02/01/2022
Here's the questions for next Monday's bible study.
III. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE HOUSE OF GOD
God has always designated a place of worship. In the book of Exodus we learn about the Taber- nacle. Read Exodus 26:1-27. God gave Moses specific instructions concerning the Tabernacle because it was to be the place of worship for all Israel.
The Lord not only gave plans for the construction of the Tabernacle, but He also gave Moses instructions concerning the worship that was to take place within the Tabernacle. In all, the Lord uses 15 chapters in Exodus to instruct His people concerning worship. The word of God makes it obvious that worship and the place of worship are very important.
40. Read Exodus 25-40. You may use the Living Bible or another modern translation. Check the box when you have completed this reading. [ ]
When Israel came into the Promised Land, God appointed a location for the Tabernacle and all Israel was to come and worship and perform their vows there.
41. What was the name of the city where the Tabernacle was placed? Joshua 19:51
42. Who assembled there to worship God? Joshua 18:1
Later, for convenience, the Israelites began building altars near their homes, visiting the Tabernacle
only once a year. God was not pleased with this.
Joshua 22:9-29 gives the account of an altar that was built outside of Shiloh. Even though the intentions of the two and one half tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh were good, the rest of Israel was outraged. In their reaction, we can see the mind of God clearly revealed to all who depart from His chosen place of worship. Read this account carefully.
43. What was Israel’s reaction to the two and one half tribes according to Joshua 22:16,18?
Believers can worship God in spirit and truth, wherever and whenever they call upon His name. However, without a commitment to a definite place and time for worship, our human nature leads us astray and deceives us into thinking church attendance isn’t necessary. Basically, this is what happened in Israel. The people built altars wherever they chose and reasoned it was not necessary to go to Jerusalem, and they were soon in a backslidden state.
Read Matthew 21:12-14 and Mark 11:15-19; then answer the next four questions.
44. In your own words, describe what was taking place in the temple.
45. What was Christ’s reaction to this? Mark 11:15,16
46. What did Jesus say God’s house was meant to be?
47. After the moneychangers were thrown out of the temple, what did Jesus begin to do? (Note Matt.
21:14)
This shows us that when respect for the temple was reestablished, the Lord was free to move in power. The same principle operates in the New Testament church. As the apostles were faithful in re- specting and attending the temple, God blessed their ministry and manifested His power by increasing the church.
48. Read Acts 2:46,47; then write these scriptures in your own words.
Just as God gave order for worship in the Tabernacle, He also gave order for worship in the church. He has given gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8, 11,12) for the edifying (building up) of His body the church. These are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The word of God also mentions other leaders such as deacons and elders in I Timothy chapter 3.
49. Read the account of how God set deacons in the church. Acts 6:1-8. Check the box when you have completed this reading. [ ]
The following scriptures pertain to respect and order in God’s house. In I Corinthians 14, Paul speaks about keeping order during the service. He does not stress doctrine, but rather that things be done in order. Verse 40 summarizes Paul’s instruction.
50. Write out I Cor. 14:40.
51. In I Timothy 3, Paul gives instruction concerning elders (overseerers), deacons and their wives. God has set high standards for the leaders of His church. In verse 15 Paul tells us why he has given us these instructions. What is it?
God has given us many examples throughout His word which clearly show that respect and order go
hand in hand. The house of God is a great importance to God. So much so that He commanded His people to center and structure their lives around it. This does not mean we should move next door to the church; rather, the house of God should be prominent in our lives.
God demands our faithfulness to His house; His dealings with Israel make this clear.
52. Read Hebrews 10:25. As the coming of the Lord draws nearer, what are we instructed not to forsake?
53. In Psalm 84:10, what does David say he would rather do than dwell in the tents of the wicked?
54. In Psalm 122:1, why was David glad?
55. Psalm134 commands the servants of the Lord to worship Him in His sanctuary. Write out verses 1
and 2 in your own words.
56. Who does God say is blessed? Psalm 84:4
57. II Chronicles 36:22,23 records God’s command to Cyrus to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. In his proclamation, Cyrus challenged the Jews. What did he say about those who were willing to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the Lord? v. 23
Studying God’s word gives the Lord opportunity to speak to our hearts. If God has spoken to your
heart concerning your attitude or your faithfulness to His house, ask Him to renew your commitment and love for His house.