I.) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS RECORD.
a. Did you notice what the underlying thrust of chapter 11 is? (vs. 1-2)
b. How did the people decide, who that special person would be to live in Jerusalem? (Prov 16:33; cf. Josh 18:6; Lev 16:8-10; Mt 27:35)
c.Why was it important for Jerusalem to be repopulated?
i. Repopulation is evidence of God's glory and His lavish love and grace toward them. (Isa 30:19, 44:26-28 (c.f. Ezra 1:1-2); Jer 24:6, 29:10-11; Ezek 14:22; Zech 1:16)
ii. This is Jerusalem!(1 Kings 11:36; Psalm 122,125,128; Zech 9:9; Mal 3:1 (cf. Lk 2:22; Lk 12:34-35; Mt 21:1-7)
II.)WHERE AM I, AMONG THE TEN?
a.Here are Four Fundamental Deceptions that keep us among the nine.
i. Idolatrous Perception of God.(Mt 25:14-30)
ii. Delusional view of Self. (Isa 6:1-8; Mk 10:18)
iii. Diluted understanding of the Cross and salvation.(1 Jn 2:2)
iv. Irreverent perception of Bible's authority on our lives. (Deut 32:46-47)
b.What steps can we take to move from being among the nine to being among the ones who willing offered their lives for God's service? (1 Jn 1:9; 2 Cor 4:4; Heb 12:1-2; Eph 2:10)