Preparing My Heart
The verses just before today’s lesson text talk about Esau. The poor man has become emblematic of someone with little faith and with little appreciation for “things” of eternal value and consequence. But what about me? What part(s) of my Christian identity do I not hold in sufficient regard?
Because of faith, I treasure my birthright in Christ. Thus, faith keeps me from bitterness and unthankfulness. I need faith, much more faith — I can tell by the twinges of sourness and ungratefulness….
Making the Bible Personal
Does my faith require constant infusions of adrenaline-packed experiences?
Can I think of anything for which I would refuse Jesus?
How have I served God “acceptably with reverence and godly fear”?
What am I indulging because I think I can get away with it?
“Let us have grace” — I have a choice in that?
What proof do I have that my faith results in wise choices?
Reviewing Basic Truths
Faith enables us to touch the untouchable.
By faith we embrace the reality and surety of the promise.
By grace we may have faith to please God.
The kingdom we receive (by faith) is stable and eternal.
Applying God’s Word to Me
Section omitted from free version; purchase entire quarter as PDF or for Kindle.
This concludes my comments based on the passage for the International Bible Lesson. To read my comments on the alternate lesson developed by Christian Light Publications, click here: Persecution and Holy Boldness.
excerpted from Panting
