Bible Study Guides - Zebulun

August 18, 2013 – August 24, 2013

Key Text

“Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.” Judges 5:18.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 7, 150–152; The Desire of Ages, 236–243.

Introduction

“For our redemption, heaven itself was imperiled. At the foot of the cross, remembering that for one sinner Christ would have laid down His life, you may estimate the value of a soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 196.

1 WHERE TO DWELL?

With what hope did Leah bear Jacob’s sixth son? Genesis 30:20.
According to the prophecies of Jacob and Moses, where would Zebulun dwell? Genesis 49:13; Deuteronomy 33:18, 19. What work is to be done near seaports and similar areas of intense activity and commercial interest?

Note: “Into the busy world, filled with the din of commerce and the altercation of trade, where men were trying selfishly to get all they could for self, Christ came; and above the confusion, His voice, like the trump of God, was heard: ‘What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul’ (Mark 8:36, 37)?” Evangelism, 559.

“Most generally the fashionable, the wealthy, the proud, understand by experience that happiness is not to be secured by the amount of money that they possess, or by costly edifices, and ornamental furniture and pictures. They want something they have not. But this class are attracted toward each other, and it is hard to find access to them; and because of this many are perishing in their sins who long for something that will give them rest and peace and quietude of mind. They need Jesus, the light of righteousness.” Ibid., 556.

“There are promising opportunities for labor in connection with the health resorts. Our ministers and canvassers should be on the ground, watching their chance to present the message, and holding meetings as they have opportunity.” Ibid., 406.

2 ABILITY AND COURAGE

What description did the prophetess Deborah give to pinpoint one specific gift of some members of the tribe of Zebulun? Judges 5:14, last part. Why is the ability to “handle the pen of the writer” particularly important in these last days?

Note: “Let more time be given to the publication and circulation of books containing present truth. Call attention to books dwelling on practical faith and godliness and to those that treat on the prophetic word. The people are to be educated to read the sure word of prophecy in the light of the living oracles. They need to know that the signs of the times are fulfilling.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 158.

“Let all have more to teach, to write, and to publish in regard to those things that are now to be fulfilled, and that concern the eternal welfare of souls.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 13.

“Very much more can be accomplished by the living preacher with the circulation of papers and tracts than by the preaching of the word alone without the publications. The press is a powerful instrumentality which God has ordained to be combined with the energies of the living preacher to bring the truth before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples.

“Many minds can be reached in no other way.” The Review and Herald, November 4, 1875.

Why can we be inspired by the character reference made about the tribe of Zebulun? Judges 5:18. What kinds of people are needed today to finish God’s work?

Note: “They [God’s messengers] are to go forward in faith, remembering that they are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. They are not to speak their own words, but words which One greater than the potentates of earth has bidden them speak. Their message is to be, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist—men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the consequences; men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for the sacrifice of all they have.

“God cannot use men who, in time of peril, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are needed, are afraid to take a firm stand for the right. He calls for men who will do faithful battle against wrong, warring against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Prophets and Kings, 142.

3 MOTIVATED BY LOVE

What should we learn from the self-sacrificing spirit of the tribe of Zebulun? Judges 5:19; I Peter 5:2.

Note: “It is not sufficient to lay money alone upon the altar. God calls for men, volunteers, to carry the truth to other nations and tongues and people. It is not our numbers nor our wealth that will give us a signal victory; but it is devotion to the work, moral courage, ardent love for souls, and untiring, unflagging zeal.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 404.

“Why is there not a more earnest call for volunteers to enter the whitening harvest field?” Ibid., vol. 8, 35.

Give an example in which wholehearted courage was manifested by the tribe of Zebulun. I Chronicles 12:23, 33.
What is the warning given against double-mindedness? James 1:8.

Note: “Those who begin their Christian life by being half and half, will at last be found enlisted on the enemy’s side, whatever may have been their first intentions. And to be an apostate, a traitor to the cause of God, is more serious than death; for it means the loss of eternal life.

“Double-minded men and women are Satan’s best allies. Whatever favorable opinion they may have of themselves, they are dissemblers. All who are loyal to God and the truth must stand firmly for the right because it is right. To yoke up with those who are unconsecrated, and yet be loyal to the truth, is simply impossible. We cannot unite with those who are serving themselves, who are working on worldly plans, and not lose our connection with the heavenly Counselor. We may recover ourselves from the snare of the enemy, but we are bruised and wounded, and our experience is dwarfed.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1086.

“If our brethren will now consecrate themselves unreservedly to God, He will accept them. He will give them a transformation of mind, that they may be savors of life unto life. Wake up, brethren and sisters, that you may attain to your high calling through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 166.

4 A SPECIAL HONOR

What glorious honor was to be bestowed upon the dwelling place of Zebulun and Naphtali? Isaiah 9:1, 2.
How was this prophecy fulfilled? Matthew 4:13–17.

Note: “At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro, and it came to be known as ‘His own city’ (Matthew 9:1). It was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and near the borders of the beautiful plain of Gennesaret, if not actually upon it. …

“Capernaum itself was well adapted to be the center of the Saviour’s work. Being on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt, and to the Mediterranean Sea, it was a great thoroughfare of travel. People from many lands passed through the city, or tarried for rest in their journeyings to and fro. Here Jesus could meet all nations and all ranks, the rich and great as well as the poor and lowly, and His lessons would be carried to other countries and into many households. Investigation of the prophecies would thus be excited, attention would be directed to the Saviour, and His mission would be brought before the world.” The Desire of Ages, 252, 253.

How can we see the same “great light”? John 8:12; II Corinthians 4:6.

Note: “Let your heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God. The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised.

“Let the glorious conceptions of God possess your mind. Let your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus. He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing to shine in your heart, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the threshold of the Infinite. You may behold the glory beyond the veil, and reveal to men the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to make intercession for us.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 149.

5 SANCTIFICATION NEEDED

What is the evidence that a remnant spiritually identified with the tribe of Zebulun will be wholehearted in repentance toward God? Revelation 7:8, first part.
What victorious experience is within the reach of every sinner who is willing to find repentance? I John 1:9; James 4:8–10.

Note: “Should you become alarmed for your own souls, should you seek God diligently, He will be found of you; but He will accept no halfhearted repentance. If you will forsake your sins, He is ever ready to forgive. Will you just now surrender to Him? Will you look to Calvary and inquire: ‘Did Jesus make this sacrifice for me? Did He endure humiliation, shame, and reproach, and suffer the cruel death of the cross because He desired to save me from the sufferings of guilt and the horror of despair, and make me unspeakably happy in His kingdom?’ Look upon Him whom your sins have pierced, and resolve: ‘The Lord shall have the service of my life. I will no longer unite with His enemies; I will no longer lend my influence to the rebels against His government. All I have and am is too little to devote to Him who so loved me that He gave His life for me—His whole divine self for one so sinful and erring.’ Separate from the world, be wholly on the Lord’s side, press the battle to the gates, and you will win glorious victories.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 438, 439.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What opportunities are available in coastal centers?

2 Why can literature be a tool of every church member?

3 How can we cultivate more of a spirit of sacrifice?

4 Relate some of Jesus’ experiences in Nazareth and Capernaum.

5 Name some key factors in true repentance.