 7:1–20, Ps 7:1–4, Prov 1:20–21

Martin Luther once said, “You might as well quit reading and hearing the Word of God, and give it to the devil, if you do not desire to live according to it.” While I think this is too harsh for the Word of God has power beyond our wills, his point is well taken. As we read our Scriptures today read them with a mind that says the text is talking to me and I need to change to conform to what I hear.

Genesis 20-22

Chapter 20

God is a God of grace this is seen over and over again in the Bible. This chapter shows us another example of how God uses us sinful people to accomplish His will.

Why did Abraham feel the need to lie again about his wife?

What is the difference between admitting/confessing sin and repenting from sin?

In what way did God show grace to Abraham?

In what way did God show grace to Abimelech?

In what ways has God show grace to you?

Abraham tries to justify his lie in that it was a half-truth.  Remember, a half-truth is still a lie. How do we justify our sins? How do we tell half-truths?

In chapter 26 his son does this same trick. Please realize that we are teaching our children by our example.

Chapter 21

Do you ever have any issues in your family? If so, and don’t we all, you are in good company. Abraham already had issues with his father (11:27–32), his nephew Lot (chaps. 12–13), and his wife (chap. 16). Here we see conflict between the two sons, Ishmael (who would be in his late teens according to 16:16), and Isaac (who was weaned at about the age of 3). At first, Isaac’s birth brought joy and laughter the name “Isaac” means “laughter.” But soon there was conflict.

Due to Ishmael constantly picking on his younger half-brother Sarah demands that he and his mother be thrown out. God confirms to Abraham that this is what is best. God had not forsaken the child, but had other plans for him. What can we learn from this?

The chapter ends with Abraham’s unbelieving neighbors noticing his faith and wanting to make a covenant with him. Do those around you see that God is blessing you?

Chapter 22

In there will be tests and temptations. Satan will tempt us to bring out the worst of us and God will test us to bring out the best in us. Abraham is given the ultimate test of faith. The long awaited son is to be offered to the Lord.

There are several parallels between Isaac and Jesus. Isaac and Jesus were promised sons; both were conceived miraculously; both brought joy to the heart of the father; both were born at the appointed time of God. Both were submissive unto death. Isaac questioned his father about he sacrifice, and Jesus asked, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” God promises a blessing to Abraham and says that whole world would be blessed through his child. The promise is revealed in Christ.

The ram provided is the basis for the theology of a substitutionary atonement. The ram took the place of the child. Jesus the lamb of God took the place of you on the cross. Praise God for His grace. This took place on Mt. Moriah (22:2), the place where the temple was eventually built (2 Chron. 3:1) and very near where Jesus died.

The purpose of the linage at the end of this chapter is to set up who Rebekah is later in the story.

Matthew 7:1-20

In verse 12 Jesus says we are to, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Why do we call this the Golden Rule? How would the world be different if we lived this way? How would your life be different if you really lived this way?

How can we keep from having a judgmental attitude?

Verses 15-20 teach us to judge actions, but we have no means or right to judge motives.

We have to be careful to not cover up our own sins by pointing out the flaws of others. Too often the very sins we struggle with are the ones we appear to despise in others.

Jesus talks about prayer at this point because it is very hard for us to live up to what we have just heard. We are not judge and yet be discerning, we need God’s wisdom to be able to carry this out.

How can we know if we are self-righteous or if our righteousness comes from God? First, we practice self-discipline and self-sacrifice (7:13-14). Second, our fruit shows we are of God (7:15-20).

As you look at your life are you showing discipline and sacrifice for the Kingdom of God? Do your fruits show your faith is at work?

Psalm 7:1–4

A servant of Saul had slandered David and he was asking God to make things right.

When others say things about you how do you react?

Do you expect God to protect your reputation? Have you ever been guilty of slandering the Lord’s chosen servant?

Proverbs 1:20–21

Where does wisdom proclaim her message? By what means?

Pray today for God’s protection from the trials of Satan. Pray for His wisdom as you go through the Lord’s tests.

Pray for wisdom to be discerning, but not judgmental.

Pray for forgiveness where you have slandered others. Pray about forgiving those who have slandered you.

Pray for wisdom to live a life worthy of the calling of Christ in your life.