How should the Christian relate to worldly authorities? This question is often debated in Christian circles. Some folks believe that the Christian should be a pacifist and remain “under the radar” at all times, while others believe that the Christian ought to be a social activist, protesting the government for the cause of Christ. Some believe that the Christian has the right to withhold taxes from an ungodly government, while others teach that it is the Christian’s responsibility to pay taxes. With so many differing opinions on the subject, one may assume that the Bible is unclear on the relationship a Christian ought to have to his government. The exact opposite is true.  As we will see in the remainder of this study, the Bible gives us clear instruction in how to respond to our government.

It would be helpful before you begin this study to read & Romans 13:1-10, where we find key principles regarding our relationship to the powers that be.

• Rom 13:1. In this verse we find two principles that are key to the subject of the Christian and his government.

Q. Here God tells every soul to be ___________________________ the higher powers.

According to this verse God requires that all Christians obey (be subject to) their government. This teaching is consistent with other passages:

• Titus 3:1. Q. Here Paul told Titus to teach the Christians in Crete to be S_________________ to the principalities and powers and to O___________ magistrates.

• 1 Pet 2:13-14. Q. How does Peter tell us we should respond to every ordinance of man?

Q. What are two types of authorities mentioned in v13-14 that we are to submit to?

• 1 Pet 2:17. Q. How are we told to respond to the King?

So the first principle that we see is that of submission.  God has ordained that all Christian’s honour and submit to their government.

Q. According to the same passage in 1 Peter mentioned above, what will be the affect of the Christian’s submission to the government? (v15)

Submitting to worldly governments is a matter of maintaining a right testimony before the unsaved.  Christians are often looked at with skepticism or even suspicion. When we live as exemplary citizens, obeying the powers that be, we put to silence those who seek an occasion to accuse us. According to Titus 3:2, this submission exemplifies a meek and gentle character.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

A lot of the debate surrounding the Christian and his government comes from the fact that most Christian’s live under unchristian or even anti-Christian governments and do not feel that their leaders deserve to be obeyed. Does the moral state of our government dictate whether or not we should submit? Let’s examine some scripture and establish the next key principle – the principle of God’s Sovereignty.

• Rom 13:1. Q. According to this verse, where does all power come from?

Q. Who ordained (appointed or set up) the ”powers that be”?

• Romans 13:2. Q. If we resist our government, we are also resisting the ordinance ­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________.

• 1 Pet 2:13. Q. For whose sake do we submit to every ordinance of man?

• 1 Pet 2:14. Q. We are to submit to our governors as ones that are  S__________  ________  __________.

• Rom 13:4. Q. Our rulers are the ministers ______________________.

When we submit to our government, we do it as servants of God. There is no power which does not first come from God. He has ordained all the powers that be.

• Rom 13:3. Q. According to this verse, our rulers are to protect us from E___________. And to P__________________ those that do good.

• Rom 13:4. Q. When should we fear our government?

Q. What should our government do with those who doeth evil?

• 1 Pet 2:14. Q. What two roles should our government play?

God has given us government for our protection.  Proverbs 21:1 says The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Even under the most ungodly governments we must acknowledge that our rulers hold an office which is ordained by God. He has given us our rulers for our own protection and for the judgment of those who do evil. Ultimately God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and in his sovereignty, he has allowed some ungodly men to wield power upon the earth. Even under these evil rulers we are to follow the principle Paul laid out in Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Consider the audience to which Paul is writing in the book of Romans.  The men and women in Rome of that day lived in a society which was ruled by an absolute monarchy, one in which slavery was rampant, persecution was common, and taxes were exorbitant. It was to this audience that Paul said Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. If Paul so clearly and directly told the Romans to submit to their government, we dare not claim that we are excused because of our ungodly government!

An Exception

Now, after we have acknowledged that it is God’s will that we submit to our government as if we are submitting to Him; and that it is our duty to try, as much as is possible, to live peaceably with all men; and that our civil obedience is a major factor in our godly testimony toward the unsaved; we can ask the question; Is there ever a time when we are permitted to oppose the government?

First of all, there are some situations in which a government provides legitimate ways to influence who its leaders are, and what decisions they make. In these instances the Christian ought to exercise his right to vote, both in elections and referendums. But what about those situations where the Christian has no voice and is being coerced to behave in a way contrary to God’s will?

The Hebrew Midwives

• Ex 1:15,16. Q. What did the King ask the Hebrew midwives to do?

• Ex 1:17. Q. How did the midwives respond? For what reason?

• Ex 1:20,21. Q. How did God respond to the midwives?

• Ex 1:22. Q. Did the midwives obedience to God stop Pharaoh’s plan?

If the midwives disobedience toward their King did not stop his ultimate plan of killing the Hebrew babies, why was it commendable?

The Apostles

In Acts 5 we read an account of the Apostles being thrown into prison for preaching about Jesus Christ.  After God miraculously delivered them from the prison, they continued preaching. They were recaptured and brought before the council once more, this is the context of Acts 5:27:

• Acts 5:27-28. Q. What did the council forbid the Apostles from doing?

• Acts 5:29. Q. How did the Apostles respond?

• Acts 5:40. Q. How did the council react to the Apostles?

Daniel

• Dan 6:7-9. Q. What decree did King Darius make? What was the penalty?

• Dan 6:10. Q. How did Daniel respond to the King’s decree?

• Dan 6:16. Q. How did the King respond to Daniel?

• Dan 6:22,23. Q. What ultimately happened to Daniel? Why?

Considering the above examples, do you think it is ever permissible to disobey your government? Under what circumstances?

In circumstances where the government passes laws which directly coerce the Christian to behave in a way which is contrary to God’s law, the Christian ought to obey God. Notice that while God allowed the Apostles and Daniel to disobey their governments, he did not keep them entirely from the consequences of their disobedience. The Apostles were put in prison and beaten, and Daniel spent a night in the lion’s den. These men were ready and willing to suffer the consequences of their disobedience.

Taxes

Lastly, let’s consider the subject of taxes.  Should the Christian pay taxes to his government? What if his government uses tax money for ungodly causes?

Q. In Romans 13 we are told that the government is ordained of God and that it is charged with our protection.  Based on these facts, what does Rom 13:6,7 say we should do?

• Matt 22:17-22. Q. Considering v21, did Jesus say we should pay taxes?

In answering the Jews, Jesus stated that we ought to give according to God’s requirements, and according to the government’s requirements. Remember that God has ordained our earthly governments, therefore paying taxes is in actuality an act of obedience toward our sovereign God!

Jesus principle of “render under Caesar that which is Caesar’s” is a principle that applies to all Christians under all forms of government. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was not a moral government, and certainly would have used it’s money for immoral purposes, but notice that Jesus still taught that taxes should be paid. If at all possible, every Christian ought to strive to be an example of a good citizen and to obey his government. Or as Rom 12:18 states it, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Tags: enemies, friends, government, taxes, tribute, unbelievers, unsaved
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“This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

When Albert E. Brumley wrote those words back in 1965 he was expressing what every Christian feels when they begin to live an obedient life for God This world begins to lose its appeal, and in time, actually stands in opposition to his spiritual desires. This experience is consistent with what Jesus taught regarding this present world.

• John 15:19. Q. What did Jesus say we are “not of”?__________________.

Q. Jesus said that he has chosen us ___________________ the world.

When Jesus said “the world” he was not talking about this planet, but rather society.  It is the social system that exists all around us, the philosophy, the morals, the entertainment, all of the constructs of fallen man that make up “the world”.  When we got saved, Jesus gave us a new nature and immediately set us apart from this world. This setting apart is what the Bible calls sanctification.

• Hebrews 13:11-14. This passage speaks of our relationship to this world.  It uses the Old Testament sacrifice of animals as a parallel.  In the Old Testament the priest would sprinkle the blood of an animal within the temple, and then take the body of the animal to burn it outside of the city. The idea of being outside the city is that of being isolated, separate or even despised.

Q. According to verse 12, Jesus suffered _____________________________, So that he might S_____________________ us by his blood.

Q. Verse 13 shows what our response should be to what Jesus has done for us. It says that we should go forth therefore __________________________the camp and as a result we would ­­­­­­­­­­­bear his ­­­__________________.

Q. According to verse 14, what do we not have?_______________________.

Q. Where is our city?_________________________________.

It seems that Albert E. Brumely was almost certainly influenced by this passage when he wrote his famous hymn. Our citizenship is not here in this world, but we are pilgrims, passing through, waiting for our true home in heaven. Our response to Jesus’ sacrifice is to turn from this world, even if it means bearing reproach. • John 15:19. Q. What does the world think of Christians? Why?

Now let’s examine a little closer what this world is all about.  First of all, let’s consider the Satanic Dominance in this World.

The Bible refers to Satan as both the god and the prince of this world.

• John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the ___________
___________________ be cast out.

• 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the ___________________________ hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

These verses and others help us to understand why Satan, when tempting Jesus in the wilderness could claim to have both power and glory in all the kingdoms of the world!

• Luke 4:5-7. Satan said that all the power and glory of the kingdoms of the world had been D__________________ unto him.

When Adam sinned against God, he lost his dominion over this world, and sin and Satan were delivered the power to dominate.  Now, man in his fallen condition is heavily influenced both directly by sin and indirectly by Satan.  Satan may not make himself known, nor appear directly to men, but he has built up a world system founded upon his rebellion against God

What are some areas of our society where you believe Satan’s influence can be seen?

So, in understanding the world we must recognize the Satanic Dominance of the world, and next, we must see the Sinful Depravity of this world. All one has to do is watch the nightly news or the latest Hollywood movie to witness the depravity of this world.  Depravity means “morally corrupt”.

• 1 John 2:15 What are we told not to do?________________________

We are told not to love the world or anything in the world, why is this? Look at the very next verse in 1 John 2:

• 1 John 2:16. Q. What three categories can all that is in the world be divided into? _____________________________________________

This world system is driven by three main desires – the desire to have more (lust of the eyes), the desire to do more (lust of the flesh), and the desire to be more (the pride of life). These three things are absolutely opposed to the nature of God and to what he desires for his children. While the world desires to attain wealth, the Bible says “be content with such things as ye have” (Heb 13:5), while the world desires to indulge the flesh, the Bible says to not “fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16), while the world says we should always desire to be more the Bible says that we are to “be not highminded” (1 Tim 6:17). These unholy drives have been the foundation for this world’s philosophies and approach to life ever since Adam sinned in the garden.  We must recognize the sinful depravity of this world and make a decided effort not to be conformed to it.

• Romans 12:2 And __________________________________________: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…

Next, and lastly we must recognize the Sure Destruction of this World.

• 1 John 2:16,17. Q. What will happen to this world?

• 2 Peter 3:10. Q. How will this world be destroyed?_________________.

The Bible makes it clear that this world and all the things within it will eventually be burned up.  Recognizing this fact ought to change the way we live our lives.  Look at • 2 Peter 3:11. Q. According to this verse, the future destruction of this world ought to motivate us to live in h_____________ and g______________.

Part of developing a right relationship with this world is realizing that this world is only temporary and that we, therefore, should not invest too much into it! Jesus taught this same truth in Matthew 6.

• Matt 6:19-21. Q. Why should we not lay up treasures on earth?

Q. v20, Where should our treasures be? v21,What does this indicate about us?

The right attitude toward this world is that of a pilgrim.  We are not invested in this world but are simply passing through.  Because of our pilgrim nature we must be sure not to “set up camp” in this world!

What are some ways that a Christian may become “too invested” in this world?

• Write out Col 3:2

So we have seen Satanic Dominance in the World, the Sinful Depravity of the World and the Sure Destruction of the World.  Next let’s look at some important reasons for our separation from the world.

First of all, we ought to separate ourselves from the world in order to Protect our Walk with God.

If we desire to protect our walk with God than we must separate from the world. When we walk in this world we expose ourselves to all the sin and temptation that comes with it.  The Christian who does not guard himself against these things will find himself slowly becoming affected by them.

The Christian who attempts to live both in the world and for God will struggle his entire Christian life and is very likely to eventually choose the things of the world over the things of God.

• Matt 6:24. Q. What can no man do?___________________________.

Q. What will eventually happen if one tries to serve both God and the world?

When a Christian develops a daily quiet time with the Lord, he ought to diligently seek to protect it.  This protection comes when we guard our lives from the sinful influences of the world.  The Christian who has no problem being friends with the world, or indulging in the world’s depraved entertainment probably does not have a daily quiet time with the Lord which he values.

• 2 Cor 6:17. Q. What must we do before God will receive us?

• James 4:8. Q. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. _____________ your hands, ye sinners; and _____________your hearts, ye double minded.

Although we will never lose our salvation, we can certainly lose our fellowship with God. When we walk in this world and become defiled by it, God will not receive us until we repent of it.  We must separate from the world and remain pure and clean from its influence on us.

Lastly, we must separate from the world in order to Proclaim the Word of God. Every Christian has been commissioned to preach the gospel.  We are to be witnesses of what Jesus has done for us. In order to have credibility in our witness, we must be separate from the world and not take part in its sin.

• Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_________________________________.

We must maintain a testimony which is free from the sinfulness of this world, else the world will not accept our witness.  When Lot tried to warn his family of the coming judgment they rejected him, why? Because he had not shown himself as a man that knew God or walked with Him. Next week we will examine more in depth the idea of setting safeguards in our lives in order to have a successful walk with God.

Tags: fellowship, satan, separation, society, world
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In 1893 the World’s Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago, among many other things, this exposition hosted what was called the “World Parliament of Religions”. This organization was comprised of leaders from many different religions. Their goal was to meet and to share common beliefs, perhaps even to come up with a new religion. D.L. Moody chose not to take part in this meeting. When Moody’s friends asked him to attack the “World parliament of Religions”, he refused. Moody said “I am going to make Jesus Christ so attractive that men will turn to Him”. Moody decided to appoint preachers at strategic locations to preach the gospel, and he even rented the circus tent to hold revival meetings! Of the over two million people in attendance at the Exposition, many thousands came to Christ under the preaching of D.L. Moody.

While many religions share similarities and common beliefs, no religion offers what Christianity does – Jesus Christ. He does not belong in a world parliament of religions and he does not belong in a comparative religions class. Jesus Christ stands apart as the preeminent son of God, by whom all things were created and consist.

Through these Bible studies we will learn who Jesus Christ is, what position he holds, what he has done for us, and how this affects our lives day to day. I can think of no nobler task then to delve into God’s word seeking to learn all about Jesus and then appropriating and obeying the things learned. For the next few months we will take on this task and I believe it will prove to be a blessing to our church and to us as individuals.

• Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the ______________________________.

This verse tells us that Christ is to have the “preeminence”. The word preeminence means Superior to all others.

There were men and women in Colosse who were attempting to lead the Colossian church astray. These folks were Gnostics. They believed that Christ was simply one of many spirits which came from God, each successive generation of spirits being less godlike then the previous. Paul took the occasion of this letter to set the Colossians straight. Christ was not to be put in a line of succession because he is above all (John 3:31, Eph 1:22). For the remainder of this study we will examine some reasons why Christ should be given all preeminence.

His Nature Displays His Preeminence

• Col 1:15 Who is the __________________ of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

• Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth __________ the _______________ of the _________________ ______________.

Q. With these verses in mind, how would you describe Jesus?

Christ by his very nature is the preeminent one. His preeminence is not something that we give Him, it is simply something that we acknowledge and respond to.

All other major religions may have teachings, tenets, rituals, or regulations but none of them have an originator who claimed to be God and then affirmed his divinity by the resurrection from the dead.

• Romans 1:3-4 Concerning _______ _________ Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the ___________________________ with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the __________________________ from the dead:

Jesus Christ was God clothed in human flesh. He possessed all the power and majesty of God the Father yet he took on human form.

• 1 Timothy 3:16. Q. How was God manifest on earth?

• John 14:9, John 10:30. Q. Who does Jesus claim to be?

Jesus has been given preeminence not because of anything he has done, but because of his very nature. To do anything other than place Jesus in his proper place as preeminent Lord and God is to deny his deity. Any teaching which attempts to place Jesus on the same level as other religious figures ignores the clear teachings of scripture, the testimony of Jesus himself, the historic fact of the resurrection, and the witness of millions of Christians since his death on the cross.

Christ did not claim to be a teacher, philosopher or religious leader; he claimed to be God in the flesh. Jesus’ divine nature makes him preeminent over all of creation. How should his preeminence affect your daily life?

His Works Declare His Preeminence

Not only does Christ have preeminence because of his divine nature, but he declared his superiority over all, by his works.

His Work of Creating

Do you know what the first recorded words of Jesus are in the Bible? In Genesis 1:3 it says And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. According scripture, these words were spoken by Jesus Christ himself!

• Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by _____________, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, ______________________ also he ______________________________;

Q. According to that verse by whom were the worlds made?

• Colossians 1:16 For by him were ______________________________, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ________________ _____________________________, and for him:

When Jesus Christ walked the earth 2000 years ago, he was actually stepping into his own creation. He is the creator of all things.

His Work of Sustaining

Not only did the Lord Jesus Christ create all things, but he actively sustains and upholds all of his creation.

• Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and ___________________

___________________________________.

• Hebrews 1:3. Q. According to this verse, how are all things upheld?

His Work of Redeeming

• Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the _____________ ______________________, by him to ________________ _______ things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Not only did Jesus create all things, and not only does he uphold all things, but he has also redeemed all things. Jesus has purchased all of creation with his blood, and has redeemed it from the curse of sin. (Rom 8:22-23, Acts 20:28). Jesus’ preeminence is displayed by his works. Can you think of a way that our society has robbed Jesus of his preeminence in creation?

His Position Demands Preeminence

• Colossians 1:18. Q. What is Christ’s position in the church?

Q. For what reason does he hold this position?

Jesus is the head of the church. This means that all that is said and done within the church should be done in recognition that He is in charge! All of our preaching, programs and planning should exalt Jesus Christ into his rightful position as Head of the church.

Q. Whether it is preparing a sermon, planning a program, or setting an agenda how can we operate in a way which recognizes Christ as the head of the church?

Q. According to Colossians 2:10 and Ephesians 1:21, what also is Christ the head of?

All principality and power speaks of the angelic world. Not only is Christ the head of the church, but he is far above all the angelic hosts. Christ position of headship demands preeminence. When we fail to submit to Christ within the church we violate his preeminence and set ourselves up in his place.

In 3 John 1:9 we read of such a case. • 3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the __________________________ among them, _________________________________

We must always beware of men, movements or methods that fail to put Christ first and recognize His preeminence.

John the Baptist said He must increase, but I must decrease. Paul said in 1 Cor 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Both these men were in submission to Christ’s preeminence. Lastly, let’s consider that…

His Commission Depends on His Preeminence

Speaking of his death, Jesus said in John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. The same is true today in the way in which we present Christ. The church must always lift him up into his proper place of preeminence. Making much of his person and his work on the cross will see men drawn to Him. We must always decrease and make him first in our church, our homes and our lives. Christ displays, declares, and demands the preeminence in all things.

Review

1. What truth did Moody illustrate by remaining separate from the world parliament of religions and holding his own revival services?

2. What does it mean when we say “Christ is preeminent”?

3. What are some things that set Christianity apart from other religions?

4. What affect do you think a belief in evolution might have on the preeminence of Christ?

5. Compare Genesis 1:3 and Hebrews 1:3, what is similar about the way everything was created, and the way it is upheld?

6. How can we keep Christ preeminent in our church?

Tags: jesus, moody, preeminent
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Last week we learned that Jesus Christ is preeminent.  That is, God has given him power and authority over all of Creation until all things are put under his feet.

• 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 For he hath put ____________________ under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

All the power and authority of the Godhead is present in Jesus Christ, yet Christ’s ultimate purpose in his work is that God the father would be glorified as all in all.

1 Cor 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Today we will see that the life of Jesus Christ and his substitutionary death on the cross were not only in God’s plan from the beginning, but that they are clearly foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament.

• Luke 24:25-27. In these verses, the resurrected Christ is speaking to men on the road to Emmaus. Q. According to verse 25, who did Jesus say they were slow to believe?

Q. According to verse 26, what facts did all the prophets speak of?

Q. v27. What portions of Scripture did Jesus use to teach these men about himself?

Jesus indicated that the Old Testament scripture, and all the prophets testified of himself and his suffering on the cross.  Jesus repeated this in John 5 while speaking to the Jews.

• John 5:39 Search _________________________________; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which _____________________________

Whether we are reading the Old Testament or the New, Jesus Christ is the common theme.  While reading the Bible, we ought always look for Christ, whether pictured, prophesied of, or present, all of the scriptures are about Him!

Pictures of Christ in the Old Testament

• Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a _________________;but the body is of Christ.

Although the Old Testament scriptures are replete with foreshadowings, or types of Jesus Christ, time and space will permit us to only look briefly at a few examples.

Adam

The Bible indicates that Adam is both a type and a contrast of Jesus Christ. Today we will deal with the areas in which Adam typified Christ.

• Romans 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the ______________________________.

His unique birth and position

Adam was the firstborn, and had dominion over all of creation (Gen 1:26).  Christ is the only begotten of the father and has dominion over all (Eph 1:20,21).

His headship over the human race

Adam was the progenitor of the fallen human race.  Jesus entered his creation to become the head of a new creation.

• 1 Cor 15:22 For as in ___________ all _______, even so in __________ shall all be made ____________________

His bride taken from his wounded side.

In Gen 2 we are told that God caused a sleep to fall upon Adam.  At which time God opened Adams side in order to make Eve his wife.  This is a direct picture of our relationship to Jesus Christ.  Like Adam, Jesus was wounded for us (Isa 53:5), his side was opened (John 19:34), and all for the purpose of bringing his bride to Him. This is the allusion in Ephesians chapter five.

• Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your _________________________ even as Christ also loved the _________________,and gave himself for it;

• Ephesians 5:27 That he might ________________________ a glorious church….

Q. What similarities are there between Eph 5:30, and Gen 2:23?

Jesus, our Ark of Safety

Another Old Testament picture of the coming savior is that of Noah’s ark.

The Ark was the Means of Salvation from Coming Judgment

• Genesis 6:13-14 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, ___________________________________ with the earth. 14 Make thee _____________________ of gopher wood…

• Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the _____________________ of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the _________________________which is by __________________________.

Noah, warned of the coming judgment, obeyed God by faith.  His acceptance of God’s plan by faith, made him the heir of righteousness.  Compare this to • Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for ___________________________to every one that __________________________.

The Ark was Planned by God

We read in Genesis 6, God’s instruction to Noah regarding the ark. Genesis 6:15 begins “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of”.  The ark, God’s means of salvation from the coming judgment, was planned entirely by the Father. Not one element of design was left for Noah’s creation.

The Ark was Sealed. Noah sealed the ark with pitch (Gen 6:14), making it impenetrable by the judgment waters.  We are sealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit of God. • 2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also _____________ us, and given the earnest of the________________________in our hearts.

The Ark had Only one Door. Gen 6:16 tells us the ark was designed with only one means to enter.  Jesus Christ alone is the way to the Father (John 14:6). • John 10:9 I am the ______________: by me if any man ________ in, he shall be ____________, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The Ark Ushered in the Rainbow Covenant. Once God’s watery judgment ceased, he gave man the rainbow covenant, signifying his promise never again to judge the world in such a manner. Rev 10:1, speaking of Christ says:  And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a ___________________ was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:. Jesus bears the rainbow of peace, reminding his church that Judgment has passed.

Noah and his family were safe in the ark of salvation.  He found grace, obeyed by faith and became an heir of righteousness. What a clear picture of our salvation in Jesus Christ!

Other Old Testament Pictures of Christ

The types and pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament are far too numerous to deal with in this small study.  See if you can answer the following questions regarding a few more foreshadowings of Jesus.

What are the Old Testament pictures of Christ as recorded in these passages? What are some ways you think they are related?

Manna

Q. John 6:32-35. (Exodus 15 – )

The Brazen Serpent

Q. John 3:14,15 (Number 21:8,9)

The Passover Lamb

Q. 1 Cor 5:7 (Exodus 12:21 – )

Jonah

Q. Matthew 12:40

Melchisedec

Q. Hebrews 7

Joseph

By reading through Genesis 37,39-41,45-46 you can see many similarities between Joseph and Jesus. Considering reading these chapters and recording your observations.

Tags: adam, ark, isaac, jesus, joseph, manna, melchizedec, noah, old testament, passover, picture, serpent, type
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Last week we learned that there are many types and pictures of Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testament. This week we will see that Jesus is not only pictured in the Old Testament but that he is also present within it.

Before we can understand Christ’s role in the Old Testament we must first understand the nature of God the Father.

• 1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, ______________, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

• 1 Tim 6:16, 1 John 4:12. According to these verses, who has seen, or who can see God?

The Bible teaches that God the Father is a spirit (John 4:24) and that He is the eternal, immortal, and invisible God. Due to God’s spiritual nature, we as finite human beings are incapable of seeing His face.

• Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou ______________ see my face: for there shall _____________________ see me, and live.

Now there is what appears to be a glaring contradiction between the above teaching and some Old Testament scripture. Look up Numbers 12:8 where God the Father is speaking to Aaron and Miriam about Moses.

• Num 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even ___________ and not in dark speeches; and the ___________________ of the LORD shall he ______________…

If God is an invisible spirit, and if no man has or can see Him, how is it that Moses was able to behold Him? For the answer, consider these verses:

• Col 1:15 [Jesus] Who is the _________ of the ________________ God, the firstborn of every creature:

• John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten ________, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath____________ him.

Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. Jesus said to Philip he that hath seen me hath seen the Father (John 14:9). Truly God the Father is the invisible, unseeable God. He has chosen, since the beginning of time to manifest himself to mankind through the second person of the Godhead – God the Son. Even before Jesus was manifest in the flesh he had an active role in God’s dealings with man. Remember the statement for which the Jews desired to stone Jesus, “Before Abraham was, I am”.

Jesus Appears to Moses

There are certain peculiar occasions in the Old Testament where we find men and women interacting with one known as The Angel of the Lord. This particular angel allowed both Joshua and Manoah to bow down before Him. In both Rev 19:10 and 22:8,9 we see angels refusing worship. In Col 2:18 we are commanded not to worship angels. What made the Angel of the Lord different?

The word translated angel throughout the Bible simply means messenger or one who declares a message. This word is used in Rev 2,3 to describe pastors (men who declared the message of the gospel). Likewise, in referring to the Angel of the Lord, we see one who is declaring God`s message to man. Now look up John 1:18 which is speaking about Jesus.

• John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________.

Before and after his incarnation, Jesus as God the son, has had the role of declaring God the Father to man. It seems quite probable that the special messenger in the Old Testament known as the Angel of the Lord, who received worship, was none other than God the Son before his incarnation.

Now let`s look at the interaction which Moses had with the Angel of the Lord.

• Exodus 3:2. Q. Who appeared to Moses in the burning bush?

• Exodus 3:4. Q. Who spoke to Moses through the bush?

Q. What conclusion can you draw by comparing Exodus 3:2 and 3:6?

• Ex 3:14. Q. What title did God claim for Himself while speaking to Moses from the bush?

• John 8:58. Q. What did God the Son say of himself in this verse?

Moses had an encounter with God in the desert. God the Son, as the angel of the Lord spoke to Moses from the burning bush. So we see that even before his incarnation, Jesus had the role of declaring God to man. In this instance he reveals for the first time, God as the great I AM, the unchanging, eternal and self-sustaining God.

Jesus Appears to Abraham

For this portion of our study we will look at Genesis 18 and 19, where we find Abraham and Sarah interacting with the angel of the Lord.

• Gen 18:1. Q. Who appeared to Abraham in the plains of Mamre?

• Gen 18:2. Q. In what form did Abraham see the Lord?

In Genesis 18 we see the Lord appearing to Abraham in the form of a man. The Bible says that three men met him by his tent. Pay close attention to the conversation which Abraham had with these men. Q. According to verses 13, 17, 20, who was speaking to Abraham?

God delivered the distressing news to Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah would be destroyed because they had become overrun with sexual immorality. And then the Bible says in Gen 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom….

In the following chapter we see the account of the destruction of Sodom. • According to Genesis 19:1, how many angels came into the city? _____.

Q. How many angels were there originally? _________. By comparing these verses we find that one of the angels was not a mere angel. Apparently only two of the three angels left Abraham and entered into Sodom. In Genesis 18:22 we see the identity of the third “angel”.

• Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet _________________________.

Abraham immediately began to beg God to spare the city for the sake of his nephew Lot. What follows (Gen 23-33) is the amazing account of Abraham’s intercessory prayer. He stood boldly before God and petitioned him to spare the city if at least twenty righteous men could be found. God the Son received Abraham’s prayer and promised not to destroy the city if twenty righteous could be found. Unfortunately for Abraham and for Lot, the city had so corrupted itself that God did not find even this small amount of righteous men.

The eternal Son mediated between Abraham and God the Father. According to Hebrews 7:25 Jesus continues his ministry of intercession for us today. In Hebrews 4:16 we are encouraged to, like Abraham, come boldly before God to obtain mercy in times of need. Have you failed to bring some distress before Jesus Christ?

Jesus Appears to Joshua

You probably know the story in Joshua 6 about Jericho very well. But have you ever paid much attention to the preceding verses at the end of Joshua 5? In these few short verses we see an amazing meeting between Joshua and the captain of the Lord’s host.

• Read Joshua 5:13-15.

Q. Who did this man claim to be?

Q. What was Joshua’s reaction to the revelation that this was the Captain of the Lord’s host?

Q. Considering Joshua’s reaction, could this have been an ordinary angel? Why or Why Not?

The captain of the Lord’s host did not refuse Joshua’s worship. This indicates that he was not an angel, but God himself appearing in human form. The title which he used for himself “captain of the Lord’s host” is in reference to God’s legion of angels. This man was the head of all the heavenly army of angels. Compare this to Matthew 25:31 which describes Jesus coming for the final judgment.

• Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and _____________________________________ with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (also 2 Th 1:7,8)

There is no doubt that the miraculous victory Joshua and Israel gained over Jericho was due to Jesus and his heavenly host battling on their behalf!

Q. Lastly, what similarities do you see between Josh 5:15 and Ex 3:5?

As we study the word of God it should become increasingly clear that Jesus Christ is the central figure. Though he took on human flesh in Bethlehem, he has always existed and has always been the express image of the Father. God has chosen to reveal himself to mankind in the person of the Son. Truly no man has ever seen the Father, but the son has declared him. Remember that not only is Jesus pictured in the Old Testament but he is also present! Whenever you read the Bible, never fail to look for Jesus in its pages.

Review

1. What are two reasons that man has never seen the Father?

2. What did Jesus tell Philip about “seeing” God?

3. How do we know that the angel of the Lord was not a mere angel?

4. In its strictest sense, what does the word angel mean?

5. What did God the son do for Abraham that he also does for us?

6. What is Jesus’ relationship to the angels?

7. What did God the Son do before he took on Human flesh at Bethlehem?

Tags: abraham, christophany, jesus, joshua, moses, old testament, theophany
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