Deut. 5:29 'Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!
(1) Since our God is unchanging, does it seem probable that this passage would apply as much to us today as it did to the Israelites wandering in the desert? _______
(2) Because the human heart has a bent toward evil, the ability to keep His commandments is prompted or motivated by a _________ of the Lord.
1 Cor. 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
(1) Paul gives us the authority to draw illustrations of understanding from the events that surrounded the Israelites. He says they happened and were recorded for our ______________.
2 Cor. 3:7-8 But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, [8] how shall the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?
(1) The ministry of the Holy Spirit of God didn't begin until after Pentecost. Paul is comparing that ministry with the period of the exodus. He says that the revealed glory of God will be even ________________ during the New Covenant.
(2) Moses, having been in the presence of God, reflected His ____________ so intensely that the __________________ could not look upon him.
Col. 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
(1) Unlike Moses, we, the Lord's ambassadors, will not merely reflect God's glory; rather, God's glory can be seen. It is ______________ in us.
Throughout Pauline epistles Paul conveys a model of the New Covenant Christian. As he walks in Christ, his mind is being renewed, commiting his person to Jesus, God's glory is revealed not reflected. Events are not effected and manipulated so much as lives are visibly changed. Paul still speaking in the context of comparing the Mosiac revelation of God's Glory (so dazzling that Moses had to cover it with a veil )with that of the New Covenant says in 2 Cor. 3:10 For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory on account of the glory that surpasses it.
(1) As awesome as the open manifestation of God's glory was during this period, compared to the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit and the glory that will be revealed, it has _____ ____________.
2 Cor. 3:14 But their (Israel) minds were hardened ,for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.
(1) The preceding passages tell how Moses covered (veiled) the glory of God because of the stone like or hardened _________________ of the people that remain until now and can only be removed in _____________.
They could not comprehend the very thing that was crucial for their understanding and for ours to be able to walk in God's glory.
Exodus 19:10-11 The Lord also said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; [11] and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
(1) For two days the people were to ______________ themselves, _______ their garments.
(2) This passage is prophetic, it has spiritual application as well. Remember that a day is as a thousand years, how long have we been under the New Covenant? ____ ________________ (invoked by the death of Christ)
(3) During that period what should the church be doing? ______________ themselves and __________ our garments, . . . Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; [26] that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. Ephes. 5:25b-27
Look at what happened on the third day.
Exodus 19:16-19 So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. [17] And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. [18] Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. [19] When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder.
(1) Prophetically this could speak of the resurrection (the morning of the third day). It more clearly pictures the return of our Lord and the beginning of the thousand year reign of our Lord on this earth, announced by the trumpet call and the trumpet judgements. ( 1 Cor. 15:23; 2 Thes. 2:1; Rev. 14:13) We sometimes refer to His second coming with an irreverent casualness. Does this passage portray a ho-hum picture or an awesome spectacle? ________
Now observe the reaction of the people.
Exodus 20:18-20 And all the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. [19] Then they said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, lest we die." [20] And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
(1) When the people saw the spectacle they _____________ and ____________
______________________________________________.
(2) The test reveal what is in a man's heart to himself, for God already knows what is in our hearts. For God has come in order to test you, and in order that the ______ of ________ may remain with you, so that you ______ ______ sin."
Exodus 20:21 So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.
(1) This passage clearly displays the two possible reactions to the revelation of God. Moses feared God and so drew closer to him, while the people were afraid of God. The people stood at a __________________ while Moses _____________ God.
Now look again at verse 20: [20] And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
(1) When you properly fear God you are induced not to _________. The opposite of that is also true. What results when we draw away from God? __________.
Mr Bevere points out another truth that we must all face. If we do not fear God in this life then surely we will tremble and be afraid as He is revealed as Judge in the next.
2 Cor. 5:10-11a For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. [11] Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. . . .
(1) Who must appear before the judgement seat of Christ ? ______________.
A. Just as Israel was delivered from slavery and bondage- But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, Romans 6:17 we have been __________ from that __________________ through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
B. Israel observed and participated first hand in the miracles of God. Each of us who is born from above, have known and participated in our deliverance. 1 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? I knew the real me, the person I used to be before God performed the greatest miracle in my life. God________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________.
C. Israel experienced deliverance from it's oppressors. Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, [Jesus] because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are downtrodden,
(1) Because of what Jesus did at the cross, I have been set free from ________
__________________________________________________________________.
D. Israel still desired their former life style, yearning after the comforts and condiments of life enjoyed in Egypt, in spite of the enslavement. Our flesh has ruled until the day of our deliverance and yearns to return to the former life. We now have the counsel of the Holy Spirit living within, renewing our minds, and the choice is ours whether we capitulate to the flesh or the Spirit. Ephes. 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Do we have a choice? __________________
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. Are we still tempted? ________________________
E. God brought them out of Egypt with abundant material blessing that they could be a blessing to God. Psalm 105:37 Then He brought them out with silver and gold; and among His tribes there was not one who stumbled. In their infancy they used that wealth to sin the sin of idolatry. As they matured in their experience with God we read in Exodus 35:4-5 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the Lord has commanded: [5] From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; Their desire to be a blessing to the Lord was so overwhelming that they had to be ordered to stop giving. Exodus 36:6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: "No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." And so the people were restrained from bringing more,
God has blessed each of us, born from above, with spiritual blessings in abundance. We can choose to live as spiritual infants in the kingdom of this world, worshiping at the altar of mammon, or maturing in our walk and live as citizens of the kingdom of God. God desires us to give all of ourselves. Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. I worship God by presenting Him with _____________________________________________.
Romans 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.
(1) When I willingly offer my self to God, choosing to live in His kingdom, He blesses me with ______________________ having an outcome of ___________ life.
Notes from the compiler. [Taken from the teaching of Dr. Richard Gottier PHD]
Salvation only occurs when we believe God the father through the witness and gift of the Son-Jesus. John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
There are levels of the authority of witness and we must progress through those until we reach and accept that of Jesus. When we believe in Him we can be saved.
(1) We first come to desire to know God through the testimony of a person. If our faith never moves beyond the word of that person can we be saved? ______ Perhaps Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple, and those who died putting their faith in Jones is an illustration.
Notice Jesus' words in John 5:33-34 "You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. [34] Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.
(1) Does human witness rank very high on Jesus scale of authority? ________ Some come to know Jesus or have a deeper faith through the working of a miracle or sign.
Jesus spoke these words seemingly indignant . . . "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe" John 4:48 They had the witness of the Son in front of them and still they asked for a sign. Signs and wonders have their place and many come to desire to know Jesus better through them. Did you? _____________
Matthew 24:24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
How high does Jesus rank the reliability of signs and wonders as a witness of Him? ______________________________________________________
There is the witness of the word! Jesus is that word, living and true. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Does an academic study of the word lead to life? No it is only _________ in Jesus that enables a person to cross over from death unto life. John 4:21
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father.
The clearest progression of this can be seen in the following passage. John 4:39-42
And from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done." [40] So when the Samaritans came to Him, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. [41] And many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."
The woman believed because of a sign, and the men first desired to know Jesus because of the ______________ of the woman. Hearing Him speak the word _________ more came to believe. Salvation came when they ___________ from Jesus an _________ His witness that indeed He is the _____________ of the ______.
Having heard and known Jesus first hand, how much sense would it make for these men to go chasing after signs and wonders as a witness when they already believed in the focus and subject of the miracles? ___________________
Yet today in the body of Christ ( those who are born again) who claim to be Spirit filled believers, are continuously chasing from church to church after signs and wonders when they have the witness of the Son within them. Have they not opened themselves for deception? _________________.
Moses is speaking to the nation of Israel just prior to their entry into the promise land. Deut. 4:1-2 Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. [2] Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.
(1) What would be the result of Israel's obedience? _____________________
Moses reiterates what happened when the people came face to face with God, when they first heard His voice forty years earlier. Deut. 4:10
Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."
(1) Why did God want to speak to the people directly? _____________________ and _____________ their children.
Deut. 5:23-27 "And it came about, when you heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders. [24] "And you said, 'Behold, the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire; we have seen today that God speaks with man, yet he lives. [25] 'Now then why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer, then we shall die. [26] 'For who is there of all flesh, who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? [27] 'Go near and hear all that the Lord our God says; then speak to us all that the Lord our God will speak to you, and we will hear and do it.'
(1) What was the reaction of the people when they heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire? ____________________________________________________
(2) What did they want Moses to do? ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________.
(3) Our author asks of us a poignant question: don't we do the same thing today, chasing after the "in" speakers and firebrand revival preachers to hear the latest word of the Lord, instead of seeking His will through Bible study and Prayer? __________
What is interesting is that the Lord agreed with the people! Deut. 5:28 "And the Lord heard the voice of your words when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me, 'I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken.
(1) The Lord said they are ____________________ in what they said.
And then the Lord goes on to explain why He agreed that they had correctly perceived the consequence of their condition. Deut. 5:29 'Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!
(1) This passage explains the problem Israel had and recognized of coming into the presence of the Lord. Moses didn't comprehend it, yet the Lord lamented and understood the truth? That they would _________ Me, and _______ all My commandments always that it may be _________ with them and with their sons forever!
(1) The difference between Moses and Israel is evident in this passage. Moses had a ______________ for the Lord that caused him to ____________ God. Israel understood their _________ of commitment to God. This becomes apparent as we trace their history to the time of Christ.
What does God want from a believer? Isaiah 66:2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the Lord. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. (Niv)
(1) This is the one that I appreciate, he who is ___________ and ____________ in spirit, who ______________ at my word.
Jeremiah 5:21 'Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, Who have eyes, but see not; Who have ears, but hear not. [22] 'Do you not fear Me?' declares the Lord. 'Do you not tremble in My presence? . . .
(1) What does God call people who do not tremble at His word? ____________ and ______________ people.
(2) How does He view them? As ________ and ____________.
Mr. Bevere asks and answers the question of what it mean to "fear God and tremble at His word." "To willingly obey God even when it appears more advantageous to compromise or not obey His Word." (S) The idea is to trust God in and for all things. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
(1) If we truly believe and trust God, regardless of how bad or unsolvable the situation, we know in our heart of hearts that God will ___________________.
If we go back to our paradigm Israel, 1 Cor. 10:11 (Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come).
God has indelibley written in history illustrations for our age. Exodus 3:7 And the Lord said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.
(1) God responded to their ___________________ by sending Moses to confront Pharaoh with his now famous quote "let my people go." Pharaoh reacted by making life more difficult for the Israeli slaves.
Exodus 5:21 and they said, "May the Lord look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."
(1) What was the reaction of the Israeli slaves to God's miracle? They _______
Between Chapter 5 and 14 the Israelites witnessed the hand of God judge Egypt with plague after plague and deliver Israel from the same. Exodus 14:11-12 Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? [12] "Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
(1) The Israelites would have chosen the security and whatever fleshly comfort their former life afforded them over obedience to God's will. Let's go back to Mr. Bevere's definition of fearing God-"to willingly obey God even when it appears more advantageous to compromise or not obey His Word," Did the Israelites fear God? ____________________________________________
(2) They were willing to follow God only as long as it was to their ____________.
God was in the business of building their faith and trust. Again He delivered them. The Red Sea parted and they were saved. Trial after trial would continue to reveal the true heart of Israel.,Their continued lack of fear of God and His word. Having watched Israel's own deliverance and the demolition of Pharaoh's army observe their reaction to the bitter waters of Marah. Exodus 15:23-24 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah. [24] So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"
(1) Isaiah 66 reveals the heart of God. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. Were these folks pleasing to God? _____________. Were they more concerned about their own comfort? _________
Hebrews 12:7-8 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8] But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
(1) If we truly belong to God then God will _______________ as _________.
Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
(1) Is discipline ever pleasant? _______ What are our possible responses to it? ______ ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.
(2) What is the response that will please God? ____________________________.
Exodus 16:1-4 Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. [2] And the whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. [3] And the sons of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the Lord's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."
(1) For a month and a half God had provided for them, yet we find them again _____________.
(2) Why were they grumbling? (in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full) _____________________________________________________
[4] Then the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.
(1) God wants them to be obedient to His _______________, or His word..
(2) As long as it was to their benefit they were willing to be _________________. When obedience increased their hardship, what did they do? They _______________ and openly displayed a distrust an apathy for their God..
The Israelites moved away from God, yet Moses was drawn closer to Him. Why?
Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin; [26] considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
(1) Did the Israelites choose to be in bondage to the Egyptians? _______
(2) What did Moses really choose? ______________________________________
(3) He did this by choosing to be identified with the ______________ slaves and their God.
(4) Moses was looking for the _______________.
.Exodus 33:1-3 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, "Depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 'To your descendants I will give it.' [2] "And I will send an angel before you and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite. [3] "Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, because you are an obstinate people, lest I destroy you on the way."
(1) Here is the reward that all Israel was waiting for, for centuries. God said "I will_____ ____ up in your midst, because you are an obstinate people.
(2) Was God going to abandon them? I will send an __________ before you and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite
(3) Considering that Israel would have willingly gone back into slavery rather than endure hardship, would this have been acceptable to them? __________
Exodus 33:15 Then he [Moses] said to Him, [God] "If Thy presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.
(1) Was Moses willing to go into the promised land without God? _______
(2) While Moses would have desired entering the promised land along with his kinsmen, what else did Moses expect? ______________________________.
God said in Exodus 16:4 that He wanted to test Israel. As we have just seen, God is offering them a shortcut to achieve their goal of entering the promise land. How often has life left us with that same choice? Have you ever been In a situation where you could choose success by moving God to the background of your life? ________
(1) Getting past the fact that Moses was an obvious leader, could you tell the difference between him and another Israelite? _______ They were all Seed of Abraham, having been miraculously delivered from bondage by God's divine intervention and heirs apparent to the promise land.
Is that not true in the church today? A person can learn scripture, talk like a Christian, sing and praise, and lift their hands to Jesus, just like a Christian. What they can't do is found in Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Without a heart dedicated to entering the holy presences of God, they cannot offer themselves as ___________and _________ ___________ acceptable to God.
(1) How does Scripture define worship? ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(1) Can you and I tell the difference? ______. On the outward appearance the look and talk just like real Christians. The real difference is that they do not "fear God and tremble at His word."
James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
(1) Is it possible to believe in God and not "worship" Him? _________________-
(2) Have you ever observed professed Christians who appear to have less awe of God then the demons mentioned above do? _________
Jude 1:12 These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted;
(1) How does Jude define these men "without fear?" _____________________
________________________________________________________________
These men professed to know Jesus, but what is really important here is does Jesus know you? Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. [22] "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' [23] "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'
(1)These men profess to know Jesus but does Jesus know them? ___________
(2) They say all of the right things and appear to be godly, but in reality they "___________ ____________.
Jesus uses a parable to describe the condition of the church up until now in Matthew 13:24-26 He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. [25] "But while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away. [26] "But when the wheat sprang up and bore grain, then the tares became evident also.
The kingdom of heaven describes the presence of God in Christ among believers. Mark 1:14-15 And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, [15] and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Near, yes, It wouldn't come before the cross.
(1) Who would the enemy be? _______________________________________
(2) If the wheat represents good seed, then what do tares appear to be like? ______
Jesus goes on to describe what would happen if you attempted to separate them before maturity. Matthew 13:28b-30 ". . . And the slaves said to him, 'Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?' [29] "But he said, 'No; lest while you are gathering up the tares, you may root up the wheat with them. [30] 'Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn." ' "
(1) Why does God tolerate pretenders among his people?________________
Malachi 3:1-2 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the Lord of hosts. [2] "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.
(1) Who can endure the day of His coming? Only the man or woman who has been cleansed by the blood of the lamb, washed in the water of the word. Those who have not, will not be able to _________ when He appears.
Like the wheat and tares, both persons mentioned here outwardly appear to serve the Lord, but the end results are entirely different. Malachi 3:5 "Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien, and do not fear Me," says the Lord of hosts.
(1) Those who would work these works of evil are encapsulated in the phrase "and do not ________ Me".
Malachi 4:1 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze," says the Lord of hosts, "so that it will leave them neither root nor branch."
(1) What will be the end result of those who do not "fear God?" __________
Malachi 3:16-17 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name. [17] "And they will be Mine," says the Lord of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him."
(1) How will God remember those who "fear Him and who esteem His name?" Their names will be written in a ____________ of ______________________.
(2) What will be the result of having your name written in that book?________ _____________________________________________________________
When that separation of the Wheat and Tares takes place the true church will become visible. Malachi 3:18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.
(1) When God's glory is revealed we will be able to distinguish between those that are _________________ and the wicked, between the one who _________ God and the one who does not.
Luke 12:4-5 "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. [5] "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
(1) A man can only kill the body. Jesus warns us if we must fear someone, fear the one who, not only has power over physical life, but also the power to cast you into ___________.
Exodus 20:20 And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
(1) When we truly fear God and tremble at His word, we will choose not to ____.
Proverbs 16:6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
(1) What is it that impels us to avoid evil? ______________________________
Luke 12:1b-2 . . . "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [2] "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
(1) Once divine order is established, when the glory of the Lord is finally revealed, will you be able to tell the Wheat from the tares? ____________
(2) What is the sin (leaven) of the Pharisees? __________________________.
(3) Hypocrisy in this case is _____________ ___ the truth of real motives with religious behavior.
2 Tim. 3:13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
(1) Hypocrisy will lead to blindness where hypocrites not only deceive others but deceive _____________________.
Thus like the Israelites of old we become spiritually blind. Knowing Jesus and being known by him (holding God in awe), brings forth the revealing glory of God. When we will honestly "test" ourselves, we will have no choice but to turn to Jesus. Look at 2 Cor. 3:16 and see what happens! But whenever a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
(1) It comes to mind the profound word of the hymn Amazing Grace, "I once was blind but now I _________."
Let me repeat the earlier quoted statement of the Author: When we properly fear God and tremble at His word we will "willingly obey God even when it appears more advantageous to compromise or not obey His word.
If you have questions or comments please Email me, Greg at deans@interpath.com
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