Lesson 1 Review: God’s Mission to Us: Part 1

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Then the Lord God called Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ ” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV).

The mission began with God Himself, when He brought the universe into existence and later created humanity, not with Abram’s call (Gen. 12:1-4) or with the Exodus (Exod. 12:31-42). It did not even begin with Jesus Christ on the earth (Matt. 1:18-25) or with Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 13:4-14:26). We see God in scripture intentionally reaching out and desiring to be with His children. The mission continues with God’s relationship with Adam and Eve, it continues even after sin enters, and even now when God seeks to reestablish His relationship with humanity. Therefore, the foundation of any mission endeavor must be centered on a relationship with the Creator and the proper understanding of His missionary nature and character. But before we understand the mission of God, it is essential to better understand the God of mission.

What was God’s purpose for us?

God created a perfect world, He created us in His image and His purpose was that we live in perfect connection with Him, a relationship centered in His most precious attribute: love. But for love to be real God also gave us another precious gift: free will-the freedom to choose which way to follow.

What caused the mission of salvation, which had been designed “before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4) to be implemented?

The mission of salvation which had been designed “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), had to be implemented after Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the fruit which they were commanded not to eat.

What were God’s first words to Adam?

“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV).

Why did God ask the question, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV)?

Adam and Eve needed to see what was going on. They needed to understand the dreadful consequences of their sin. Satan also needed to be defeated. For that God began to present His mission: the plan of redemption (see Gen. 3:14, 15, NKJV)-the only hope of “reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19, NKJV).

What two issues does God address in His question to Adam?

Our fallen state and His missionary nature.

What was the purpose of God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants?

The purpose of God’s promise is to be with His people. See Monday’s lesson.

What was one of the main purposes of the earthly sanctuary?

To dwell among the children of Israel and a purposeful system that would point to the ultimate instrument of His mission: Jesus Christ. “The sacrificial offerings, and the priesthood of the Jewish system, were instituted to represent the death and mediatorial work of Christ.

What dimension does God desire to be with us take in the New Testament?

God had dwelt with His people within the sanctuary, and now He dwelt with them in the physical person of Jesus of Nazareth thus presenting in concrete ways God’s desire is to be with us.

How does God move forward with His mission of redemption in the New Testament?

God moved forward with His mission and then through Jesus Christ was present in the flesh among His children. The “one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NIV), fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and, in accordance with the divine plan became one with us, God in human flesh thus God continued to accomplish His purpose.

How do we see the continuity of God’s desire to be with us in Jesus of Nazareth?

Jesus’ life and ministry were God’s ultimate revelation. Jesus’ ministry was the continuation of God’s desire to be with us. In the last week of Jesus’ life, the events that took place during those days connected the expectations from the past with hope for the future. Christ’s death was part of the reconciliation process, through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and received “ ‘all authority … in heaven and on earth’ ” (Matt. 28:18, NKJV). With this authority of Jesus, He then commissioned His followers to make disciples around the world, with an awesome promise: “ ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ ” (Matt. 28:20, NKJV; emphasis supplied) thus continuing His desire to be with us.

When would the work of redemption be complete?

The work of redemption will be complete when God makes all things new, the tabernacle of God shall be with men, “and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev. 21:3, NKJV).

In Conclusion,

God’s Mission to Us is to redeem us to Himself. This mission will be complete when there is a new heaven and a new earth and we reign with God eternally. May this be our portion to be with God eternally in Jesus’ name.