Bible Study Guides - Reuben

June 30, 2013 – July 6, 2013

Key Text

“Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.” Isaiah 33:6.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 43–48; Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 685–689.

Introduction

“There is in true Christian character an indomitableness that cannot be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. We must have moral backbone, an integrity that cannot be flattered, bribed, or terrified.” The Ministry of Healing, 498.

1 THE EXCELLENCY OF DIGNITY

What words of hope did Leah utter when her first son was born? Genesis 29:32.
Name the favorable qualities which Jacob later mentioned in describing the young man. Genesis 49:3.
Relate some incidents recorded in the Bible through which we can observe some of Reuben’s better traits of character. Genesis 30:14, first part; 37:21, 22, 29; 42:22.

Note: “They [Joseph’s brothers] would have executed their purpose but for Reuben. He shrank from participating in the murder of his brother, and proposed that Joseph be cast alive into a pit, and left there to perish; secretly intending, however, to rescue him and return him to his father. Having persuaded all to consent to this plan, Reuben left the company, fearing that he might fail to control his feelings, and that his real intentions would be discovered.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 211.

“[After the other brothers had sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites] Reuben returned to the pit, but Joseph was not there. In alarm and self-reproach he rent his garments, and sought his brothers, exclaiming, ‘The child is not; and I, whither shall I go’ (Genesis 37:30)?” Ibid., 212.

2 THE PERMEATING STAIN OF SIN

What particular sin adversely affected the entire course of Reuben’s life? Genesis 35:22, first part; 49:4. What did he forfeit as a consequence of this sin? I Chronicles 5:1.

Note: “[Genesis 49:3 quoted.] Thus the father pictured what should have been the position of Reuben as the first-born son; but his grievous sin at Edar had made him unworthy of the birthright blessing. …

“The priesthood was apportioned to Levi, the kingdom and the Messianic promise to Judah, and the double portion of the inheritance to Joseph.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 235.

“On the way to Ephrath another dark crime stained the family of Jacob, causing Reuben, the first-born son, to be denied the privileges and honors of the birthright.” Ibid., 206.

Explain the serious implications inherent in the violation of the fifth and seventh commandments. Exodus 20:12, 14; I Corinthians 5:11–13. What is the church’s duty today when any commandment is transgressed, especially when church officers are involved?

Note: “Those who break the seventh commandment should be suspended from the church, and not have its fellowship nor the privileges of the house of God.” Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 248.

“I have no real ground of hope for those who have stood as shepherds to the flock, and have for years been borne with by the merciful God, following them with reproof, with warnings, with entreaties, but who have hid their evil ways, and continued in them, thus defying the laws of the God of heaven by practicing fornication. We may leave them to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, after all has been done to reform them; but in no case entrust to them the guardianship of souls. False shepherds!” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 428.

3 LESSONS FROM REUBEN’S INSTABILITY

What Bible experience illustrates how Reuben’s instability caused his own father to lack confidence in him? Genesis 42:37, 38.
Concerning Reuben, how was the prophecy of Genesis 49:3, 4 fulfilled?

Note: “The tribe of Reuben never rose to any eminence in Israel; it was not so numerous as Judah, Joseph, or Dan, and was among the first that were carried into captivity.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 235.

How can we promote healthy stability of character both in ourselves and in others? Deuteronomy 11:8; Daniel 11:32, last part; Romans 16:25, first part.
What counsel can fortify an unstable young person? Hebrews 12:12, 13.

Note: “You are a young man of intelligence; you desire to make your life such as will fit you for heaven at last. You are often discouraged at finding yourself weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits and customs of your old life in sin. You find your emotional nature untrue to yourself, to your best resolutions, and to your most solemn pledges. Nothing seems real. Your own instability leads you to doubt the sincerity of those who would do you good. The more you struggle in doubt, the more unreal everything looks to you, until it seems that there is no solid ground for you anywhere. Your promises are like ropes of sand, and you regard in the same unreal light the words and works of those in whom you should trust.

“You will be in constant peril until you understand the true force of the will. You may believe and promise all things, but your promises or your faith are of no value until you put your will on the side of faith and action. If you fight the fight of faith with all your will power, you will conquer.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 513.

4 WEAKNESS IN THE PROGENY

How does God visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children “unto the third and fourth generation”? Exodus 20:5, last part; 34:7, last part.

Note: “As a rule, children inherit the dispositions and tendencies of their parents, and imitate their example; so that the sins of the parents are practiced by the children from generation to generation.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 118.

“Every sinful gratification tends to benumb the faculties and deaden the mental and spiritual perceptions, and the word or the Spirit of God can make but a feeble impression upon the heart.” The Great Controversy, 474.

In the history of Israel, what consequences did the wrong influence of the parents bring upon their children? Isaiah 1:2, 8, 20, 21. What was—and still is—God’s prescription for our salvation? Isaiah 1:16–19; I Peter 2:11; II Corinthians 7:1.

Note: “Through temptations addressed to the appetite he [Satan] has, to a large extent, led men into sin from the time when he induced Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. It was by this same means that he led Israel to murmur against God. Intemperance in eating and drinking, leading as it does to the indulgence of the lower passions, prepares the way for men to disregard all moral obligations. When assailed by temptation, they have little power of resistance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 378.

“Children generally have transmitted to them as a legacy, the appetite and passions of their parents, intensified.” The Signs of Times, July 1, 1880.

“It was by the indulgence of appetite that our first parents sinned and fell. Christ redeemed man’s failure. In the wilderness of temptation he endured the test which man had failed to bear. While he was suffering the keenest pangs of hunger, weak and emaciated from fasting, Satan was at hand with his manifold temptations to assail the Son of God, to take advantage of his weakness and overcome him, and thus thwart the plan of salvation. But Christ was steadfast. He overcame in behalf of the race, that he might rescue them from the degradation of the fall. He showed that in his strength it is possible for us to overcome.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 207, 208.

5 THE SECRET OF VICTORY

In spite of the weak, unstable tendencies of the tribe of Reuben, what prophecies did Moses and John the Revelator utter both in behalf of his descendants and of those believers who, by nature, bear similar traits of character? Deuteronomy 33:6; Revelation 7:5, middle part. What change is within our reach?

Note: “Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something—the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful. They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power.

“Some have no firmness of character. Their plans and purposes have no definite form and consistency. They are of but little practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency should be overcome.” The Ministry of Healing, 497, 498.

Why is it that believers who naturally bear the unstable tendencies of Reuben can finally be saved among the 144,000? Judges 5:16; Lamentations 3:40; Revelation 3:21.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What early experiences revealed the better side of Reuben’s nature?

2 How does the sin of adultery reveal instability of character?

3 What advice can be given to help an unstable person?

4 Name the consequences which the posterity of Israel suffered because of the weakness of the parents.

5 What hope is extended to unstable souls who place their trust in Christ?