Week Three: Day Four - "Learning From The Characters"

Another way to gain more from reading the old testament stories is taking a look at the characters in each story.  These characters aren’t always perfect, in fact at times we learn “what not to do” from these people.  Their cultural context may not be the same as ours, but God has put them in the story to teach us about Him and our relationship to Him.  Think about some of your favorite characters in the Bible.  Note in your journal some things you have learned from them.

Association, is one of the best ways to learn in any subject.  When it comes to these stories in the Old Testament, when we put ourselves in these character’s shoes we can take the lessons God has shown them and apply them to our lives.

• Let’s look at a couple of Old Testament characters and let them teach us about God and our place in God’s Story.

Ø  Read Genesis 39.  In your journal, describe Joseph’s relationship with God through his experiences recorded in this chapter.

Ø  What was it that Joseph had in his “character” that gave him stability in life, in spite of all the challenges he faced?

Ø  What guidelines for life can we learn from Joseph?

Another great character to learn from is David.  He shows us some positive and some negative characteristics that we can learn from.

• Read 1 Samuel 26:6-25. 

Ø  What Godly Characteristics did David show in this story?

• Now read 2 Samuel 11:1 through 12:13

Ø  What Negative Characteristics did David Show in this story?

• In your journal, note three lessons for your life can we learn from David?

David was a man who had his share of up’s and down’s.  But in the end he was called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).  His moment’s of weakness cost him a lot spiritually.  But he overcame through true repentance and searched for God with his whole heart.

Today, spend some time in prayer and ask God to make you someone after His heart.  Ask Him to transform you through your weakness into someone who turns their life and heart to Him and what He wants.  Learn from the characters of the Bible.