Bible Study Notes 10/10/2023

Word Alive! Bible Study ©2023

Fall /Early Winter Series:

God Never Gives Up On You!

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton

Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Tues., 10 & 17 Oct. 2023 Lesson 1, Parts 1 & 2

Max Lucado, God Never Gives Up On You © 2023

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, God Never Gives Up… Pages 1-11

We Don’t Always Glow – In this series, we will look at one of the great attributes of God. God is patient with us; His grace and mercy are divine messengers, sent to us know that God seeks to fulfill His purpose in our lives. The perfect, sovereign will of God, reminds us of how frail we are as humans; yet through our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, “we belong to God.” The Scriptures have taught us, any attempt we humans implore to create our own deities will never work, and only cause chaos in our lives. While we are capable of accomplishing many endeavors, the psalmist says, “Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” (Psalm 39:5b, NIV). The fact that God is patient with us, is not to say we can ignore the Word, and live willfully contrary to God’s principles. We all will be held accountable for our actions. The psalmist reported God as saying, “There is none righteous.” He most likely meant that a flawless life is not attainable in our human flesh; which, sometimes unwittingly often rebels against God. In his recent book, God Never Gives Up On You, max Lucado said if we Christians see ourselves wearing a halo; the halo is not affixed on our heads, but tilted. Lucado says, “[As Christians] we have breakthroughs for sure, but breakdowns as well, often in the same hour.” He says further, “We could use refresher course on God’s refusal to give up on us.” The fact that God refuses to give up on us, does not mean, He is passively tolerant of our sins and wrong behavior. What is meant as we study the Scriptures in their totality, is God redemptive love for us; and how we can reciprocate through repentance and reconciliation. The Apostle Paul was very transparent about his imperfections. He said the struggle between the flesh and spirit is real; yet, Paul knew Jesus Christ ultimately transformed his life. (Read, Romans 7:21-25, NLT). Paul also came to learn that the Holy Spirit active within him, broke the power of sin in His life. (Read, Romans 8:1-2, NLT). Because we “belong” to Jesus Christ, we can never be separated from the God who never gives up on us. Sometimes we may assume that activities in our past lives, disqualify us from full acceptance by God. This is not the case aa all. While people may treat us cautiously and with trepidation; it is God’s grace the welcomes us to the table of the Lord. No amount of hard work or service will give us full acceptance among others; God’s grace will, and that is enough. (Read, I Corinthians 15:8-10, NLT). This study will be a journey in the Word; looking intently at how God seeks to bring us into reconciliation with Him. It was not long after our Biblical parents disobeyed God’s command and fractured their covenant relationship with Him; the voice of God was heard in the Garden pursing them. God is intentional toward us; seeking us! (Read, 2 Peter 3:9, NIV).

Key Idea: What We Believe!

1. “God’s grace never quits.” – Max Lucado

Key Verses:

Romans 7:21-25, NLT “I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is in me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”

Romans 8:1-2 NLT “So now there is no condemnation to those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”

I Corinthians 15:8-10, NLT “Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw Him. For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I ‘m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. But whatever I am now, it is because God poured out His special favor on me – and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.”

2 Peter 3:9, NIV

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you. not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”