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The True Vine and the Branches (John 15: 1 - 17)
Theme: “For the Vision Is for An Appointed Time,” Hab. 2: 3
Introduction
The Bible emphasizes the central importance of the land of Israel and the covenant God had with Abraham – God had chosen and made a covenant with Abraham to become the father of many nations, meaning the custodians of this covenant would follow the bloodline of Abraham and Sarah through their son Isaac and grandson Jacob to future generations (Genesis 15: 5 – 7). So, it is reasonable and easy to understand why Jews cannot set this aside but emphasize their care about Israel and connection to Abraham.
The good news is that the Lord desires even more than we all think. In other words, there is something extremely important to keep up to for being Jewish, otherwise the conversation in John 8: 31 - 47 would not have been necessary just as the statement that those who are of faith are sons of Abraham in Galatians 3: 6 - 14. These words reveal and reminds us that there is much about abiding in Christ just as there is a sense in which a Christian is in Christ and Christ is in a Christian in this world that we all live.
Perhaps you have been a Christian for a long time and familiar with symbols, grapevine is found everywhere in Israel and Jesus use vine as a symbol to describe the relationship between him and the Jewish nation. More importantly, a vine is said to be decorated in front of the temple to communicate the idea that Israel is God`s vineyard (Matt. 21: 33 - 44; Isa. 5: 1 – 7; Jer. 2: 21 and Ezek. 19: 10).
So, when Jesus drew this picture of the vine, he knew what he was talking about because though the vine can produce fruit, it is not capable without drastic pruning and Jesus knew the implication of that with his disciples. It occurs to mean therefore that Jesus uses the imagery of the vine to demonstrate the need for fruit bearing and connectedness to him which is of complete dependence and constant connection to him as the “True vine.”
Questions
1. The idea we must remember from our reading is that Jesus is the true vine and to be fruitful, we must be rooted in him because fruitless branches are on the way to be removed and destroyed.
A. John 15: 1 – 3 pictures a relationship. Discuss the relationship that the vine and branches try to emphasize and achieve considering how God the Father is being described.
B. Reading from our text in its entirety, if possible, share why there`s so much emphasis on abiding or remaining in Christ (See John 15: 4; 5; 6; 7 and 8).
2. Concerning the fruitless vine, who do you think was Jesus referring to and what can we do to invite disaster on our relationship with Christ.
A. Jesus uses the word pruning in some sense to describe the activity the Father does. In saying this, what does that mean?
B. The central word in the passage is that the disciples did not chose Jesus, but he has chosen them (John 15: 16). According to verses 9 -11 and verse 15 -16 explain where it all started from and what the disciples were chosen or called to do.
3. Perhaps Jesus referred to the disciples as “already clean by the word” to emphasize the idea of pruning that initially started in them (John 13: 10).
A. From Ephe. 5: 26, Psa. 119: 9, 11; 1 Peter 2: 1 - 2, mention and describe anything that inspires you about the effect of the word of God.
B. Consider the statement in John 15: 4 - 5 that without me, you can do nothing and use what Paul says in Gal. 2: 20 and Phil. 4: 13 to describe what Jesus meant.
C. Discuss with a few examples things we actively involve in doing without Jesus and how that is a significant warning.
4. The reference to burning and fire in John 15: 6 - 8 warns of the great danger and consequences of failing to abide. How has this warned you and how have you viewed the dangers of failure to abiding in Christ in addition to lack of bearing fruit.
A. Looking at John 15: 9 - 11, Jesus laid a remarkable pattern of his love for the disciples that leaves nothing more to be said. What does that demonstrate to the disciple, and what does that suggest to you.
B. Clearly seen in John15: 10 - 15, the joy that Jesus gives and brings into the life of the disciples does not come from the pleasure of a life of ease. Discuss
5. John 15: 16-17 rightly highlighted our starting point of call to service to probably remind ourselves that Christ first chose us and not the opposite to serve without becoming proud. How is winning others to Christ a prominent idea here.
A. The idea that whatever the disciples asked in prayer will be given is connected to fruit bearing. How is this commonly misinterpreted to mean and how has that helped you going forward when you ask in prayer.
B. In your opinion, why do you think Jesus commanded the disciples to love among themselves when he was departing from them.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith (Habak. 1 - 2: 1-12)
Introduction
Whatever translation you are most comfortable with can be trusted as error -free and completely trustworthy in what it proclaims that the Book of Habakkuk is essentially a conversation between Habakkuk and God about the evil and injustice of his time. In his mind, God has allowed him to see the evil and injustice(s) of his time. Habakkuk wondered and asked, how long a righteous God would tolerate evil and eagerly awaited God`s response. Habakkuk`s experience is a larger pattern typical of the injustice and evil in most part of the world. Like ancient Israel, many have been touched by evil and injustice that is painful and may not be the best to ignore. What is clear is that Habakkuk was very frank about what he saw and how he felt in his heart. This idea is supported by our way of behaving as important means to help us contrast Habakkuk and take responsibility or know things we can do to cope with evil and injustice because it is customary to feel differently when we don`t understand why Habakkuk wanted to remain engaged with God for an answer. Besides the confidence of Habakkuk, God responded with even harder answers that Habakkuk struggled to understand. We see at the end; Habakkuk chose to believe God`s way was best and accept to live by faith even though he struggled to understand.
When we review the history of the Babylonians and their previous role, including the final faith of the Babylonians, we can understand the context of our study better for the reason that believers everywhere in the world wonder and are asking, “Why God`s majesty and power are not continually on display against evil and injustice without contemplating God`s plan without excluding the factors and circumstances motivating evil and injustice. Today, our study will help to convince us that God deserves the most praise and can keep things where they were so we can significantly acknowledge how vast is God`s wisdom (Isaiah. 40: 13 – 31).
Questions:
1. People can be as confused as Habakkuk about God in the world. Perhaps, for others, it will be until they die. Imagine how an unbeliever or even a believer would feel when asked to read from the first few lines in Hab. 1: 1- 4.
A. Assuming you never read and knew how the story in the book of Habakkuk ended, discuss whether a believer or unbeliever would feel excited about God after reading Hab. 1: 1- 4, what are the chances he will proceed to read the whole book.
B. In Hab. 1: 3 – 4, Habakkuk lamented the absence of justice that he could not understand why God tolerate evil and forced him to look at injustice.
I. What does Habakkuk mean when he said that God tolerate evil?
II. Explain the prophet`s concern that God allow him to look at injustice.
III. Discuss evil or injustice you see that you don`t like yet must live with
2. Ephesians 1: 15 – 23 run parallel in terms of spiritual understanding the Book of Habakkuk and serves as a blueprint for believers to be grounded in practical relationship with God.
A. In view of Ephe. 1: 15 -23, explain the three objects of knowledge that should help us to see Christ and encourage us know God and know how to live for him.
B. In the mystery of understanding God, Paul refers to biblical usage of heart and eye.
I. How do you understand heart and eye, what does Paul want the Ephesians to know?
II. Assuming Habakkuk understands Paul`s usage of heart and eye, what interchange do you think Habakkuk should have with God considering God`s response to him in Hab.1: 5 – 6; 7–11.
3. According to 1 Cor. 1: 19 – 24, Paul presented Christ as the “Wisdom of God.” Comment on what he means.
A. How does Ephe. 1: 3–9 expresses the heartbeat of God about our salvation that should help you understand the complexities of what God wanted Habakkuk to be assured of in Hab. 2: 1– 4.
B. Clarify how the phrase “station myself” in Hab. 2: 1 (ESV) describes Habakkuk`s attempt?
4. Considering the context, what`s the implication of the statement, “The righteous shall live by faith” according to Hab. 2: 4.
A. Read Roman 1: 17, Gal. 2: 15 -16, and explain how Paul develop the concept of faith. What truth has he shown concerning what faith guaranteed.
B. Discuss to provide context of the story in Mark 4: 35 – 41(NIV), how is faith applied. To put it differently, why did Jesus question their faith.
C. Education, internet, and a few other things like the reality about Heaven and Hell have caused a drop in the Western part of the world about the Christian faith. Explain what the text in 1 Corinth 2: 1-2 and John 20: 27-31 seek to promote.
5. People have adopted the concept that life can be complex. So far studied, do you think they are right according to Habakkuk. In other words, does studying the bible offer insight into something or gives you some reasons to feel differently? Discuss
A. What does Habakkuk`s opening question in Hab.1: 12 reveals, and what do you recognized that suggest being the starting place for understanding God?
B. What understanding and assurance do you find during this study that God will deal with those who do evil and provide for those who suffer from injustice.
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.