Our Jewish Roots - A Light to the Gentiles: Part 12 of 13

Preview: A history of God’s chosen. This is the twelfth part of a thirteen-part series of lessons on this subject.


Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1-21.

Memory Verse: Isaiah 49:6.

1. Did Isaiah prophecy that salvation would be extended to the Gentiles in the foregoing Scriptures?
Note: Anyone who was not an Israelite was a Gentile. Often in the Old Testament they were referred to as a stranger. A few Gentiles (or strangers) attached themselves to the assembly of Israel through circumcision and keeping the other laws contained in the ordinances. For the most part, however, Israel rejected Gentiles from their religion. No doubt, Isaiah’s prophecy was not accepted by the average Jew.
2. Did Simeon and John realize that Isaiah’s prophecies were fulfilled in Christ? Luke 2:25-34 & John 1:6-14 & John 1:17.
3. Did the Gentiles receive this opportunity with joy? Acts 13:42 & Acts 13:44-48.
Note: The Jews had rejected Jesus as their Messiah. The Gentiles received the message with joy. Today we see this same thing happening in nations that have been deprived of hearing the good news of the Gospel, while those who have had that freedom are now rejecting it. How sad.
4. How did the Gentiles react to Peter’s preaching? Acts 10:43-48 & Acts 11:1.
5. Did Paul preach the same message to both the Jews and Gentiles? Acts 18:1, Acts 18:4-7 & Acts 26:22-32.
6. Where did Paul take his text from? Acts 28:23-28.
Note: There is only one Lord and faith and one baptism. The Gospel did not change when it went to the Gentiles; it was the same Gospel concerning Jesus Christ that was preached to Israel in the wilderness, Hebrews 4:1-2. The apostles took their text from the writings of Moses and the prophets.
7. Was Jesus the seed of Abraham that would bless all nations, both Jew and Gentile? Hebrews 2:16, Galatians 3:16 & Genesis 12:2-3.
8. Who are the children of Abraham today? Galatians 3:6-9 & Galatians 3:14.
9. Where do the law and good works fit into a Christian life since we are saved through faith in God? Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 2:9-15 & James 2:17-22.
10. What was the sad condition of the Gentiles before God adopted them into the commonwealth of Israel? Ephesians 2:11-22.
Note: Regardless of our nationality there is only one body of true believers; it is called the Body of Christ. It is the Church of God that was lost through sin and purchased or redeemed by the Blood of Jesus (I Peter 1:18-20, Acts 20:28, Luke 1:68 & I Corinthians 6:20). Redeemed means brought back. There is no new way to serve God. Like Abraham, we must trust and obey.

To Be Continued…

Other Lessons* in this series:

Our Jewish Roots - What is in a Name: Part 1 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - God Delivers His People from Bondage: Part 2 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - God's Firstborn Nation: Part 3 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - A Constitution is Given to God's New Nation: Part 4 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - A Constitution is Given to God's New Nation: Part 5 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - A Constitution is Given to God's New Nation: Part 6 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - Did Israel Love God or the Land: Part 7 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - Did Israel Love God or the Land: Part 8 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - God Knows the Heart of Man: Part 9 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - Entering the Promised Land: Part 10 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - The Lion of Judah: Part 11 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - A Light to the Gentiles: Part 12 of 13
Our Jewish Roots - The Mystery of God is Revealed: Part 13 of 13

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.