Bible

The God of Promise and the Life of Faith:

Understanding the Heart of the Bible

Scott J. Hafemann

Chapter Seven: Why Do God’s People Suffer?

The School of Affliction

Why would God establish a school of suffering for his people?

The ultimate goal of all that God does in our lives, including suffering, is that we become more Christ-like.

How does suffering drive us to seek God?

How does it do that, as illustrated in Job’s experiences?

How does Paul illustrate in 2 Corinthians 1:17-18 and 2:14-16a that God reveals his glory through suffering?

What glorifies God more greatly and displays his all-sufficiency in this age, deliverance of Christians from their sufferings or sustaining grace in the midst of sufferings? 2 Cor. 12:9-10

Chapter Eight: Why Do God’s People Obey Him?

Holiness and Hope

How does what we hope for determine how we live?

What do I ultimately hope will happen in my life or will make me happy?

Do we obey God?

How do God’s commands become more like a “health regimen?”

How does the covenant relationship help us understand the relationship between obedience now and receiving grace at the Final Judgment?

What are the 5 important pathways to build hope in God?

Chapter Nine: What Difference Does Jesus Make?

Faith, Forgiveness, and the Freedom to Obey

Does Hafemann believe that in the covenant relationship with God, faith is inextricably (organically?) united with faith and love?

In what sense is the Law fulfilled (by Jesus and Christians) in this age? Matthew 5:17

Did Jesus end the Law or bring it to its goal?

What is the difference between the Old and New Covenants?

How has the New Covenant been inaugurated? Heb 8; 10:11-18

How can Jesus require his followers to follow the high standards he teaches (cf. Mt. 5-7) and still claim that his yoke is easy (Mt. 11:28-30)?

Chapter Ten: Conclusion: Who Are We?

The Marks of a Christian

What are the five marks of a Christian?

How are we back at Genesis 1?

A new creation, depending on God’s provision, living in obedience to him, reflecting him, for his glory.