InstaStudy

The Manifestations of God: From Abraham to Today

Exploring the continuous revelation of God's character through different manifestations throughout history.

1. God's Covenant with Abraham: The Seed of Promise

1.1 The Call and Promise of Blessing

Verses: Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:16
  • God called Abraham out of his homeland, promising to make him a great nation and a blessing to all families of the earth.
  • This promise was fulfilled through the lineage of Abraham, ultimately pointing to the coming of the Messiah.
  • The 'seed' refers to Christ, the ultimate expression of God's promise.

1.2 Abraham's Faith: A Pattern for Believers

Verses: Romans 4:3; Romans 4:16-17
  • Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
  • His faith is the basis for our justification, demonstrating that salvation comes through belief in God's promise.
  • Abraham is the father of all who believe, regardless of their background.

2. God's Presence with Isaac: The Promised Son

2.1 Isaac as a Type of Christ

Verses: Genesis 22:1-14; John 3:16
  • Isaac was the promised son, miraculously born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.
  • The near sacrifice of Isaac foreshadows the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
  • God provided a ram as a substitute, just as He provided Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

2.2 Inheritance Through Isaac

Verses: Genesis 26:3-5; Galatians 3:29
  • God reaffirmed His covenant with Isaac, promising to bless him and multiply his descendants.
  • The blessings promised to Isaac are inherited by those who are in Christ.
  • Through faith in Christ, we become heirs according to the promise.

3. God's Transformation of Jacob: From Deceiver to Israel

3.1 Jacob's Struggle and Encounter with God

Verses: Genesis 32:24-30; Hosea 12:3-4
  • Jacob wrestled with God and prevailed, receiving a new name: Israel.
  • This encounter represents a turning point in Jacob's life, signifying a transformation of character.
  • It demonstrates that God is willing to meet us in our struggles and change us for the better.

3.2 Israel: A Nation Chosen by God

Verses: Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6
  • God chose the descendants of Jacob (Israel) to be His special people, a holy nation.
  • Through Israel, God revealed His law and His character to the world.
  • The history of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and His plan of redemption.

4. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Manifest in Jesus Christ

4.1 Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Covenant

Verses: Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32-33
  • Jesus is the promised Messiah, the seed of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed.
  • He is the King who sits on the throne of David forever.
  • In Jesus, we see the full revelation of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4.2 The Name Above All Names

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11
  • Salvation is found in no other name than the name of Jesus Christ.
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name that is above every name.
  • Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God.

5. The Spirit of God: Empowering Believers Today

5.1 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38-39
  • Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower His followers.
  • The Holy Spirit is the presence of God dwelling within believers.
  • Repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit are essential for salvation.

5.2 Living in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:14
  • By the Spirit, we are led by God and empowered to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
  • The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
  • The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and live in righteousness.