Introduction to the Bible Week 2

Old Testament:

Old Testament Narrative

Lecture Notes



Look back on last week’s reading

Ask the students if they had any questions from their reading last week.

Briefly highlight a passage or two from their reading for last week, and do a sample application.


Getting the Most Out of God’s Word

James 1:21-25

This does not mean we must be sinless to benefit from God’s word, but that we need to set aside our resistance in areas of known sin that God has convicted us about. Why expect him to give us more guidance if we have said no to his previous guidance?

Illustration: when the doorbell rings and we see a salesperson at our door, we barely open the door because we want the salesperson to go away. On the other hand, when a friend comes over that we have not seen lately comes to the door, we open the door wide to welcome him in.

In the same way, we should welcome the word of God into our hearts—even when it corrects us. Out of love, God gives us correction for our good.

The best way to understand the bible is to apply it—to act on it. as you do that, the word liberates you from sinful habits and so you can enjoy and serve God.

In this passage, James is concerned that people are equating hearing with doing. It’s as if they are saying, “I’ve heard that before” and James is saying, “fine, what have you done about it?” Hearers who don’t do end up “deluding themselves,” that is they think there are spiritual because they have been around bible teachings so long.



Key Ideas:

Memorization

“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the LORD.” – Prov. 22:17-19

Meditation (Psalms 1)

Definition: Deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in scripture for the purposes of understanding, application, and prayer.


Introduction to Old Testament Historical Books

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16,17

“…everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4


Old Testament: History

Bible books: Genesis through Esther

Timeline: Creation through 400 BC


Why OT history is important:

In Psalm 77:3, Asaph writes:


I think of God, and I moan,

overwhelmed with longing for his help.

You don’t let me sleep.

I am too distressed even to pray!

I think of the good old days, long since ended,

when my nights were filled with joyful songs.

I search my soul and think about the difference now.

Has the Lord rejected me forever?

Will he never again show me favor?

Is his unfailing love gone forever?

Have his promises permanently failed?

Has God forgotten to be kind?

Has he slammed the door on his compassion? – Psalm 77:3-9


Have you ever felt this way? Asaph was clearly in a spiritual funk. How did he snap out of it?


I recall all you have done, O LORD;

I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts.

I cannot stop thinking about them.

O God, your ways are holy.

Is there any god as mighty as you?

You are the God of miracles and wonders!

You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

You have redeemed your people by your strength,

the descendants of Jacob and of Joseph by your might. – Psalm 77:11-15


Asaph directed his focus to God’s mighty deeds of the past. As he reflected on what God had done, his faith was strengthened. It put his current situation in perspective. God really did act in history, these stories are true, and knowing that comforted Asaph as he looked ahead.


“I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—

stories we have heard and know,

stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths from our children

but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD.

We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did.

For he issued his decree to Jacob;

he gave his law to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors

to teach them to their children,

so the next generation might know them—

even the children not yet born—

THAT they in turn might teach their children.

So each generation can set its hope anew on God,

remembering his glorious miracles

ad obeying his commands.” – Psalm 78:2b-7

The logic is clear: Asaph urges us to REMEMBER these stories and RETELL them our children THAT they would trust God. “Remembering” is an important theme in the Bible you’ll see again and again. These stories aren’t just part of the Jews national heritage. They are for us as well. We are strengthened as we remember what God has done.

Give some TESTIMONY here from your life

“All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11

Some people say “I just have to learn everything the hard way.” This is Not true. In fact, we’re encouraged to save ourselves some heartache and learn from the mistakes of people who lived before us.

As this course continues, we’ll see that every type of literature in the Bible is somehow related to Christ.

The books of history have a lot to offer us. It would be a great loss if we never took the time to read stories and apply truths from this part of the Bible.


What kind of history do these books record?

1. God’s Promise to Abraham – nation, land, blessing to the world.

2. God’s Promise to David – one of his descendants will sit on his throne and rule the world forever.

Biblical history shows God’s faithfulness in spite of opposition and human weakness

Examples: Abraham had fear and he lied about Sarah; Pharaoh tried to oppress and control the Jews


Enjoying Narratives

When you read a narrative, look for:

Example of tension: the movie Speed. If you didn’t know the bomb was on the bus, it would not make sense.

Examples of Tension, Weakness and God’s Faithfulness:

Genesis 12,13

Notice how circumstances seemed to contradict the promise of 12:1-3 (to make a great nation from them & give them the land):

At times Genesis 12-21, Abraham shows a lack of faith. For example, he lied about his wife, calling her his sister in order to protect himself from harm by potential enemies. This suggests he did not believer God’s promise in 12:3 to “curse those who curse you.”

Genesis 22

If Abraham sacrifices his son Isaac, won’t the possibility of the future nation die with him? It seems fatal to the promise.

Abraham show profound character and depth of faith and is prepared to obey God by giving up his son. God was testing his faith, and he passed with flying colors!

God is faithful and provides a substitute.

Exodus 1,2

Abraham’s descendants do grow in numbers, but there are not in the land promised to them. Furthermore, they are mistreated and enslaved by their Egyptian overlords. So, for awhile it appears that the Egyptian Pharaoh is in control and God’s promises are empty.


Sidebar: principles of walking by faith

When we look at our present circumstances and feelings, it often appears that God is not coming through on His promises.

God says he loves us, will guide us, and bring good out of suffering. But there are times when we don’t feel that. Our circumstances seem to prove otherwise.

God will challenge us live by FAITH: to act on His promises with dependence on Him.

He tells us that even though we don’t feel like he loves us or will bring good out of our suffering, we need to act on the truth that he loves us and take action steps on that basis. For example, even though you might feel lonely and desperate for a romantic relationship, you must trust that God loves you and will provide for your deepest needs. Therefore, you will have faith to say “no” to illegitimate ways to feel love (fornication).

Faith involves letting God lead you into unknown and/or uncomfortable situations.

Faith is not attained all at once, but through a process.

That process involves a series of struggles and obstacles.

That process often involves having to wait.

God confirms steps of faith we take... and gives us new steps.

What scary steps of faith has God given you? Have you taken them?

The example of witnessing and fear: When you go ahead and speak up about your faith in Jesus in spite of your fears, God will grant you the strength to be bold.


How to benefit from reading OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

ANALYSIS

Read a short overview of the book your story is in. See the introduction in your Bible or in How to Read the Bible Book by Book, by Fee and Stewart.

Read the surrounding context (a few chapters before and after)

Read the story (2-3 times, if possible). Let’s read it now

Outline the passage

List and describe the main characters:

An alliance of nations (vs 1). An utterly overwhelming force (vs 12). These are the same as Nehemiah’s enemies 400 yeas later (Neh. 2:10; 4:3). Chronicles written in the time just before Nehemiah.

Responded to Jehoshaphat’s leadership and carried out their role in the victory

Led the battle and secured their victory.

Look for repeated words or concepts:

“don’t be afraid” (15,17), believe (20)

“you don’t need to fight” (15,17)

Prayerfully consider questions like:

Is this story related to God’s promise to Abraham or David? If so, how?

Yes… Jehoshaphat recounts how God gave Abraham the land (vs 7). Remembering this promise gives Jehoshaphat’s confidence that God will defend them.

What does the story teach me about God?

God is powerful and faithful to those that turn to him in humble trust. (vs. 6 & 7)

APPLICATION:

Prayerfully consider questions like:

Are there principles about the way God operates in this passage that have relevance for my life today? Where are those principles reiterated in the New Testament?

WARNING: What happened in the past might have occurred under special circumstances and may not apply to us.

In spiritual battle, victory comes through humility and faith (1 Peter 5:6-9; Eph 6:10ff.)

Listen to God’s word rather than the counsel of your fears.

How has my faith in God been affected by the way he deals with the people in this story?

I don’t have to avoid challenges and conflict

What have I learned and how can I put it into practice this week?

Identify some “threats” I feel and identify & reflect on promises in the Word


Fear

Why are you afraid?

God’s promises

Scary steps of faith

I’m afraid to share my faith with my neighbor

I’m afraid if I share my faith with my neighbor, she will reject me!

The word will get out in the neighborhood I’m a Jesus freak and everyone will avoid me!

Nothing will ever separate me from God’s love (Romans 8:38,39).

God will help me do this (Philippians 4:13; Colossians 4:2-4).

God is convicting my neighbor of her sin and need for him. (John 16:8-10; Romans 2:15).

I will, at times, face persecution and rejection as I follow God. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Reflecting on and drawing strength from God’s love for me.

Praying that God will help me speak the way I should.

Resting in the fact that the Holy Spirit is already showing her need for God.


Sharing my faith with, even if it means rejection.

What questions does this raise in my mind? and write them down.


Assignment:

Bible Reading Assignment #2 due next week. Read “Why Believe the Bible,” section III on Historical Evidence part 2