Psalm 25:14 The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
The focus of the New Covenant is on two facets of living first, on working out our salvation on this earth, walking in the fear of the Lord second, on eternal life with Jesus. In this Chapter our author examines intimacy with God and His friendship with us.
Proverbs 1:7a The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
(1) According to this passage is it possible to even begin to know God without fearing Him? ____________
Proverbs 2:3-6 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, [4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (NIV)
(1) Because you read your bible and go to church, even pray and sing hymns, will you automatically develop a "fear of God" and thereby gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding? No! It only comes when we _______ _____ and ______ ________ for it. As we _________ for it as something of great value.
(2) Knowledge and understanding come from the _________ of God as He speaks to those who ask.
Mr Bevere wisely points to the relationship that we might have with a celebrity or the President of the United States. We can know all about them; In the case of the president we are even under his authority but it is a one way relationship. The larger question is, do they know us? Re-read the passage in Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Niv)
(1) These folks were under the impression that they were intimate with Jesus, but the verse clearly shows the one-sided relationship, for Jesus tells them "___ ________ _______ ________."
Though this passage in context has many messages, of primary importance here is the intimate relationship with God revealed . Psalm 25:12-14 Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. [13] His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land. [14] The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
(1) Intimacy with the Lord, God's reasons, His thoughts and the revelation of His ways, are revealed only to those who _________________.
John 15:14-15 "You are My friends, if you do what I command you. [15] "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
(1) Who does Jesus call His friends? ________________________________.
(2) And who is it that does what God commands? "Those who ___ Him."
(3) This passage reveals the application of Psalm 25:14 The secret of the Lord is for those _______ _______ ______And He will make them know His covenant.
Abraham is called the friend of God in 2 Chron. 20:7 "Didst Thou not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and give it to the descendants of Abraham Thy friend forever?
(1) Abraham is God's ______________ forever.
This friendship was not without its testing. God had granted Abraham the pleading of his heart-an heir, a son born to them when he and Sara were well beyond the years of child bearing. Genesis 17:3-4 And Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, [4] "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?" Genesis 17:19 But God said, "No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.
(1) What was God's promise concerning Isaac? ______________________
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Then God asks of Abraham the seemingly illogical: Genesis 22:2 And He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."
(1) Wait a minute. Didn't God just promise to make His covenant with Isaac and all of his descendants? God goes to the very thing that Abraham holds most dear, apart from his love for the Lord-his only ____________ whom he [Abraham] loves.
Remember the definition of fearing the Lord; "To willingly obey God even when it appears more advantageous to compromise or not obey His Word." (s)
Did Abraham falter at this juncture? Genesis 22:3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
(1) Abraham's obedience demonstrates that he truly _____________ God for his action was immediate.
(2) Would it have appeared to Abraham more advantageous to compromise God's word? ____________________________________
(3) Are you asking yourself if you would have the commitment toward God to be as obedient as Abraham? ___________
Genesis 22:4-7 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. [5] And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship and return to you." [6] And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. [7] And Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
(1) Something should be said at this point about the obedience and faith of Isaac. Unlike popular characterizations, Isaac was about 30 years old and his father one hundred and thirty. Is it probable that Abraham could have bound Isaac, if Isaac wasn't willing? _________________________
This portion makes clear Jesus' statement in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. A parent who loves his child would willingly take the child's place in Abrahams situation. God's test of Abraham revealed that Abrahams love for God exceeded that of his love, even for his own son. Read God's word in Genesis 22:12 And he said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me."
(1) This test reveals Abrahams true heart. for now I know that you ______God, since you _______ _____ withheld your son, your only son, from Me."
(2) God does something else here that He only does in the presence of His "friends," He reveals Why! God reveals to Abraham why He, God, put him through the test. For now I ________that you fear God
Because Abraham completed this test, God revealed a secret aspect of His personality Genesis 22:13-14 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. [14] And Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, "In the mount of the Lord it will be provided."
(1) Abraham knew in his head that God would somehow rectify the situation because of His promise to make Isaac's descendants into nations. When questioned by Isaac about where the sacrificial lamb was Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together Genesis 22:8 . (Niv) Now Abraham knew by experience the revelation of Gods character, Jehovah-Jireh, his ___________. As we will see shortly, the revelation of God's character is something else that is revealed only to those who fear Him.
James 2:21-23 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? [22] You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; [23] and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
(1) Abraham was called the _________ of God. Fearing God translates your knowing about God into action.
Psalm 25:14 The secret [sod [Hebrew]; council, fellowship, friendship,, intimate, secret counsel] of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.
(1) Meditating on this passage will help us to understand why there is such shallow teaching in the church today. What does the Holy Spirit reveal to you? ___________________________________________________________
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(2) Our author again asks a probing question: with whom do you share the secrets of your heart? ___________________. With whom does God share the secrets of the Kingdom? _______________________________________
Moses was also called a "friend of God"Exodus 33:11a Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. . . .
Because Moses was a friend, Psalm 103:7 "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel."
(1) God revealed His _________ to Moses. Israel only knew the outward manifestation of His ways, or the result of His actions.
John 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
(1) The natural man is bound to this world and cannot see in the kingdom of God. Revealed truth from God comes only through the ____________.
1 Cor. 2:6-8 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; [7] but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; [8] the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.
(1) Underline the word you feel would best describe understanding: awareness, comprehension, realization, familiarity, insight.
(2) All of these are correct. How does God define understanding? ________________________________________________________
Think again about the wonderful definition of "fear of the Lord" that Mr Bevere gives us on page 141. "To willingly obey God even when it appears more advantageous to compromise or not obey His Word."
John 15:14-15 "You are My friends, if you do what I command you. [15]No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
(1) What is the condition placed on friendship with the Lord? ______________?
Remember that God called Abraham His friend. When God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah His thoughts went to His confidant, Abraham.
Genesis 18:17 And the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,
(1) The question God asks, implies an answer which of course is _________.
Genesis 18:20-21 And the Lord said, "The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. [21] "I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know."
(1) Because Abraham is God's friend He then explains to Abraham _____!
Because Abraham also recognized His intimacy with God he has the confidence to negotiate with God as only a friend could. Genesis 18:23-25 And Abraham came near and said, "Wilt Thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? [24] "Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? [25] "Far be it from Thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from Thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?"
Genesis 18:32 Then he said, "Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it on account of the ten."
(1) Abraham interceded for these Cities for the sake of _________ righteous people, and God agreed. History records the result. Could God find ten righteous people living there? ______________.
There is a wonderful picture for us of the difference between those who know God and those who "fear God". God tells us in 2 Cor. 6:16-18
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [17] "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. [18] "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
(1) God says to come out and be __________________?
Abraham and Lot came to a place that they needed to separate, In the larger portrait, they each represented two kingdoms sharing the same time and space. Quarrels broke out and they needed to separate. Our interest here is in the microcosm of Lot's bad choice. Genesis 13:8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers.
(1) Who initiated the separation? ________________ .
The choice is before Lot. Genesis 13:9-10 "Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me: if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left." [10] And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere-- this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah-- like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar.
(1) The land before him was like the Garden of ____________.
Abraham continued to live his separated life, Genesis 13:12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom.
(1) Lot chose to live in the ____, choosing to dwell among the pagans..
Lot chose what probably appeared to be a good choice for him, fellowshiping with the ungodly, becoming tainted with their life style. But was it a right choice? 2 Peter 2:7-8 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men [8] (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)--
( 1) Lot was ____________ by the filthy lives of ___________ men. Did anything good ever come out of Lots, affiliation with worldly people? Do you ever hear of his descendants the Moabites and the Ammonites. We know that Abrahams descendant are still around.
Lot should have had enough fear of God to separate himself. James in ch.4 verse 4 writes on this: You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
(1) Can you live with one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom? _________________________________________________________
(2) You are either a __________ of God or His enemy.
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.
(1) This proverb says the same in a bit less abrasive context. The friend of God speaks with _______________ and loves ______________ of heart.
The wisdom of God motivates us to change. 2 Cor. 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
(1) What is our responsibility in all of this? To ___________ ourselves from all ___________________ of ___________ and _______________.
(2) We are able to live holy lives only in the _________ of God.
Proverbs 16:6 By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
We have just read in 2 Corinthians 7: 1 about promises, let's read what they are: 2 Cor. 6:16-17 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." [17] "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." (Niv)
(1) If we live like Lot, can we expect God to live and walk among us? _____
2 Cor. 6:18 "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
(1) If Lot had the same awesome respect for God that Abraham had, would his line have come to an end? ___________________________
Hebrews 12:14-15 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. [15] See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;
(1) Can a man believe himself a Christian and still fall short of the grace of God?
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Remember it is the " . . grace of God that brings salvation that has appeared to all men. [12] It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:11-12
(2) By God's ____________ we can say ______ to sin.
I appreciate your comments and questions . Please Email me at deans@interpath.com
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