Table of Contents
The lesson emphasizes the importance of holding onto God’s Word, which is equated with God himself. God’s words are not idle or trivial, but are life itself. There are consequences for rejecting or breaking God’s covenant/Word, as seen in examples from the Old Testament like Adam and Eve, the Israelites forgetting the Book of the Law, etc. God will take the kingdom away from those who break the covenant and give it to others who will keep it and bear fruit, as Jesus warned. We must move beyond just the elementary teachings about Christ and mature in understanding the deeper spiritual truths and prophecies being fulfilled in our time. Satan tries to devour believers and pull them away from God’s Word in subtle ways, knowing his time is short before Christ’s return. The call is to tenaciously cling to both the opened Word from the past that Jesus revealed, as well as the prophetic Word being opened for our present era. Holding fast to God’s complete Word is a matter of spiritual life or death. The lesson suggests that often God’s people do not realize they are rejecting Him when they stray from His Word and break the covenant, at least initially. It implies it is a gradual process of forgetting, complacency and being led astray over time, rather than an intentional, conscious rejection from the start. The lesson urges diligence to avoid falling into that spiritual blindness unknowingly.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
God wanted the people to commit the law to memory by internalizing it in their minds.
Holding Onto God’s Word
What (Who) is the Word?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
We have read this verse over 10 times in this course already, and we will likely read it 20 more times. It is fundamental for understanding God and should make a difference in how we approach His Word when we truly grasp its meaning.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). God equates Himself with His Word – they are one and the same, there is no distinction.
Why? Because God’s words come from Him, from His Spirit. They are one and the same.
When you listen to someone, you are really paying attention to who they are inside because a person’s words flow out from within them.
If you have keen ears, you can learn much about a person just by listening and observing.
The same goes for God. As you read the Bible, you start to pick up on God’s heart and it manifests more and more. You realize God feels deeply for His people and about the things He says.
He worries for His people because He knows the enemy wants to devour them. So God pours out His Spirit into His Word.
I used to wonder why I couldn’t hear God’s voice clearly like some people claimed they could. I thought something was wrong with me. But as I studied Scripture more, I realized God speaks to everybody through His Word.
So when you come here on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’re not coming just to hear me (instructor Nate). Who am I? A man who has only lived a few decades. You’re not coming just to hear our other teachers (evangelists) either. We are not the point. You are here for God and His Word.
So what is your posture and presence before God?
Are you laying in bed? Sitting on your couch? Are you also watching TV? How are you dressed before the Word of God? If God was visibly in this room right now, would you act any differently? Is your camera off because you’re distracted with other things?
We repeat the same biblical truths over and over because of what the Bible says. When two or three gather in His name, Jesus said, “There am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
What is God’s name? His Word, because He is His Word.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
What was from the beginning, which we have heard, seen with our eyes, looked at, and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life. The Word of Life appeared; we have seen Him and testify to Him. And we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us in Jesus.
Both Jesus and God are the word and the Word are one.
So when you come before the Word, saying “God, I am here before you,” that is the way you should treat it.
Because you are not just before a person, the flesh, a vessel or a container. You’re not here for me (instructor Nate), you’re here for Him.
As we go through the Bible today, really think about this as the starting point – God’s perspective – when we look at people who struggled to come before God in the right way, and what the consequences were.
Rejecting God (Word)
19 “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. 20 When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. 21 And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” 22 So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites.
Moses was very much alive at that point. The people had just received God’s law, which was a completely new experience for them. They were beginning to learn it and apply it to their lives. However, God warned them that a time would come when they would turn to other gods and break His covenant. He instructed them to write down this song as a testimony, to teach it to the people, as a reminder of the covenant they would eventually break.
This revelation raises a question: if God desires for His people to keep the covenant, why predict their failure? The intention behind this prophecy is to instill a sense of fear and motivation in the hearts of those who sing this song.
It aims to inspire a commitment to prove the prophecy wrong, to ensure that they and their generation will not fall into this predicted failure. They resolve that this breach of covenant will not apply to them, declaring, ‘As for me and my house, we will keep the covenant.’, “This will not be true for us.”
Songs are known for their ability to captivate and stick in one’s mind. When you hear a catchy tune, like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” gets stuck in your head, it can play on repeat in your head, even without your intention. By using a song, God intended the message to be memorable, to be recited continuously, ensuring that the people would not forget the importance of keeping the covenant.
This illustrates how God wants His people to remember and retain His word, much like the good soil that holds the seed and allows it to persevere and grow.
To break the covenant, as noted in verse 20, means to turn to other gods, it is described as equivalent to rejecting God. These actions are synonymous with turning away from Him.
To prevent this God wanted the people to commit the law to memory by internalizing it in their minds.
Moving forward, we’ll explore how Moses presented the law to the people and the significance of this approach.
44 Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
What did Moses and Joshua say to the people?
These words are not trivial or optional to sometimes follow and sometimes not.
They are not simple phrases to heed at times and disregard at others.
They are not to be forgotten or casually remembered with a fleeting, “Oh, yes, I recall God mentioning that once.”
Rather, Moses emphasized, “These words are your life,” as vital as the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink.
Without air, our physical bodies perish within minutes. Without water, we may last three days, perhaps five if we are strong. But then, inevitably, we succumb. Without food, we might endure a bit longer, maybe a couple of weeks. But in the end, we cannot survive. In this way, the word of God is likened to breath, food, and water—it is essential for life. As Deuteronomy 8:3 says, ‘Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.’ It is indeed life itself.
Moses and Joshua were urging the people to embed these words deeply within their hearts, to teach them diligently to their families and descendants. Adherence to these words is not optional; it is not merely a luxury or an intermittent obligation. It is a necessity.
Now, let’s look at the people in the future as described in the book of 2 Kings. As we read about their struggles with keeping the word, it becomes apparent that some were able to remain faithful while others were not.
This narrative feels personal to me, as if it were written for my instruction. It resonates with Romans 15:4: ‘For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.’ These words were not recorded without purpose; they were preserved to instruct us.
Reminder:
These words are your life!
8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.” He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. 9 Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: “Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple.” 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.
11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”
Wow, it’s astounding that the Book of the Law was rediscovered!
What does that mean? It’s as if it’s a scene straight out of ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom movie.’
The Book had been lost; they weren’t even aware of its existence. Imagine that!
During the era depicted in Second Kings, Israel had been conquered and its people enslaved. They lived among the Gentiles, their customs intermingling, and they had long forgotten God’s law—which was precisely why they fell into slavery.
They were already facing punishment for breaking the covenant. God, however, is unfailing in His word—He never breaks His promises.
We, on the other hand, struggle to keep even the simplest commitments. ‘I’ll be there at 5 PM on Tuesday,’ we say, only to be delayed by unforeseen traffic.
God doesn’t falter like we do.
Consider how villains are portrayed in movies—the truly frightening ones are those who always keep their word. When they say they’ll do something, they follow through, which is quite intimidating. God is like that in His faithfulness, though He is certainly not a villain. He warns that judgment will come, and it will indeed come.
But let’s focus on the King Josiah’s reaction upon hearing this—it’s exemplary. He tore his robes in distress, lamenting their collective amnesia: ‘How could we have forgotten this?’ He led his people back to righteousness.
That’s the kind of response we should aspire to emulate.
They repented, crying out to God in remorse for having strayed so far.
Such genuine repentance is rare and thus refreshing. It reminds us of the people of Nineveh who repented after Jonah’s warning.
Often people dismiss the need for change, content with their ways and new gods. But the story of Nineveh shows us the power of turning back to God. Let’s learn from their example of success.
Consequences for Breaking (The Word)
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 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.”
In the garden, you are free to eat from any tree. However, you must not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; if you do, you will certainly die. What does this statement mean in verses 16 and 17?
It’s a warning, not a suggestion. It’s imperative, which means it’s a command, an order. It’s a crucial word that we need to understand and take seriously.
As at Adam, they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there.
Like Adam, the Israelites have broken the covenant.
They were unfaithful to God. In this passage, God is referencing the Israelites during Hosea’s time, who we just read about in Hosea 6:7. However, Hosea is also a book of prophecy, meaning he is talking about future Israelites as well, for whom this statement would still be accurate.
By mentioning their ancestor Adam, there is a connection back to the covenant in the Garden of Eden to not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
That was a covenant – God promised that if Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he would die.
1. The subjects of that covenant were God and Adam.
2. The content was to eat from the Tree of Life but not the other tree.
3. The time it was made when God created Adam and spoke to him,
4. The time it was to be kept – always and forever.
5. The consequences were life or death.
So when Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they died, just as God had warned.
But there were other consequences as well from breaking that covenant. The Israelites, like Adam, experienced the results of unfaithfulness and covenant breaking.
We have Adam and Eve in the garden. And God was initially also with them. But we know that the serpent was there, spreading lies to them. The serpent is the liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). And there’s something subtle that he did to Adam and Eve, which is how Satan tends to work – in subtle ways.
He targeted the weaker of the two, Eve, in her understanding. God gave this law to Adam before Eve. So what was Adam supposed to do with his wife? Teach her! Ensure she understands the covenant God had given him. She was able to recite that covenant to the serpent.
When Satan came and sowed doubt, “Are you sure you will surely die? No, you actually won’t,” instead of rebuking him or confirming with Adam or God, she entertained the thought. She wondered – is God hiding something from us? Does God not want us to attain the knowledge of good and evil?
By entertaining doubt, they were thinking things that were not originally there. They ate the forbidden fruit. Now, 6000 years later, we are still in this state of misery. Why? God said “You will surely die.” This happened.
Adam and Eve lived physically for hundreds of years after, but were supposed to live forever. Adam would still be here today teaching us about God’s covenant if they had not broken it. They died first, immediately, spiritually. You could see it in how they started to treat each other – hiding, blaming, not taking responsibility. They became totally different people in their hearts and spirits. Poison works quickly in the heart.
There has been 6000 years of mourning, crying and pain in human history, separated from God’s Spirit. As Genesis 6:3 says, God’s Spirit left us because He could not dwell with sinful humanity anymore.
This pattern of God establishing a covenant and humanity breaking it repeats throughout history.
Imagine God’s perspective:
He continues to plead “Memorize my word, internalize it, be lured by it!”
But Satan orchestrates ways to disrupt God’s plan –
Oh how can I disrupt God’s plan for these people so they cannot keep their covenant? I know, I’ll send hoards of Gentiles into their nation. The men won’t be able to resist intermarrying and bringing in outside gods. I’ll infiltrate them with culture after culture.”
“Perfect, I can influence the king too. He’s always had a weakness in this area. His sons will follow suit. This is working out nicely.”
“These people adhere so closely to God’s law. I’ll give that prophet over there a confusing dream. That will sow discord and dissent among them. Easy enough to cause some dissension.”
“Now this Jesus fellow claims to be God’s son. What a joke. I’ll have some fun with this one. We’ll get the Pharisees to ask tricky questions and tell lies. We’ll say he’s a Samaritan, demon-possessed, from Nazareth so nothing good could come from there. Surely no one will believe he’s the messiah from Galilee!”
“I’ll send the Sadducees too to keep attacking God’s plan. I’ll just keep throwing wrenches into this at every turn so these people can’t possibly keep the covenant.
What about the people at that time – were they able to resist Satan’s schemes and keep God’s covenant?
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
“‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”
Such a key phrase Jesus mentioned here: “God will take the kingdom away from those who break the covenant.” God will remove the kingdom from those who violate the word and what will he do? He will give it to another, to others who will actually keep it.
When a group of people cannot be used by God, God is not going to continue trying indefinitely. He extends grace and calls for repentance.
However, if people refuse to repent, God moves forward without them.
We’re often taught you get unlimited chances. That’s not biblical. God progresses His plan. God advances to someone else.
Why? We must zoom out and see things from God’s vantage point. We get so focused on our immediate context. We forget that God has to deal with the big picture.
Remember what transpired at the start? God departed from his creation and we were perishing. We were anguishing. We were tearing each other apart.
What is God’s supreme objective? To come back. Everything God does is to return. That is His paramount mission. Everything else is secondary.
Thus when God determines, if these people aren’t going to assist me, I will shift to other people who will further my mission. And if they won’t aid me, I will transition to another group who will, and so forth.
From Adam to Noah, Noah to Abraham, Abraham to Moses, to David, God has been moving from group to group, just to locate those who will collaborate with Him on His mission of returning.
But the people God will utilize need to uphold the covenant. What about our time and place? What does this signify for us?
Reminder:
God will take kingdom from those who break the covenant (Word) —> Give to another
What about us?
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.
The Lord does not change. The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God and Jesus are the same yesterday, today and forever.
So if God has the same heart that he had when we read the Old Testament, he is the same God today. There is no God of the Old Testament and different God of the New Testament. That is faulty theology. God is the same always and forever.
This means God expects the same things from us that he expected of people in the past, although what he tells us to do might differ along with who we need to follow compared to their time.
The underlying sentiment remains the same – follow my covenant and keep it. There is no difference, it is the same.
12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
The writer of Hebrews mentioned that the people who should be able to teach are not yet spiritually mature enough to teach. In fact, they are so immature that they need to relearn the foundations all over again.
They still need spiritual milk. As it says in 1 Corinthians 3, they are still worldly. They aren’t mature enough yet for the deeper spiritual truths – the solid food – which is what we really need to be feeding on at this time.
We’ve been talking about figurative spiritual food – the word of God that nourishes the spirit. Infants physically really need milk because their bodies are not yet ready for solid food.
But for their bodies to continue growing, they must transition from milk to solid food. We cannot only survive on milk today – our mature bodies need solid food. Milk alone is no longer adequately nourishing for us physically.
But the people the writer of Hebrews is mentioning still live on spiritual milk alone. So they remain spiritual infants. What are these “elementary teachings” that they still depend on?
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
There are often places that claim to teach the ‘deep things’ mentioned in Hebrews 6:3. However, they are not actually that deep.
This passage is 2000 year old teachings about Christ, repentance, laying on of hands, repentance from actions that lead to death, faith in God, instructions about baptism, eternal judgment – the basics.
Are we in a place that only teaches these elementary things? Or are we in a place that actually teaches more solid food – deeper teachings about righteousness and the deep things of God like in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16?
That passage says that the Spirit of God is able to reveal the deep mysteries of God. A place that teaches solid food has the Spirit of God there.
A place that only teaches milk does not have the Spirit of God there.
And is everyone here, including the leader, discerning at this time?
What is solid food?
Prophecy and fulfillment – not just the Old Testament and the first coming which have already been explained.
We know who Jesus is, according to Scripture. But what about the second coming and the time we are living in?
Who is teaching Bible prophecy and fulfillment today?
We need to find this kind of place. We need to find a church like this.
I want to be someone who keeps the covenant that God wants me to keep as in Hebrews 8:10-12 – “I will write my laws on their hearts and minds and I will be their God and they will be my people.”
Have we found a place like this yet?
Because there is someone who doesn’t want us to find a place like this.
There is someone who wants believers to remain as infants, for infants are much easier to devour than mature believers. Although it is still possible to devour the mature, no one is completely safe.
We must all prepare, there is no guaranteed safety level until Christ’s return.
Everyone must be alert, including church leaders and teachers.
Instructor Nate says: “I still have to fight and work hard. It is not easy even for me. I commit as much time as I can with all I have to do, but I do it. Why? Because I care about each and every one of you. And so do the other teachers and evangelists – that’s why we commit so much time.”
This is important. Are you showing the Word of God and your teachers the same level of respect?
Satan likes to devour believers in everyday things, as 1 Peter 5:8 and Revelation 12:9 say. And the reason why Satan intensifies his efforts – let’s turn to Revelation 12:9 to understand why he puts so much effort into attacking believers, especially in our time.”
The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Why does Satan fight us? Because he knows his time is short.
He knows he doesn’t have long. He will use everything in his power to pull us away from God – even using our family and those close to us.
Like how he used Peter against Jesus in Matthew 16. When Jesus finally started telling his disciples about the suffering he would face, what did Peter say? “Never Lord! These things can never happen to you.” And Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan!”
He called Peter Satan so that Peter would realize his thoughts were worldly, focused only on the things of man rather than God’s plan.
Jesus had to correct and shake him, saying, “I have to die on the cross, I have to suffer for the salvation of the world. Wake up your mind, Peter!”
What does our mind focus on these days?
Football, finances, friends, outings, good food?
While these things are good, they should not consume our focus during this critical time.
Satan will say, “Hey, we’ve got this event going on Sunday at seven. You gotta come!” Or “We really need you to stay a bit later at work for this big project.” Or “Your kid got in trouble at school, parent-teacher meeting Thursday at seven, be there at 6:30!”
Whatever it takes to pull you out from God’s Word, Satan doesn’t care.
We shouldn’t play fair either. Where’s your sword?
Read God’s Word! Show me your sword!
When you put on God’s armor and wield the sword of the Spirit, you can overcome anything through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Let’s fight!
When Moses said ‘these words are not idle words, they are life to you,’ he was emphasizing the importance of God’s word.
Let’s take Moses’ advice and put those words into our hearts and minds.
As the title indicates, we should cling to the Word of God as if our lives depend on it, because they do. However, we need more than just any words from the Bible. We specifically need the revealed, opened word – the prophecies and their fulfillments regarding our time.
That is the word we must hold onto today.
We need to grip both the opened word from the past, which Jesus unlocked in His time on Earth, as well as the prophetic word for our era that He has now opened up for us.
Let’s tenaciously hold onto both.
Memorization
They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
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
Understanding the Significance of God’s Word
I. Introduction: Spiritual Blindness and the Need for Revelation
- This section introduces the concept of spiritual blindness, where individuals believe they understand God’s word but lack true comprehension. It emphasizes the need to recognize our own blindness to receive revelation and uses John 9:39-41 to illustrate Jesus’s message about judgment and the importance of a humble heart before God’s word.
II. The Word as God: Inseparable and Eternal
- This section establishes the foundational truth that God and His Word are one and the same, emphasizing the significance of approaching Scripture with reverence. It explores John 1:1-5 and 1 John 1:1-2 to demonstrate the inseparability of God, Jesus, and the Word, highlighting the need to treat the Word with the same respect due to God Himself.
III. Rejecting God’s Word: The Covenant and Its Consequences
- This section examines the consequences of rejecting God’s word, drawing parallels between Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden and the Israelites’ repeated unfaithfulness. It analyzes Deuteronomy 31:19-22, 32:44-47, 2 Kings 22:8-13, Genesis 2:16-17, and Hosea 6:7 to illustrate the cyclical pattern of covenant establishment, violation, and its devastating repercussions, including spiritual death and separation from God.
IV. God’s Unchanging Nature: The Need for Continued Covenant Keeping
- This section emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and the consistent expectation for covenant keeping throughout history. It utilizes Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 5:12-14 to highlight the need for spiritual maturity and transition from elementary teachings to deeper understanding of God’s word, likening this growth to the physical progression from milk to solid food.
V. Spiritual Maturity: Moving Beyond Elementary Teachings
- This section explores the need to move beyond basic biblical principles towards a deeper understanding of prophecy and fulfillment. It examines Hebrews 6:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 to highlight the characteristics of a church that provides solid spiritual food and fosters discernment, contrasting it with institutions that remain focused on elementary teachings.
VI. The Urgency of Our Time: Satan’s Attacks and the Need for Spiritual Warfare
- This section emphasizes the urgency of our time, highlighting Satan’s intensified attacks on believers due to his limited time. It analyzes Revelation 12:9, 1 Peter 5:8, and Matthew 16 to illustrate Satan’s strategies to distract believers from God’s word, emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare, equipping ourselves with the armor of God, and prioritizing God’s word amidst worldly distractions.
VII. Holding Onto the Opened Word: Embracing Prophecy and Fulfillment
- This section concludes by reiterating the paramount importance of holding onto God’s word, particularly the revealed prophecies and their fulfillments pertinent to our time. It emphasizes the need to embrace both the historical and prophetic aspects of Scripture to navigate the challenges of our era and remain steadfast in our faith.
A Study Guide
Holding Onto God’s Word: A Study Guide
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences.
- What is the central message of John 9:39-41?
- How does the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 relate to approaching God’s Word?
- What is the significance of John 1:1, and how does it connect God to His Word?
- Why did God warn the Israelites about breaking the covenant in Deuteronomy 31?
- What does Moses mean in Deuteronomy 32 when he says that God’s words “are not just idle words for you—they are your life”?
- What was King Josiah’s reaction to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, and what does this demonstrate about his character?
- What are the consequences of breaking God’s covenant, as illustrated by the story of Adam and Eve?
- How does the passage in Matthew 21:42-44 illustrate the consequences of rejecting God’s Word?
- According to Hebrews 5:12-14 and Hebrews 6:1-3, what distinguishes “milk” from “solid food” in terms of spiritual maturity?
- Why does Satan work so hard to deceive believers, according to Revelation 12:9?
Answer Key
- John 9:39-41 emphasizes the importance of humility before God’s Word. Those who claim to see (understand) are actually blind to the truth, while those who acknowledge their blindness can receive sight (understanding).
- The parable highlights the importance of humility when approaching God. The tax collector, who humbly asks for forgiveness, is justified, while the Pharisee, who boasts of his righteousness, is not. This parable teaches us to approach God’s Word with a humble heart, recognizing our need for His guidance and grace.
- John 1:1 declares that “the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This emphasizes the inseparable connection between God and His Word. God’s Word is an extension of Himself; it reveals His character and will.
- God warned the Israelites about breaking the covenant to instill fear and motivate them to keep His commandments. He wanted them to remember His words and remain faithful to the covenant, knowing the consequences of disobedience.
- Moses emphasizes the vital importance of God’s Word for life and well-being. Just as we need physical sustenance like air, water, and food, we need God’s Word for spiritual nourishment and guidance. It sustains our relationship with Him and leads to true life.
- King Josiah tore his robes in distress, recognizing the gravity of their neglect of God’s Law. This action shows Josiah’s sincere repentance and commitment to leading his people back to God’s Word and righteousness.
- Adam and Eve’s disobedience resulted in spiritual death, separation from God, pain, and suffering in the world. Their sin brought consequences not only for themselves but for all humanity, highlighting the seriousness of breaking God’s covenant.
- Jesus states that the kingdom of God will be taken away from those who reject His Word and given to those who will bear fruit. This signifies that God will move His blessings and work to those who are receptive and obedient to His message.
- “Milk” represents the basic teachings about Christ, repentance, faith, and eternal judgment. “Solid food” refers to deeper understanding of God’s Word, including prophecy and its fulfillment, which requires spiritual maturity and discernment.
- Satan intensifies his efforts against believers because he knows his time is short (Revelation 12:9). He wants to deceive and destroy as many as possible before his ultimate defeat.
Additional Questions
1. What (who) is the word?
– God (John 1:1-5) and Jesus (I Johnm 1:1-2)
2. How can one reject God?
– By breaking the covenant
– Breaking the covenant = Rejecting God (Deteuronomy 31:19-22)
3. What are the consequences for breaking the covenant?
– 1) Death, mourning, crying, pain (Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 6:3)
– 2) God will take kingdom from those who break covenant and give to another (Matthew 21:42-44)
4. What is our covenant to keep at second coming?
– New Testament prophecies (Revelation)
5. What is one thing we must do to keep our covenant at second coming?
– We must become mature believers who eat solid food (prophecy and fulfillment) (1 Corinthians 2:6-16)
Satan devours! (1 Peter 5:8. Revelation 12:9)
Glossary of Key Terms
Spiritual Blindness and Deafness: A condition where individuals are unable to perceive or understand spiritual truth, even if they are exposed to it. They may hear God’s Word but fail to grasp its meaning or apply it to their lives.
Covenant: A binding agreement between God and humanity, often involving promises, obligations, and consequences. Examples include the covenant with Adam in the Garden of Eden and the covenant with Abraham.
The Word: Refers to Jesus Christ as the living embodiment of God’s truth and revelation (John 1:1). It also represents the Bible as the written expression of God’s will and message.
Solid Food: Figurative language describing deeper spiritual teachings, including prophecy, its fulfillment, and the mysteries of God, which require spiritual maturity to understand and apply.
Milk: Basic Christian teachings, such as repentance, faith, baptism, and eternal judgment, which are foundational but need to be progressed beyond for spiritual growth.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson doesn’t provide a chronological timeline of events. Instead, it offers a theological interpretation of various biblical passages to illustrate the importance of God’s word and the consequences of rejecting it.
Here’s a thematic breakdown of the points covered, drawing connections between different biblical eras:
1. Creation & The Fall:
- God establishes a covenant with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, forbidding them from eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17).
- Adam and Eve break the covenant, leading to spiritual and physical death, and separation from God (Genesis 3). This sets a pattern of covenant-making and covenant-breaking that continues throughout history.
2. Moses and the Israelites:
- God gives Moses the Law, a new covenant with the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:19-22).
- Moses emphasizes the importance of internalizing and obeying God’s word, likening it to life itself (Deuteronomy 32:44-47).
- Despite warnings, God foretells that the Israelites will eventually turn away from Him and break the covenant.
3. Rediscovery and Repentance:
- During the reign of King Josiah, the Book of the Law is rediscovered, revealing the extent to which the Israelites had strayed (2 Kings 22:8-13).
- Josiah leads the people in repentance, demonstrating the possibility of returning to God after straying.
4. Jesus and the Kingdom of God:
- Jesus highlights the consequences of rejecting God’s word, stating that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from those who do not bear fruit and given to others (Matthew 21:42-44).
- This reinforces the point that God’s plan moves forward, and He will work with those who are willing to follow Him.
5. The Need for Spiritual Maturity:
- The writer of Hebrews laments the spiritual immaturity of some believers who have not progressed beyond elementary teachings (Hebrews 5:12-14, Hebrews 6:1-3).
- The source emphasizes the importance of seeking “solid food” – deeper understanding of God’s word, including prophecy and its fulfillment.
6. The Urgency of the Present Time:
- The lesson connects the unchanging nature of God (Malachi 3:6) with the urgency of the present time, drawing from Revelation 12:9.
- Satan’s intensified attacks on believers are interpreted as a sign that his time is short.
- The lesson urges believers to cling to God’s word and be prepared for spiritual warfare.
Cast of Characters
1. God: The central figure throughout the source, described as unchanging and committed to His plan of returning to His creation.
2. Jesus: Identified as one with God and His Word, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the key to understanding spiritual truth.
3. Adam & Eve: The first humans who break God’s covenant, setting a pattern of disobedience and its consequences.
4. Moses: The prophet who receives God’s Law and emphasizes its importance for the Israelites.
5. Joshua: Moses’ successor, who joins him in urging the Israelites to obey God’s word.
6. King Josiah: A righteous king who leads the Israelites in repentance after the rediscovery of the Book of the Law.
7. The Israelites: God’s chosen people, who repeatedly struggle with faithfulness and covenant-keeping.
8. The Pharisees & Sadducees: Jewish religious leaders who oppose Jesus and represent those who reject God’s truth.
9. Peter: Jesus’ disciple, used as an example of how even those close to Jesus can be influenced by Satan.
10. Satan: The adversary, described as a deceiver who intensifies his efforts to lead believers astray as his time grows short.
Overview
Overview: Holding Onto God’s Word
Main Themes:
- The critical importance of God’s Word in the lives of believers.
- The dangers of spiritual blindness and the need for humility in approaching Scripture.
- The consequences of rejecting God’s Word and breaking His covenant.
- The urgency of finding a place that teaches “solid food” – the deeper truths of the Bible, especially prophecy and its fulfillment.
- The importance of remaining vigilant and resisting Satan’s attempts to distract us from God’s Word.
Key Ideas & Facts:
- God’s Word is Life Itself:
- “These words are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” (Deuteronomy 32:47)
- This emphasizes that God’s Word is essential for our spiritual sustenance and growth.
- Spiritual Blindness and Humility:
- “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin. But now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” (John 9:41)
- This highlights the danger of assuming we understand God’s Word without a humble heart open to learning.
- God is One with His Word:
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
- Therefore, rejecting God’s Word is equivalent to rejecting God himself.
- Breaking the Covenant Has Consequences:
- The story of Adam and Eve’s disobedience illustrates the immediate and lasting consequences of breaking God’s covenant.
- “As at Adam, they have broken the covenant; they were unfaithful to me there.” (Hosea 6:7)
- God Will Use Those Who Are Faithful:
- “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:43)
- This demonstrates God’s willingness to work through those who are willing to keep His covenant.
- The Need for Solid Food:
- Believers are encouraged to move beyond the “elementary teachings” and seek deeper understanding, particularly in the areas of prophecy and fulfillment.
- “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)
- The Urgency of Our Time:
- Satan knows his time is short and will intensify his efforts to distract believers.
- “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” (Revelation 12:9)
- The Call to Action:
- Believers are urged to actively engage with God’s Word, resisting distractions and seeking a community where “solid food” is taught.
- We must “cling to the Word of God as if our lives depend on it, because they do.”
Conclusion:
This lesson emphasizes the vital importance of God’s Word for spiritual growth and the dangers of neglecting it. It calls for a humble and diligent approach to studying Scripture, particularly prophecy and fulfillment, as we navigate these critical times and resist Satan’s attempts to distract us. The urgency to find a community that teaches “solid food” and the necessity to cling to God’s Word are key takeaways.
Q&A
Q&A: The Significance of God’s Word and Its Impact on Our Lives
1. Why is God’s Word so important?
God’s Word is equivalent to God Himself. It is not merely a collection of stories or rules but a direct manifestation of His being and will. Just as our words reveal our inner thoughts and intentions, God’s Word reveals His heart, His love, and His deep concern for His people. It is essential for our spiritual sustenance and growth, much like air, water, and food are essential for our physical survival.
2. What does it mean to reject God’s Word?
Rejecting God’s Word is synonymous with rejecting God Himself. This can manifest in turning away from His teachings, breaking His covenant, or embracing other “gods” – anything that takes precedence over Him in our lives. Examples include prioritizing worldly pursuits over spiritual growth, allowing distractions to pull us away from studying Scripture, or dismissing the urgency of His message for our time.
3. What are the consequences of rejecting God’s Word?
The consequences of rejecting God’s Word are significant, impacting both individuals and entire nations. From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, breaking God’s covenant resulted in spiritual death and separation from His presence. Throughout history, God has withdrawn His blessings from those who consistently disregard His Word, sometimes even giving their kingdom to others who will be faithful.
4. Why did God predict that His people would break the covenant?
God’s prediction of His people breaking the covenant was not a declaration of inevitable doom but a loving warning intended to motivate them to remain steadfast. By highlighting the potential consequences of their actions, He sought to instill a sense of urgency and responsibility, inspiring them to strive for faithfulness.
5. What is the difference between “spiritual milk” and “solid food” in the context of God’s Word?
“Spiritual milk” represents the foundational teachings of God’s Word, essential for new believers but insufficient for mature spiritual growth. “Solid food,” on the other hand, signifies deeper, more profound truths, including prophecy and its fulfillment, which nourish and equip believers for discerning God’s plan in our time.
6. What does it mean to “hold onto God’s Word”?
To “hold onto God’s Word” means to embrace it with unwavering commitment, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and priorities. It involves diligently studying Scripture, internalizing its teachings, and applying them to our daily lives. This requires actively resisting distractions and temptations that seek to pull us away from God.
7. Why is Satan so intent on attacking believers?
Satan, knowing his time is short, intensifies his attacks on believers to prevent them from fulfilling God’s plan. He aims to keep them spiritually immature, easily distracted by worldly pursuits, and ultimately separated from God’s Word and His presence.
8. Where can we find the “revealed, opened word” for our time?
The “revealed, opened word” for our time is found in communities that teach and prioritize both the foundational truths of Scripture and the deeper understanding of prophecy and its fulfillment. These are communities filled with the Spirit of God, actively discerning His plan, and equipping believers to navigate the challenges of our present age.