Friday, November 9, 2012

April 6, 1918 Sabbath School Lesson - God's Purpose for the Nations

1. What was God's purpose for the nations in the separation of Israel as announced to Abraham? And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3


And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Genesis 22:18

2. When Israel was slow in extending the gospel blessings to the surrounding nations, how was she reminded of this purpose?
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
Psalm 102:18-22

3. After the recovery of Hezekiah, what opportunity came to him to make known the goodness and power of God?
And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
Isaiah 39:2

4. How did he fail to discern God's providential call?
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
2 Chronicles 32: 31

5. Because of this failure, what change in the Lord's plan was announced to him through the prophet?
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 39:6

6. Who of the royal descendants are named among those whom God allowed to be carried to Babylon to proclaim His gospel ?
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Daniel 1:6

7. Whose resources did the Lord employ in giving training to these young men ?
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
Daniel 1:4,5

8. How did Daniel manifest his heart's purpose to be loyal to the God of his fathers?
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:8

9. What was God's response to the faith of His servants?
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
Daniel 1:19

10. In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, what occurred that showed to the Babylonians the worthlessness of their religion?
The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.
Daniel 2:10

11. Where did Daniel instinctively turn for help?
Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
Daniel 2:19
 
12. By what answer did Daniel magnify Jehovah?
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
Daniel 2:28,30
 
13. What testimony was borne by the king concerning the power and wisdom of the God of Israel?
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Daniel 2:47