Grade 11 Unit 1
Grade 11 Unit 1
BIBLE 1101 THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
THE AFFIRMATION OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Declaration of God as to His Own Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Declaration of Man as to God’s Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 2 5
THE NATURE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • 11 The Characteristics of God’s Faithfulness • • • • • • 12 The Contrasts of God’s Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • 14 THE MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Providence of the Faithful Creator The Message of the Faithful Witness • The Work of the Faithful High Priest • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
18 19 21 23
THE IMPLICATIONS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 28 The Necessity of Faith • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 29 The Responsibilities of Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • 31 GLOSSARY
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 36
Author: Editor: Graphic Design:
Eugene Hovda, M.S. Alan Christopherson, M.S. Alpha Omega Staff
804 N. 2nd Ave. E., Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1759 © MCMXCVIII by Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. LIFEPAC is a registered trademark of Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
All trademarks and/or service marks referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. makes no claim of ownership to any trademarks and/or service marks other than their own and their affiliates’, and makes no claim of affiliation to any companies whose trademarks may be listed in this material, other than their own.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD Faithfulness is one of God’s attributes. Other attributes of God that you have studied or will study are love, mercy, grace, justice, immutability, eternality, holiness, and goodness. Attributes are those things that are essential to, or characteristic of, a person or thing. The Bible teaches us by statements about God and by records of what God has done that God is a loving God, a merciful God, a just God, an unchangeable God. The Bible teaches that God has always existed and will always be. It teaches that He is perfect in holiness and goodness. You have studied most of these attributes. The study of this LIFEPAC® is the biblical teaching about God’s faithfulness. The knowledge of and belief in the faithfulness of God as declared in Scripture can develop in you a firm conviction of God’s credibility. If the study of this LIFEPAC convinces you of God’s truthfulness and His trustworthiness, you can benefit in many ways. Honest doubts can be removed. God can begin to speak His Word to you with authority. You can pray with confidence. Worship can become a genuine and personal expression. Your service can be marked with readiness and boldness.
In the light of what you will learn in this LIFEPAC, the ever-changing scene can testify to the unchangeableness of our God. The monotonous routine of life can be changed into an exciting adventure into God’s faithful plan and purpose. God’s faithfulness can heal the wounds caused by the fickleness of friends. You will learn that although people often fail you, Jesus never will. When you learn of God’s faithfulness you will more fully understand why He requires faithfulness of you. Your faithfulness is needed to introduce an unfaithful world to a faithful God. Your stability and confidence should shine as a light in a dark place. If you really learn God’s faithfulness—if you accept it with your heart as well as your head—His Word will be your handbook. You will start to count on Him—on His love for you and on His provision for all of your needs. You will also let Him make you faithful to Him. All of these benefits and more are yours if you will allow the God Who is faithful to teach you.
OBJECTIVES Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully completed this LIFEPAC. Each section will list according to the numbers below what objectives will be met in that section. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Write from memory Scripture verses relative to the faithfulness of God. Illustrate the faithfulness of God from biblical history. Describe the characteristics of God’s faithfulness. Contrast the uniqueness of God’s faithfulness with the faithfulness of others. Enumerate the manifestations of God’s faithfulness. List and explain some of the implications of God’s faithfulness. Relate God’s faithfulness to our stewardship.
Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1
I. THE AFFIRMATION OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS In His Word God asserts His faithfulness. He states repeatedly that He can be trusted to take care of His people. The record of what He has done for His people affirms the truth of what He says. In addition to these testimonies from the divine side,
✞
the Bible records many witnesses of man to the faithfulness of God. God constantly cares for His people in normal experiences and in stressful experiences.
Read Psalm 89; Psalm 136; Psalm 23; and Job 1–2, 13 and 40–42.
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Write from memory Scripture verses relative to the faithfulness of God. 2. Illustrate the faithfulness of God from biblical history.
VOCABULARY Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section. attribute Note:
covenant people
immutability
witness
All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.
THE DECLARATION OF GOD AS TO HIS OWN FAITHFULNESS God is a self-revealing God. We could know nothing of God if this statement were not true. God has used various ways to reveal Himself. Two of these ways are His Word (what He has said) and His work (what He has done). These two witnesses
are in agreement and complement each other. Together they give us a more complete revelation of God’s faithfulness. God makes a claim to faithfulness; His works support His claim. 2
The testimony of God’s Word. God declares in His Word that He is faithful. Psalm 89 is a dialogue between the writer of the psalm and God. Verses nineteen to thirty-seven record the words of the Lord concerning His promises and plans for David, His anointed servant. In this declaration, the Lord God makes clear that all of the plans and promises are guaranteed by His faithfulness. In addition to the term faithfulness, such words and phrases as “establish,” “for evermore,” “stand fast,” “to endure,” “not…fail,” “not break,” “nor alter,” and “not lie” are used by God. In other places in the Bible, commands or promises spoken directly by God to a man or men are accompanied by such expressions as (Joshua 1:5 “ … I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” To
➟ 1.1
Isaac God said (Genesis 26:3), “…I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father.” When God gave Jacob the dream about the ladder that reached from earth to heaven (Genesis 28:12–15), the Lord stood above it and said, “… Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” The writer of the letter to the Hebrews, probably referring to what God said to Jacob, states (Hebrews 13:5) “ … for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In the passage given, as well as in others, God clearly states in His own words that faithfulness is an essential element of His character.
Write these verses. Read Psalm 89:19–37 and list by number the verses in which the term “my faithfulness” is found. Write out the statement that God made in each instance. a. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
➟
Match the words or phrases to the verse in Psalm 89 in which they are found. Write the letter on the line.
1.2 1.3
_______ vs. 2
1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8
_______ vs. 3
1.9 1.10 1.11
_______ vs. 33
➟ 1.12
➟ 1.13
_______ vs. 3
_______ vs. 4 _______ vs. 28 _______ vs. 28 _______ vs. 29
_______ vs. 34 _______ vs. 35
a. made a covenant b. my covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips c. I will not lie unto David d. establish e. mercy will I keep forever more f. will I make to endure forever g. my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail h. have sworn i. to all generations j. my covenant shall stand fast
Write the definition. Using a Bible dictionary or a Bible encyclopedia, write a definition of God’s faithfulness. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Answer these questions. What did God promise Joshua? _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3
1.14
What did God promise Isaac? _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.15
What did God promise Jacob? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.16
What did the writer of the letter to the Hebrews say God had promised? ____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.17
What is the significant similarity among the four promises? _________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
➟
Memorize these Bible passages.
1.18
Memorize Psalm 89:33–35.
1.19
Memorize Joshua 1:5–6.
✔ The testimony of God’s work. God’s work falls into two categories—the work of creation and the work of preservation. God’s works are an expression of His character. Because God is true, unchanging, steadfast, and reliable, His works necessarily reflect this attribute of faithfulness. God’s work of creation was the first manifestation of His purpose, namely, to have a people with whom He could fellowship and who would bring glory to Him. The second manifestation of His purpose—a continuing one—is the preservation of His creation. The preservation of His creation may be seen in five areas: (1) the universe; (2) mankind; (3) His chosen people, Israel; (4) His called-out ones, the Church; and (5) His Word, our Bible. In Psalm 136, both the work of creation (the universe) and the work of preservation (His chosen people, Israel) are attributed to His faithfulness by the repetition of the clause, “for His mercy [loving kindness] endureth forever.” God preserves mankind because of His faithfulness. Jesus taught His disciples that they should
➟ 1.20
Adult check ______________________ Initial Date
love their enemies as well as their friends so that they might be true sons of the heavenly Father, “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus told Peter and the other disciples (Matthew 16:18) that the gates of hell cannot prevail against His Church. The preservation of God’s covenant people and of His Word are declared in the beautiful fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. One verse (Isaiah 55:11) especially mentions His Word, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” All of God’s works testify to the unchanging nature of His purpose for Israel, and through Israel for the Church—for each of His chosen ones, ultimately through Christ. Everything God has done and is doing testifies to His faithfulness.
Complete these activities. Read Psalm 136 and give a descriptive title to each of the following sections. a. 1–3
___________________________________________________________________________
b. 4–9
___________________________________________________________________________
c.
10–24 ___________________________________________________________________________
d. 25
___________________________________________________________________________
e. 26
___________________________________________________________________________ 4
1.21
1.22
➟ 1.23
Read Psalm 136:4–9, and list five works of creation that are recorded there. a.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
b.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
c.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
d.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
e.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Read Psalm 136:10–24, and enumerate the preserving and establishing work of God relative to Israel. Look for the phrase “to him that” or “to him which” as indicators. Write the phrases here. a.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
b.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
c.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
d.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer these questions. What verse in the book of Matthew gives a promise of the preservation of God’s Church? Give the reference and write the promise. ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.24
What does Isaiah 55:11 say? Write it in your own words. ____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.25
What are the five areas in which God’s preserving faithfulness may be seen? a.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
b.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
c.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
d.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
e.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
➟
Memorize these verses.
1.26
Memorize Matthew 16:18.
1.27
Memorize Isaiah 55:11.
✔
Adult check ______________________ Initial Date
THE DECLARATION OF MAN AS TO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS In Psalms 89 and 136, the psalmist has testified to God’s faithfulness, primarily from the viewpoint of revelation and history. Man also bears witness to God’s faithfulness to him personally and intimately through life’s normal, common, and universal experiences. We read such a witness in Psalm 23. In
addition, man testifies to God’s faithfulness in times of special testing and trials (man’s unusual and stressful experiences). Man under pressure continues to testify of God’s faithfulness. Job 42 records such a testimony. 5
The testimony of man’s normal experience. Psalm 23 is probably the best known, most loved, and most frequently memorized of the psalms. The mental picture it paints of the shepherd’s care is tender and beautiful; but its universal appeal lies in the fact that David, the writer, saw himself as the sheep; and readers can identify with this concept. Even readers with no experience of the pastoral life can quickly put themselves into the picture. Other passages of Scripture picture God’s faithful care of men with other metaphors; but the simple, comprehensive recital that David gave in Psalm 23 covers all normal life experiences. The statements of Psalm 23 cover man’s needs in every area of his life—waking, sleeping, food gathering (making a living), relaxation of body, restoration of spiritual well-being, safety, moral and mental strength, comfort in the experience of death, and certainty of life everlasting with the Good Shepherd Himself. Anyone who has trusted the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, to become his Savior and Shepherd can have David’s experience.
The Good Shepherd
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Read Psalm 23 carefully, noting its structure. Then complete the activities.
1.28
Identify by verse(s) the sections of the psalm that present the following concepts. a. The statement of relationship and assurance _______________________________________________ b. The reasons why the Shepherd’s care is adequate (These reasons are written in the third person.) __________________________________________________________________________ c.
Additional reasons for assurance (These reasons are written in the second person.) _____ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
d. Future certainties based on the Lord’s faithfulness ________________________________________ 1.29
Write a brief paragraph of assurance relative to each of the following italicized emphases. a. The LORD is my shepherd. _______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ b. The LORD is my shepherd.________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ c.
The LORD is my shepherd.________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
1.30
In your own words, explain the statement, “I shall not want.” ________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
6
➟
Put these statements in the sequence in which the concept is found in Psalm 23. Write the letter on the line. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
His presence is with me in the valley of the shadow of death. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He comforts me with His rod and staff. He makes my cup run over. He restores my soul. He leads me beside still waters. He leads me in the paths of righteousness. He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil.
1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.39
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
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Answer these questions.
1.40
When the sheep know their Shepherd, what hope do they have which is based on His faithfulness? (See verse 6) a. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ b. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
1.41
Can you testify to the following statements from Psalm 23 based on God’s faithfulness to you? If so, give scriptural reasons for your confidence. a. I shall not want. ___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ b. I will fear no evil. __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ c.
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________
➟
Memorize this verse.
1.42
Memorize Psalm 23:1–6.
✔ The testimony of man’s stressful experiences. Sometimes under pressure the believer doesn’t see God through his new eyes but just as an unbeliever sees. This was not the case with Job. Job knew God’s faithfulness was not in jeopardy when God allowed Satan to take away what God had given to him. Job’s first recorded words testify to this: (Job 1:21) “ … Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Even after the second encounter Job had insight enough to rebuke his wife and declare God’s unchanging faithfulness (Job 2:10): “…What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?...”
Teacher check ______________________ Initial Date
After all the unwise pressure and counsel of his three friends had taken its toll, God spoke (Job 40–41) in faithfulness to Job; and Job saw things he had never before seen and realized he had spoken without understanding (Job 42). Through all of Job’s stressful experiences, he found God faithful. The example of Job is not popular in an era when the emphasis is on “the good life,” having fun and being happy. In the Bible the same original word is sometimes translated happy and sometimes translated blessed. If to be blessed by God is to be happy, we can understand why believers can be happy under the most stressful circumstances. James wrote (James 5:11), “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience 7
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord [the completion of the affair brought about by the Lord]; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Job lost his family—some Christians lose their families. Job lost all of his possessions—some Christians lose all of their possessions. Job lost his
➟ 1.43
health—some Christians lose their health. Job vacillated in his emotions, but he had an underlying faith in the faithfulness of God. Job said (Job 13:15), “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him....”
Complete this activity. Turn to Job 42, and read the entire chapter. Find the verses in which these evidences of God’s faithfulness to Job are given. Write the number of the verse(s) on the line. a. b. c. d. e.
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____
f. _____ g. _____ h. _____
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.” “Also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” “Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters … and did eat bread with him in his house.” “Every man also gave him a piece of money, and everyone an earring of gold.” “He also had seven sons and three daughters.” “After this Job lived an hundred and forty years…”
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Read the verses and answer the questions.
1.44
Read James 5:11. What does this verse teach about God’s faithfulness? _______________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8
1.45
Read Psalm 119:73–80. a. Which statement in this section gives a good explanation of Job’s experience? _________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. What follows affliction in the experience of a believer? _________________________________________________________________________________________________
➟
Memorize this verse.
1.46
Memorize James 5:11.
✔
✞
Adult check ______________________ Initial Date
Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. The Self Test will check your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate specific areas where restudy is needed for mastery.
SELF TEST 1
Write true or false on the line in front of each statement (each answer, 2 points). 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
1.010
______
1.011
______
God has revealed His faithfulness through His work. Faithfulness is an attribute of God. God made a covenant with Abraham but not with David. God cares for His people in stressful circumstances. In normal circumstances, man alone is responsible for his well-being. God has used various ways to reveal Himself. God said, “I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father.” “For his mercy endureth forever” is a refrain of Psalm 136. The history of Israel’s journey through the wilderness is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. The history of Israel’s victories over the kings that came against Israel is only a testimony to Israel’s courage. The Shepherd Psalm is Psalm 89.
Answer this question (each item, 2 points). 1.012
What three “I will” or “I shall” statements can the LORD’s sheep make when he knows the Shepherd? a. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– b.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
c.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
9
Match the beginning and ending of the portions of Psalm 23. Write the letter on the line (each match, 2 points). 1.013
______ The Lord is
a. the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
1.014
______ I shall not
b. the valley of the shadow of death,
1.015
______ He maketh me to
c. in the presence of mine enemies:
1.016
______ He leadeth me beside
d. shall follow me all the days of my life:
1.017
______ He restoreth
e. my Shepherd;
1.018
______ He leadeth me in
f. runneth over.
1.019
______ Yea, though I walk through
g. they comfort me.
1.020
______ I will fear
h. want.
1.021
______ For thou art
i. my head with oil;
1.022
______ Thy rod and thy staff
j. lie down in green pastures:
1.023
______ Thou preparest a table
k. my soul:
before me 1.024
______ Thou anointest
l. in the house of the LORD forever.
1.025
______ My cup
m. the still waters.
1.026
______ Surely goodness and mercy
n. no evil:
1.027
______ And I shall dwell
o. with me;
Answer these questions (each numbered answer, 5 points). 1.028
Because we have a faithful Shepherd, what is our view of the future?________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.029
What two-fold testimony did Job give when the LORD permitted Satan to take his possessions and afflict his body? _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.030
What gains did Job make because he came through his affliction? a. relative to God
____________________________________________________________
b. relative to himself
____________________________________________________________
c.
relative to possessions ____________________________________________________________
d. relative to family
____________________________________________________________
e. relative to life
____________________________________________________________
Write the verses from memory (each passage, 5 points). 1.031
Psalm 89:33–35 _______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
10
1.032
James 5:11 ____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.033
Joshua 1:5–6 __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
✔
70 88
Score Adult check
______________________ ______________________ Initial Date
II. THE NATURE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS God’s faithfulness is unique. He is faithful in a way no other one is capable. The clearest picture of His faithfulness comes through the revelation of Scripture. We know what His faithfulness is like because He has told us, and we have found Him to
✞
be true to His Word. Because God’s faithfulness is unique, the quality of it is difficult for human beings to understand. We have nothing with which to compare it. However, God’s Word both describes it and contrasts it with the faithfulness of others.
Read Hebrews 6:13–20; Genesis 9:8–17; Isaiah 40:18–31; and 1 Kings 18.
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Write from memory Scripture verses relative to the faithfulness of God. 3. Describe the characteristics of God’s faithfulness. 4. Contrast the uniqueness of God’s faithfulness with the faithfulness of others.
VOCABULARY Baal
idolatry
omnipotence
11
omniscience
BIBLE 1101 THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
THE AFFIRMATION OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Declaration of God as to His Own Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Declaration of Man as to God’s Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 2 5
THE NATURE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • 11 The Characteristics of God’s Faithfulness • • • • • • 12 The Contrasts of God’s Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • 14 THE MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Providence of the Faithful Creator The Message of the Faithful Witness • The Work of the Faithful High Priest • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
• • • •
18 19 21 23
THE IMPLICATIONS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 28 The Necessity of Faith • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 29 The Responsibilities of Faithfulness • • • • • • • • • • 31 GLOSSARY
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 36
Author: Editor: Graphic Design:
Eugene Hovda, M.S. Alan Christopherson, M.S. Alpha Omega Staff
804 N. 2nd Ave. E., Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1759 © MCMXCVIII by Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. LIFEPAC is a registered trademark of Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
All trademarks and/or service marks referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Alpha Omega Publications, Inc. makes no claim of ownership to any trademarks and/or service marks other than their own and their affiliates’, and makes no claim of affiliation to any companies whose trademarks may be listed in this material, other than their own.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD Faithfulness is one of God’s attributes. Other attributes of God that you have studied or will study are love, mercy, grace, justice, immutability, eternality, holiness, and goodness. Attributes are those things that are essential to, or characteristic of, a person or thing. The Bible teaches us by statements about God and by records of what God has done that God is a loving God, a merciful God, a just God, an unchangeable God. The Bible teaches that God has always existed and will always be. It teaches that He is perfect in holiness and goodness. You have studied most of these attributes. The study of this LIFEPAC® is the biblical teaching about God’s faithfulness. The knowledge of and belief in the faithfulness of God as declared in Scripture can develop in you a firm conviction of God’s credibility. If the study of this LIFEPAC convinces you of God’s truthfulness and His trustworthiness, you can benefit in many ways. Honest doubts can be removed. God can begin to speak His Word to you with authority. You can pray with confidence. Worship can become a genuine and personal expression. Your service can be marked with readiness and boldness.
In the light of what you will learn in this LIFEPAC, the ever-changing scene can testify to the unchangeableness of our God. The monotonous routine of life can be changed into an exciting adventure into God’s faithful plan and purpose. God’s faithfulness can heal the wounds caused by the fickleness of friends. You will learn that although people often fail you, Jesus never will. When you learn of God’s faithfulness you will more fully understand why He requires faithfulness of you. Your faithfulness is needed to introduce an unfaithful world to a faithful God. Your stability and confidence should shine as a light in a dark place. If you really learn God’s faithfulness—if you accept it with your heart as well as your head—His Word will be your handbook. You will start to count on Him—on His love for you and on His provision for all of your needs. You will also let Him make you faithful to Him. All of these benefits and more are yours if you will allow the God Who is faithful to teach you.
OBJECTIVES Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully completed this LIFEPAC. Each section will list according to the numbers below what objectives will be met in that section. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Write from memory Scripture verses relative to the faithfulness of God. Illustrate the faithfulness of God from biblical history. Describe the characteristics of God’s faithfulness. Contrast the uniqueness of God’s faithfulness with the faithfulness of others. Enumerate the manifestations of God’s faithfulness. List and explain some of the implications of God’s faithfulness. Relate God’s faithfulness to our stewardship.
Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1
I. THE AFFIRMATION OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS In His Word God asserts His faithfulness. He states repeatedly that He can be trusted to take care of His people. The record of what He has done for His people affirms the truth of what He says. In addition to these testimonies from the divine side,
✞
the Bible records many witnesses of man to the faithfulness of God. God constantly cares for His people in normal experiences and in stressful experiences.
Read Psalm 89; Psalm 136; Psalm 23; and Job 1–2, 13 and 40–42.
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Write from memory Scripture verses relative to the faithfulness of God. 2. Illustrate the faithfulness of God from biblical history.
VOCABULARY Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section. attribute Note:
covenant people
immutability
witness
All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.
THE DECLARATION OF GOD AS TO HIS OWN FAITHFULNESS God is a self-revealing God. We could know nothing of God if this statement were not true. God has used various ways to reveal Himself. Two of these ways are His Word (what He has said) and His work (what He has done). These two witnesses
are in agreement and complement each other. Together they give us a more complete revelation of God’s faithfulness. God makes a claim to faithfulness; His works support His claim. 2
The testimony of God’s Word. God declares in His Word that He is faithful. Psalm 89 is a dialogue between the writer of the psalm and God. Verses nineteen to thirty-seven record the words of the Lord concerning His promises and plans for David, His anointed servant. In this declaration, the Lord God makes clear that all of the plans and promises are guaranteed by His faithfulness. In addition to the term faithfulness, such words and phrases as “establish,” “for evermore,” “stand fast,” “to endure,” “not…fail,” “not break,” “nor alter,” and “not lie” are used by God. In other places in the Bible, commands or promises spoken directly by God to a man or men are accompanied by such expressions as (Joshua 1:5 “ … I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” To
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Isaac God said (Genesis 26:3), “…I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father.” When God gave Jacob the dream about the ladder that reached from earth to heaven (Genesis 28:12–15), the Lord stood above it and said, “… Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.” The writer of the letter to the Hebrews, probably referring to what God said to Jacob, states (Hebrews 13:5) “ … for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In the passage given, as well as in others, God clearly states in His own words that faithfulness is an essential element of His character.
Write these verses. Read Psalm 89:19–37 and list by number the verses in which the term “my faithfulness” is found. Write out the statement that God made in each instance. a. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Match the words or phrases to the verse in Psalm 89 in which they are found. Write the letter on the line.
1.2 1.3
_______ vs. 2
1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8
_______ vs. 3
1.9 1.10 1.11
_______ vs. 33
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_______ vs. 3
_______ vs. 4 _______ vs. 28 _______ vs. 28 _______ vs. 29
_______ vs. 34 _______ vs. 35
a. made a covenant b. my covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips c. I will not lie unto David d. establish e. mercy will I keep forever more f. will I make to endure forever g. my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail h. have sworn i. to all generations j. my covenant shall stand fast
Write the definition. Using a Bible dictionary or a Bible encyclopedia, write a definition of God’s faithfulness. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Answer these questions. What did God promise Joshua? _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3
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What did God promise Isaac? _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What did God promise Jacob? ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What did the writer of the letter to the Hebrews say God had promised? ____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What is the significant similarity among the four promises? _________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Memorize these Bible passages.
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Memorize Psalm 89:33–35.
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Memorize Joshua 1:5–6.
✔ The testimony of God’s work. God’s work falls into two categories—the work of creation and the work of preservation. God’s works are an expression of His character. Because God is true, unchanging, steadfast, and reliable, His works necessarily reflect this attribute of faithfulness. God’s work of creation was the first manifestation of His purpose, namely, to have a people with whom He could fellowship and who would bring glory to Him. The second manifestation of His purpose—a continuing one—is the preservation of His creation. The preservation of His creation may be seen in five areas: (1) the universe; (2) mankind; (3) His chosen people, Israel; (4) His called-out ones, the Church; and (5) His Word, our Bible. In Psalm 136, both the work of creation (the universe) and the work of preservation (His chosen people, Israel) are attributed to His faithfulness by the repetition of the clause, “for His mercy [loving kindness] endureth forever.” God preserves mankind because of His faithfulness. Jesus taught His disciples that they should
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Adult check ______________________ Initial Date
love their enemies as well as their friends so that they might be true sons of the heavenly Father, “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus told Peter and the other disciples (Matthew 16:18) that the gates of hell cannot prevail against His Church. The preservation of God’s covenant people and of His Word are declared in the beautiful fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. One verse (Isaiah 55:11) especially mentions His Word, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” All of God’s works testify to the unchanging nature of His purpose for Israel, and through Israel for the Church—for each of His chosen ones, ultimately through Christ. Everything God has done and is doing testifies to His faithfulness.
Complete these activities. Read Psalm 136 and give a descriptive title to each of the following sections. a. 1–3
___________________________________________________________________________
b. 4–9
___________________________________________________________________________
c.
10–24 ___________________________________________________________________________
d. 25
___________________________________________________________________________
e. 26
___________________________________________________________________________ 4
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Read Psalm 136:4–9, and list five works of creation that are recorded there. a.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
b.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
c.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
d.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
e.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Read Psalm 136:10–24, and enumerate the preserving and establishing work of God relative to Israel. Look for the phrase “to him that” or “to him which” as indicators. Write the phrases here. a.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
b.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
c.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
d.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer these questions. What verse in the book of Matthew gives a promise of the preservation of God’s Church? Give the reference and write the promise. ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What does Isaiah 55:11 say? Write it in your own words. ____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What are the five areas in which God’s preserving faithfulness may be seen? a.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
b.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
c.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
d.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
e.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Memorize these verses.
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Memorize Matthew 16:18.
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Memorize Isaiah 55:11.
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Adult check ______________________ Initial Date
THE DECLARATION OF MAN AS TO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS In Psalms 89 and 136, the psalmist has testified to God’s faithfulness, primarily from the viewpoint of revelation and history. Man also bears witness to God’s faithfulness to him personally and intimately through life’s normal, common, and universal experiences. We read such a witness in Psalm 23. In
addition, man testifies to God’s faithfulness in times of special testing and trials (man’s unusual and stressful experiences). Man under pressure continues to testify of God’s faithfulness. Job 42 records such a testimony. 5
The testimony of man’s normal experience. Psalm 23 is probably the best known, most loved, and most frequently memorized of the psalms. The mental picture it paints of the shepherd’s care is tender and beautiful; but its universal appeal lies in the fact that David, the writer, saw himself as the sheep; and readers can identify with this concept. Even readers with no experience of the pastoral life can quickly put themselves into the picture. Other passages of Scripture picture God’s faithful care of men with other metaphors; but the simple, comprehensive recital that David gave in Psalm 23 covers all normal life experiences. The statements of Psalm 23 cover man’s needs in every area of his life—waking, sleeping, food gathering (making a living), relaxation of body, restoration of spiritual well-being, safety, moral and mental strength, comfort in the experience of death, and certainty of life everlasting with the Good Shepherd Himself. Anyone who has trusted the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, to become his Savior and Shepherd can have David’s experience.
The Good Shepherd
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Read Psalm 23 carefully, noting its structure. Then complete the activities.
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Identify by verse(s) the sections of the psalm that present the following concepts. a. The statement of relationship and assurance _______________________________________________ b. The reasons why the Shepherd’s care is adequate (These reasons are written in the third person.) __________________________________________________________________________ c.
Additional reasons for assurance (These reasons are written in the second person.) _____ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
d. Future certainties based on the Lord’s faithfulness ________________________________________ 1.29
Write a brief paragraph of assurance relative to each of the following italicized emphases. a. The LORD is my shepherd. _______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ b. The LORD is my shepherd.________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ c.
The LORD is my shepherd.________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
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In your own words, explain the statement, “I shall not want.” ________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Put these statements in the sequence in which the concept is found in Psalm 23. Write the letter on the line. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
His presence is with me in the valley of the shadow of death. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He comforts me with His rod and staff. He makes my cup run over. He restores my soul. He leads me beside still waters. He leads me in the paths of righteousness. He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil.
1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.39
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
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Answer these questions.
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When the sheep know their Shepherd, what hope do they have which is based on His faithfulness? (See verse 6) a. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ b. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Can you testify to the following statements from Psalm 23 based on God’s faithfulness to you? If so, give scriptural reasons for your confidence. a. I shall not want. ___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ b. I will fear no evil. __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ c.
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Memorize this verse.
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Memorize Psalm 23:1–6.
✔ The testimony of man’s stressful experiences. Sometimes under pressure the believer doesn’t see God through his new eyes but just as an unbeliever sees. This was not the case with Job. Job knew God’s faithfulness was not in jeopardy when God allowed Satan to take away what God had given to him. Job’s first recorded words testify to this: (Job 1:21) “ … Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Even after the second encounter Job had insight enough to rebuke his wife and declare God’s unchanging faithfulness (Job 2:10): “…What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?...”
Teacher check ______________________ Initial Date
After all the unwise pressure and counsel of his three friends had taken its toll, God spoke (Job 40–41) in faithfulness to Job; and Job saw things he had never before seen and realized he had spoken without understanding (Job 42). Through all of Job’s stressful experiences, he found God faithful. The example of Job is not popular in an era when the emphasis is on “the good life,” having fun and being happy. In the Bible the same original word is sometimes translated happy and sometimes translated blessed. If to be blessed by God is to be happy, we can understand why believers can be happy under the most stressful circumstances. James wrote (James 5:11), “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience 7
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord [the completion of the affair brought about by the Lord]; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Job lost his family—some Christians lose their families. Job lost all of his possessions—some Christians lose all of their possessions. Job lost his
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health—some Christians lose their health. Job vacillated in his emotions, but he had an underlying faith in the faithfulness of God. Job said (Job 13:15), “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him....”
Complete this activity. Turn to Job 42, and read the entire chapter. Find the verses in which these evidences of God’s faithfulness to Job are given. Write the number of the verse(s) on the line. a. b. c. d. e.
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____
f. _____ g. _____ h. _____
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.” “Also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” “Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters … and did eat bread with him in his house.” “Every man also gave him a piece of money, and everyone an earring of gold.” “He also had seven sons and three daughters.” “After this Job lived an hundred and forty years…”
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Read the verses and answer the questions.
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Read James 5:11. What does this verse teach about God’s faithfulness? _______________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8
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Read Psalm 119:73–80. a. Which statement in this section gives a good explanation of Job’s experience? _________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. What follows affliction in the experience of a believer? _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Memorize this verse.
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Memorize James 5:11.
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Adult check ______________________ Initial Date
Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. The Self Test will check your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate specific areas where restudy is needed for mastery.
SELF TEST 1
Write true or false on the line in front of each statement (each answer, 2 points). 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
1.010
______
1.011
______
God has revealed His faithfulness through His work. Faithfulness is an attribute of God. God made a covenant with Abraham but not with David. God cares for His people in stressful circumstances. In normal circumstances, man alone is responsible for his well-being. God has used various ways to reveal Himself. God said, “I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father.” “For his mercy endureth forever” is a refrain of Psalm 136. The history of Israel’s journey through the wilderness is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. The history of Israel’s victories over the kings that came against Israel is only a testimony to Israel’s courage. The Shepherd Psalm is Psalm 89.
Answer this question (each item, 2 points). 1.012
What three “I will” or “I shall” statements can the LORD’s sheep make when he knows the Shepherd? a. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– b.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
c.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Match the beginning and ending of the portions of Psalm 23. Write the letter on the line (each match, 2 points). 1.013
______ The Lord is
a. the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
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______ I shall not
b. the valley of the shadow of death,
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______ He maketh me to
c. in the presence of mine enemies:
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______ He leadeth me beside
d. shall follow me all the days of my life:
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______ He restoreth
e. my Shepherd;
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______ He leadeth me in
f. runneth over.
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______ Yea, though I walk through
g. they comfort me.
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______ I will fear
h. want.
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______ For thou art
i. my head with oil;
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______ Thy rod and thy staff
j. lie down in green pastures:
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______ Thou preparest a table
k. my soul:
before me 1.024
______ Thou anointest
l. in the house of the LORD forever.
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______ My cup
m. the still waters.
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______ Surely goodness and mercy
n. no evil:
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______ And I shall dwell
o. with me;
Answer these questions (each numbered answer, 5 points). 1.028
Because we have a faithful Shepherd, what is our view of the future?________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What two-fold testimony did Job give when the LORD permitted Satan to take his possessions and afflict his body? _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What gains did Job make because he came through his affliction? a. relative to God
____________________________________________________________
b. relative to himself
____________________________________________________________
c.
relative to possessions ____________________________________________________________
d. relative to family
____________________________________________________________
e. relative to life
____________________________________________________________
Write the verses from memory (each passage, 5 points). 1.031
Psalm 89:33–35 _______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________
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James 5:11 ____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Joshua 1:5–6 __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Score Adult check
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II. THE NATURE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS God’s faithfulness is unique. He is faithful in a way no other one is capable. The clearest picture of His faithfulness comes through the revelation of Scripture. We know what His faithfulness is like because He has told us, and we have found Him to
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be true to His Word. Because God’s faithfulness is unique, the quality of it is difficult for human beings to understand. We have nothing with which to compare it. However, God’s Word both describes it and contrasts it with the faithfulness of others.
Read Hebrews 6:13–20; Genesis 9:8–17; Isaiah 40:18–31; and 1 Kings 18.
SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Write from memory Scripture verses relative to the faithfulness of God. 3. Describe the characteristics of God’s faithfulness. 4. Contrast the uniqueness of God’s faithfulness with the faithfulness of others.
VOCABULARY Baal
idolatry
omnipotence
11
omniscience
