The Church Foretold

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:10-17.

Memory Verse: "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us . . ." (Acts 7:38).

Introduction:  Isaiah is touted as the great "evangelist-prophet" of the coming Messiah. It is also interesting to note that Isaiah speaks more about the Gentiles entering into God's favor through Christ than all the other Major or Minor Prophets put together. Through Isaiah primarily, but also through Moses, David, Zechariah, and Malachi, prophecies of God's new social economy where Jew and Gentile would dwell and work together in harmony by one Spirit came forth. Today we see these words fulfilled.
  Further prophetic revelations given during Old Testament times were those of the types and shadows--obscure picture symbols that revealed in the present things that would be fulfilled in the future. There are so many of these that the space here prevents their listing, but we'll consider three of them:
  Adam & Eve- Paul uses the marriage relationship to explain the mystery of Christ and the Church (Romans 7; Ephesians 5:23-33). The first sinless marriage of Adam and Eve is a type rich in details. Even today, the Father is looking for a bride suitable for the second Adam, Jesus Christ. We, as the bride, draw our very existence and life from the wounded side of Christ. We even become His Body, dwelling in oneness of unity.
  Nation of Israel-Israel is spoken of as "The Church in the Wilderness." There are many things in Israel's experience which become typical of the New Testament Church. Coming out of bondage in Egypt is a type of coming out of the world and making the journey into God's Kingdom. The camp of Israel in the wilderness as laid out in the form of a cross, and the preaching of Jesus' work on the cross is the power to all them that believe. The recording of their travels with its triumphs and mistakes is expressly written in the admonition to the Church (1 Corinthians 10:6).
  Tabernacles of Moses and David, and Temple of Solomon - These were God's dwelling places among His people. Their structure, materials, arrangement, colors, artistry, and uses are all teeming with symbolic and typical truths of Christ and the Church.

Lesson Questions:

1. How do we know that God wanted to bless all the peoples of the earth? Genesis 22:18; 26:4.

2. Will the Gentiles respond to God's blessings? Psalm 22:27,28; Isaiah 2:2,3.

3. What specifically will draw the Gentiles? Isaiah 11:10; 52:10,13-15.

4. What mission was Christ to have to Israel and the Gentiles? Isaiah 42:1-9;  49:5,6,22,23; Zechariah 2:11.

5. Was spiritual success prophesied in the Old Testament to the Church? Isaiah 60:1-5,11-17; 61:1-12.

6. Examine how Adam and Eve could be types of Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:23-33; Genesis 2:21-25.

7. How might Israel be considered a type of the New Testament Church? Acts 7:38; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.

8. Why would the Tabernacle and Temple be a type of the Church? Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Hebrews 3:1-5; 1 Peter 2:5-9.