Lesson
38 September 15
Summary:
1. The only source of
true works - bonifide production in the life (ph-2) is the word of God in you
put into practice.
2. (axiom) Therefore knowledge of BD must precede DGP.
3. (axiom) DGP is to follow one who has BDRS.
4. (axiom) BD apart from works is barren & unproductive.
5. Need to recognize that even an
unbeliever or a negative believer can state truth - what is right.
6. But only a
believer can actually produce divine good DG.
7. Believers are to
have truth plus production, otherwise we look and act just like unbelievers -
can't tell the difference.
Was not Abraham our Father justified by works
- In Ph-1 to have believed in the
person and work of Jesus Christ
- In Ph-2 in time after salvation is
to be in obedience to the expressed will of God
when he offered up
Isaac his son on the altar?
- Important point of syntax
is the action of the aor ptc
offered precedes the action of the main vb. -
justified or vindicated.
Summary:
1. He had the faith,
the BD, and it was manifested in this test through his actions.
- knew what God expected of him and
did it.
2. Time in view is
many years after his salvation - being justified - declared +R; Ph-1.
- Gen 12:1-3 cp Acts 7:2-3
3. Therefore Gen 22:
1-19 refers to justification in time - vindication after salvation.
Rabbit trail - Gen
22:1-19:
Abraham - Vindicated by his
Works
22:1-2 The Test
Now it came about
after these things,
- That is after God had removed all
the human props from Abe.
that God tested Abraham,
- The word test hs'n" (n¹sâ) this is
equivalent to what we've seen so far in James of testing.
- This word speaks of tests designed to refine our thinking and character so
that we might walk more closely in God's ways, in fellowship with Him.
- Ex. 16:4;
Deut. 8:2; Jud. 2:21-22; Psa. 26:1-3
and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
22:2 Instructions given to Abe
He said, "Take
now your son, your only son,
whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah,
- Moriah
is the area, the place that eventually the temple would be built in
Next we discover what God is asking
Abe to do!
and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of
the mountains of which I will tell you."
- this had to be a
shock to Abe since the words used here for sacrifice refers to one that would
be totally consumed on the altar
What is the real
issue here? What should we be thinking at this point?
- Is Abe going to
have to apply the truth he knows to the MAX and continue his obedience to God
or is he going to be dominated by his love of his son born in his old age.
Point of truth: God has a way of putting His
finger on the very things that mean the most to us and not removing His finger
until He senses our willingness to let Him have that for which He has asked. With the ultimate blessing
beyond your imagination.
What else would Abe need to orient
to in order to aid him in dealing with this test?
The essence and character of God, that is knowing who God is has a tremendous impact on
our lives and decisions we make just as it did for Abe.
1.
Kingship - sovereignty
knows that God is ultimately in control of history.
2.
+R/J knows
that God can not and will not do anything contrary to His integrity.
3. Eternal life - know that you share His
Eternal life, He has provided for the difficult thing, our eternal security
therefore He is able to easily provide security for our life.
4. Love - recognized that God loved him and that
this was a test of his love for God.
5. OmSc and OmPr recognized
that God knows all the circumstances and motivations and would be there to provide all that Abe
would need to handle this test.
6. OmPo - knows that
God has the has the power to protect Isaac and if
necessary resurrect him.
7. Immutability - God is faithful to His word,
will carry it out, doesn't change from day to
day.
8. Veracity - always tells the truth and you can
trust His word.