MacArthur - Twelve unlikely heroes: the study guide: how God commissioned unexpected people in the Bible and what he wants to do with you

TWELVE UNLIKELY
HEROES
THE STUDY GUIDE

TWELVE UNLIKELY
HEROES
THE STUDY GUIDE

HOW GOD COMMISSIONED
UNEXPECTED PEOPLE in the BIBLE and
WHAT HE WANTS to DO with YOU

JOHN MACARTHUR

2012 by John MacArthur

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Unleashing Gods Truth, One Verse at a Time is a trademark of Grace to You. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are from NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

ISBN: 9781400204106

Printed in the United States of America

12 13 14 15 16 QG 6 5 4 3 2 1

CONTENTS

ONE
ENOCH: THE MAN WHO WALKED WITH GOD

S OME HEROES ARE MADE IN A MOMENT. Others are defined by a lifetime. Though at times it appeared as if false teaching had swayed the entire Roman Empire, the fourth-century Christian leader Athanasius would not compromise. Enoch is rightly regarded as a hero for the same reason: he stood strong over a long period of time. The author of Hebrews summed up Enochs legacy with these profound words, He pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). Amazingly, he pleased God not just for several decades, but for three hundred years!

REWIND

In all human history, there have only been two people who never experienced physical death. Both were prophets of God; both warned the wicked of coming judgment; and both lived at a time when following the Lord was utterly unpopular.

The biblical account regarding Enoch consists of just a handful of verses found in Genesis, Hebrews, and Jude (along with mentions of his name in 1 Chronicles 1:3 and Luke 3:37). Nonetheless, there is plenty of information given about him to include his amazing history in a book of heroes. Only eight verses in Scripture provide us with the details, but even with those limits, we encounter an individual whose life was both extraordinary and exemplary. As unique as Enoch was, he still sets a pattern for us of unwavering faith and uncompromising obedience.

What spiritual characteristics come to mind when you hear the phrase uncompromising obedience?

If only a few sentences were used to describe your character, what would be said?

In what areas of your life do you most often deal with the temptation to ignore Gods ways in favor of your ways?

What do you expect God to show you in this lesson?

RETHINK

Enochs world looked very different than ours does today. But the culture in which he lived was the samecharacterized by comprehensive corruption, moral decay in every way possible, and open rebellion against God. The fact that people lived for so long was both a blessing and a curse. Those who sought to live godly lives in the pre-Flood era had to struggle against sin and endure its impact over many hundreds of years. That is what makes the examples of righteous men like Enoch so compelling: he stood against the corruption of his culture and walked with God for three centuries.

Enochs faithfulness was an effective influence on his own family. That impact is especially evident in the life of his great-grandson Noah. Though Noah was born sixty-nine years after Enoch went to heaven, Enochs testimony would have been passed down to him through his father and grandfather.

Based on your present rate and direction of spiritual development, would it be a blessing or a curse to live a long time? Why?

Your spiritual legacy will influence generations to come. What impact do you want to have on future generations?

What steps are you taking right now to develop the kind of character that will outlive you?

Twice in four verses Scripture says Enoch walked with God. In fact, that short phrase is all Genesis 5 tells us about the character of this man. But thats enough. Enoch lived in such a way that, after 365 years in this world, his life could be accurately summarized with repeated, sublime brevity.

What thoughts come to mind when you hear Enoch walked with God? Will a similar statement be made about you? Why or why not?

What can we learn practically about walking with God, so that we can follow Enochs example? Scripture, where this theme is reiterated and expanded, reveals that walking with God includes at least three component parts. It begins with forgiveness from sin, consists of faith in the Lord, and results in fruits of righteousness. Understanding these three aspects opens up the door to the rich spiritual treasure that lies behind the simple words of Genesis 5.

REFLECT

In order for sinful people to commune with a holy God, they must first be reconciled to Him from their alienated sinful condition. Enoch was a man who understood his own unworthiness and the need for a proper sacrifice. Enoch understood he was an undeserving sinner who needed a God-ordained substitute to bear the punishment in his place. Thus, his personal relationship with the Lord began when his sins were forgiven and he was covered by the righteousness of the Savior who would carry Enochs sins to the cross and pay the penalty for them in full. Like all believers throughout every epoch of history, Enochs testimony was one of salvation by grace through faith.

Describe your relationship with God. How did it begin?

Because of His infinite love, God is a lavish rewarder of those who put their faith in Him. As Paul told the Ephesians, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). He grants sinners forgiveness, clothes them in His righteousness, and creates in them a new heart. God turns former rebels into His children, giving them His Spirit, His blessings, and the promise of eternal life.

Enoch put his confidence in Gods character and trusted Gods will for his life. He obeyed Gods commands and believed His promises. How does Gods Word provide direction for your life?

Are you walking according to Gods will? Explain your response.

One of the primary evidences of genuine salvation is a sincere desire, on the part of the converted, to know God intimately and obey Him fully. For this to happen, the believer must be purposeful and focused. This is an intentional and passionate pursuit. Like believers in Bible times, all Christians are called to walk in obedience, truth, and godliness. Of course, everything in society fights that effort. Secular culture is only getting worse; and the church, in many cases, has grown weak and shallow. The temptation to compromise and sin is immense and relentless.

How does your everyday life reflect the reality of your love for God?

What is your daily routine for growing in your knowledge and understanding of God and His Word? Is it producing the desired results? Why or why not?