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 (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV  Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.  Used by permission of Zondervan.  All rights reserved worldwide.www.zondervan.com.  The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

 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.

Disclaimer

The information on this website/blog is designed to inspire spiritual growth, encourage personal reflection, and deepen our understanding of God as revealed in the Scriptures. The material provided is intended solely for informational and spiritual purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical, legal, or other advice. We do not guarantee any specific physical, emotional, or spiritual outcomes from participation in this website/blog, as the blessings, promises, and gifts explored in this website/blog belong to God alone, and the Holy Spirit distributes them according to His will (see 1 Corinthians 12:11). Our hope, however, is that as we immerse ourselves in these truths, our hearts will be stirred to eagerly desire all that He longs to give (see 1 Corinthians 14:1).

Copyright Information

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973,1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

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.