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What God Demands
Introduction
Text - Isaiah 56: 1- 12
Isaiah 56: 1 - 8 is an introduction to the final major section of Isaiah 56 – 66 which presupposes the text for our study forms a distinct section of the prophecy of Isaiah over a long historical period. But the circumstances are a long period of witnesses to the struggles of hopes... What is important to note is that this section of Isaiah is a prophetic exhortation in which the prophet gives instructions to those who wish to live according to God`s covenant. Likewise, our week of consecration highlights the conditions placed upon us as God`s people, just as the Israelites who are God`s covenant people to maintain justice and right judgment which is an excellent illustration of Jesus teachings [Luke 18: 7-8; Matt. 5: 21-28].
It is well to say, our text and Micah have complimentary themes because Micah`s time during the eighth century witnessed the emergence in Israel and Judah of a commercial civilization of great material prosperity. Its foundation was laid in the peace and security which Jeroboam II [783 - 743] won for Israel and Uzziah [778 - 740] for Judah during their reigns, and in the extension of the borders of their kingdom which gave the Israelites a long command of the trade routes of ancient days. But it was a civilization displayed with all evils of a society, making haste to be rich, greed and covetousness, recklessness, unscrupulous competition, lack of pity, showing disregard of the claims of sympathy, charity, and brotherly consideration.
We all know, punishment is inescapable when we continue to neglect God`s call in His word for justice, mercy, and love. In other words, the Lord`s expectations are for us to have our arrogance removed from us and be fair, reasonable, and honest, always discerning what is fair, reasonable, and sincere because God is just, and no human righteousness provides escape from divine judgment [Romans 2: 1-11].
Interactive Questions
The greatness of the statements in Isa. 56: 1 and Micah 6: 8 lies in the fact that what the prophets said are essential elements of the Christian faith and detaching from what they have said is to set ourselves in contrast to what God intends clearly about those who follow Him and about true worship.
A. Reading from Micah 6: 8, the prophet replies with a sublime statement of the simplicities of God demands. Explain.
B. Identify the similarities of Isa. 1: 27; 5: 5 -9; 9: 6 -7, 16: 5; 28: 16 -18; 32: 1; 42: 1- 4 that attest to the truth or validity of the reply in Micah. 6: 8 to remove any doubt that it is an occurring theme in the Bible.
C. God wanted to sink something deeply into our religious consciousness in Micah 6: 8. Discuss how God links ethics with piety and elaborate on Micah`s message about believers’ duty towards man and God and what makes both co-equal factors in matters of religious practice.
Our text is a struggle of what God hopes that Israel as God`s people should not exist for themselves. But as light to the nations should bring God`s salvation to the ends of the earth [Isa. 49: 5 - 6]. Accordingly, Isaiah invites the Israelites to keep the Sabbath and worship God with a heart of obedience that is not self-justifying and self-serving.
A. Considering the theme of universalism in Isa. 49: 6, examine and discuss the idea that the Eunuchs along with others had originally been excluded from community of the Lord in Deut. 23: 1 – 6; Neh. 13: 1- 3.
B. Reference to the Sabbath in Isa. 56: 2, 4, 6, consider the conditions Isaiah placed upon the people that is important and clarify on the meaning of Amos 4:4.
C. The imagery in Isa. 56: 9 shows how foreign nations are invited to ravage and devour Israel. Use verse 10 - 11 to explain what was responsible and demonstrate from Isa. 1: 1 – 9 how it starts earlier until it developed.
Today, before our very eyes, issues of injustice are trending in the news and social media. But people could feel relieved from the pressure of injustice if believers chose to conduct themselves and practice righteousness because justice is concerned with righteousness and the flourishing of all people [Amos5: 24].
A. List or mention and comment on any story related to biblical injustice that is commonly seen in our world today.
B. Discuss the call of Isaiah in Isa. 6: 1-13 and his faithfulness to the divine commission. In view of that, discuss the theme of universalism as is being developed in Matt. 20; 18-20 and explain how righteousness could flourish as a result.
Christmas Reflection
Introduction
Inasmuch as last month of the year is with us and we are thinking of Christmas and New year celebrations, we have so much to be thankful for and so much to remind ourselves of because God`s salvation plan includes ’whoever’ chooses to acknowledge, accept, and follow Jesus. How God interrupted our broken world with a message of hope about the birth of the Saviour is one thing in the world and is something more than the human mind can totally understand [Luke 1:26 - 38,2: 8-11]
First, it is normal during Christmas to reflect on Christ as the special gift from God to man [John 3: 16 -17]. Because of the reason and purpose of His birth, it would be good to attempt some conversations related to Christ`s birth during Christmas. We all know as a fact that nothing is more important than the grace of God and Jesus is all the blessing God intends for man to seek. No wonder, the ‘New Testament highlighted ‘Grace’ not as blessing or an influence from God which Man could receive, but rather an attribute of God which governs God`s attitude to Man. It goes on to mean, Christmas is everything about the grace of God for man which we all don`t deserved.
Looking around us, we need to yield to the fact and recognize the decline of Christianity in our world during this celebration period so we can admit the full extent of our role as Christians since the whole essence of Christmas is that Christ came to live and reign in the hearts of Men as Saviour and Lord. So, whatever we see happening in the world and whatever Satan brings or whatever lies across our path, we have a responsibility to celebrate the birth of Christ who loves and freed us from bondage with what is happening these days in mind, serving Christ in the freshness of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, grace is no longer grace and the world may misunderstand God`s Divine Purpose’ why Jesus had to be born completely.
QUESTIONS
Report has it that Canada is a very large country with people of different cultural backgrounds. People in Canada send Christmas cards to friends and family, others decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights and decorations, and roasted turkey[s] is served as the main Christmas meal, with cakes, elaborate exchange of gifts etc., Children also watch and visit to catch fun with Santa Claus.
On a different level, Christmas in Nigeria is more of a family event when family members travel from cities to villages and vice visa to join with parents, grandparents, and other relations and friends to celebrate, go to church in new dresses and rice as the main Christmas meal is shared with neighbors with a few gifts, evening is full of traditional dances and parties for fun.
A. The above statement is increasingly the case every year and is widely accepted. Choose your preferred celebration of Christmas in Canada or Nigeria and explain any reason[s] behind your choice.
B. Assuming a choice is forced on you and you feel differently, comment on what Christmas is ALL about and distinguish yourself from how you planned your celebration.
C. In view of 1 Peter 3: 15 discuss how you can convince or debate to convince anyone who has a strong opposition to your preferred choice of Christmas celebration in Canada or Nigeria.
According to Luke 2: 1 - 14, the angel appeared to the shepherds and Luke 2: 15 – 20 has it that the Shepherds left their sheep and hurried off to see the baby Jesus. Why, in your view, were shepherds chosen. Comment on why God chose an angel to announce and proclaim Jesus`s birth to the shepherds and the implication today.
A. Describe the life of a shepherd from the Nigerian context and give your understanding of how the purpose of these shepherds in Luke 2: 1 – 20 has changed significantly before and after they heard the angel and since they saw the baby Jesus.
B. From Matt. 4: 19 – 22, share with specific example[s] how your relationship with Jesus has given you a sense of purpose in a particular area that you want to apply during this period of Christmas moving forward.
Our world is riddled with pain and destruction resulting in heartache that we all experienced and witness either directly or indirectly. We need to recall also; Jesus took our human form and entered our world in pains and suffering along a life purpose and tries to overcome life challenges within the will of the Father John 1: 14; Matt 27: 46.
A. Reading from Matt. 2: 1 – 12, how will you define purpose, and what can you say was wise about the 3 wisemen. From Matt 2: 13 – 18, how did Christ’s parents endure hardship and fear during his birth, what encourage and informed your ability to find peace in your own challenging circumstances.
B. Today, people are confused about identity and purpose. But Jesus offers understanding about who we were made to become as his followers in James 1:1; Titus 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1. From Romans 3: 25 – 26, comment on how the cross has become a symbol of hope that even in our brokenness we can find restoration and salvation from Romans 3: 25 – 26 .
C. In Matthew 1:21, Jesus has a mission to save his people from their sin. As noted in Matt. 28: 16 - 20, Jesus has fulfilled His mission as described in a certain way that underscores believers have a mandate to share the gospel. Explain the driving force of Jesus` commissioning of the disciple for us to spread Christianity across the globe.
OCCUPY TILL I COME
Introduction
We, as God`s children regard Jesus as our God, the Shepherd of our soul and Friend. As we approach Christmas, the ember months should remind us of the predictions, promises and references to Jesus in the Bible unless Jesus` purpose for coming into our world to be born is no longer crucial for us. In John 3: 35, Jesus states that ‘… The scripture are about Me.’ To be sure we understand, every truth about Jesus is supposed to guide and shape our identity daily in the world and make us serve Him diligently. As such, because ember months, Christmas and New is known to be full of atrocities, temptation, accident etc., we must ask once again, what does Jesus mean to us, and why do you think we were saved.
First, Christmas is about Jesus being sent to bind up our broken hearts, proclaim freedom for us as captives to Satan and slaves to sin - He came to proclaim the Lord`s favor and comfort us when we mourn and grief, as well display His splendor in our broken world to convince the world that except in Christ`s birth, death and resurrection, beauty cannot come out of ashes, joy from despair and freedom from sin is impossible – Isa. 61: 1 – 3.
So, if you don`t mind, let us attempt an answer to this question, why are ember months associated with all kinds of atrocities because the Bible says, ‘Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he Himself tempts no one,’ – James 1: 13.
It would not be until we know of Christ`s death and resurrection and remind ourselves during the ember months about the reality of His person being conscious of the sole purpose for our existence, freedom will be hard because there is no freedom in just doing what we want. As you know, if given the slightest opportunity, Satan wants people to remain prisoners to him, humiliate believers and bring them to despair to distract them from God`s mission, and so much of these happens during these seasons. These are the reason for our study so we can celebrate Christmas as truly saved and free, bringing others to Christ.
The Old Testament is the story of God`s dealing with the Hebrew nation for the purpose of bringing into the world a Messiah for ALL nations. What are the initial thoughts, assumptions, and expectations about Gen. 49:10, Hosea 11:1, Isa.7:14, 9: 1-2, 53:3, Zech. 9:9, 11: 12-13 Mic.5:2, Psa. 22:16 and how did that evolve or change over time.
A. Were there moments when you doubted or questioned your thoughts about Christ and why He had been born. If so, what helped you navigate through those thoughts and affirm your commitment to follow Christ that you now celebrate Christmas with understanding and confidence.
B. How has these prophecies impacted your faith to maintain a balance between leaning on Christ`s comfort and seeking spiritual support from a faith community or fellow believers – Gal. 6: 2.
Considering the Supernatural conception of the Virgin Birth in Luke 1: 26 -38, very little was told of Joseph though further reference to him is that he was carpenter, and head of at least seven children in Matt. 13: 55 - 56. With Lk. 2: 4. 16, 33, 43, 51 and Matt. 2:13, 19 – 23, describe Joseph as a good man, and provide the context of a good man with Matt. 19: 16 – 26.
According to Luke 4: 16 – 21, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth and ends His reading in verse 2. Consider Isa. 61: 1 - 3 and clarify to someone who wants to respond to the Gospel why Luke ends in Isa. 61: 2 since verse 3 shed more light on the mission and work of the Messiah.
A. When you contemplate on the mission of Christ to bring Good News to the poor and save man from sin in Matt 1: 18 - 21, you recognize according to John 10: 10, Satan has a different mission from Christ. Since we are called to examine our lives in 2 Corinth. 13: 5, how can you say you have experience freedom in Christ and equipped with God`s wisdom that you`re no longer driven by selfish ambition and worldly gain.
B. As believers, we can be sure we`re rich according to 1 Peter 1; 4. From Psa. 49: 20, what`s the implication of not knowing you`re rich as a believer. With Isa. 61: 1 - 3 and Luke 10: 30 – 37, describe riches and wealth. What story about yourself makes you redefine riches because of Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Peter`s confession reveals Jesus as the Christ the Son of God in Matt. 16: 16 – 17 and testifies to how God Has anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power according to Acts 10: 38. Discuss every truth about Jesus and what His incredible Anointing signifies, and how this powerful truth is supposed to impact on our lives.
A. As good steward of God`s grace according to 1 Peter 4: 10, what will you say about the role of the Shepherds in Luke 2: 8 – 20 that is significant to help you to begin thinking of the other side of believers work with God.
B. In Luke 2: 13 – 14, the Nativity scene broke in praise with a great heavenly host because of Jesus in a manger. In view of the Nativity scene, read Jeremiah 1: 5 with Ephesians 2:10 and explain why Jesus should mean everything to you and you want to praise God because you have seen and have discerned the purpose of God for you in ECWA Canada and feel accountable to God and His mission.
Special men from the east known as wise men attended the birth of Jesus with gold, myrrh, and Frankincense, as gift and worship Him Matt. 2: 1 - 11. What a child will do with such a gift leaves room for more theological questions.
A. As recipients of God`s grace and those who experienced freedom in Christ, we are called to love our enemies and engage in good works Matt. 5: 43 -48, Eph 2: 10. What would this teaching of Jesus directing Israel to love their enemies have meant to Jews who wanted Jesus to deal ruthlessly with the Romans.
B. Contemplate engaging in faith conversation with a new believer in the church or someone else during Christmas from Scriptures related to the Great Commission in Matt. 28: 18 – 20, and Spiritual gifts in 1 Corinth. 12: 1 - 11 and Romans 12: 6 – 8. Mention some of the things you must know as you plan your conversation.
Occupy Till I Come
INTRODUCTION
People say every month of the year is good. However, ember months though special cause lots of anxiety because they signal so much about Christmas. In these parts of the world, ember are months of great activity. Christmas lights and decorations including Television programs are seen and heard everywhere the moment it gets closer to December. What is most confusing is that though Christmas is about God`s plan for salvation, the story of redemption is hardly told, and people wonder what`s this unfolding promise of God to save man about. Taken together, Christmas is confused with business because a lot of businesses happen during the Christmas period. It`s the season of stock taking, and people giving accountability of their stewardship. Conjointly, we should remind ourselves about the Lord`s call on us to ‘OCCUPY’ in Luke 19. Because in the rush to satisfy human hope and expectation during this period, people fondly justify unpleasant choices as better than making no choice at all.
Again, we all know, dangers of losing faith appear common during Christmas because of increased trials and temptation during the ember months. Significant to remember is why Jesus Himself prayed to the Father and said, ‘I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one…’ - John 17: 15 - 16. Remember, God`s promises doesn`t look promising even for Abraham - His life should remind us that being in God`s path or out of it is not totally free of challenges. But as children of faith, like Abraham, we can always keep our eyes on God, looking forward to the city with foundation whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11: 8 – 10).
It is not early therefore to begin to remind ourselves more that we don`t belong here but here for the sake of the gospel. Ultimately, as representatives of the gospel, our expectation and hope, must find fulfilment in Christ. On this note, in this study, we are going to begin looking at the story of redemption first hinted in Genesis 3: 15 to learn significant lessons from Abraham t and equip ourselves for the unexpected.
Immediately after the fall of man, Gen. 3: 15 has the Bible`s first hint of a coming Redeemer. The account is not about snake, but Satan the enemy of man`s soul and the language contains victory in the promise of a Seed.
A. Briefly discuss the fall, and comment on the significance of the idea that is behind Gen. 3: 15 in Gal. 3: 16; 4: 4 -5. Discuss how Col. 1: 13 - 14; Col. 2: 13 - 15 compliment Gen. 3: 15 concerning the Seed of the woman?
B. With Phil.1 27 -30 in mind, what is this ‘Gospel of Christ,’ what does it mean to live worthy of it, and why is it important for the Philippians to conduct themselves to this gospel of Christ whether Paul was present and absent?
C. In a practical manner, what steps can we take as members of ECWA to ensure our church stands firm and united in faith for this gospel - See Gal. 6: 2 - 5, Lev. 25: 35, Rm. 15: 1, Exo. 17: 12, Acts 20: 35, 1 Thess. 5: 11, 2 Corinth. 11: 21-28, Mk. 10:45;
Lk. 9: 23; LK 22: 24-27; Heb. 13: 7, 9 16.
The call of Abraham in Gen. 12: 1 - 5 starts the beginning of redemption as hinted in Gen. 3: 15. Explain why God started by asking Abraham to leave his family and what might have specifically caused the promise of the land?
A. Abraham trusted God and entered Canaan. Considering Gen. 12: 10 – 16, was the initial results of Abraham`s journey to Canaan promising and was he free from anxiety seeing how he pulled out his family to Egypt miles away – See, Gen. 15:13;Exo 8: 1; Matt. 2: 13 - 15?
B. According to Gen. 12: 6 - 9, Abraham built an altar at Shechem and near Bethel then moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent. Comment on the biblical importance of these locations along with the altars he built.
C. Read and briefly summarize Gen. 13: 1- 5.
In view of what the writer of Hebrews exhorts in Heb. 12: 1-3, comment on the closing statement in Gen. 13: 1 - 5 that ‘The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.’ What does that mean to you?
A. Abram and his nephew Lot parted ways according to Gen. 13: 8 – 13. Mention anything significant concerning the narration about Lot`s action. In addition, what did you find interesting reading from the narrative in Gen. 14: 5 - 12?
B. Read Gen. 14: 13 - 14 and comment regarding where Abram was when he received the report about his abducted nephew in Gen. 13: 14 - 18?
C. God told Abraham what He was about to do in Sodom, and Lot and his family were propelled from their home by physical force. Reading from Gen. 18: 16 – 33. What in your opinion is the whole point of the story?
The land of Canaan was a gift by God to the descendants of Abraham. Specifically, God told Abram of what would have to happen and what Israel will endure in Egypt before they occupy Canaan in Genesis. 15: 9 -16.
A. Further to the information in Gen. 15: 16, if Canaan has already been occupied by the Canaanites, justify God`s action about making the land of Canaan belong to Abraham`s descendants – See, Gen. 19: 12 - 25; Gen. 6: 9 – 14.
B. From Gen. 13: 10, Lot likens what he saw with the description of the ‘Garden of Eden’ in Gen. 2: 8-14. What refreshes your mind about Lot seeing how Jesus likens the time of His return to the days of Sodom according to LK 17: 26-32?
Thursday Bible Study, 29th August, 2023
TITLE: God’s mission, work, and support.
TEXT - LUKE 19: 11 - 27
INTRODUCTION
The church that Paul established in Phillippi was a mixture of races, cultures, and social classes. Lydia, the purple seller, the Jailer, and the slave girl (Acts 16: 14 – 18, 22- 34). They were of different social class, yet all were encouraged to rejoice in serving Christ. The Philippians knew it was God who gave them everything they ever have acquired, best of which was salvation, and the ability to serve and support God`s work. To them, it was easy to do because they knew all things comes from God and He can do more for them for His own glory (James 1: 16 - 17; Ephe.3: 20, Deut. 8: 18; 2 Pet. 1: 3; Rom. 8: 31 - 32).
What this means is that the condition and perspective upon which God`s mission and work can be done and supported does not hinge on race, culture or social class but on the grace and truth about God with a right heart and a mindset on Christ, always rejoicing, praising and seeking the glory of God (Phil. 2: 5, 16; 1 Pet. 4: 10 - 11; Rom. 11: 36, 1 Corinth. 10: 31).
Without a doubt, learning from the unprofitable Servant in Luke 17: 7 - 10, should remind us that serving in any capacity is expected to be done to honor God and not to cause division, benefit ourselves or someone else. The same is like giving that`s why Paul describes how the Philippian brethren honored God, and for that reason, God is pleased with their giving according to Phil. 4: 17 – 20.
Today, some of us are sincerely seeking opportunity to serve and support the work of God, others hardly understand there`s something they can do while a lot more are concerned about what they can do to renew their commitment in supporting God`s work. Anyhow we feel and think, we all are called to some kind of work (Colossians 4: 17). It is time to begin searching for answers whether we are feeling overwhelmed or burdened, weary, and tired in serving and supporting God`s work because so long as we are in Christ and still in the world, Christ has called us to “Occupy till Christ returns,” this is the aim of our study.
Considering 1 Kgs 18: 22, and 1 Kings 19: 10, discuss on why Elijah say he`s the only prophet left, what could prompt such kind of statement – besides, how does Elijah come to this conclusion?
A. Why do you think God had to tell Elijah he has 7000 prophets who have not bow down to Baal in 1 kgs 19: 18. What lessons are there for us to learn?
B. Reading from 1 Kgs 17: 7-16, what probably makes no sense to you about serving God, and what illustration of God can you make that Elijah was sent to Zarephath in the region of Sidon to meet a widow in Lk. 4: 24-26?
The early Christians do different things in the New Testament, how they supported God`s wasn`t about their status. With these references confirm what was done that reflects the idea that supporting God`s work is not grounded on class status Acts 8: 26-28; 10: 1-2; 17: 4,12; Rom. 16: 21-23 and Luke 8: 1-3. What does it mean to say separation by class is not the basis why their names are mentioned.
Paul gives thanks for the past and present giving of the Philippians. First, he referred to his pioneering mission in Europe as recorded in Acts 16 where he was put in prison along with Silas. It was a serious trial, and the circumstances were not good.
A. In view of Paul`s trials, he began with “I rejoice” (Phil. 4: 10). What word or statement in Phil. 4: 10 shows the Philippians were still eager to support the work of God?
B. According to Phil. 4: 15-16, Paul acknowledged the Philippian`s help first in Thessalonica. In view of 2 Corinth. 8: 1 - 4 and 2 Corinth. 9: 6 - 9, try to explain the meaning of the phrase, “…You lacked opportunity” (Phil. 4: 10, NIV).
C. Mention some things which naturally tend to make people lacked the opportunity to support God`s work or even complete God`s work.
With Phil. 4: 17 – 18, We learned Epaphroditus was sent to stay with Paul, he brought support from the church to Paul according to Phil. 2: 25, 30.
A. We can say the coming of Epaphroditus with support for Paul was within what the prison allowed. However, in thanking them, Paul says he appreciated their gift, not so much because he needed it. Give the context that Paul appreciated their gift, not so much as he needed it.
B. Consider Isa. 6: 8 - 13 and Luke 9: 57 – 62 and highlight anything you find to be important. Why do you think people give excuses in doing God`s work, and if asked to go and do God`s work or carry a gift for God`s work, do you feel prepared to say to God, “send me?”
C. With Phil. 4: 11-13, define contentment and comment on whether contentment happen naturally, or it is a habitual practice and a form of Christian growth and development (1 Corinth. 9: 24-27).
According to 2 Corinth. 12: 13, Paul refused financial support for himself but collected support for the Macedonian church. Why did he refuse support as their spiritual father yet asked the Romans for support to Spain in Rom. 15: 24?
A. It is wise to ultimately rely on Christ`s strength as Paul feels sufficient in the strength of Chris, Phil. 4: 13. What point is Paul making in Phil. 4: 16-17. What idea of Christian growth is there when Paul says he is not concerned about the Philippians giving than about their spiritual development?
B. Paul requested collection on the first day of the week from the church in Corinth according to 1 Corinth. 16: 1 – 4. With this, explain the concept of tithing in view of the New Testament grace cheerful giving (Ephe. 4: 28 and Gal. 6: 2).