Table of Contents
This lesson discusses the biblical concept of “figurative food” which represents the word of God. There are two types of spiritual food – God’s life-giving word which leads to eternal life, and Satan’s deceptive words which lead to spiritual death. Discernment is key to distinguishing between the two.
The lesson explains that just as physical food nourishes the body, God’s word nourishes the spirit and soul. However, the Bible warns of a coming famine of hearing God’s word (Amos 8:11), requiring discernment to recognize the true, life-giving spiritual food at the proper time (Matthew 24:45-47, Revelation 2:17).
Satan attempts to counterfeit God’s food by making his deceptive teachings appealing, as seen in the example of Eve being tempted by the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-6). Careful listening and comparing teachings against Scripture is necessary to discern truth from lies (Job 34:3-4, Acts 17:11). The overarching message is the importance of feasting on God’s true word while rejecting Satan’s poisonous counterfeits through the exercise of spiritual discernment.
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Food
What is a figurative food?
Food = The word
The seed represents the word of God. It also represents spiritual food that gives life. The parable shows how God’s word, when planted in a person’s heart, can grow and transform them. Just as food nourishes the body, God’s word nourishes the spirit when we read and apply it.
There are many parables in the Bible that illustrate this concept. We will explore several of them to understand the power of God’s word to change lives.
One aspect we must grasp is spiritual discernment – the ability to distinguish truth from error and recognize what teachings we should accept or reject. We especially need discernment regarding “food at the proper time” – timely spiritual nourishment that equips us for the challenges of these last days. Discerning the truth and appropriating God’s word is critical for living a life of vibrant faith.
In previous lessons, we studied the parables of the figurative tree and birds, which likely brought new insights. As we dive deeper into additional parables, their meaning and application will become clearer.
Analyzing the logic of these parables reveals a profound truth: the seed is sown in the field of a person’s heart with the intention that it will root itself deeply and transform them into its likeness. God desires to implant His seed within us so that we may be reborn in His image.
This rebirth is crucial as it aligns us more closely with God’s nature. We must beware of Satan’s efforts to undermine this process and nurture discernment to recognize life-giving spiritual food.
Interestingly, did you know that it is possible to experience being ‘born again’ multiple times?
Let’s take Adam for an example, he was originally formed from dust. But God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living soul, a living being. However, after Adam ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God said to him “You will return to dust.”
Let’s also consider the example of Judas – one who walked with Jesus for 3 and a half years, only to end up betraying him in the end. Clearly, Judas went in the opposite direction from what would have been righteous.
In contrast, look at the example of the Apostle Paul. As a devout Pharisee prior to his conversion, Paul was zealous in keeping the Mosaic law. However, after encountering Jesus, Paul completely changed course – he was born again spiritually.
The key point is that one’s spiritual state is not fixed. Individuals can transition back and forth, based on their actions, experiences, and personal decisions.
Therefore, let’s not be complacent or presumptuous in our walk with God, resting on past laurels. Scripture contains many examples of those who wavered in their devotion to the Lord. Instead, let us determine to be steadfast in our faith, like a rock that cannot be moved.
Figurative Food
Main Reference
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Matthew 24 is all about the end of the age. One really important thing to note about Matthew 24 is that there are many different perspectives on this chapter. Some say it has already been fulfilled, some say it hasn’t yet.
How can we know for sure whether or not it has been fully fulfilled?
Jesus’ disciples asked him about the signs of his coming – has Jesus come back yet?
If we say no, that means there are still aspects of Matthew 24 that need to be fulfilled. So don’t be confused by someone claiming it’s already fulfilled. We very much need to continue examining this chapter.
Another common perspective is that current wars are signs of Matthew 24’s prophecies unfolding. However, there have been so many wars, famines, earthquakes and plagues over the last 2000 years. If those were the signs, where is Jesus?
This suggests the signs cannot be literal current events, but rather are figurative in nature. We can’t look at news events and expect them to be definitive signs of Matthew 24 happening. Does this make sense why these were mentioned?
Going back 100 years, people thought World War I was the sign of Matthew 24. Life kept going on – it hasn’t happened yet. They thought the same of World War II.
So let’s understand prophecy must be interpreted figuratively and spiritually. What we see happening may not be real signs, so don’t be deceived.
Now, one sign Jesus did say will come – a famine. What does this famine mean? What does it signify that a famine will come at the second coming or end of the age?
Let’s also examine another promise Jesus made here…
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Jesus asks, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant?”
What will the faithful servant provide? Food at the proper time. We see here that while the master is away, he will return.
Let me clarify – the faithful servant is not Jesus. The master is Jesus. The faithful servant is someone who serves Jesus faithfully by providing for those in his household.
There is mention of a household with servants. This is an important promise Jesus makes, so let’s keep this context in mind.
Reminder:
Faithful wise servant ——> Food at the proper time ——–> Servants in house
To understand the notion of “food” here, which will shed light on this passage, let’s look at the story Jesus tells about his interaction with the tempter and what he asked him to do.
3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
When I look at Matthew 4, I always like to think of chapters in terms of themes, as it helps me categorize the Bible really well in my head.
So when I hear Matthew 4, I think of Jesus being tempted and beginning his ministry. But this is very early on, before Jesus really started to preach. He went into a time of fasting and prayer and training. But Satan came to tempt him. And the first thing Satan said was to turn these stones into bread, since Jesus had been fasting a long time and was most likely hungry.
How did Jesus rebut Satan’s temptation? What did he use? What did Jesus use to overcome Satan? The word…
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
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If you’re unfamiliar with the Word, Satan will easily overpower you. You won’t be able to resist his manipulations.
However, because Jesus was intimately familiar with the Word and embodied its essence, He could effortlessly counter Satan’s attacks and temptations.
Let’s emulate Jesus’s example. Remember the key message of this verse: God intentionally allows us to experience hunger. But why would God do this?
He causes us to feel hunger so that we can learn a crucial lesson—we must rely on His words. His words are the true source of sustenance for our souls.
The physical sensation of hunger teaches us the spiritual need for nourishment that only God’s Word can satisfy.
Therefore, if someone neglects to read the Word, their spirit suffers from starvation. This neglect can lead to wondering why feelings of depression, anxiety, fear, stress, and so forth arise. It is because your spirit is famished—starving, indeed. Yet some may argue, ‘I don’t need to read the Bible. My faith is strong; I worship constantly.’
However, such a person remains spiritually malnourished, puzzled by their lack of fulfillment. Just as your physical body requires food, so does your spirit. Reflect on this past year: you have undoubtedly sustained your body—praise be to God. But have you also nourished your spirit?
For many of us, the answer is affirmative as we have delved into the scriptures.
1. Physical Characteristics and Types of Food
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Always keep this verse in mind. God uses creation to explain.
Understanding the parables is crucial as they reveal God’s invisible qualities—attributes not readily observed or perceived by our senses, such as His eternal power and divine nature. These aspects of God, though invisible, can be discerned through His creations, which we are intimately familiar with.
Consider how well we know the workings of seeds, trees, and food. This knowledge of the physical world provides a foundation for comprehending spiritual truths. When God draws comparisons between Himself and these physical elements, our understanding of Him deepens. However, this recognition only occurs when we shift our focus onto these natural examples.
So who here has been reading verses and felt like you were reading them for the first time, even though you’ve read them hundreds of times before? It’s like this person or insight has always been there, but your attention wasn’t focused on it until now. God is turning your attention to something He had already mentioned thousands of years before. What an awesome experience!
So God uses creation to explain Himself.
What are some physical characteristics of food? Well, there’s one key thing about food:
There are two kinds of food: good (nutritious) and bad (unhealthy). I’m not referring to taste – this distinction is about the health impacts of different foods. What’s the difference between good and bad foods?
Good foods provide the nutrients needed to maintain health and vitality. Consuming them supports a healthy life. Bad foods lack essential nutrients or contain harmful substances. Eating too many unhealthy foods can contribute to weight gain, exhaustion, and other health issues over time. Ultimately, regularly choosing unhealthy foods can increase the risk of disease and earlier death.
We’ve all experienced the dilemma – why does unhealthy food often taste so good when it can negatively impact our health? The temptation is understandable. However, by focusing on adding more wholesome, nutritious options into our diets, we can still enjoy delicious food while caring for our health. Our choices about what we eat each day truly matter.
Good food is important for sustaining life because you can’t eat a salad once and expect to be okay for the rest of your life. You have to eat salad repeatedly, almost every day, so that your body functions properly.
It also takes discipline to eat well consistently. Unfortunately, our society makes it extremely difficult to eat healthy. They put everything that’s bad all over the place – you walk into a grocery store and it looks like an arcade in there. But anyway, that’s a side point.
So physical food comes in two types – good food and bad food. Spiritual food also has two kinds: good food that belongs to God and bad food that belongs to Satan.
God’s food leads to life, Satan’s food leads to death.
If we want to have spirits that are alive, we must exclusively eat God’s food. I mean that very intentionally – once you’ve identified a food as bad, rotten or diseased, one does not continue testing that food to see if their body can handle it. They stop eating it altogether. So when you find Satan’s food, you toss it in the trash. But sometimes this takes discipline too, especially if that food looks tempting. Satan likes to make that food extra tempting.
And it’s not as easy as it might seem to avoid Satan’s food – that’s why it’s dangerous and that’s why we need to discern.
So let’s break down:
2. God’s food
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
In the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 55, we encounter a profound prophecy. God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, extending an invitation: ‘Come, all who are thirsty.’ This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 5: ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.’ The call is to all who yearn for spiritual fulfillment: ‘Come to the waters.’ And notably, this invitation requires no currency; one can ‘buy’ without money and partake without cost.
Here we are urged to consider: why invest in what does not nourish, or toil for what fails to satisfy? God emphasizes the crucial action – to listen. To ‘buy’ is to listen attentively. By heeding His words, we find nourishment that delights the soul, as expressed in verse 3.
The message is clear: give your attention and draw near to God. It is through listening and absorbing His words that we find true delight.
Every time we come before God’s word, we should be filled and spiritually nourished, not leaving hungrier than when we arrived. Unfortunately that sometimes happens – the word is poorly presented, difficult to digest, or we are not ready for the “solid food” we need. But here, God invites us to feast on His word in a way that enlightens and satisfies our souls. May that be the case for all of us each time we come to feast on God’s word.
Reminder:
Listen (hear) ——-> Filled, delighted.
God desires us to listen and hear His words, leading to delight and fulfillment. Each time we engage with His Word, we should be filled and satisfied.
48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
Imagine being at the synagogue where Jesus was teaching when he said this. People often like to feel that believing in Jesus would have been easy back then. “Oh, I definitely would have believed in Jesus if I lived at that time,” some say. But would you really? Consider what he just said: “Eat my flesh and drink my blood.” If this was the first time you heard this, you would think this man is mad, which is what they said. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat? What is he talking about? That’s nonsense!”
For me, that gives a glimpse into what it would have been like to be there at that time. Believing in Jesus 2,000 years ago would not have been easy or culturally accepted like it is now with over 2 billion Christians today. This kind of teaching would have gotten you stoned back then. It was a problem.
The challenge for the people of that era was to discern between literal and figurative language. Jesus’ body is not present for us to consume in a physical sense, and yet, His followers at the time struggled to make this distinction, leading to confusion and disputes among them.
So, we must ask, what does the ‘flesh and blood’ of Jesus represent? While one might think it refers to His words, let’s not rely solely on that interpretation. Instead, let’s explore what Jesus Himself has to say about it.
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
The words I have spoken to you are the spirit and life that I promised. When I said, ‘I am the bread of life,’ and ‘I am the word,’ it meant that to ‘eat’ my words is to receive life—the very eternal life that I promised you.
‘Eat my words, and you will live,’ for my words are an extension of myself. They are akin to my body. Thus, when He broke bread and shared communion with His disciples, they truly grasped this concept; they understood the symbolic significance of the bread and the wine as representations.
Holding onto Jesus’s words is essential until their ultimate fulfillment in the kingdom of God—a topic we will delve into more deeply in a future lesson. Indeed, the ‘bread of life’ is both Jesus’s flesh and His words; they are one and the same. However, only a few people devoted enough time to Jesus to allow Him to fully explain this concept.
Let’s examine what happened with most people. If we turn to verse..
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
As they heard this teaching, many disciples said, “This is difficult teaching to accept.” Aware that his disciples were complaining about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this teaching offend you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
The Spirit gives life, while the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Yet some of you do not believe.” Indeed, Jesus had known from the beginning which ones did not have faith and who would betray him.
He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless enabled by the Father.” From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. Remember when I said John chapter 6 was a defining moment? Jesus’ words called out the weak and uncommitted ones who were not wholeheartedly with him.
Faced with their departure, what did Jesus ask the twelve? “Are you also going to leave me?”
In John 6:68, Peter says “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Let’s follow Peter’s example. There is nowhere else for us to turn. No other word for us to receive.
This passage reveals why Jesus often said not to work for food that perishes. Physical food spoils and focusing solely on it causes us to miss what truly satisfies. Those absorbed only in working to eat to live to work risk living meaningless lives until they die. Ecclesiastes illustrates the emptiness of living for material things alone – reading it lends a different perspective on life. But Jesus invites us to instead invest ourselves in food that endures – his eternal words.
Yet there are times when fully immersing in God’s word becomes difficult, as prophecy foretells. Even so, Peter’s confession remains true – only Jesus has words of life. We would do well to echo his conviction, no matter the season.
Reminder:
Jesus —–> Bread of Life and Flesh and Blood ——-> Eternal Life
“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
God promises through the prophet Amos that “I will bring a famine on the land. But not a famine of food or drink. Meaning, not a physical famine. But a famine of hearing my words.”
This famine of the end times refers to a famine of hearing God’s words.
In other words, it will not be possible for a time to not only hear God’s words, but also to understand them. The Book of Amos was one of the last books written in the Old Testament, a couple hundred years before Jesus was born. There was a 400 year period between Malachi and Jesus where God said “Nothing new.”
For 400 years, God said nothing new. As Matthew 24 reminds us, Jesus also promised famines and plagues where nothing new was said for a long time.
So what do people tend to do when they don’t hear the words of the Lord? They tend to add their own thoughts to fill in the blanks, because even though they’re hearing nothing new from God, they are often still in a position where they have to say something. They have to say something like “I think…etc.” This ends up causing confusion.
Let’s revisit Matthew 24. Let’s examine these passages relating to our time and truly comprehend them. A famine was promised at the second coming in Matthew 24:7. However, verses 45-47 indicate that famine ends.
When we read about the “food at the proper time,” what does this mean? We already know the answer, though you may not have known the exact phrase.
Any ideas? “Food at the proper time” refers to the word of God being opened and explained at the appropriate time, allowing for understanding and application.
There is another prophecy in Revelation that speaks to this as well.
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
In this passage, Jesus promises a reward, referred to as “Hidden Manna,” to those who overcome. Manna, a type of bread provided by God to the Israelites during their desert journey after the Exodus, holds significance. The Hebrew name “Manna” reflects the Israelites’ initial uncertainty about its nature, as they questioned, “What is it?” upon seeing the white substance descend from heaven.
While Manna served as physical sustenance for the Israelites, Jesus draws a parallel in John chapter 6, highlighting that despite their consumption of Manna, their ancestors still faced mortality. However, Jesus offers a different kind of sustenance—His own bread—that promises eternal life, surpassing mere physical nourishment.
In Revelation, Jesus unveils the existence of hidden Manna, initially concealed during times of scarcity. However, this famine does not persist indefinitely, and at an opportune moment, the hidden Manna becomes revealed and bestowed upon the servants in the household. This food, provided at the proper time, refers to the same entities, and their unveiling brings glory to God.
Beyond the hidden Manna, the passage also acknowledges the presence of “bad food,” which is associated with Satan.
Reminder:
Food at the proper time (Mat 24:7, 45-47) = opened word
Hidden Manna (Revelation 2:17) = opened word
3. Satan’s Food
The food that looks good to eat but leads to death instead.
“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”
At the time of the Second Coming and the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation, a place called Babylon will emerge. Historically, Babylon was a nation that invaded Israel and no longer exists in the physical world.
However, God symbolically uses the term “Babylon” to represent a place that will arise and cause destruction. This place will be characterized by its destructive nature, and it will offer “wine of adultery” that intoxicates all nations.
It is crucial to exercise discernment during this time. If we fail to discern, we risk unknowingly consuming this intoxicating influence. A person who is drunk often denies their condition, insisting that they are fine and capable of driving. They may slur their words and try to convince others of their sobriety.
We must be able to discern and avoid becoming those who drink this intoxicating influence, believing that everything is okay. We may not recognize when it appears or what it truly is. Additionally, it is important to note that Satan’s food is intentionally difficult to discern.
Remember, discernment is key to avoiding the pitfalls that may arise during these significant times.
but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Eve perceived the fruit as visually appealing and delectable.
Satan strategically presents his enticements in an alluring manner. He refrains from offering something repulsive, as no one intentionally consumes rotten food.
People are naturally drawn to visually appealing things. Therefore, if we consider Satan’s word as his food, it appears enticing and tempting to consume.
However, an individual lacking discernment, as we discussed earlier, faces challenges in distinguishing between good and evil. The ability to discern is crucial, as it can be a matter of life and death.
4. Discern Foods
3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
For the ear tests words. As the tongue tastes food. Having sharp and refined ears is important to be able to discern. But one does not have sharp ears unless they’ve trained themselves. That’s what we’re doing now. Glory to God, we’re in training, let’s train.
Well at this time. So that when Satan presents his food to us, And it sounds good. We say, oh, I know what you’re trying to do. I will not be partaking. I’ll be fasting from that food like that. No, thanks Satan. So, let’s discern.
Let’s talk about some ideas of what Satan’s food is that can really start to be discerned in our daily lives.
Let’s make it tangible. But the way to discern is it sounds good, but it does not align with the truth. That’s how you can discern. So let’s start listening well, and checking with the scriptures and as I said before at the beginning, when we looked at distinguished and good and evil, you also should be doing this for me, too.
Go back through the scriptures again.
Memorization
“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
and please read John chapter 6.
Instructor Review
Summary
we learned about figurative food in the spiritual sense.
Food symbolizes the Word, and there are two types: God’s food and Satan’s food. Satan’s food is often presented in a tempting manner, leading people to consume it without realizing its true nature. However, let us emulate Jesus, who was so filled with the Word—because He is the Word—that He could easily resist Satan’s temptations.
We should strive to become one with the Word by internalizing it. There are two kinds of food: nourishing food that brings life and harmful food that leads to death. God’s food is ‘eaten’ by listening—by hearing—which naturally builds faith, right? As Romans 10:17 says, “faith comes by hearing.” Therefore, what should we hear? We need to hear and understand Jesus’s words. Understanding is akin to digesting; it allows the Word to become part of our spirit.
Yet, there are prophesied times of famine—a period when God seems silent and His promises remain unfulfilled. During such times, we await the fulfillment of His words. When they are fulfilled, timely spiritual nourishment is provided through the explanations of parables and prophecies—not just explanations but their actual manifestations: the who, what, when, where, why, and how. Secrets once concealed are now unveiled.
What does Satan do during these famines? He tries to cloud people’s minds with deceptive thoughts so that they are too ‘intoxicated’ to recognize they are being deceived and too ‘intoxicated’ to acknowledge the truth when it is presented.
Therefore, if we maintain discerning and well-trained ears, we can distinguish between different spiritual ‘foods.’ Let us be vigilant in our consumption, choosing to ‘eat’ wisely and avoid spiritual poison.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
Title of the Lesson: Figurative Food in the Bible
We need to understand what figurative food is when God speaks about spiritual food in parables. What is He referring to when He uses figurative food?
He’s referring to His Word. Why does God use food to describe His Word? Because we need His Word to live spiritually, just as we need physical food to live physically. We cannot survive without it.
Our spirits, to truly live, need spiritual food – the Word of God. Just as our bodies need good nutrition from food to be healthy, our spirits also need good spiritual nutrition from God’s Word to be healthy.
We learned about two kinds of spiritual food: God’s life-giving Word and Satan’s counterfeit words meant to deceive. Satan tries to imitate everything God does.
If we eat a lot of junk food, we feel terrible afterwards. It’s the same with our spirits when we consume false teaching – we become spiritually sick and unhealthy. So it’s vital that we discern what kind of spiritual food we are taking in.
How can we discern whether the spiritual food we are eating is from God or not? Job 34:2-4 says we need to listen carefully, just as we taste food with our tongues. We “taste” spiritual food with our ears, by carefully listening to discern whether it lines up with Scripture or not. Like the Bereans in Acts 17, we must examine the Scriptures to see if what we heard matches God’s Word. That is how we eat good spiritual food – through attentive listening and comparing to the Bible.
Review in Small Group
Review
Title: Secrets of Heaven – Figurative Food
Last class we learned about the parable of food, which represents the word of God. Food has both physical and spiritual meanings. Physically, there is healthy food that leads to life and unhealthy food that leads to death. Spiritually, God’s food leads to eternal life while Satan’s food leads to spiritual death.
God invites us to eat His nourishing food, as seen in Isaiah 55:1-3 where we are told to come eat. Jesus also calls himself the bread of life (John 6:48-55), meaning he is the ultimate spiritual food. We must discern between good and bad spiritual food and only partake at the proper time.
God teaches this parable because Amos 8:11 warns of a coming famine of hearing God’s word. So we must recognize good from evil to identify God’s life-giving word, the proper “food” we should eat (Revelations 2:17). Discernment helps us do this, as Job 34:3-4 explains.
We must be careful because Satan’s food appears good but contradicts God’s word with lies, as Genesis 3:1-6 warns. Satan deceives and makes his food look appealing, but it leads to death. We discern good from evil by listening closely and checking what we hear against Scripture, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11).
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Unveiling the Secrets of Heaven: A Deep Dive into Figurative Food
I. Parable Foundations
- This section establishes the core symbolic language used throughout the lesson, equating biblical elements like seeds, fields, and trees to spiritual concepts such as the Word, the heart, and spiritual growth.
II. The Importance of Discernment
- This section emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment, particularly in recognizing “food at the proper time” – timely spiritual nourishment for the end times. It stresses the dynamic nature of spiritual growth, using biblical examples like Adam, Judas, and Paul to show that one’s spiritual state can change.
III. Understanding the Figurative Tree
- This section revisits the parable of the tree, representing the born-again inner being of a believer. It further explores the pastor’s role as the head of the church, impacting the spiritual direction and well-being of the congregation.
IV. Understanding the Figurative Birds
- This section delves into the parable of the birds, representing spirits that seek a dwelling place. It uses Matthew 12:43-45 to illustrate the transitory nature of spirits and the importance of staying rooted in truth to avoid spiritual emptiness and vulnerability to evil influences.
V. Unveiling the Figurative Food
- This section introduces the core concept of figurative food, using Matthew 24:3-7 to explain that the famine prophesied at the end times represents a famine of hearing and understanding God’s Word. It stresses the importance of interpreting prophecy figuratively and spiritually, not solely through literal current events.
VI. The Faithful Servant and Timely Nourishment
- This section examines Matthew 24:45-47, focusing on the faithful servant who provides “food at the proper time.” It connects this concept to Matthew 4:3-4, where Jesus counters temptation by emphasizing that true sustenance comes from God’s Word, not physical bread alone.
VII. God’s Intentional Hunger
- This section explores Deuteronomy 8:3, highlighting God’s intention in allowing us to experience hunger – both physical and spiritual – to teach us reliance on His Word as the ultimate source of nourishment. It emphasizes the consequences of neglecting God’s Word, leading to spiritual starvation and various negative emotional states.
VIII. Physical and Spiritual Nourishment
- This section uses Romans 1:20 to establish the connection between God’s creation and our understanding of His invisible qualities. It argues that our familiarity with physical food, with its categories of good and bad, helps us grasp the spiritual parallel of God’s nourishing Word versus Satan’s deceptive words.
IX. God’s Life-Giving Food
- This section explores passages like Isaiah 55:1-3 and John 6:48-55 to showcase God’s invitation to feast on His Word, likening it to life-giving water, bread, and even Jesus’s flesh and blood. It emphasizes the importance of internalizing God’s Word, understanding its meaning, and allowing it to nourish our spirits.
X. The Bread of Life
- This section dives deeper into John 6, analyzing the disciples’ reactions to Jesus’s teachings about being the “bread of life.” It highlights the importance of holding onto Jesus’s words and recognizing that they, along with His sacrifice, provide eternal life.
XI. The Famine of Hearing God’s Word
- This section examines Amos 8:11, reinforcing the prophecy of a famine where God’s Word becomes scarce. It links this to the potential for confusion and the rise of false teachings when people try to fill the void left by the absence of clear, authoritative truth from God.
XII. The Hidden Manna
- This section examines Revelation 2:17, revealing the promise of “hidden manna” for those who overcome. It connects this hidden manna to the opening and understanding of God’s Word at the proper time, providing the necessary spiritual nourishment during a time of spiritual famine.
XIII. Satan’s Deceptive Food
- This section introduces the concept of Satan’s food, drawing a parallel to the forbidden fruit in Genesis 2:17 and 3:6. It warns that Satan’s offerings are often enticing and appealing, disguised to deceive those lacking discernment.
XIV. Discerning the Food
- This section uses Job 34:3-4 to emphasize the importance of training our spiritual ears to discern between God’s truth and Satan’s lies. It calls for active engagement with Scripture, comparing what we hear to the truth of God’s Word, much like the Bereans in Acts 17.
XV. Summary and Review
- This final section provides a concise recap of the key lessons, emphasizing the symbolism of food as representing God’s Word. It reiterates the importance of choosing life-giving spiritual nourishment over deceptive teachings, cultivating discernment through careful listening and biblical comparison. It ends by urging continued study and reflection on these crucial concepts.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Food Study Guide
Quiz
- What does figurative food represent in the Bible?
- According to the study, what are the two main types of spiritual food and what are their effects?
- In Matthew 4:3-4, what does Satan tempt Jesus with and how does Jesus respond? What does this teach us about spiritual nourishment?
- Why does God allow us to experience spiritual hunger?
- What is the meaning of “eating the flesh and blood” of Jesus according to John 6:63?
- Explain the significance of the “hidden manna” mentioned in Revelation 2:17.
- What is the spiritual significance of Babylon as described in Revelation 18:2-3?
- How does Satan make his “food” appealing?
- What is the primary way we can discern between good and bad spiritual food?
- Why is it especially important to develop discernment during times of spiritual famine?
Quiz Answer Key
- Figurative food in the Bible represents God’s word.
- The two main types of spiritual food are God’s word, which brings eternal life, and Satan’s counterfeit words, which lead to spiritual death.
- Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread while fasting. Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, stating that man lives not by bread alone but by every word from God’s mouth. This teaches us that God’s word is the true source of spiritual sustenance.
- God allows us to experience spiritual hunger so we learn to rely on His words for true nourishment.
- “Eating the flesh and blood” of Jesus means internalizing and living by his words, which are spirit and life.
- The “hidden manna” symbolizes the revealed word of God, unveiled at the proper time to nourish and strengthen believers. It represents the deeper understanding of God’s word that becomes available during times of spiritual awakening.
- Babylon represents a place of spiritual corruption and deception that will lead people astray with false teachings and enticements.
- Satan makes his “food” appealing by presenting it in a way that seems good and desirable, often appealing to human pride, desires, or fears. It’s often disguised as truth or wisdom.
- The primary way to discern between good and bad spiritual food is by carefully listening and comparing what we hear to the truth of Scripture.
- Discernment is especially important during times of spiritual famine because it helps us recognize and avoid Satan’s deceptive teachings, which become more prevalent when God’s word is scarce.
Additional Questions
1. What is the true meaning of figurative food? – Food = word (Matthew 4:3-4, Deteronemy 8:3)
2. What are the 2 types of foods and their effects on us?
– God’s food —> Life
– Satan’s food —> death
3. How can you discern foods? – Ear tests words (Job 34:3-4) and check scriptures (Acts 17:11)
Glossary of Key Terms
- Figurative Food: In the context of this study, it symbolizes God’s word and spiritual nourishment.
- Discernment: The ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, particularly in spiritual matters, recognizing what teachings and influences to accept or reject.
- Spiritual Hunger: A state of longing for spiritual truth and nourishment from God’s word.
- Hidden Manna: The revealed word of God, made available at the proper time to provide spiritual nourishment and understanding.
- Babylon: In the study, it represents a place or system of spiritual corruption and deception that will lead people astray with false teachings.
- Satan’s Food: False teachings, deceptive philosophies, and worldly influences that lead to spiritual death.
- Food at the Proper Time: The timely revelation and understanding of God’s word, providing nourishment and guidance when needed.
- Eating God’s Word: Internalizing and living by the teachings and principles found in Scripture.
- Spiritual Famine: A time when God’s word becomes scarce, and false teachings become more prevalent.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events:
This lesson does not provide a chronological timeline of events. Instead, it focuses on explaining biblical parables and prophecies related to spiritual nourishment and discernment, particularly in the context of the end times.
Cast of Characters:
1. Jesus Christ: The central figure of Christianity, referred to as the “Son of God” and “Master.” He is the source of “living bread” and “words of eternal life.”
- Key Teachings:Emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical food.
- Declares Himself as the “bread of life,” signifying His words and sacrifice as the source of eternal life.
- Promises the provision of “food at the proper time” for His faithful servants.
- Warns about false teachings and the need for discernment.
2. Satan: The adversary of God and humanity, also known as the “tempter.” He offers deceptive teachings that appear enticing but lead to spiritual death.
- Key Actions:Tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, focusing on physical needs over spiritual ones.
- Presents his teachings in a visually appealing and tempting manner.
- Works to cloud people’s minds with deceptive thoughts during times of spiritual famine.
3. God the Father: The ultimate authority and source of truth. He provides spiritual nourishment through His Word and guides His people through prophets.
- Key Actions:Sends prophets to warn about future events, including spiritual famine.
- Provides “hidden manna” as spiritual sustenance for those who overcome.
- Uses creation to reveal His invisible qualities.
4. Apostle Paul: A devout Pharisee who underwent a radical conversion and became a dedicated follower of Jesus. His life exemplifies the transformative power of being “born again.”
- Key Significance:Illustrates the concept of spiritual rebirth and the possibility of transitioning between spiritual states.
- Demonstrates the impact of encountering Jesus and the subsequent change in life direction.
5. Judas: One of Jesus’ twelve disciples who ultimately betrayed him.
- Key Significance:Serves as a warning against complacency and the potential for backsliding in faith.
- Highlights the importance of steadfastness and unwavering devotion to God.
6. Adam: The first human created by God, formed from dust and given the breath of life. His disobedience led to spiritual and physical death.
- Key Significance:Represents the initial state of humanity before sin entered the world.
- Illustrates the consequences of rejecting God’s commands and choosing disobedience.
7. The Faithful Servant: An individual entrusted with the responsibility of providing spiritual nourishment (“food at the proper time”) to fellow believers.
- Key Role:Represents those who diligently serve God and care for the spiritual needs of others.
- Emphasizes the importance of faithfully stewarding God’s resources and teachings.
8. The Israelites: God’s chosen people who received physical manna during their journey through the wilderness.
- Key Significance:Illustrate the need for both physical and spiritual sustenance.
- Provide a historical context for understanding the concept of “hidden manna” as revealed in Revelation.
9. The Bereans: Residents of Berea known for their diligent study of Scripture to verify the teachings they received.
- Key Significance:Emphasize the importance of critically examining teachings and comparing them to the Bible.
- Serve as a model for engaging with God’s Word and seeking truth.
10. Prophets (Amos, Isaiah): Messengers chosen by God to communicate His will and pronounce future events.
- Key Roles:Deliver warnings about upcoming spiritual famine and the need for discernment.
- Convey God’s invitation to receive His nourishing words and find spiritual satisfaction.
11. Eve: The first woman created by God, deceived by Satan into disobeying God’s command.
- Key Significance:Highlights the deceptive nature of sin and its alluring appearance.
- Illustrates the consequences of failing to discern between good and evil.
This cast of characters represents a diverse group of individuals who play significant roles in the biblical narrative. They illustrate the complexities of faith, the importance of spiritual nourishment, the dangers of deception, and the transformative power of God’s Word.
Overview
Overview: Figurative Food in the Bible
Main Theme: This document explores the concept of “figurative food” in the Bible, using the analogy of food to represent the Word of God. It emphasizes the importance of discerning between God’s life-giving Word and Satan’s deceptive words, particularly during times of spiritual famine.
Key Ideas and Facts:
1. Figurative Food as the Word of God:
- The lesson establishes the core analogy: food represents the Word of God, essential for spiritual nourishment and growth.
- “Food = The word. The seed represents the word of God. It also represents spiritual food that gives life.”
- “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
2. Two Types of Spiritual Food:
- The lesson highlights the existence of two types of spiritual food: God’s nourishing Word leading to eternal life and Satan’s counterfeit words leading to spiritual death.
- God’s Food:
- “Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.” (Isaiah 55:3)
- “I am the bread of life… Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:48, 51)
- “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63)
- Satan’s Food:
- “For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries.” (Revelation 18:3)
- “[The fruit] was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom…” (Genesis 3:6)
3. Spiritual Famine and the Need for Discernment:
- The lesson underscores the prophecy of a spiritual famine, a time when hearing and understanding God’s Word becomes difficult.
- “The days are coming…when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11)
- This famine necessitates discernment – the ability to distinguish between truth and error.
- “For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” (Job 34:3-4)
4. The Importance of Proper Timing and Revelation:
- The lesson emphasizes the concept of “food at the proper time” and “hidden manna” referring to the revelation and understanding of God’s Word at the appropriate time.
- “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)
- “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna.” (Revelation 2:17)
5. Practical Application:
- The lesson encourages active engagement with the Word of God, comparing what is heard with Scripture (like the Bereans in Acts 17:11), and developing discerning “ears” to identify and reject Satan’s deceptive words.
Quotes:
- “God uses creation to explain.” (Referring to the use of parables and analogies)
- “God intentionally allows us to experience hunger…He causes us to feel hunger so that we can learn a crucial lesson—we must rely on His words.”
- “Satan’s food is intentionally difficult to discern.”
- “The ‘bread of life’ is both Jesus’s flesh and His words; they are one and the same.”
Conclusion:
This lesson presents a compelling case for understanding the Word of God as vital spiritual nourishment. It highlights the importance of discernment, especially in times of spiritual famine, and encourages active engagement with Scripture to distinguish between life-giving truth and deceptive falsehoods.
Q&A
Q&A: Figurative Food in the Bible
What does “figurative food” mean in the Bible?
“Figurative food” refers to the Word of God. It’s called “figurative” because it’s not literal food we eat, but spiritual nourishment we receive through reading, hearing, and understanding God’s Word. Just as our bodies need physical food to survive and thrive, our spirits need the Word of God for spiritual sustenance and growth.
Why does God use the analogy of food to describe His Word?
God uses the analogy of food because it’s something we can easily relate to. We understand the importance of food for physical life, and God wants us to grasp the vital role His Word plays in our spiritual lives. Just as we need to eat regularly to stay healthy, we also need to consistently engage with God’s Word for spiritual well-being.
What are the two types of spiritual food mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible talks about two types of spiritual food:
- God’s Food: This is the true, nourishing food that leads to eternal life. It’s represented by Jesus, who calls Himself the “Bread of Life” (John 6:48-55). God’s Word, when understood and applied, brings life, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
- Satan’s Food: This is the counterfeit food that looks appealing but is actually poisonous. It represents false teachings, lies, and deceptive philosophies that lead to spiritual death. Satan disguises his “food” to make it tempting, but it ultimately harms us.
How can we discern between God’s food and Satan’s food?
Discernment is key to recognizing the difference between true and false spiritual food. Here are some ways to develop discernment:
- Study the Bible: Become familiar with God’s Word so you can identify teachings that align with it.
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention to what you hear and evaluate it against Scriptural truth.
- Test the Spirits: 1 John 4:1 encourages us to “test the spirits” to see if they are from God. This means examining teachings and ideas to see if they are consistent with the character and teachings of God revealed in the Bible.
What is the “famine of hearing the words of the Lord”?
Amos 8:11 prophesies a time when there will be a “famine of hearing the words of the Lord.” This refers to a time of spiritual drought where people will have limited access to or understanding of God’s Word. During this famine, it will be crucial to hold onto the truth we already know and to be vigilant in discerning false teachings.
What is the “hidden manna” in Revelation 2:17?
The “hidden manna” represents the deeper revelation and understanding of God’s Word that will be revealed to those who overcome during times of spiritual famine. It’s the spiritual food that sustains and nourishes us through difficult times.
What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the “Bread of Life”?
Jesus calls Himself the “Bread of Life” to emphasize that He is the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread nourishes our bodies, Jesus nourishes our souls. By accepting Him and His teachings, we receive the spiritual nourishment we need for eternal life.
How can we apply the concept of “figurative food” to our daily lives?
- Make a habit of reading and studying God’s Word. Just as we need to eat physical food regularly, we need to consistently engage with the Bible.
- Be careful what you “feed” your spirit. Be discerning about the teachings you accept and the media you consume.
- Share the “bread of life” with others. Tell others about Jesus and the life-giving truth found in His Word.