Bible Study Guides – Page 32

Lección 5 El Nuevo Nacimiento

June 24, 2024January 10, 2021 by Jana Wagner

Pasos hacia la Vida 5

El Nuevo Nacimiento

Introducción: Como vimos en nuestra última lección, Dios envió a su Hijo para salvarnos de “nuestros pecados” para que “todo aquel que en él crea, no se pierda sino que tenga vida eterna” (Mat. 1:21; John 3:16). Mediante la fe en Jesús recibimos (1) arrepentimiento del pecado, (2) perdón del pecado, y (3) poder para vencer el pecado. Esta obra de gracia es el principio de una “nueva vida,” la cual se conoce como “nuevo nacimiento” o “conversión.” En esta lección veremos cómo este nuevo nacimiento ocurre en nuestras vidas.

1. ¿Cuantós de nosotros somos buenos por naturaleza? Rom. 3:10,23 [Los versículos para estudio adicional son>>John 8:34; Ecc. 7:20; Isa. 64:6]

2. Por lo tanto, ¿qué es ciertamente lo más indispensable para que recibamos el don gratuito de la vida eterna? John 3:3,5,6 [>>Mat. 18:3]

3. ¿Podemos cambiar nuestra naturaleza? Jer. 13:23 [Rom. 7:18-24]

PASOS PARA LA CONVERSION

4. La Biblia señala tres pasos para la conversión. ¿Cuál es el primero? Acts 3:19 [Respuesta: Debemos arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados.>>2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31; Rom. 2:4; Psalm 34:18]

5. El arrepentimiento significa entristecernos tanto por nuestros pecados que no queremos repetirlos. Sólo Dios puede darnos esa tristeza por el pecado, porque nosotros, por naturaleza, amamos el pecado. ¿Qué nos hará hacer con nuestra vida pecaminosa pasada el verdadero arrepentimiento? Rom. 6:6,16 [Resp: Con la ayuda de Dios crucificaremos los hábitos pecaminosos que en el pasado acariciábamos. El verdadero arrepentimiento también nos inducirá a hacer restitución por el mal que hayamos hecho.>>Num. 5:7; Eze. 33:15; Luke 19:8-9; Rom 8:13]

6. Después del arrepentimiento, ¿cuál es el segundo paso? 1 John 1:9 [Respuesta: Debemos confesar nuestros pecados a Dios, pidiéndole perdón. Después de confesarlos, no debemos persistir en ellos, sino confiar en que Dios los ha perdonado. Quizás habrá personas a las cuales debemos pedir perdón.>>Prov. 28:13; Psalm 32:5; Psalm 51:1-10; Lev. 5:5; Lev. 26:40-42: Mar. 1:5; James 5:16; Neh. 1:6-11; Rom. 5:1]

7. Como tercer requisito, después del arrepentimiento y perdón, ¿cómo debemos vivir? Rom. 6:4 [Respuesta: Debemos vivir una vida nueva, y recta, mediante el poder del Espíritu Santo.>>Eph. 2:1-10; 1 John 2:6; 1 John 3:3]

8. ¿Qué pasará si nos arrepentimos de nuestros pecados pero no los reemplazamos con buenas obras? Luke 11:24-26 [Nota: Debemos llenar la mente de lo bueno, si no queremos que lo malo la ocupe.>>Mat. 6:24; Rom. 12:21]

9. El producto final de la conversión es una nueva vida de justicia. ¿Cómo podemos vivir esta nueva vida? Rom. 8:2-4 [Nota: Dios tiene poder para ayudar aun al pecador más vil a vencer sus pecados.>>1 John 3:3-9; Heb. 10:16; Eze. 36:25-28; 1Cor 10:13; Phil. 4:13; John 8:34-36; Heb 7:25]

10. ¿Quién nos enseño la forma de vivir esta nueva vida de justicia? John 14:6 [>>Heb. 2:10-11, Heb 2:16-18; 1 Peter 2:21; Mat. 16:24]

11. Al poner nosotros de manifiesto una vida recta, Jesús nos señaló tres cosas que podemos hacer para permitir que el Espíritu Santo nos conceda esta nueva vida. ¿Cuál fue una de las cosas que Jesús hizo y nos enseñó a hacer, para vivir una vida cristiana victoriosa? Luke 21:34-36 [>>Luke 6:12; Mat 26:41]

12. Otra cosa que Jesús hacia era estudiar la Biblia yu resistir la tentación citando la Escritura. ¿Qué hará por nosotros el estudio regular de la Biblia? 2 Peter 1:3,4 [Nota: Cuando estudiamos la Biblia diariamente, el Espíritu Santo nos llena con sus santos pensamientos y nos da fuerza para resistir la tentación. Cuando Jesús era tentado, citaba la Escritura que había memorizado. Si llenamos nuestras mentes con textos de la Biblia y cantos cristianos, nuestras mentes no serán afectadas fácilmente por el pecado. Entonces, cuando seamos tentados, citaremos la Escritura, oraremos para obtener más poder y obtendremos la victoria.>>Mat. 4:3,4,7,10; Psalm 119:11; John 6:53-57, John 6:63: John 17:17]

13. Después de recibir la fuerza espiritual mediante la oración y el estudio de la Biblia, Jesús resistió mental y conscientemente a Satanás y sus tentaciones, y eligió hacer lo correcto (véase Isa. 7:14-15 y Luke 4:8). ¿Qué debemos hacer cuando somos tentados? James 4:7-8 [>>Eph. 6:12-13]

14. Estas tres cosas: Oración, estudio de la Biblia, y la ejercitación de nuestra fuerza de voluntad -rechazando el pecado y eligiendo hacer el bien con la fuerza espiritual recibida-, constituyen el secreto de una vida victoriosa. Debemos combinar el poder divino con el esfuerzo humano. Pero debemos hacerlo cada día, ¡momento tras momento! ¿Cómo podemos tener una experiencia cristiana progresiva? Col. 2:6 [>>Luke 9:23; 1 Cor. 15:31; 1 Thess. 5:17; Apoc. 2:4]

15. Cuando realmente hayamos nacido de nuevo, ¿qué nos sucederá? 2 Cor. 5:17 [>>Phil. 1:6]

Decisión: ¿Desea usted nacer de nuevo a una vida espiritual de justicia, con Jesús como su ejemplo? ¿Buscará la comunión con Jesús cada día mediante la oración y el estudio de la Biblia, y con la fuerza que así reciba de Dios, elige rechazar el pecado y seguir al Señor Jesucristo?

Mi respuesta al llamado de Cristo es ______________________________________________

Notas:

PASO 1 (Lecciones 1-10): Creer en Cristo, Nuestro Salvador y Rey Venidro
1988 por Steps to Life, Inc., Wichita, Kansas, USA
Destribuido por MDS, Box 782828, Wichita, KS, 67278 USA. EE.UU. (316) 788-5559

El Indice Estudios bíblicos Pasos hacia la vida

Lección 4 Jesús, Nuestro Amigo

June 24, 2024January 10, 2021 by Jana Wagner

Pasos hacia la vida 4

Jesús, Nuestro Amigo

Introducción: Todas nuestras lecciones tratan de Jesús y de la verdad que él nos reveló, pero ésta es una lección especial dedicada a estudiar quién es Jesús y la obra que desea hacer a nuestro favor. Debido a la rebelión de Satanás, y por cuanto Jesús nos amaba demasiado como para abandonarnos y dejarnos a merced de Satanás, Jesús dejó el cielo y vino a este mundo a redimir a todos los que deseaban ser salvos.

LA DIVINIDAD Y PREEXISTENCIA DE JESUS

1. Poco después que María concibió a Jesús, un ángel explicó su nacimiento a José y declaró que él sería llamado Emanuel. ¿Qué significa el nombre Emanuel? Mat. 1:21-23 [Los versículos para el estudio adicional son>>Col. 2:9; Isa. 9:6; Apoc. 22:13]

2. ¿Dónde estaba Jesús antes de que el mundo fuera formado? John 17:4,5 [>>John 8:58]

3. ¿Qué obra realizó Jesús en el principio? John 1:1-3 [Respuesta: Creó todas las cosas. >>Col. 1:16,17]

4. ¿Cómo llama Pablo a Cristo? 1 Cor. 10:4 [Respuesta: La Roca. >>2 Sam. 23:3; Deut. 32:4; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 31:3; Psalm 42:9; Psalm 62:2, Psalm 62:6]

POR QUE VINO JESUS AL MUNDO

5. ¿Por qué todos los seres humanos, incluso nosotros, estamos condenados? Rom. 5:12 [>>Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:23]

6. Hay vida sólo en Dios, y sólo permaneciendo en armonía con él es como la vida puede continuar. A causa del pecado, los habitantes de este mundo han llegado a estar en discordia con Dios y se han hecho acreedores a la pena de muerte. ¿Qué hizo Jesús a fin de pagar el precio de nuestros pecados? Isa. 53:4-6 [>>John 1:29]

7. ¿Qué tuvo que hacer Jesús para tomar nuestro lugar (es decir para convertirse en nuestro sustituto y pagar por nuestros pecados? Phil. 2:5-8 [>>John 1:14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:14]

8. ¿Podemos recibir perdón por guardar la ley de Dios? Rom. 3:20 [>>Gal. 2:16]

9. Si el guardar la ley no nos salva, ¿cómo podemos ser librados de nuestros pecados? Hechos 16:30,31 [Nota: Creer en Jesús abarca más que el simple conocimiento de su existencia, porque “aun los demonios creen.” (James 2:19). La salvación significa aceptar a Jesús como “el Camino, la Verdad, y la Vida” (John 14:6), y como nuestro Señor y Salvador personal.>>Mat. 1:21]

10. Cuando aceptamos a Jesús como nuestro Salvador, ¿qué hace Dios con nuestros “pecados que fueron cometidos previamente?” Rom. 3:24,25 [Nota: Cuando aceptamos a Jesús como nuestro Salvador y Señor, él llega a ser nuestro sustituto y nos libra de condenación. A partir de entonces, Jesús comienza a moldearnos y a transformarnos según su semejanza.>>Eph. 2:8]

11. Para que podamos ser perdonados, debemos cambiar nuestras actitudes. Debemos entristecernos por nuestros pecados. ¿Cómo podemos entristecernos (arrepentirnos) por nuestros pecados y así recibir los méritos de la muerte de Cristo en nuestro favor? Acts 5:30,31 [Resp: No podemos arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados por nuestra propia cuenta. Debemos ir a Jesús tal como somos, y él nos concederá tanto el arrepentimiento como el perdón.>>Rom 2:4; 2 Cor 7:10; Luke 24:47]

12. Además de concedernos arrepentimiento y perdón por los pecados que hemos cometido, ¿qué más promete Jesús que hará por nosotros? 1John 1:9 [Resp: Limpiarnos.>>Ezekiel 36:25-29]

13. ¿Cómo nos limpia Dios de nuestros pecados y transforma nuestros caracteres? Rom. 8:1-4,13-14[Resp: Dándonos el mismo Espíritu – o sea, el mismo poder divino – que mantuvo a Jesús libre de pecado.>>2 Cor. 5:21; Mat. 1:21; John 8:34-36]

14. Después que Jesús vino a vivir y a morir por nosotros, ¿adónde fue y qué hace ahora por nosotros? Heb. 4:14-16 [Resp: Volvió al cielo para ser nuestro Sumo Sacerdote y para poder así ayudar a los débiles y tentados que piden su ayuda.>>Heb. 7:25; Heb. 2:17-18; Heb. 6:19-20]

15. ¿Qué movió a Dios a proveernos este maravilloso amigo y Salvador, Jesús, que puede salvarnos del pecado y darnos vida eterna? John 3:16 [Acts 4:12; John 15:13; John 1:12; 1John 3:1-3]

Decisión: Si usted acepta a Jesús como su Salvador, él lo capacitará para arrepentirse, le concederá perdón cada vez que los solicite. Dios nos ama, y desea que vivamos con él eternamente. Por eso es que dio a su único Hijo para que muriese en nuestro lugar. Por eso es que Jesús todavía intercede por nosotros en el cielo como nuestro Sumo Sacerdote. ¿Lo aceptará usted como su Señor y Salvador? ¿Pedirá a Jesús que entre en su vida y lo haga su hijo?

Mi respuesta al llamado de Cristo es ______________________________________________

Notas:

El Indice Estudios bíblicos Pasos hacia la vida

Lección 2 Cómo Orar

June 24, 2024January 10, 2021 by Jana Wagner

Pasos hacia la Vida 2

Cómo Orar

Introducción: Más importante que cualquier reglamento o ley es nuestra relación de amor con Jesucristo, la cual se desarrolla dedicando tiempo parra estudiar la Biblia, orar, y dar testimonio. Cuando estudiamos la Biblia, Dios nos habla. Cuando oramos, nosotros le hablamos a él. Y cuando damos testimonio, hablamos a otros de él. En esta lección descubriremos los secretos de la oración y cómo podemos disfrutar de este privilegio.

1. Orar es abrir nuestro corazón a Dios como a un amigo. ¿Cómo sabemos que Dios siempre contestará nuestras oraciones de la mejor manera? Rom. 8:32 [Los versículos de estudio adicional son>>Psalm 102:17; 147:3-6]

2. ¿Cómo debiéramos orar en estos tiempos solemnes? 1Peter 4:7 [>>Luke 21:34-36]

3. ¿Qué deseaban los discípulos que Jesús les enseñara? Luke 11:1 Al responder, ¿qué dijo Jesús que deberíamos incluir en nuestras oraciones? Luke 11:2-4. Y finalmente, ¿qué principio estableció Jesús para obtener respuestas a la oración? Luke 11:5-9. [Nota: en los Luke 11:2-4, Jesús no estaba dando una oración formal para recitar, sino que estaba contestando la petición de los discípulos: “Enséñanos a orar.” Aquí él nos enseñó por qué cosas orar, y cómo debemos perseverar en la oración.>>Mat 6:9-13; Matt. 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-7; 1Thess. 5:17]

4. En Luke 11:2, Jesús nos enseñó que por encima de todo nuestras oraciones deben ser dirigidas al Padre. ¿En nombre de quién, o por qué autoridad, debemos dirigirnos al Padre? John 15:16. [Nota: Oramos en el nombre de Jesús porque él es nuestro mediador y Salvador. Es por sus méritos como ganamos acceso al trono mismo del universo.>>John 14:12-15; John 16:23,24; 1 Tim. 2:5]

5. ¿Cuándo especialmente debiéramos orar? Psalm 5:3 [>>Mar. 1:35; Psalm 55:16,17]

6. ¿Cómo debieran ser esas oraciones matinales? Mat. 6:5-8 [Respuesta: Oraciones personales en vez de oraciones formales o impersonales. >>Mat. 23:14]

7. Además de nuestras oraciones privadas, ¿se puede también orar en público? Mat. 18:19,20 [>>Acts 1:14; 2:1]

8. ¿Qué actitud hacia Dios debemos mostrar en nuestras oraciones? Psalm 95:6,7 [Respuesta: Reverencia, arrodillándonos cuando es posible, en señal de respeto y humildad.>>Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:9-10; Daniel 6:10; 2 Chron. 6:13; Psalm 141:1-2]

9. ¿En qué ocasiones específicas oraban Jesús y sus discípulos? Acts 27:35 [Respuesta: A la hora de comer.>>Luke 24:30]

Hasta aquí hemos aprendido cuatro cosas que harán nuestras oraciones efectivas. Podemos llamarlas condiciones, o principios de la oración. Los cuatro principios que hemos aprendido son: (1) ser persistentes, (2) orar con la autoridad de Jesús, (3) ser personales, y (4)tener reverencia. Veamos ahora cinco principios más de la oración. Vea si puede recordar los nueve cuando hayamos completado la lección.

10. ¿Cuál es una quinta condición? Psalm 37:5 [Respuesta: Debemos confiar en Dios.>>James 1:5-7; Heb. 11:6; Mark 11:24]

11. ¿Cuál es una sexta condición? 1 John 5:14 [Respuesta: Debemos anhelar la voluntad de Dios. Esto es un asunto de fe. Si realmente creemos que lo que Dios quiere es lo mejor, desearemos que su voluntad se haga.>>Mat. 26:39; James 4:3; Rom. 8:26-28]

12. ¿Cuál es una séptima condición? Prov. 28:9 [Resp: Debemos escuchar a Dios y obedecerle. ¿Cómo podemos esperar que Dios nos escuche, si nosotros no lo escuchamos a él? y ¿por qué debemos esperar que nos conceda lo que le pedimos, si nosotros no hacemos lo que él nos pide?>>1 John 3:22; Luke 6:46; John 14:12-15]

13. ¿Cuál es una octava condición? Phil. 4:6 [Resp: Debemos alabar a Dios y agradecerle por su bondad.>>Col. 4:2; Psalm 34:1]

14. ¿Cuál es una novena condición? Mar. 11:25,26 [Respuesta: Debemos estar dispuestos a perdonar a otros, así como esperamos que Dios nos perdone.>>Matt. 6:14,15; Matt. 18:21-35]

Decisión: ¿Planea usted conocer mejor a Jesús dedicando tiempo cada mañana para hablar con él mediante la oración privada y personal?

Mi respuesta al llamado de Cristo es ______________________________________________

Notas:

El Indice Estudios bíblicos Pasos hacia la vida

Lección 3 Satanás, Nuestro Enemigo

July 4, 2024January 10, 2021 by Jana Wagner

Pasos hacia la Vida 3

Satanás, Nuestro Enemigo

Introducción: En nuestras primeras dos lecciones aprendimos cómo desarrollar una relación con Dios. En esta lección estudiaremos acerca de Satanás. ¿Quién es él? ¿Existe realmente? Y si existe, ¿ha estado desde el principio? ¿Es por lo tanto otro dios, un dios enemigo que está en conflicto con Jesús? Contestaremos estas preguntas en esta lección.

1. ¿De dónde dijo Jesús que vino Satanás? Luke 10:18 [El versículo de estudio adicional es >>Jude 1:6]

2. ¿Por qué cayó Satanás del cielo? Isa.14:12-15 [>>2 Peter 2:4}

3. ¿De dónde surgió Satanás, y cómo era? Eze. 28:15 [Nota: En el Eze 25:12 de este capítulo se llama a Satanás “rey de Tiro.” Tal como el Señor era la verdadera autoridad por encima del gobernante humano de Israel (1 Chron. 29:23; Zep. 3:5), así también Satanás ere la verdadera autoridad por encima de los reinos páganos de Babilonia y Tiro. De este modo, en ciertos aspectos las profecías de Isaiah 14 y Ezekiel 28 revelan en forma gráfica las características propias de Satanás.>>Col. 1:16; Psalm 148:1-2, Psalm 148:5]

4. Si bien Satanás fue creado como un ángel santo y perfecto, ¿qué cambio ocurrió en él que ocasionó su expulsión del cielo? Eze. 28:13,14,17 [Nota: Satanás era “perfecto” hasta que “se halló maldad” en él. Ezekiel 28:16 dice: “Y pecaste… oh querubín protector.” Así que Satanás fue el primer pecador o, según 1 John 3:4; 1 John 3:8, el primer transgresor de la ley de Dios. 1 John 3:8 dice: “El diablo pecó desde el principio.” En otras palabras, él fue el originador del pecado. >>Psalm 80:1; John 8:44]

5. ¿Quiénes fueron expulsados del cielo con Satanás? Apoc. 12:7-9, 12 [>>Mat. 25:41]

6. ¿Cómo fue que este mundo participó en la rebelión de Satanás? Gen. 3:1-6 [Nota: Tal como Satanás obró más tarde en medio del rey de Tiro, así usó en el Edén una serpiente como médium. Por lo tanto la “serpiente” vino a ser uno de los nombres de Satanás (Apoc. 12:9). [>>Rom. 5:12]

7. En el principio, Adán era el gobernador de este mundo (Gen 1:26). Pero después que Satanás lo indujo a pecar, Adán perdió su dominio. ¿Quién entonces reclamó ser gobernador de este mundo? Luke 4:5-7 [>>John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 6:12]

8. ¿Qué hace Satanás con los que se oponen a la verdad? 2Tim. 2:25,26 [>>John 8:34-44; Eph. 2:1-3]

9. ¿Qué advertencia da Pedro a los cristianos que viven en los últimos días? 1 Peter 5:6-9 [>>Eph. 6:10-18]

10. ¿Cómo trabajará Satanás en los últimos días, y a quiénes engañará: 2 Thess. 2:8-10 [>>Apoc. 16:14]

11. ¿Cómo disfrazará Satanás su obra y sus instrumentos humanos en los últimos días? 2 Cor 11:13-15 [>>Mat. 4:5,6]

12. ¿Cómo podemos vencer a Satanás? Apoc. 12:11 [>>1 John 3:4-8; James 4:7,8]

Decisión: Muchos personas se han preguntado cómo es que un Dios de amor puede permitir todavía la existencia del pecado y el sufrimiento. Pero Dios nunca planeó que fuera así. Dios no creó el pecado ni el sufrimiento. A todas sus criaturas, incluyendo a los ángeles, les dio libertad de elegir; y uno de esos ángeles, el mayor de todos en el cielo, escogió rebelarse. Luego nuestros primeros padres se unieron a él en esa rebelión. Y fue así como entró el pecado en nuestro planeta. Satanás está en guerra con Dios y está buscando nuestra destrucción eterna mediante sus intrigas, engaños y poder. La Biblia revela sus planes y sus engaños. Pero también revela a un Salvador -Jesucristo- que nos librará de Satanás. ¿Estudiará usted su Palabra y le permitirá que lo salve de los ardides del diablo?

Mi respuesta al llamado de Cristo es ________________________________________________

Notas:

El Indice Estudios bíblicos Pasos hacia la vida

Lección 1 Cómo Comprender la Biblia

June 24, 2024January 10, 2021 by Jana Wagner

Pasos hacia la Vida 1

Cómo Comprender la Biblia

Introducción: Algunas personas piensan que la Biblia es my difícil de comprender; por lo tanto no se atreven ni siquiera a estudiarla. Otros se preguntan por qué si la Biblia es realmente fácil de comprender, hay tantas iglesias que enseñan doctrinas diferentes, y sin embargo todas dicen tener la verdad. La razón por qué hay tantas creencias es que, aunque muchos dicen creer en la Biblia, no la han estudiado en la forma como Dios les ha indicado. Dios nos ha indicado cómo comprender la Biblia. Si tan sólo siguiéramos el método que nos ha delineado, podríamos saber exactamente su significado. ¡Podemos conocer la verdad! ¡Podemos tener vida eterna! En esta lección aprenderemos cómo Dios nos indica que estudiemos la Biblia.

1. ¿Qué dice la Biblia acerca de sí misma? 2Tim. 3:16 [Nota: La fe en la Biblia como la Palabra inspirada de Dios se desarrolla mediante el estudio. En estas lecciones veremos cómo la Biblia revela exactamente los acontecimientos futuros, y experimentaremos cómo suple las necesidades de cada ser humano. El texto de estudio adicional es >> 2 Peter 1:20,21]

2. ¿Por qué fue destruído el pueblo de Dios en los tiempos antiguos? Hosea 4:6 [>>Isa. 5:13]

3. ¿Qué parte de la Palabra de Dios se necesita para la verdadera vida espiritual? Mat. 4:4 [Deut. 8:3]

4. ¿Cuál dijo Jesús que era el tema básico de las Escrituras? John 5:39 [Nota: La única parte de la Biblia escrita en ese entonces era el Antiguo Testamento. Luke 24:44]

5. ¿Cómo llamó Jesús a los que no creen en todo lo que la Biblia dice? Luke 24:25 [Mat. 22:29]

6. ¿Por qué Pablo elogió a los bereanos? Acts 17:10,11 [2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Chron. 20:20]

Como hemos visto, si queremos comprender la Biblia debemos reconocer que todo en ella es importante y nada debe descuidarse. Si estudiamos toda la Biblia siguiendo fielmente las instrucciones de Dios, encontraremos la verdad. Aun los niños y personas con poca educación pueden comprenderla. Dios nos da seis principios a seguir en el estudio correcto de la Biblia. Veámoslos:

7. ¿Cuál es una condición que Dios establece para comprender la Biblia? Mat. 11:25. [Respuesta: Debemos ser humildes y receptivos. [1 Cor. 1:21, 26-31]

8. ¿Cuál es una segunda condición que Dios requiere para comprender la Biblia? Isa. 28:9,10 [Respuesta: Debemos permitir que la Biblia se explique a sí misma comparando escritura con escritura. También debemos estudiar todo lo que la Biblia dice acerca de un tema para asegurarnos que no entendemos mal algún pasaje. 1Cor. 2:13; Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44]

9. ¿Cuál es una tercera condición para comprender la Biblia? 1Cor. 2:7, 10-14 [Resp: Debemos pedir que el Espíritu Santo no guíe. John 16:13]

10. ¿Cuál es una cuarta condición que Dios nos indica para que comprendamos la Biblia? 2 Thess. 2:9-12 [Resp: Debemos verdaderamente anhelar conocer la verdad. Algunos buscan excusas para no aceptarla. Si se empeñan en hacerlo Dios les permitirá que sean engañados, ¡pero perderán sus almas! Heb 4:12; Rom. 1:28]

11. ¿Cuál es una quinta condición requerida por Dios para comprender la Biblia? Jer. 29:13 [Resp: Debemos realmente buscar la verdad. Aunque tengamos todos los principios verdaderos para estudiar la Biblia, si no pasamos suficiente tiempo estudiándola, no podremos encontrar la verdad de Dios para hoy. Mat.13:45; Isa. 44:3; Mat 5:6]

12. ¿Cuál es una sexta condición para comprender la Biblia? John 8:31,32 [Resp: Debemos guiarnos por lo que ya sabemos acerca de la verdad. ¿Por qué va Dios a revelarnos más verdades si no estamos siguiendo lo que ya nos reveló? John 7:17; Mat. 13:12; Matt 7:24-27]

Decisión: ¿Desea que Jesús le enseñe la verdad mediante su Palabra? ¿Se esforzará en estudiar su Palabra cada día en la forma que Dios ha dicho que la estudiemos?

Mi respuesta al llamado de Cristo es _________________________________

Notas:

El Indice Estudios bíblicos Pasos hacia la vida

Lección S-1 ¿Es la Biblia la Palabra de Dios?

June 24, 2024January 7, 2021 by Jana Wagner

Pasos hacia la Vida S-1

¿Es la Biblia la Palabra de Dios?

Introducción: La Biblia dice: “Toda la escritura es inspirada por Dios”, “porque nunca la profecía fue traída por voluntad humana, sino que los santos hombres de Dios hablaron siendo inspirados por el Espíritu Santo” (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21). La Biblia asevera ser la palabra del Dios viviente, escrita por manos humanas, para nuestro beneficio. ¿Cómo podemos saber que esto es verdad?

1. ¿Qué elemento es esencial para que podamos creer en la Biblia? Heb. 11:3,6 [Nota: No sólo el testimonio de la Biblia, sino la mayor parte de lo que sabemos ha sido recibido por fe. Cuando éramos niños, nuestros padres nos mostraban una pelota y nos decían: “Esta es una pelota”. Apendimos porque confiábamos en su palabra. La mayoría de nosotros nunca hemos estado en Mongolia, pero sabemos que existe porque creemos la palabra de quienes han estado allá. Muchas personas rechazan la Biblia porque creen en la evolución. Sin embargo, la evolución sólo puede aceptarse por fe en la interpretación que alguien ha hecho de evidencias selectivas. El versículo de estudio adicional es >>Heb. 4:12]

2. ¿Qué es la fe? Heb. 11:1 [Respuesta: La fe es evidencia, porque está fundada en evidencias. Dios no pasa por alto la mente humana. El dice: “Venid luego, y estemos a cuenta” (Isa. 1:18). Dios nos da suficientes evidencias sobre las cuales podemos honestamente basar nuestra fe. Pero la fe está fundada en la evidencia de cosas que no se ven con la vista natural. No podemos ver el viento, pero podemos ver las evidencias del viento. >>Rom. 8:24,25]

3. ¿Cuál es una evidencia que Dios nos ha dado en la cual podemos basar nuestra fe? Isa. 45:18-21 [Resp: El Dios de la Biblia asevera ser el único Dios, el Creador del cielo y de la tierra. Como prueba nos ofrece sus predicciones de los acontecimientos actuales, hechas “desde tiempos antiguos” >>2 Peter 1:19]

4. ¿Qué conocimiento posee sólo Dios? Isa. 46:9,10 [Nota: En las lecciones siguientes a esta serie, notaremos algunas profecías que predijeron con exactitud acontecimientos que sucedieron miles de años después. Veremos profecías relativas a Grecia, Roma, y Europa, en algunos casos dando fechas específicas para ciertos acontecimientos. La Biblia también describe los acontecimientos y condiciones de la actualidad. >>John 14:29]

5. Según la Biblia, ¿qué condiciones prevalecerían en la sociedad de hoy? 2 Tim. 3:1-4 [Nota: El pecado ha existido siempre en la sociedad, pero las condiciones descritas en nuestro texto aumentarán en los últimos días. >>Mat. 24:37-39; Gen. 6:5]

6. ¿Qué condiciones internacionales describe la Biblia como típicas de los últimos días? Mat. 24:6,7 [>>Apoc. 11:18]

7. En medio de las calamidades, la violencia, y las amenazas de guerra, ¿qué estará buscando y prediciendo mucha gente? 1 Thess. 5:2,3 [>>Apoc. 18:7-8]

8. ¿Qué condiciones religiosas prevalecerán en los últimos días? 2 Peter 3:3-7 [Resp: Multitudes se mofarán de la fe de los cristianos, negando las evidencias de la creación y el diluvio. Asegurarán que todas las cosas continúan en un proceso uniforme de evolución que no ha sido, ni puede ser cambiado. >>Luke 18:8; Rom. 1:19-22]

9. Mientras las condiciones morales de la sociedad están deteriorándose, mientras los esfuerzos por reducir las tensiones internacionales nos preocupan, y mientras la evolución continúa reemplazando la creencia en la creación divina ¿qué acontecerá de súbito en el mundo? 2 Peter 3:10-13 [>>Luke 21:34-35]

10. ¿Cómo podemos librarnos de la destrucción que viene? John 3:16 [>>Psalm. 91:1,2,7-10; 27:1-5; John 6:39-40]

11. ¿De quién recibimos el don de la fe, el cual debemos poseer con el fin de creer y ser salvos? Rom. 12:3 [Heb. 12:2; Mar. 9:24; James 1:5, James 1:17]

12. ¿Mediante qué proceso desarrolla Dios la fe? Rom. 10:14,17 [>>1 Cor. 1:21-24; Mat. 24:14]

13. ¿Cómo podemos creer en el Señor Jesucristo? John 6:44,45 [Resp: Solamente los que han aprendido del Padre pueden creer en Jesucristo. Si le pedimos a Dios que nos instruya, mientras estudiamos la Biblia y abrimos nuestra mente a las evidencias de su presencia, él nos enseñará, nos dará fe, y nos atraerá a Cristo nuestro Salvador. >>John 20:31; Mat. 16:17]

14. ¿Qué invitación extiende Dios a cada uno de nosotros? Psalm 34:8 [Mat. 11:28-30]

Decisión: Para poder comprender la Biblia debemos estudiarla desde un punto más elevado que la mera lógica humana. También debemos recibir convicción de Dios, y ejercitar nuestra fe. En su Palabra, Dios nos ha dado abundante evidencia sobre la cual basar nuestra fe en él. Hemos visto una evidencia: puede predecir el futuro. La mayor evidencia es la presencia de Cristo en nuestro corazón. Dios es justo. El dice: “Gustad, y ved” (Psalm 34:8). Usted no tiene que depender de la fe de otro. Su promesa es : “Me buscaréis y me hallaréis, porque me buscaréis de todo vuestro corazón” (Jer. 29:13). ¿Permitirá usted que Dios le demuestre su bondad en su vida?

Mi respuesta al llamado de Cristo es ___________________________________________

Notas:

El Indice Estudios bíblicos Pasos hacia la vida

Bible Study Guides – The Smitten Rock

December 29, 2020 by Reformation Herald Publishing

February 21 – 27, 2021

Key Text

“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 411–421.

Introduction

“To dispel forever from the minds of the Israelites the idea that a man was leading them, God found it necessary to allow their leader to die before they entered the land of Canaan.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1116.

Sunday

1 GOD SUPPLIES ALL NEEDS

1.a. How were the Israelites supplied with water during their wilderness wanderings? Psalm 105:41; Isaiah 48:21.

Note: “From the smitten rock in Horeb first flowed the living stream that refreshed Israel in the desert. During all their wanderings, wherever the need existed, they were supplied with water by a miracle of God’s mercy. The water did not, however, continue to flow from Horeb. Wherever in their journeyings they wanted water, there from the clefts of the rock it gushed out beside their encampment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 411.

1.b. Who was the source of all their temporal as well as spiritual blessings during their wanderings? Psalm 78:52–55.

Note: “He [Christ] is the source of all power, the giver of all temporal and spiritual blessings. He employs human beings as co-workers, giving them a part to act with Him as His helping hand. We are to receive from Him, not to hoard for self-gratification, but to impart to others.” The Review and Herald, April 4, 1907.

Monday

2 THE FAITH OF THE PEOPLE TESTED

2.a. What trial of faith did the people of God have when they again came to Kadesh, and what was their reaction? Numbers 20:1–5.

Note: “Just before the Hebrew host reached Kadesh, the living stream ceased that for so many years had gushed out beside their encampment. It was the Lord’s purpose again to test His people. He would prove whether they would trust His providence or imitate the unbelief of their fathers.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 413.

“Before God permitted them to enter Canaan, they must show that they believed His promise. The water ceased before they had reached Edom. Here was an opportunity for them, for a little time, to walk by faith instead of sight. But the first trial developed the same turbulent, unthankful spirit that had been manifested by their fathers. No sooner was the cry for water heard in the encampment than they forgot the hand that had for so many years supplied their wants, and instead of turning to God for help, they murmured against Him.” Ibid., 414.

2.b. What did Moses and Aaron do when they heard the complaints of the people? Numbers 20:6.

2.c. What were Moses and Aaron directed to do to satisfy the needs of the people? Numbers 20:7, 8. What mistaken idea, still cherished by the people, was the Lord trying to correct?

Note: “In all their wanderings, the children of Israel were tempted to attribute to Moses the special work of God, the mighty miracles that had been wrought to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. They charged Moses with bringing them out of the land of Egypt. It was true that God had manifested Himself wonderfully to Moses. He had specially favored him with His presence. To him God had revealed His exceeding glory. Upon the mount He had taken him into a sacred nearness to Himself, and had talked with him as a man speaks to a friend. But the Lord had given evidence after evidence that it was He Himself who was working for their deliverance.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1115, 1116.

Tuesday

3 MOSES AND AARON FAIL

3.a. How did Moses dishonor God when addressing the people? Numbers 20:9–11.

Note: “By his rash act Moses took away the force of the lesson that God purposed to teach. The rock, being a symbol of Christ, had been once smitten, as Christ was to be once offered. The second time it was needful only to speak to the rock, as we have only to ask for blessings in the name of Jesus. By the second smiting of the rock the significance of this beautiful figure of Christ was destroyed.

“More than this, Moses and Aaron had assumed power that belongs only to God. The necessity for divine interposition made the occasion one of great solemnity, and the leaders of Israel should have improved it to impress the people with reverence for God and to strengthen their faith in His power and goodness. When they angrily cried, ‘Must we fetch you water out of this rock?’ (Numbers 20:10)? they put themselves in God’s place, as though the power lay with themselves, men possessing human frailties and passions.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 418.

3.b. What punishment did Moses and Aaron bring upon themselves? Why? Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 3:23–27.

Note: “God did not on this occasion pronounce judgments upon those whose wicked course had so provoked Moses and Aaron. All the reproof fell upon the leaders. … Moses and Aaron had felt themselves aggrieved, losing sight of the fact that the murmuring of the people was not against them but against God. It was by looking to themselves, appealing to their own sympathies, that they unconsciously fell into sin, and failed to set before the people their great guilt before God.

“Bitter and deeply humiliating was the judgment immediately pronounced. … With rebellious Israel they must die before the crossing of the Jordan.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 418, 419.

“The transgression was known to the whole congregation; and had it been passed by lightly, the impression would have been given that unbelief and impatience under great provocation might be excused in those in responsible positions. But when it was declared that because of that one sin Moses and Aaron were not to enter Canaan, the people knew that God is no respecter of persons, and that He will surely punish the transgressor.” Ibid., 420.

Wednesday

4 THE SMITTEN ROCK, A TYPE

4.a. Of whom was the smitten rock a type, and why was it wrong to smite the rock again? Isaiah 53:3–5.

Note: “The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, ‘smitten of God,’ ‘wounded for our transgressions,’ ‘bruised for our iniquities’ (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be ‘once offered to bear the sins of many’ (Hebrews 9:28). Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart’s desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 411.

4.b. On what occasion and how was the flowing of water from the rock celebrated by the Jewish people in the days of Christ? John 7:37–39.

Note: “The flowing of the water from the rock in the desert was celebrated by the Israelites, after their establishment in Canaan, with demonstrations of great rejoicing. In the time of Christ this celebration had become a most impressive ceremony. It took place on the occasion of the Feast of Tabernacles, when the people from all the land were assembled at Jerusalem. On each of the seven days of the feast the priests went out with music and the choir of Levites to draw water in a golden vessel from the spring of Siloam. They were followed by multitudes of the worshipers, as many as could get near the stream drinking of it, while the jubilant strains arose, ‘With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation’ (Isaiah 12:3). Then the water drawn by the priests was borne to the temple amid the sounding of trumpets and the solemn chant, ‘Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem’ (Psalm 122:2). The water was poured out upon the altar of burnt offering, while songs of praise rang out, the multitudes joining in triumphant chorus with musical instruments and deep-toned trumpets.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 412.

Thursday

5 A LESSON FOR US

5.a. What lesson should we learn from the mistake of Moses? Psalm 106:33.

Note: “Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would view the matter; his sin was one of common occurrence. The psalmist says that ‘he spake unadvisedly with his lips’ (Psalm 106:33). To human judgment this may seem a light thing; but if God dealt so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honored servant, He will not excuse it in others. … The more important one’s position, and the greater his influence, the greater is the necessity that he should cultivate patience and humility.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 420.

5.b. What warnings are calculated to keep us from self-exaltation? James 4:6, 7; 1 Corinthians 10:12.

Note: “However great one’s spiritual light, however much he may enjoy of the divine favor and blessing, he should ever walk humbly before the Lord, pleading in faith that God will direct every thought and control every impulse. …

“However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 421.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How did God supply water for the Israelites as they traveled? How does He supply our needs today?

2 How did the people react when God tested their faith? What about me?

3 Where was the focus of Moses and Aaron when they failed? Where is my focus, and what will the result be?

4 How was the beautiful lesson of the smitten Rock ruined by Moses?

5 How can I be kept safe from self-exaltation?

Bible Study Guides – Wandering Through the Wilderness

December 29, 2020 by Reformation Herald Publishing

February 14 – 20, 2021

Key Text

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 406–410.

Introduction

“The wilderness wandering was not only ordained as a judgment upon the rebels and murmurers, but it was to serve as a discipline for the rising generation, preparatory to their entrance into the Promised Land.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 407.

Sunday

1 A DELAYED ENTRANCE INTO THE PROMISED LAND

1.a. How long did the children of Israel wander in the wilderness before they came again to Kadesh and crossed the Brook Zered? Deuteronomy 2:14. Why did it take so long?

Note: “God gave positive evidence that He rules in the heavens, and rebellion was punished with death. Only two of those who as adults left Egypt, saw the promised land. The wanderings of the people were extended until the rest were buried in the wilderness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1113.

“Had Israel obeyed the directions given them by Moses, not one of those who started on the journey from Egypt would in the wilderness have fallen a prey to disease or death. They were under a safe Guide. Christ had pledged Himself to lead them safely to the promised land if they would follow His guidance. This vast multitude, numbering more than a million people, was under His direct rule. They were His family. In every one of them He was interested.” Ibid., 1118.

Monday

2 GOD PROVIDES AND INSTRUCTS

2.a. What evidences do we have of God’s care for His people during their time of wandering in the wilderness? Nehemiah 9:19–21; Psalm 105:37.

2.b. How was the wilderness wandering a discipline for the rising generation? Deuteronomy 8:2, 3.

Note: “God permitted these lonely travels through the wilderness that His people might obtain an experience in enduring hardship, and that when they were in peril they might know that there was relief and deliverance in God alone. Thus they might learn to know and to trust God, and to serve Him with a living faith.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 409.

“As the people journeyed through the wilderness, many precious lessons were fixed in their minds by means of song. … The commandments as given from Sinai, with promises of God’s favor and records of His wonderful works for their deliverance, were by divine direction expressed in song, and were chanted to the sound of instrumental music, the people keeping step as their voices united in praise.

“Thus their thoughts were uplifted from the trials and difficulties of the way, the restless, turbulent spirit was soothed and calmed, the principles of truth were implanted in the memory, and faith was strengthened.” Education, 39.

2.c. What was the main reason why many of the Israelites were unable to enter the Promised Land? How can we avoid falling into the same sin? Hebrews 3:7–14.

Note: “It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness. … In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed and His people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which He had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning and find in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.” The Great Controversy, 458.

Tuesday

3 THE INFLUENCE OF THE UNCONVERTED

3.a. What class of people often proved to be troublemakers? Numbers 11:4.

Note: “The mixed multitude that came up with the Israelites from Egypt were a source of continual temptation and trouble. They professed to have renounced idolatry and to worship the true God; but their early education and training had molded their habits and character, and they were more or less corrupted with idolatry and with irreverence for God. They were oftenest the ones to stir up strife and were the first to complain, and they leavened the camp with their idolatrous practices and their murmurings against God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 408.

3.b. What was God’s command with regard to uniting with unbelievers? Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 6:14. What about today?

Note: “They [the Israelites] were warned not to have any connection with idolaters, not to intermarry with them, nor in any way put themselves in danger of being affected and corrupted by their abominations. They were counseled to shun the very appearance of evil, not to dabble around the borders of sin, for this was the surest way to be engulfed in sin and ruin.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1000.

“God strictly forbade the intermarrying of His ancient people with other nations. … But the heathen were in a more favorable condition than are the impenitent in this age, who, having the light of truth, yet persistently refuse to accept it.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 508.

3.c. What is always the result of being closely associated with the unconverted? 1 Corinthians 15:33, 34.

Note: “It is wrong for Christians to associate with those whose morals are loose. An intimate, daily intercourse which occupies time without contributing in any degree to the strength of the intellect or morals is dangerous. If the moral atmosphere surrounding persons is not pure and sanctified, but is tainted with corruption, those who breathe this atmosphere will find that it operates almost insensibly upon the intellect and heart to poison and to ruin.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 125.

Wednesday

4 CONTEMPT FOR DIVINE AUTHORITY

4.a. How was contempt for divine authority and violation of the third commandment punished? Leviticus 24:10–16, 23.

Note: “On one occasion the son of an Israelitish woman and of an Egyptian, one of the mixed multitude that had come up with Israel from Egypt, left his own part of the camp, and entering that of the Israelites, claimed the right to pitch his tent there. This the divine law forbade him to do, the descendants of an Egyptian being excluded from the congregation until the third generation. A dispute arose between him and an Israelite, and the matter being referred to the judges was decided against the offender.

“Enraged at this decision, he cursed the judge, and in the heat of passion blasphemed the name of God. … God Himself pronounced the sentence; by the divine direction the blasphemer was conducted outside the camp and stoned to death. Those who had been witness to the sin placed their hands upon his head, thus solemnly testifying to the truth of the charge against him. Then they threw the first stones, and the people who stood by afterward joined in executing the sentence.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 407, 408.

4.b. Why was the punishment for these offenses so severe? Exodus 20:7.

Note: “There are those who will question God’s love and His justice in visiting so severe punishment for words spoken in the heat of passion. But both love and justice require it to be shown that utterances prompted by malice against God are a great sin. The retribution visited upon the first offender would be a warning to others, that God’s name is to be held in reverence. But had this man’s sin been permitted to pass unpunished, others would have been demoralized; and as the result many lives must eventually have been sacrificed.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 408.

4.c. How do we sometimes show contempt for God’s authority today? Judges 17:6.

Note: “The sin of this age is disregard of God’s express commands.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 483.

Thursday

5 CHOOSING OBEDIENCE INSTEAD

5.a. Why did the Lord require obedience of His ancient people? Deuteronomy 6:1, 2, 24, 25. Where does true obedience spring from? Deuteronomy 6:5, 6.

Note: “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.” The Desire of Ages, 668.

5.b. Where should we begin to teach obedience and why? Deuteronomy 6:7–9.

Note: “From their earliest life children should be taught to obey their parents, to respect their word, and to reverence their authority. … In respecting and rendering obedience to their parents, they may learn how to respect and obey their heavenly Father.” Child Guidance, 82, 83.

“Let the youth and the little children be taught to choose for themselves that royal robe woven in heaven’s loom—the ‘fine linen, clean and white’ (Revelation 19:8), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This robe, Christ’s own spotless character, is freely offered to every human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it here.

“Let the children be taught that as they open their minds to pure, loving thoughts and do loving and helpful deeds, they are clothing themselves with His beautiful garment of character.” Ibid., 190.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Had the Israelites obeyed Moses, what would have happened to them?

2 What role did singing have in the wilderness journey?

3 What is to be our sole purpose in associating with unbelievers?

4 How can we reverence God’s name today?

5 How may we be daily clothing ourselves with Christ’s character?

Bible Study Guides – The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

December 29, 2020 by Reformation Herald Publishing

February 7 – 13, 2021

Key Text

“And they [Korah, Dathan, and Abiram] rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown” (Numbers 16:2).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 395–405.

Introduction

“The former rebellions had been mere popular tumults, arising from the sudden impulse of the excited multitude; but now a deep-laid conspiracy was formed, the result of a determined purpose to overthrow the authority of the leaders appointed by God Himself.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 395.

Sunday

1 A CONSPIRACY

1.a. What conspiracy developed among the Israelites while they were chafing under the Lord’s decision that they must wander in the wilderness forty years? Who were the main conspirators? Numbers 16:1–3.

1.b. What test did Moses propose to the conspirators to prove the divine call? Numbers 16:4–7, 16–18. Why were the people inclined to sympathize with the rebels?

Note: “To those who are in the wrong, and deserving of reproof, there is nothing more pleasing than to receive sympathy and praise.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 397.

“The people thought if Korah could lead them, and encourage them, and dwell upon their righteous acts, instead of reminding them of their failures, they should have a very peaceful, prosperous journey, and he would without doubt lead them, not back and forward in the wilderness, but into the promised land. They said that it was Moses who had told them that they could not go into the land, and that the Lord had not thus said.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, 31.

Monday

2 MOSES’ APPEALS AND WARNINGS

2.a. How did Moses try to reason with the main rebels, and of what did they accuse him? Numbers 16:8–15.

Note: “Dathan and Abiram had not taken so bold a stand as had Korah; and Moses, hoping that they might have been drawn into the conspiracy without having become wholly corrupted, summoned them to appear before him, that he might hear their charges against him. But they would not come, and they insolently refused to acknowledge his authority. …

“Thus they applied to the scene of their bondage the very language in which the Lord had described the promised inheritance. They accused Moses of pretending to act under divine guidance, as a means of establishing his authority. …

“It was evident that the sympathies of the people were with the disaffected party; but Moses made no effort at self-vindication. He solemnly appealed to God, in the presence of the congregation, as a witness to the purity of his motives and the uprightness of his conduct, and implored Him to be his judge.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 399.

2.b. What efforts did Moses and Aaron make to save the congregation from destruction? Numbers 16:22–30. What was the result of their efforts?

Note: “They [Moses and Aaron] fell upon their faces, with the prayer, ‘O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt Thou be wroth with all the congregation’ (Numbers 16:22)?

“Korah had withdrawn from the assembly to join Dathan and Abiram when Moses, accompanied by the seventy elders, went down with a last warning to the men who had refused to come to him. The multitudes followed, and before delivering his message, Moses, by divine direction, bade the people, ‘Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.’ (verse 26). The warning was obeyed, for an apprehension of impending judgment rested upon all. The chief rebels saw themselves abandoned by those whom they had deceived, but their hardihood was unshaken. They stood with their families in the door of their tents, as if in defiance of the divine warning.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 400.

Tuesday

3 THE REBELS PUNISHED

3.a. What fate befell the rebels? Numbers 16:31–35.

Note: “The eyes of all Israel were fixed upon Moses as they stood, in terror and expectation, awaiting the event. As he ceased speaking, the solid earth parted, and the rebels went down alive into the pit, with all that pertained to them, and ‘they perished from among the congregation’ (Numbers 16:33, last part). The people fled, self-condemned as partakers in the sin.

“But the judgments were not ended. Fire flashing from the cloud consumed the two hundred and fifty princes who had offered incense. These men, not being the first in rebellion, were not destroyed with the chief conspirators. They were permitted to see their end, and to have an opportunity for repentance; but their sympathies were with the rebels, and they shared their fate.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 400, 401.

3.b. How do we know that God does not punish indiscriminately? Who was spared? Deuteronomy 24:16; Numbers 26:9–11; 1 Chronicles 9:19. What lessons can we learn from this?

Note: “The children were not condemned for the sins of the parents; but when, with a knowledge of all the light given to their parents, the children rejected the additional light granted to themselves, they became partakers of the parents’ sins, and filled up the measure of their iniquity.” The Great Controversy, 28.

“When Moses was entreating Israel to flee from the coming destruction, the divine judgment might even then have been stayed, if Korah and his company had repented and sought forgiveness. But their stubborn persistence sealed their doom. … God in His great mercy made a distinction between the leaders in rebellion and those whom they had led. The people who had permitted themselves to be deceived were still granted space for repentance. Overwhelming evidence had been given that they were wrong, and that Moses was right. The signal manifestation of God’s power had removed all uncertainty.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 401.

3.c. What use was made of the censers of the rebels? For what purpose? Numbers 16:36–40.

Wednesday

4 THE PEOPLE ARE PUNISHED

4.a. Despite the evidences that were given to the congregation, what course did they pursue toward Moses and Aaron on the next day? Numbers 16:41.

Note: “It is hardly possible for men to offer greater insult to God than to despise and reject the instrumentalities He would use for their salvation. The Israelites had not only done this, but had purposed to put both Moses and Aaron to death. Yet they did not realize the necessity of seeking pardon of God for their grievous sin. That night of probation was not passed in repentance and confession, but in devising some way to resist the evidences which showed them to be the greatest of sinners. They still cherished hatred of the men of God’s appointment, and braced themselves to resist their authority. Satan was at hand to pervert their judgment and lead them blindfold to destruction.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 402.

4.b. In what way did the Lord intervene once more with a severe punishment, and what did Moses and Aaron do to avert the judgment? Numbers 16:44–49.

Note: “Even after God stretched forth His hand and swallowed up the wrong-doers, and the people fled to their tents in horror, their rebellion was not cured. The depth of their disaffection was made manifest even under the judgment of the Lord. The morning after the destruction of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their confederates, the people came to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘Ye have killed the people of the Lord.’ (Numbers 16:41, last part). For this false charge on the servants of God, thousands more were killed, for there was in them sin, exultation and presumptuous wickedness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1114.

“The guilt of sin did not rest upon Moses, and hence he did not fear and did not hasten away and leave the congregation to perish. Moses lingered, in this fearful crisis manifesting the true shepherd’s interest for the flock of his care. He pleaded that the wrath of God might not utterly destroy the people of His choice. By his intercession he stayed the arm of vengeance, that a full end might not be made of disobedient, rebellious Israel. …

“As the smoke of the incense ascended, the prayers of Moses in the tabernacle went up to God; and the plague was stayed; but not until fourteen thousand of Israel lay dead, an evidence of the guilt of murmuring and rebellion.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 402, 403.

Thursday

5 A TESTIMONY AGAINST REBELLION

5.a. What test settled the question of the priesthood forever, and where was Aaron’s rod kept as a witness? Numbers 17:1–11.

Note: “All the remarkable changes in the rod occurred in one night, to convince them that God had positively distinguished between Aaron and the rest of the children of Israel.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1115.

5.b. What warning comes to us from that great rebellion? 1 Corinthians 10:10, 11.

Note: “Do not the same evils still exist that lay at the foundation of Korah’s ruin? Pride and ambition are widespread; and when these are cherished, they open the door to envy, and a striving for supremacy; the soul is alienated from God, and unconsciously drawn into the ranks of Satan. Like Korah and his companions, many, even of the professed followers of Christ, are thinking, planning, and working so eagerly for self-exaltation that in order to gain the sympathy and support of the people they are ready to pervert the truth, falsifying and misrepresenting the Lord’s servants, and even charging them with the base and selfish motives that inspire their own hearts. By persistently reiterating falsehood, and that against all evidence, they at last come to believe it to be truth. While endeavoring to destroy the confidence of the people in the men of God’s appointment, they really believe that they are engaged in a good work, verily doing God service.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 403, 404.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What attitude is pleasing to the natural heart when we are in the wrong?

2 When Dathan and Abiram refused to come and speak to Moses, what was significant about their families standing next to them?

3 What lesson can we learn from God’s treatment of the children of Korah?

4 After the destruction of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their confederates, what was the response of the people? Why is this attitude so dangerous?

5 What cherished attitudes lay at the foundation of rebellion against God?

Bible Study Guides – The Rebellion at Kadesh

December 29, 2020 by Reformation Herald Publishing

Wilderness Wonderings (2)

January 31 – February 6, 2021

Key Text

“But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed Me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it” (Numbers 14:24).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 387–394.

Introduction

“The Lord promised to spare Israel from immediate destruction; but because of their unbelief and cowardice He could not manifest His power to subdue their enemies. Therefore in His mercy He bade them, as the only safe course, to turn back toward the Red Sea.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 391.

Sunday

1 SPIES SENT INTO CANAAN

1.a. For what purpose were spies sent from Kadesh into the land of Canaan? Actually, whose idea was it for the spies to go into the land of Canaan? Numbers 13:1–3; 17–20; Deuteronomy 1:20–25.

1.b. After how many days did the spies return to Kadesh, and what visible tokens of the fertility of the land did they bring back? Numbers 13:21–26.

Note: “They went, and surveyed the whole land, entering at the southern border and proceeding to the northern extremity. They returned after an absence of forty days. The people of Israel were cherishing high hopes and were waiting in eager expectancy. The news of the spies’ return was carried from tribe to tribe and was hailed with rejoicing. The people rushed out to meet the messengers, who had safely escaped the dangers of their perilous undertaking. The spies brought specimens of the fruit, showing the fertility of the soil.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 387.

Monday

2 THE SPIES’ REPORTS

2.a. What report did ten of the spies bring? Numbers 13:27–29, 31–33.

Note: “They [the ten spies] were resolved to discourage all effort to gain possession of Canaan. They distorted the truth in order to sustain their baleful influence. … When men yield their hearts to unbelief they place themselves under the control of Satan, and none can tell to what lengths he will lead them.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 389.

2.b. What was the response of Caleb and Joshua? Numbers 13:30; 14:6–9. What is one of our greatest needs today?

Note: “Calebs have been greatly needed in different periods of the history of our work. Today we need men of thorough fidelity, men who follow the Lord fully, men who are not disposed to be silent when they ought to speak, who are as true as steel to principle, who do not seek to make a pretentious show, but who walk humbly with God, patient, kind, obliging, courteous men, who understand that the science of prayer is to exercise faith and show works that will tell to the glory of God and the good of His people.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1113.

2.c. How did the people receive the conflicting reports of the spies? Numbers 14:1–4, 10.

Note: “Hope and courage gave place to cowardly despair, as the spies uttered the sentiments of their unbelieving hearts, which were filled with discouragement prompted by Satan. Their unbelief cast a gloomy shadow over the congregation, and the mighty power of God, so often manifested in behalf of the chosen nation, was forgotten. The people did not wait to reflect; they did not reason that He who had brought them thus far would certainly give them the land; they did not call to mind how wonderfully God had delivered them from their oppressors, cutting a path through the sea and destroying the pursuing hosts of Pharaoh.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 388.

“Revolt and open mutiny quickly followed; for Satan had full sway, and the people seemed bereft of reason.” Ibid., 389.

Tuesday

3 THE PEOPLE MURMUR

3.a. How did Moses and Aaron act when they saw that the people had accepted the cowardly report and were getting rebellious? Numbers 14:5.

Note: “In humiliation and distress ‘Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel’ (Numbers 14:5). not knowing what to do to turn them from their rash and passionate purpose. Caleb and Joshua attempted to quiet the tumult. With their garments rent in token of grief and indignation, they rushed in among the people, and their ringing voices were heard above the tempest of lamentation and rebellious grief: ‘The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not’ (verses 7–9).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 389, 390.

3.b. How did the Lord intervene at this crucial moment, and what did He say? Numbers 14:10–12.

Note: “The unfaithful spies were loud in denunciation of Caleb and Joshua, and the cry was raised to stone them. The insane mob seized missiles with which to slay those faithful men. They rushed forward with yells of madness, when suddenly the stones dropped from their hands, a hush fell upon them, and they shook with fear. God had interposed to check their murderous design. The glory of His presence, like a flaming light, illuminated the tabernacle. All the people beheld the signal of the Lord. A mightier one than they had revealed Himself, and none dared continue their resistance. The spies who brought the evil report crouched terror-stricken, and with bated breath sought their tents.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 390.

3.c. As Moses pleaded with the Lord, what reason did he give for the Lord to pardon and spare the people of Israel? Numbers 14:13–19.

Wednesday

4 THE MURMURERS ARE PUNISHED

4.a. What sentence did the Lord pronounce upon the murmurers and rebels? Numbers 14:22, 23, 29–33.

Note: “In their rebellion the people had exclaimed, ‘Would God we had died in this wilderness’ (Numbers 14:2, last part)! Now this prayer was to be granted. … As the spies had spent forty days in their journey, so the hosts of Israel were to wander in the wilderness forty years.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 391.

4.b. How did God punish the ten spies who gave the evil report? Numbers 14:36, 37.

Note: “When Moses made known to the people the divine decision, their rage was changed to mourning. They knew that their punishment was just. The ten unfaithful spies, divinely smitten by the plague, perished before the eyes of all Israel; and in their fate the people read their own doom.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 391.

4.c. What sin of presumption did the murmurers commit the next day, and with what results? Numbers 14:39–45.

Note: “Forced to submission at last, the survivors ‘returned, and wept before the Lord;’ but ‘the Lord would not hearken’ to their voice (Deuteronomy 1:45). By their signal victory the enemies of Israel, who had before awaited with trembling the approach of that mighty host, were inspired with confidence to resist them. All the reports they had heard concerning the marvelous things that God had wrought for His people, they now regarded as false, and they felt that there was no cause for fear. That first defeat of Israel, by inspiring the Canaanites with courage and resolution, had greatly increased the difficulties of the conquest. Nothing remained for Israel but to fall back from the face of their victorious foes, into the wilderness, knowing that here must be the grave of a whole generation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 394.

Thursday

5 FALLING SHORT OF GODLY SORROW

5.a. What kind of repentance leads to salvation? 2 Corinthians 7:10. What was missing in the sorrow of the Israelites?

Note: “Now they [the people] seemed sincerely to repent of their sinful conduct; but they sorrowed because of the result of their evil course rather than from a sense of their ingratitude and disobedience. When they found that the Lord did not relent in His decree, their self-will again arose, and they declared that they would not return into the wilderness. In commanding them to retire from the land of their enemies, God tested their apparent submission and proved that it was not real. … Their hearts were unchanged, and they only needed an excuse to occasion a similar outbreak. …

“Had they mourned for their sin when it was faithfully laid before them, this sentence would not have been pronounced; but they mourned for the judgment; their sorrow was not repentance, and could not secure a reversing of their sentence.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 391, 392.

5.b. What accompanies true repentance? Acts 3:19.

Note: “In order to stand forgiven, the sinner must exercise repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed, and faith in Christ, his atoning sacrifice. Without true repentance, there can be no true conversion.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 298.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What was shown by the fact that the people were eager to send spies to survey the land?

2 How did unbelief affect the ten spies and the congregation as a whole? How can we show the same unbelief?

3 How does a true leader attempt to counteract the work of complainers?

4 Would you like God to take you at your word when you speak in haste?

5 If I am truly sorry for my sins, what will it lead to in my own life?