Lesson 80 - SHALOM INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

Lesson 80

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1)
The Saint Paul School
(with Frank Eiklor, Eileen Young and Walter and Cecilia Contreras)

Winners and Losers
in the Books Of Zechariah and Malachi

This is it! Our final study in the Old Testament concerning winners and losers. God always has the last word. Those who love and obey Him live and die as winners. Rebels finish their lives as losers. That has been the story of man from the time of Adam.

Always remember the warnings found in 1 Corinthians 10:6,11—that the first 39 books (the Hebrew Scriptures we call our Old Testament) offer us examples and warnings about individuals and nations and their responses to God. May you and I finish our courses as winners who remain humble and obedient to God’s Holy Spirit and His infallible Word.

One final note: I forgot to include the Book of Lamentations with Jeremiah. I’m adding that one brief but important book at the end of this lesson. And remember, all previous lessons are found here on our website. Simply go back to the School Of Leadership lesson index!

Zechariah - God's Protection
1:14-17	Example of God’s long memory against nations that delight in afflicting Israel.
2:4, 8, 9, 12, 15-17	Example of why no one should be foolish enough to persecute Jews.
3:1-7	Example of God protecting, preparing and preserving His servants (Joshua).

Zechariah - God's Commission and Power
4:6-10, 14	Example of God’s commission to us and His might and power He give us to fulfill His call.
8:2-8, 14-17, 22, 23	Example of God’s jealous love for Zion. (His preservation of the Jews and nation of Israel will continue to the end of time).
12:1-3, 8-12	Example of a nation (Israel) repenting after finally seeing its terrible sin of rejecting the Messiah—and receiving God’s grace of forgiveness.

Zechariah on Prophets of Lies
13:1-3	Example of "mercy-less” judgment on those speaking and prophesying lies in God’s Name.
13:6-9	Example of God’s final judgments and mercy to Israel.
14: (all)	Example of what happens when God fights in judgment against rebel nations.

Malachi
1:1-4	Edom—An example of God’s warning to Israel that He is to be feared—not ignored.
2:1-8	Example of blessings being turned to cursing through rebellion against God.
3:16, 17	Example of the Father’s personal care over those who make Him their greatest quest.

Lamentations - Choices & Consequences
1:1, 2, 17, 19, 21	Example—How choosing the world’s "friends” above God results in choosing enemies instead.
1:2,10, 12, 17, 18, 21 2:5, 9-11, 14, 16, 17, 19	Example of extreme judgment upon extreme backsliding.
3:32, 33, 39-41	Example—God’s warning to see our sins as the cause of His judgments.

Lamentations - Sin's Final Regret
4:1,4-13, 16, 17, 21, 22	Example of final regret that always follows sin.
4:21, 22	Example—The boomerang on those who rejoice over Israel’s punishments.
5:2-5, 10-19	Example—If this corporate punishment was inflicted on God’s chosen nation, what can Gentiles (USA) expect?

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