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5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of
widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
6 God sets the solitary in families; 8:39 If you were Abraham’s children. The
He brings out those who are bound construction of this phrase indicates that
into prosperity; Jesus was denying that mere physical lineage
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land. was sufficient for salvation (Phil. 3:4–9). The
sense would be “if you were Abraham’s chil-
Proverbs 17:2–4 dren, but you are not, then you would act like
Abraham did.” Just as children inherit genetic
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who
causes shame, characteristics from their parents, so also
those who are truly Abraham’s offspring will
And will share an inheritance among act like Abraham, i.e., imitate Abraham’s faith
the brothers. and obedience (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 3:6–9; Heb.
3 The refining pot is for silver and the 11:8–19; James 2:21–24). works of Abraham.
furnace for gold, Abraham’s faith was demonstrated through
But the LORD tests the hearts. his obedience to God (James 2:21–24). Jesus’
point was that the conduct of the unbelieving
4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; Jews was diametrically opposed by the con-
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful duct of Abraham,who lived a life of obedience
tongue. to all that God had commanded. Their con-
duct toward Jesus demonstrated that their
John 8:28–59 real father was Satan (vv. 41,44).
28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up
the Son of Man, then you will know that I am 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father,
He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and
Father taught Me, I speak these things. And came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but
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43
He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not He sent Me. Why do you not understand My
left Me alone, for I always do those things that speech? Because you are not able to listen to My
44
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please Him.” As He spoke these words, many word. You are of your father the devil, and the
believed in Him. desires of your father you want to do. He was a
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed murderer from the beginning, and does not
Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My stand in the truth, because there is no truth in
disciples indeed. And you shall know the him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his
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truth, and the truth shall make you free.” own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe
46
descendants, and have never been in bondage Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I
to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He
47
free’?” who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I do not hear, because you are not of God.”
say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him,
35 And a slave does not abide in the house forev- “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan
36
er, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the and have a demon?”
Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon;
37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descen- but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
dants, but you seek to kill Me, because My 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One
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word has no place in you. I speak what I have who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say
51
seen with My Father, and you do what you to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall
have seen with your father.” never see death.”
39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham 52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know
is our father.” that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps
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children, you would do the works of Abraham. My word he shall never taste death.’ Are You
40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has greater than our father Abraham, who is
told you the truth which I heard from God. dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You
Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of make Yourself out to be?”
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your father.” 54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My
Then they said to Him, “We were not born honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors
of fornication; we have one Father—God.” Me, of whom you say that He is your God.
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