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Knowing God Who First Knew Us (Ephe. 1: 15 – 23)
Introduction
When we begin reflecting on Christ`s resurrection and what it means, we have no choice but to begin thinking, perhaps there`s more to be desired in walking with the Lord. The implication of this statement is there`s more to being a Christian than we presume, and God would want us to grow so He will show us things we have not yet seen and understood as we grow. On a grandeur scale, Paul was seized by the
wonders and mystery of Christ`s power saying the potency of the resurrection power is a mystery that can be at work in a believer. Paul wants to know the power of Christ`s resurrection despite the incredible experiences he had had with God, and we have no reason not to feel the same.
Questions:
According to Ephe. 1; 8, Paul prays that the Ephesians may know the hope unto which they have been called. However, the word hope sometimes may be used for something we desire but have doubt(s) in achieving.
A. What message does Ephe. 1: 19 – 23 try to communicate to us about what God`s power has accomplished?
B. Describe the authority of Christ in Ephe. 1: 21 – 23, Matt. 28: 18; 1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 28. In view of these power and authority of Christ made available to believers, what problems and challenges do we see in the use of such power today.
C. In view of Rm. 8: 34 – 39, observe yourself the difference Christ`s resurrection power makes in your life. What practical choices do people make that makes churches tend towards entertainment and formalism than seeking to experience God`s power.
Reading from Rom. 8: 12 – 14; Phil. 1: 29; James 4: 7, what sort of things in our Christian life do we need the resurrection power of Christ according to Rom. 8: 12 – 14; Phil. 1: 29; James 4: 7
A. Since the Bible uses hope as a confident future, what reality do the following verses tell us about the hope God offers believers in Acts 24: 15; 1 Jn. 3: 1 – 3; Jn. 14: 27; Rom. 8: 17 and James 2: 5
B. Ephe. 1: 23 describes Christ`s exaltation and supremacy. Explain how Christ`s authority over all powers is phrased and emphasized in Ephe. 4: 10 and Hebrews 9:5.
C. Ephe. 4: 20 – 24 directs us to our past which Paul pays attention to the Ephesians. According to Ephe. 4; 20, what does Paul mean when he said, “You have not so learnt Christ;” (KJV). What would you say to describe how much Christ`s power has changed you to change the world.
The Great Commission was given not to the crowds, but to those whom God entrusted with the task of building his church. Explain how the command to “Baptize, Teach and make Disciple” in Matt. 28: 19 – 20 practically correspond to and relates to knowing Christ.
A. In view of Ephe. 1: 15 – 17, the Lord has provided every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places for the Ephesians that believed. Why does knowledge of this truth move Paul to pray. In other words, what does Paul`s ongoing prayer demonstrates.
B. In Ephe. 1: 18 - 20, Paul`s prayer seeks three outcomes when he asked God to reveal Himself. Discuss the significance of the figure of speech “Eyes of the heart to be enlightened.”
C. 1 John 3: 2 - 3 states, our high calling to become like Christ will be fully attained either when we die physically or when Jesus Christ comes again in the victory and power of His resurrection. Discuss why we must strive for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
In Phil. 3: 10, we noticed Paul`s severity toward God because he knows it is impossible for one to trust one`s own resources of brilliance and or spiritual gifts. Why is such attitude good that he wants the Philippians to know.
A. Paul highlights in 2 Cor. 5: 17 and Ephe. 4: 24 that as believers in Christ, our righteous Lord dwells in our hearts by faith and we are new creature after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. What does Paul`s use of a renewed and transformed mind ought to tell us in Rm. 12: 1 – 2.
B. Considering Phil. 3: 4 – 12, Paul had much to boast about his list of assets and achievements but counted them as rubbish to gain Christ. What do Christians incorporate into their faith that beguiled them?
C. Paul uses the word, “Pressing toward the mark” in a way that demonstrates the use of tremendous effort. What interpretive danger does that pose, and how does Phil. 3: 13 keys in to describe what Paul meant.
In a remarkable way, the conversation between Jesus and the Apostle Thomas in John 20: 26 – 31 allowed us to see our struggle between faith and doubt on our way to attaining knowledge concerning the mystery of the power of God.
A. With reference to John 20: 19, what does John 20: 31 means from a doctrinal perspective?
B. Jesus appeared after resurrection and granted Thomas the evidence he wanted. Read John 20: 26 - 31 and describe any strong contemplation and doubt people dramatically have in believing what Scripture has said about Jesus.
C. With a few examples, use what people say and do to recall how we relate to Thomas.
The Period of Exodus
Introduction
Although Israel time in Egypt is a distant past, it is a story with relevant spiritual lessons for us to learn. In the period, Exo. 1: 6 - 10 affirms, things started favorably well with the Israelites until a new king Pharoah came and said, “Let us deal shrewdly with them.” At the outset, we see how Pharoah warned the Egyptian birthing nurses (Shiphrah and Puah) to act brutally and kill every Israelite male child. Nonetheless, the tougher the scheming, the greater Israel had increased (Exo. 1: 15 – 22). As the story continues, you`ll be interested to find out how Pharoah wanted to maintain the impression that Israel had lost their freedom and would remain slaves to him (Genesis 7: 8 – 14; 22 - 23).
What contrast have you observed between Pharoah`s attitude and Satan`s in relation to the fall of man since it discloses also that things started favorably well with Adam and Eve until Satan dealt shrewdly with Eve in the garden (Gen. 3: 1 – 15, NLT). What is the significance of the language ‘shrewdly’ in its applicability seeing how it captures Satan`s sharp subtle character and bears resemblance to Pharoah`s character in the way he oppressed Israel, used them for ‘slave labor with heavy burdens to destroy them.
Israel`s exodus is a model for every Christian exodus from the enslaving power of sin because Pharoah attempted with intentions to slow the growth of the Israelites, make them serve and remain slaves to him instead of God. That`s why when the Israelites left Egypt, the news penetrated Canaan that, “The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below” (Josh. 2: 11). In other words, Israel’s freedom describes Christ the redeemer as Lord of those who acknowledge his saving love and power from Satan because after the fall man was confronted by circumstances, he`s powerless to change (Romans 6: 16 – 18).
Satan tries to entice, seduce, deceive, and manipulate to control our minds and influence what we do to slow us down and make us slaves to him instead of Christ. Otherwise, how can we always think and like to speak about Israel slavery in Egypt in our everyday life, neglecting the spiritual implication of the story in ways that makes us forget our origin that we are in Israel and God has planned to rescue Israel, make Israel into a great nation that will worship and glorify him in nature and character through a covenant relationship for the salvation of the world (Exo. 3: 10 – 12, 19: 3 - 6).
Questions
The language of the Fall in Genesis 3: 1 – 11 fails to identify who the serpent was and where he came from, yet the serpent tempted Eve by promising an increased awareness which would make her become more than God.
A. Since the New Testament identifies the serpent with Satan and clarifies where he came from including what will happen in Rev.12: 7 - 10; 20: 2 – 4, 7 – 10, overstate what happened and emphasis the interpretive importance of Genesis 1: 1.
B. Genesis 3: 8 – 13; 22 – 24 explains the fracture of God`s relationship with man. Reading from Genesis 3: 14 – 21, in what way(s) can you say there`s more beyond the physical that the senses cannot detect.
We have learned a great deal about Israel since we know the origin of their deliverance in Exo. 12: 29 – 36 and Exo. 15: 1- 6. Why were the Israelites driven out of Egypt and what is significant about their deliverance that we need to understand concerning God and His character.
A. God showed his power in trying to humble Pharoah (Exo. 3: 19). What can you say as example of God`s ultimate power from the point of the curse that has so much implication to our lives? What`s your response regarding God`s anticipated promise of redemption in Genesis 3: 15.
B. Origins are fundamental but we hardly see and easily ignore the seriousness of the Fall that affects us beyond physical death. Comment on how the Fall demonstrates a pattern in Ephe. 2: 1 – 6.
Colossians 2: 13 – 15 describes the work of Jesus in His people through the cross. List and discuss the different aspects of the work of Jesus in a way that describes a man without Christ.
A. Draw lessons about slavery from Exodus 10: 24 – 28. Describe, perhaps you are surprised how Pharoah pointedly instructs Moses. How is Israel living in oppression but living in the light and hope of future redemption?
B. We read of the subsequent plan to entice and seduce the Israelites into idol worship and sexual immorality in Num. 25: 1 – 3. Using the ungodly attitude of Cain in Genesis 4: 3 – 9, and Jude 11 – 14, justify why these whole problems find blame on Balaam (Num. 31: 16).
What does Galatians 3: 1 tell you, and reading Gal. 2: 4 -5; 15 – 16, 20b – 21, how and what message bewitched the Galatians in every length of the story?
A. In your own words, explain what Paul means by being foolish and discuss how he explains the conflict of belief in Galatians 3: 2 -5 and show today`s Christian community still struggle with bewitching.
B. If from the start, Moses was at the center of God`s will in rescuing Israel, why in your opinion did Moses anticipate resistance from Pharoah and clarify in your own word why he did not expect the people to protest their release from Pharoah Exodus. 3: 11; 4:1.
Maintaining Holiness in Service Before God - Hebrews. 12: 14
Introduction
Much of the book of Leviticus is devoted to teaching God`s people to observe the boundary between things that were clean and things that were unclean. The distinction between those two was important because God wanted His people to be different and several verses in Leviticus 7 introduce the idea of being clean before God. Moreover, the place of worship is expected to be clean. Isaiah cited these principles in Leviticus when he urged God`s people to touch nothing unclean as they prepare to return to Jerusalem and the temple [Isa. 52: 11 – 12].
In the Sacrificial system, God established a pattern, and we need to see how it continues in the church in the New Testament because Paul highlighted the same principle as Isaiah when writing Christians in Corinth to stay away from uncleanliness and obey God according to 2 Cor. 6: 17. Our relationship with God is like that today to stay – God wants us to remain clean and obedient in worshipping and serving Him. In other words, God`s purpose for an altar of sacrifice was to provide a place where people would come into His God`s presence and offer sacrifices to atone for sin.
Recalling how the word of God came to Habakkuk that, ‘…The vision is yet for an appointed time,’ – Hab. 2: 3. Likewise, the plan of God for our salvation was for an appointed time as is seen from the Old Testament where God referred to atonement repeatedly in connection with sacrifice. Because we have sinned, atonement is necessary for us to be reconciled to God so we can come into His presence. Today, our study will reveal how this plan of God was unfolded in Jesus as the whole plan of God for man`s salvation and forgiveness. He was the real Passover Lamb for our forgiveness and cleansing [John1: 29]. As well, Christ is our strength for obedience and service [Phil. 4: 9 – 13].
QUESTIONS
The first five chapters in Leviticus describe God`s instructions concerning the five
types of sacrifices where sacrificial animal was killed and burned on the altar in
the place of the sincere sinner to atone for the sin that was committed.
A. First, what from the Bible do you think makes an animal clean or unclean?
B. Read Lev. 6: 14, 16 -18, 25 and Lev. 17: 1, 5 – 8, 11. List the different types of
offering that was mentioned and discuss how the Bible begins the description of
each offering and God`s original intention.
C. During the sacrificial system until the New Testament period, God commanded
some kind of support for spiritual leaders 1 Cor. 9: 7 – 14, Gal. 6: 6. Jesus
states the same principle in Matt. 10: 10, Luke 10: 8. What greater application is
in this command since Jesus did not command support or care for Himself
directly?
The New Testament says all followers are priests in a sense [1 Pet. 2: 9 and Rev.
1: 9] Is there a way to explain to a friend how the church can establish a pattern
from the sacrificial system of providing for priests and Levites in the churches
today.
A. Some people believe the Old Testament is full of rules regarding external
religion and not matters related to the heart. Read Lev. 19; 9 – 18 and
describe virtues that should characterize our lives! On the call to holiness in
Heb. 12; 14, how many times did God said that to His people according to
Lev. 11; 44, 45, 19; 2, 20; 26.
B. The sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice, the Lord
Jesus. Considering Lev. 21 why did God restrict priestly service to men who
had no blemishes, and why is this important for Christians to remember.
C. To show the gap between Holy God and Moses, God instructed him not to
come closer in Exo. 3: 1 - 5. Now, according to 1 Pet. 2: 9, 1 Cor. 1: 30, and
Ephe. 1: 4, Heb. 10: 19 - 22, how might we be accepted by God if He is so
Holy.
When Jesus was proving the resurrection to the Sadducees in Mk. 12: 26 - 27,
there was a statement that speaks something about the relationship that was
spoke of earlier In Exodus 3: 1 - 8 and Josh. 5: 13 – 15. What in your view is
God alluding to in Exodus 2: 24?
A. Reading closely at Exo. 3: 11 - 13 and Exo. 4: 11 - 22, mention and discuss
everything that has encouraged you from this section of God`s conversation with
Moses in the passage.
B. When reading Col. 1: 13 – 23, a list of some ways was mentioned to describe
Christ as head of ‘all things in heaven and things on earth.’ List some ways that
Christ is head of all things in heaven and on earth.
C. When do God`s people have access into His presence? Considering Exodus 3:
12, 18, what in your opinion is the ultimate purpose of salvation and what results
are secondary.
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.