Musing – Is there a Difference between a Child’s and an Adult’s Bible Study?

Hebraic Musing – Is there a Difference between a Child’s and an Adult’s Bible Study?

The story of the Noahaic flood is well known as – God did not like that “the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence” (Gen 6:11) so He wiped out the people.  And since God found Noah to be righteous, he and his family were saved. Very picturesque!  Even the children can follow that; but are they ready to understand the word “corrupt”?

How would we define corrupt?  Our “Adult” Sunday School class started this lesson about The Flood by delineating the sins we find prevalent and/or out of control in our society today.  The list included –

• ·         Increasing Violence & senseless Killings
• ·         Loss of respect for Life – abortions & euthanasia
• ·         Drugs and mind-altering Addictions
• ·         Promotion of open Sex (out of wedlock)
• ·         Promotion & acceptance of Homosexuality & Polyamory
• ·         Divorce, breakdown of Marriage
• ·         Lack of Truthfulness & outright Lying in the media, textbooks, education, etc.
• ·         Loss of Respect for elders, politicians, parents, teachers, God, etc.
• ·         Intolerance of Judeo/Christian beliefs and of those who hold to such beliefs

Sounds like a rather clear definition of “Corrupt” and the Sunday school message was clear as to why our righteous Father God had to take action.

A child’s Bible study portrays God as loving and caring for His people.  The Flood story should help a child recognize consequences for corruption and misbehaviors. However, the “why” is typically not taught to children. Instead, the child gets caught up in imagining animals, ark, logistics, etc.

An adult study considers that while God loves, He also judges.  As a Loving Father God, He has to take action.  Good parents know that if you do not enforce consequences for misbehavior, the corrupt conduct gets worse and kids learn it is okay to be corrupt; and things get progressively more corrupt.

Our Almighty Father God then has to have consequences if behavior is judged to be corrupt.  So, how will God judge our current society?  How long will He tolerate the rampant sins delineated above and the lack of respect He is receiving?

Yes, I know these are challenging thoughts, but are we standing our ground, especially with the younger generation?   “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Eph 6:11. NIV    God states His case very well in Psalm 7:11 – “God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.”  NIV

Points to Ponder

Are we “getting away with murder”?

If we are disgusted with today’s corruption, how do you think God feels?

Are we to be watchmen and prophets? 
                  Or have we become watchers and partakers?

When will we receive His judgement and suffer the related consequences?

Shalom Mishpochah (Family)                                                 October 13, 2015       

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd,   Author:                                                            

“Hebraic Insights”  “Biblical_Marriage” “Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”
“Musings v.2 – The Torah and New Testament” Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   www.InsightsByYosef.com