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Thursday Bible Study, 26th January, 2023
Introduction
Nowadays the list of global threats ranging from war, civil unrest, natural disaster on land and sea, terrorism, failure of governments, violence, and crime is heard everywhere. Suffice this to mean, people have transitioned into 2023 with great anxiety and fear and we all transitioned into 2023 with hope for things to change, or even a better world and rest from these threats. However, there is no such promise as a world free of trouble – In fact, we were told to expect them but admonished to be strong in our faith and trust God (John 16: 33; 1 Pet. 4: 12, 5: 8-9; Rev. 2: 10; Rom. 8: 18) The book of Exodus and Joshua connects the transition of Israel from bondage to settlement and rest and underscores rest to be the result of victory or freedom from something including sin to possession of inheritance and rest. The events of their transition throws light on the power of God to release us from threats into victory, possession, and rest. But what kind of rest does the Bible promised in Canaan? Today`s study, will review the situation of the Israelites in Exodus to help us remember God`s word to Joshua, how the Israelites obeyed and cross the Jordan to encourage us on how to live faithfully in this world while looking forward to God`s promised joyful rest to those who believe and trusted Him.
Transition is a part of life as the passage for our study highlights a transition in the lives of the Israelites. The passage has helped to introduce us to useful ideas and point out the fact that nations, families, and individuals go through transition.
A. Mention a few transition that a nation, group of people or an individual may experience and the possibility of barriers against achieving expected goals.
B. Comment on the statement, transitioning isn`t necessarily a straight line of action and does not usually follow a direct route.
C. In Josh. 3: 5-17, what command did God gave Joshua or a combination of things the Israelites should do to make sure things follow up well in their transition from slavery into freedom in the promised land. Discuss the implication of each command.
Read the detailed instruction about the Passover in Exo. 12: 1-14. Analyze any of the pieces and discuss anything significant about this life changing command. Discuss why it challenged and motivated their action.
A. According to Exodus 12: 1-14, to start Israel`s life as a nation, what divine degree was set by God as the beginning of the religious Calendar of the Israelites?
B. What life changing promise(s) did God make to the Israelites, and what does that Calendar and selected day marked for the Israelites?
C. Consider what the Israelites did during harsh treatment in Exo. 1: 8-14; 1: 15-21; 2: 1-4; Heb. 11: 23 and use Gen. 1: 28; 9: 1 to explain why the Israelites did what they did, and why they remained faithful to God`s command.
One of the reasons for Pharoah to release the Israelites was repeated in Exodus 8:1 and Exo. 9:1 respectively. Read Exodus 12: 31-33 and justify God`s action including the value He attaches to worshipping Him in Exodus 12: 23-30.
A. People usually make life changing resolution(s) at the beginning of every year. What goals and resolution(s) have you set and how do you plan to achieve them?
B. Read Psa. 119: 11; 1 Tim. 4: 8; 1 Corinth. 15: 58; Heb. 10: 24-25: Ephe. 5: 22-33; 2 Corinth. 7: 1, Prov. 3: 5-6; 1 Pet. 5: 5-7 to help you keep your resolutions
Reflecting on the idea that God rested from His work of creation in Gen. 2: 1-3, what do you usually do for rest when you get tired from work and how is that particularly helpful to you that you can encourage others?
A. In giving the Israelites the promised Land, God went ahead and defeat their enemies and gave them rest. Reading from Heb. 4: 8-9, today, how can we enter God`s rest?
B. There`s no mystery here about crossing the Jordan other than simple obedience. The Bible state explicitly what happened when we sinned. Think about and discuss spiritual implication of the sin of deception as a stronghold from forefather`s in Gen.12: 10-20, 26: 1-11, 27: 1-40; 37: 12-36, and compare it with the richness of the heritage of faith in 2 Timothy 1: 5
C. Are there things you cling unto that has not allow you to trust and follow Jesus?
Thursday Bible Study, 1st December, 2022
Introduction
Text: Matt. 18: 15-22; Genesis 32: 1-21
We are encouraged to live in harmony, avoid irritable behavior that could result in misunderstanding, quarrel, disagreement, hatred, and possible fight because we are commanded to love one another (Jn. 13: 34-35; Rom. 12: 16). However, because of human fallen state, we offend people and feel offended ourselves. When differences develop among individuals, the process of restoration must be followed and not overlooked or by-passed. Otherwise, matters could go from bad to worse. Jacob`s plan to appease his brother does not reflect biblical process for restoration in Matt. 18: 15-22. Instead of a change of heart, Jacob was scheming to gain his brother Esau. In other words, the New Testament prescribes a process toward resolving problems and conflicts to bring a brother to repentance for restoration in a church. Today, we are going to study the pattern and procedure adopted by Jacob, how the Lord watched what Jacob did and why he was unsuccessful in his scheming to meet and gain his bother Esau.
Jacob is the twin brother of Esau, second-born of Isaac, and Rebecca, as well grandson of Abraham and Sarah. According to Gen. 27: 29-41, two times, Jacob supplanted Esau and had to leave Canaan for about 20 years (Gen. 31: 36-41).
A. Read Gen. 25: 21-28 and 27: 1-13. Evaluate the moral qualities of Esau and Jacob, Isaac and Rebecca and list out the things you consider important to mention.
B. Although Esau had vowed to kill Jacob according to Gen. 27: 41, Jacob is returning, rich in flocks, herds, and servants (Gen. 32: 1-10). What do you think could have been responsible for Jacob`s blessings?
C. In Gen. 32: 11 we have Jacob praying. Comment on Jacob`s opinion about his brother, when he prays, what he prays for and why.
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Note: To be continued.
Thursday Bible Study, 24th November, 2022
Introduction
Text: Matt. 18: 15-22; Genesis 32: 1-21
We are encouraged to live in harmony, avoid irritable behavior that could result in misunderstanding, quarrel, disagreement, hatred, and possible fight because we are commanded to love one another (Jn. 13: 34-35). However, because of human fallen nature, differences can develop among individuals. But it should not be overlooked or by-passed, otherwise matters could go from bad to worse. As a matter of fact, Jacob`s careful strategy to appease his brother highlights the idea that instead of a change of heart, man may choose to scheme to resolve problem(s). We are going to study the pattern and procedure laid down by Jesus for solving and resolving problems and conflicts in a relationship that can lead to repentance among brethren in Matthew 18.
Jacob is the twin brother of Esau, second-born of Isaac, and Rebecca, as well grandson of Abraham and Sarah. According to Gen. 27: 29-41, two times, Jacob supplanted Esau and had to leave Canaan for about 20 years.
A. Read Gen. 26: 21-28 and 27: 1-13. Evaluate the moral qualities of Esau and Jacob, Isaac and Rebecca and list out the things you consider important to mention.
B. Although Esau had vowed to kill Jacob according to Gen. 27: 41, Jacob is returning, rich in flocks, herds, and servants (Gen. 32: 1-10). What do you think could have been responsible for Jacob`s blessings?
C. In Gen. 32: 11 we have Jacob praying. Comment on Jacob`s opinion about his brother, when he prays, what he prays and why?
Note: To be continued.
Thursday Bible Study, 27th October, 2022
Introduction
Text: Exodus 20: 1-17
God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai as described in Exodus 20: 1-17. It was a direct command from God that is uncommon in those days. It is the most appropriate way that God has expressed himself considering how He wanted them to show love for Him and their fellow humans. Looking at it closely, the Commandments is grouped into man`s relationship to God (Exo. 20: 1-11) and man`s relationship with humans in the community (Exo. 20: 12-17). Today`s study is about the broader implication of the law given to Moses.
Considering the emphasis on the return of Christ these days, is keeping the 10 Commandments able to instruct man to live a good life and get save on the day of judgment?
A. Why did God have to introduced Himself in Exo. 20: 1-2 before the historical prologue and the general description of the law?
B. The word, “I am” in Exo. 20: 1-2 appears to be in the present tense. By using “I am” to describe God, what does that underscores from the reference in Exo. 3: 1-6.
C. It is strange to hear but strangely true that before the law, the Israelites were not sensitive to their moral state. Explain what this means using Romans 3: 20
Reflecting on why the law is given, read James 2: 10 and Galatians 3: 9-16. Highlight and illustrate with emphasis the broader implication of the Mosaic law.
A. Man`s whole moral duty is summarized in Matt. 22: 37-40. What in your opinion does it mean to say the whole commandments hangs on the law and the prophets?B. In Matt. 5: 17-20, when Jesus said, I did not come to abolish the purpose of the law or the prophets but to accomplish it. What does He mean and what sort of righteousness was it about the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus condemned?
C. Notice that Jesus said keeping the law is necessary for one to enter life in Matt 19:16-22 and Mk. 10: 17-23. From Romans 3: 28, discuss if keeping the law can save one on the day of judgment?
Reading from Mk.12:18-28, Jesus accused the Sadducees of error regarding the resurrection. What additional information did you find about the Scribe in Matt. 22: 23-36 that might have prompted him to ask Jesus about the first commandment?
A. Explain as Good news what it means and how in a fallen state we can love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength in Mk. 12: 29-34.
B. Define who is a neighbor and explain the statement that “A neighbor begins and starts with oneself.”
C. What do you think makes Jesus to feel the Scribe is close to the kingdom of God?
Once, Jesus responded to a pharisee with a parable about the Good Samaritan concerning who a neighbor is in Luke 10: 25-37. Briefly summarize what you read from the story.
A. What made the Samaritan to help, and the Priest and Levite not help – Discuss any reason(s) why you want to help and do not want to help?
B. What are somethings we can be doing to really show we love people?
Use 1 John 4: 7 - 21 and explain the statement, “You cannot love without having the life of Christ in you.” In simple words, what does it mean to say that what the law demands is produce in us in 1 John 4: 16?
A. Describe with examples any social and spiritual situations that can provoke pity in a believer, and what are the things that we can be doing to show we really love people?
B. Paul puts forward a list of adversities and adversaries. Have you compromised during any of the listed situations?
Thursday Bible Study, 29th September, 2022
Introduction
Text: Acts 16 - 17: 1-10; 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12
The Book of Acts 16 - 17: 1-10 gives us context for our study about Paul`s visit and ministry to Thessalonica during his first missionary visit in 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12. Following the reading, you will discover that despite countless trials along the way, Paul faithfully preached the gospel in the synagogue. The study today is evangelistic, full of affection and encouragement, as well speaking to us about mission and outcome of faithful witnessing even as we plan on reaching people with the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
From Acts 16: 1-5, what does the grammar in verses 1-2 likely suggests about Timothy`s parents and how is Timothy a suitable asset for the mission that Paul wanted Timothy on the team.
A. What commendable qualities have you noticed about Timothy and his background that if simply applied to mission would essentially make a difference?
B. A second view of Acts 16:3 says Paul had Timothy circumcised because of the Jews. What connection have the Jews to his circumcision, and is there any implication if it has been otherwise?
C. Paul considered Timothy to be circumcise, but hesitant regarding Titus who was a Greek to be circumcised in Gal. 2: 3-5. Read to justify Paul`s action from Acts 15:23-29 and 1 Corinthians. 9: 19 – 23.
Macedonia is on the mainland of Greece and the cities of Philippi and Thessalonica were located there (16:12). Read Acts 16: 6-10 and discuss what churches can learn that is missional about Timothy and why Paul and his team came down to Troas?
A. In Col. 4: 14; Luke 1: 1- 4, Luke was a physician and Paul`s traveling companion. Looking at the pronoun in Acts 16: 6;11, what happened, and how should that shape our view and thinking towards the mission?
B. On a broad view, Paul preached in the synagogue in Thessalonica on a sabbath as was his custom in Acts 17: 1-4. Explain why this is highly unlikely according to Acts 16:11-15.
C. Lydia`s business enabled her to acquire a house large enough to accommodate Paul and his team. How did Lydia heard Paul, and what can you say about her and her household to proof God`s sovereignty in salvation in everything we do?
We sometimes doubt that humans can serve as medium in contact with demons and supposedly predict the future that people doubt as true. Reading from Acts 16: 16-18, what is wrong with the slave girl, especially in her cry/call of the God of Israel.
A. What difference has spirit of divination and fortune-telling from psychics, witches, palmistry, and face reading? Discuss how 1 John 4: 1-4 influenced Paul’s action and its implication on us about the injunction Moses gave to the Israelites in Deut. 18: 9 -14.
B. What does James 4: 13-17 tells us about the increasing rate at which people die suddenly after seeing them cheerful? Mention and discuss five lessons from James 4:13-17 with regards to the future.
C. The action of Paul and Silas in Acts 16: 16-19 deprives the Slave girl`s fortune-telling ability. Illustrate the grace of God on the girl from their action.
D. Mention any reason to proof why Satan masquerades (2 Corinth. 2: 11; 11: 14) and why we should not be ignorant of his devices considering what angers her owner.
Who were not seized and put in prison along with "Paul and Silas," what possibly explain the reason? What can you say to explain the charges against Paul and Silas in Acts 16:20-24 considering Acts 16: 35-40?
A. Midnight praises was followed by a Supernatural act of God in Acts 25- 33. Discuss the happy end of the Jailer. What is most unfortunate about the Jailer that is applicable to men?
B. Paul and Silas were being falsely accused, unjustly beaten and jailed. Using Matt. 5:44; James 1: 2-8, 1 Thess. 5: 16-18, explain why they were praising God. What could have been the reason why they refused to run from the prison when they had the chance?
C. According to Acts 16: 35-40, the magistrate that disrespected and wrongfully treated Paul and Silas was alarmed when he heard they were Roman citizen. Why did Paul allowed himself to be beaten as a Roman citizen, but use his citizenship to escape punishment in Acts 22: 22-29?
Paul and Luke reported how the Jews responded to Paul`s ministry in Philippi and Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2: 1-2; Acts 17: 5-8). What in 1 Thess. 2: 13-16 makes Paul`s ministry in Thessalonica not to be in vain but fruitful?
A. Paul prevents himself and his ministry from being discredited, he ministered as one approved by God. With 1 Thess. 2: 3-12, list and explain what Paul emphasized that accounts for his being approved by God.
B. Paul used the imagery of a nursing mother and a father as a portrayal of his manner of care and pure life in 1 Thess. 2: 7;11; As Christ willingly gave his life, what examples can you give to explain how this is different today?
C. What did Paul use to distinctively show how he differ from those who criticize him, what did he refer to verify every truth about himself and why in verses 5 and 10?