IV. DREAMS SURPASSED AND OBEDIENCE THAT LASTS
QUESTIONS for Chapter 28 Upside Down
Chapter 28 - M Upside Down
Chapter 29 - T Broken Pottery
Chapter 30 - W God's Right to Rule
Chapter 31 - Th God's Rule is Right
Chapter 32 - F God's Daily Rule
QUESTIONS for Chapter 28 Upside Down
1. Why is obedience so necessary to freedom in Christ?
2. How have you experienced gaining freedom in one area only to have bondage appear in another area of your life?
3. How are we today like the rebellious Israelites in Isaiah 30?
4. Which of the characteristics of a rebellious child of God have you experienced? ***
Isaiah 29:16
James 1:22-25
In the Book of Isaiah, God perfectly underscores the same 3 principles:
1. He has the right to rule.
2. He sets a high price for rebellion.
3. He pours out safety and blessing for obedience.
Isaiah 30:10-11
Isaiah 30:12-15
***A REBELLIOUS Child of God (these are covered in Chapter 28) from Isaiah 30:8-21 :
1) ...doesn't act like a child of God (v. 9)
2) ...isn't willing to listen to the Lord's instruction (v. 9) (Ps. 81:13-14)
3) ...prefers present illusions over truth (v.10-11)
4) ...relies on oppression (v.12)
In Chapter 29, we'll continue to examine the last 2 characteristics that a REBELLIOUS child
5) ...learns to depend on deceit (v.12)
6) ...runs from the real answers God provides (v.15-17)
... * an extra from my dear BFF pastor friend back home at my home church, in her BFF sermon 1/23/11 ... Pastor Irene R. "... Abraham sought direction from God at every point in his life. Our passion needs to be for Jesus....God says that when you are my friend, you will obey what I command. (John 15) "So...
... * an extra from my dear BFF pastor friend back home at my home church, in her BFF sermon 1/23/11 ... Pastor Irene R. "... Abraham sought direction from God at every point in his life. Our passion needs to be for Jesus....God says that when you are my friend, you will obey what I command. (John 15) "So...
"Our OBEDIENCE demonstrates the reality of our righteousness."
I just tried to post my answers - they got eaten up! GRRR...Will try to recapture my thoughts again!
ReplyDelete1. Why is obedience so necessary to freedom in Christ?
Because if we don't obey Christ, we are slaves to sin. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that sin is bondage. And it is only through yielding ourselves to trust and obedience, that we find the way to live. Only in Him can we be who we were created to be - and to find the purpose He has for us. Serving Him with our gifts - I can't think of a more freeing lifestyle than that!
2. How have you experienced gaining freedom in one area only to have bondage appear in another area of your life?
I can't think of a particular example. But I know the principle is true. So many times I've experienced a victory in the Lord, only to have the enemy show up with a temptation, or thought, or doubt, that steers me into another direction. I have found that the more I mature in my faith journey - the enemy doesn't back off - he just gets more subtle. And most often, when God is really working in my life - I am bombarded with fear and doubts.
3. How are we today like the rebellious Israelites in Isaiah 30?
We make plans that are contrary to the ways of the Lord. We pile up our sins. We put our trust in other things to give us security. We refuse to pay attention to His instructions. We do what we know is wrong. We rebel against His discipline. We don't want to do what is right. We want to hear what makes us feel better. We don't want to be confronted with truth.
4. Which of the characteristics of a rebellious child of God have you experienced?
Unfortunately, I have experienced all four of them (from Ch. 28). I have not acted like a child of God - and I have been a very poor reflection of Him. I wasn't willing to listen to His instructions. I willfully did what I knew was wrong. I preferred the illusion that "all was well" because I was still a good person. But my "good" was very skewed, and I deliberately ignored the truth. I relied on the oppression of sin - for I chose to live that way.
BUT!! Praise God - this prodigal daughter returned to the open arms of her Father! And He welcomed me back. And I have found freedom in His narrow path - for it truly leads to life!
GOD BLESS, Peggy - best of luck on your busy week!