Bible Study Notes 12/19/2023

Word Alive! Bible Study ©2024

Fall/Early Winter Series: God Never Gives Up On You!             

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton

Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Tues., 19 Dec. & 2 Jan. Lesson 6, Parts 1 & 2

Max Lucado, God Never Gives Up On You © 2024

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, God Never Gives Up, Pages 67-76

Imperfect, But Accepted – Perhaps one of the greatest acts of God’s grace, is that we humans are forgiven, loved, and accepted, in spite of our imperfections. It’s difficult to label a person dysfunctional, when people function in many ways; regardless of their faults and shortcomings. In the Scriptures, we do not always have presented before us, perfect people. However, God works with the human family to fulfill many of His purposes. Revealing good, bad; and even, ruthless behavior in Scripture, helps us understand how God works with and in us, to redeem and complete our lives. In this life we become better, only through a relationship with God, and faith in Jesus Christ. In his book, God Never Gives Up On You, Max Lucado says: “God delivers life through brokenness. Broken families, hearts, dreams – even broken people. We crack under pressure. Like Esau, we crave in to cravings that gnaw at our guts. Like Jacob, we connive and control. Who wants to use a broken vessel? God does. His grace never quits.”   In a vision Jeremiah had, God directed him to visit the potter’s house. He noticed the shard pieces of the broken vessel, were softened into clay. The clay was placed on the potter’s wheel again, and recast into something new and useable. (See, Jeremiah 18:1-6, NLT). The message: “God is the potter, and we must be willing to obey Him to perform a new work in our lives.” The Scriptures are clear and candid in reminding us that our human abilities alone, are never sufficient for our full development. Life is but a breath at a time. (Read, Psalm 39:5, NLT). It’s human to idolize certain people because of the traits and aspects of personality that make them popular. However, the Word reminds us that human nature and accomplishments alone, are pale in comparison to the reality of our mortality.  (Read, Psalm 62:9, NLT). The purpose of the verse is not to be pessimistic about life; but to help us understand our dependency on God as our Creator.  Who knew this better than King David, whose experiences and exploits in life were complex; and at times, contrary to God’s will. In Psalm 25:1, David, however, knew God would not abandon him; and cried to the Lord, “O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you my God,” NLT. We must all come to terms with what our real needs are; as David prayed further, that God would forgive his past sins. Like David, in praying to God, we must declare His great love and mercy toward us as well. (Read, Psalm 25:7-10, NLT). Max Lucado described Jacob’s life, and that of his family, as being constantly engaged in “domestic turf wars.” Jealousy, deceit, bribery, and schemes, dogged the trail of Jacob and his relatives. He and his father-in-law, Laban, were very much alike, and their distrust of each other caused family separation. (Read, Genesis 31:36; 40-42, NLT). Despite this, God still used  them!

Key Idea:

What We Believe!

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

Key Verses:

Psalm 39:5, NLT

“You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best each of us is but a breath.” 

Psalm 62:9, NLT “Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air."

Psalm 62:10-11, NLT

“Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times. Power, O God belongs to you.”

Psalm 25:7-10, NLT

“Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love. For you are merciful, O Lord. The Lord is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing what is right, teaching them His way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands.”

Genesis 31:36;40-42, NLT

“Then Jacob became very angry, and he challenged Laban. “What’s my crime?” he demanded. What have I done wrong to make you chase after me as though I were a criminal?” “I worked for you through the scorching heat of the day and through cold and sleepless nights. Yes, for twenty years I slaved in your house. I worked for fourteen years earning your daughters, and six more years for your flock. And you changed my wages ten times…But God has seen your abuse and my hard work…”