Search The Scriptures — Study 40 — Genesis 49

Study 40 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:

Genesis 49

     1.     Consider how diverse and unpromising were the human materials which God chose for the fulfillment of His purposes. Cf. Dt. 7:7, 8; 9: 4, 5.  One secret of how God could do this is described in verses 24, 25a. Is this a secret of victory which you have learnt for yourself? Cf. Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9.

     2.     Consider especially Reuben, Judah and Joseph. In whom was the promise of verse 10 fulfilled? (See RSV for sense; cf. Ezk. 21:27.) Cf. also 1Ch. 5:1,2

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STUDY 39

He Asks for Absolute Surrender!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

"They immediately left their nets, and followed Him." Matthew 4:20

Their nets were probably all that they owned! It was with these, that they earned their living. Yet at the call of Christ — they gave up all, cut themselves off from their means of support, and in simple obedience and faith, went with Him. 

That is just what we all should do — when Christ calls us. We should obey instantly and without questioning. No matter how much the sacrifice involves — we should make it cheerfully for His sake. Though to obey cuts us off from all our ordinary means of livelihood, and leaves us without provision even for tomorrow — we should not hesitate. Christ takes care of His servants — when they are faithfully doing His will. He asks for absolute surrender to Him. He wants us to trust Him — while we obey Him unquestioningly.

The faith in Christ which the gospel requires — is the utter, unreserved devotement of the whole life to Him, and the unquestioning commitment to Him for time and for eternity — of every interest and hope. The question of what He will do with us or for us, or how He will provide for us — should not be raised for an instant. There must be no 'conditions' — in the following and the consecration. We may not 'bargain' with Jesus for an easy time, for 'smooth and pleasant paths' — but should simply give ourselves to Him absolutely and forever, to follow where and to whatever He may lead us.

The "immediately" is also important. Many people are forever postponing duties. But every call of Christ should be answered immediately. Many people obey so laggardly, so reluctantly, and so long after they are called — that half the value of their obedience is lost! Christ always wants instant obedience. There is no 'tomorrow' with Him. Tomorrow He may not have any need of us, or we may not be here to do the duty which He now asks of us.

Search The Scriptures — Study 39 — Genesis 47:13-48:22

Study 39 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:

Genesis 47:13-48:22

     1.     By their own confession what did Joseph do for the people of Egypt? How did he remain true to his father’s God amid all the pressures of his office?

     2.     What different points of view produced the two retrospects of Jacob in 47:9 and 48:15, 16? Which is more worthy of our imitation?

3.     Note Jacob’s confident faith and prayer for his two grandsons. Cf. Heb. 11:21; Gn. 18:18, 19; Dt. 6:4-7; Ps. 78:5-7. What can we learn from this concerning the privilege and responsibility of Christian parenthood?

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Study 38

Search The Scriptures — Study 38 — Genesis 46:1-47:12

Study 38 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:

Genesis 46:1-47:12

    1.     In what way would the fulfillment of the promise in 46:3 be easier in Egypt than in the nomadic conditions of Canaan? What may we learn from this of God’s providence?

    2.     What trait in Joseph is revealed by his management of Jacob’s arrival? Cf. Is. 11:2

3.     How does this passage illustrate, typically or otherwise, (a) Jn. 14:6; (b)

2 Cor. 4:17, 18?

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STUDY 37

Search The Scriptures — Study 37 — Genesis 45

Study 37 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:

Genesis 45

     1.     What were the reasons for Joseph’s intensity of feeling in verses 1-15? What was his attitude to the sufferings that preceded the reconciliation? What can we learn from this of God’s longing to reconcile His sinful creatures, at whatever cost?

    2.   What blessings did the restoration of family harmony bring with it?

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STUDY 36

Search The Scriptures — Study 36 — Genesis 44

Study 36 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:

Genesis 44

     1.     How do the actions of Joseph’s brothers in this chapter show a real change in them?  Contrast their behavior toward their father and another beloved son in 37:18-31.

    2.     Observe how in this second visit to Egypt Judah takes the lead; see 43:3, 8; 44:14, 16, 18.  What qualities are revealed in his speech in verses 18:34? How does this teach us that we should not despair of anyone? See 37:26, 27; 38:1; Ps. 119:59.

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STUDY 35

Search The Scriptures — Study 35 — Genesis 43

Study 35 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:

Genesis 43

    1.     Why Jacob yield to Judah’s appeal when he had refused the earlier appeal of Reuben in 42: 37, 38?

    2.     Why do you think Joseph gave to Benjamin a portion five times as large as to the others? Was it affection for Benjamin or a further test for his brothers? See 37:4.

  

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STUDY 34