Lesson 3: What's Missing?
We’ve
been studying about the wonderful blessings that God gave to Adam and Eve on
the day He created man. We’ve also learned that their blessings and
promises can be ours too, if we are “in Christ.”
But why
is it, then, that so many Christians don’t seem to live in these blessings?
Is there a secret? Yes, actually there is a secret! Hebrew 4:2 talks
about the Israelites who wandered in the desert without coming into the
Promised Land:
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (KJV)
Questions:
1.
The people in the wilderness had God’s promises (the gospel), but they
never saw the promises fulfilled. Why not… what were they missing?
2.
How do we know that Adam and Eve’s blessings are also ours?
3. From
earlier lessons, can you remember the blessings we have “in Christ?”
4.
What does it mean to be “in Christ?”
Answers:
1.
God gave them promises, but they didn’t have faith in the promises.
Apparently, faith is the secret ingredient.
2.
2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us that “no matter how many promises God has
made, they are “yes” in Christ.” (NIV) We can have any of God’s
promises and blessings once we make the choice to follow Jesus.
3.
God says we are good, God loves us, God is
our friend, God is with us, God protects us,
God delights in us, God gives us power to “rule” over
the devil, God gives us fruits like love, joy, patience,
self-control…, and God gives us power to increase (add souls
to the Kingdom of God!)
4.
We believe that Jesus died to wash away our sins, we ask Him to forgive
us and live in us, and we make the daily choice to follow Him.
Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.