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Life in the Bible Club
Maple Woods College

Bible Study Outlines

March 29, 2006

The Riches of God's Salvation - Conformation

  1. A Brief Introduction
    1. This week's subject and particular item in God's complete salvation is conformation. The root word for this item is "conform." According to the dictionary "conform" means "to give the same form to" or "make similar." It also means to "bring into harmony or agreement." As we will see from the verses below God's desire to conform us to His Son has been in His heart for a long time. The knowledge of this fact, however, did not come to God's people until the "fullness of the times".
    2. A description of the fullness of the times is in Vine's word studies. There he states: For fullness, see on Romans 11:12; see on John 1:16; see on Colossians 1:19. For times, compare Galatians 4:4, fullness of the time, where the time before Christ is conceived as a unit. Here the conception is of a series of epochs. The fullness of the times is the moment when the successive ages of the gospel dispensation are completed. The meaning of the whole phrase, then, is: a dispensation characterized: by the fullness of the times: set forth when the times are full.
    3. If we receive God's word that the age of Christ is indeed an age of the fullness of the times, then the next thing we need to know is what is the chief characteristic of this age. Right along with the word about the fullness of the times is the Greek word in Ephesians 1:10 is the Greek word oikonomia. In this age there is a plan or household administration to dispense the riches of God's household into God's chosen and redeemed people. This is clear from Ephesians 1:10, footnote 101 in the Recovery Version New Testament. (An online link is available on the Life in the Bible Club website at www.life-bible-study.org.)
      1. Conformation
        1. Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Footnote 283
        2. Romans 8:29 - Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers. Footnote 293
        3. Philippians 3:10 - To know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Footnotes 102-4
      2. Questions for discussion
        1. Do you have an example in your own life where "all" things in your life worked for "good?"
        2. Considering the creation of man, what is the reason that God would like to conform us to the image of His son? Hint: Romans 6:44 and Colossians 3:104-5.
        3. Why was God's economy not possible before the accomplishments of Jesus Christ?

       

      NOTE: The footnotes referenced in the outlines are from the The Holy Bible, Recovery Version © 2003 Living Stream Ministry. An online Recovery Version may be searched for verses and footnotes at: The Holy Bible, Online Recovery Version. You may also obtain a free Recovery Version New Testament by filling out a request form on the Bibles for America website.