Why does God desire our worship?
Matthew 4:8-11
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’ Deut 6:13” 11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
Satan wanted Jesus to worship him.
What technique did he use to try to get Jesus to worship him? (shortcut to power, personal glory)
Why do you think Satan wanted Jesus to worship him?
Does Satan try to temp you to worship something other than God?
Why? Idols.
What constitutes worship of anything other than God? Do you have to “bow down” to money, fame, or personal glory to consider it worship?
Jesus responded to Satan’s attempt at temptation with scripture. The scripture he quoted is a command to worship and serve God only. In this single response Jesus emphasized the importance of both Worshipping God and knowing God’s word.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Worship like a magi
Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
How much trouble did the magi go to?
Travel, investigation, preparation, financial sacrifice
What was their state of mind when they arrived to see Jesus?
They rejoice with exceeding great joy
What was their primary way of expressing worship in this passage?
Giving gifts
What happened after they worshiped?
God warned them in a dream to go a certain way
How much trouble are we willing to go to in seeking to worship the Lord?
How often do you enter into worship with Joy?
How important is it to open your treasure and present gifts to God?
What is the result in your life when you worship God in spirit and in truth?
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
How much trouble did the magi go to?
Travel, investigation, preparation, financial sacrifice
What was their state of mind when they arrived to see Jesus?
They rejoice with exceeding great joy
What was their primary way of expressing worship in this passage?
Giving gifts
What happened after they worshiped?
God warned them in a dream to go a certain way
How much trouble are we willing to go to in seeking to worship the Lord?
How often do you enter into worship with Joy?
How important is it to open your treasure and present gifts to God?
What is the result in your life when you worship God in spirit and in truth?
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Worshiping God Personally
This week we are going to consider worship from a personal standpoint. Not thinking about corporate worship, but individual one-on-one worship of God from our own heart.
How is individual worship different than the worship we experience as a group?
Luke 1:46-55
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46And Mary said,"My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.
Remember how we discussed the idea that Worshipping God is a spiritual activity? (John 4)These verses demonstrate that by Mary’s description of her Soul and her Spirit.
We know Mary’s situation, what do these verses in particular tell us about her worship of God?
She feels blessed, she is focused on God, She is happy and rejoicing.
What parts of God’s character and actions are emphasized here?
As you worship God, what parts of God’s character and actions do you focus on the most? Why?
How does bringing these character components and acts help us to worship God?
Mary had a unique experience with God where she learned first-hand about God’s blessings.
Each time I worship God, I bring my own experiences and encounters with Him along with me. I don’t have any experiences like Mary’s but I do have some recurring things that I come back to over and over, Thanking God, and praising Him for. One of them is my family. Another is my health. Another is my church family. In each of these areas I have seen God demonstrate many of these same character traits that Mary cited in her song of praise. He has done great things for me, He is strong, He keeps his promises, I am blessed.
What personal experiences have you had that allow you to worship God in a personal way?
Personal worship should be personal. As you worship God during this Christmas season, remember to praise Him for something that He has revealed to you personally.
How is individual worship different than the worship we experience as a group?
Luke 1:46-55
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46And Mary said,"My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.
Remember how we discussed the idea that Worshipping God is a spiritual activity? (John 4)These verses demonstrate that by Mary’s description of her Soul and her Spirit.
We know Mary’s situation, what do these verses in particular tell us about her worship of God?
She feels blessed, she is focused on God, She is happy and rejoicing.
What parts of God’s character and actions are emphasized here?
As you worship God, what parts of God’s character and actions do you focus on the most? Why?
How does bringing these character components and acts help us to worship God?
Mary had a unique experience with God where she learned first-hand about God’s blessings.
Each time I worship God, I bring my own experiences and encounters with Him along with me. I don’t have any experiences like Mary’s but I do have some recurring things that I come back to over and over, Thanking God, and praising Him for. One of them is my family. Another is my health. Another is my church family. In each of these areas I have seen God demonstrate many of these same character traits that Mary cited in her song of praise. He has done great things for me, He is strong, He keeps his promises, I am blessed.
What personal experiences have you had that allow you to worship God in a personal way?
Personal worship should be personal. As you worship God during this Christmas season, remember to praise Him for something that He has revealed to you personally.
The Object of our worship
Last week we talked about how worship is a spiritual act, something that arises in our hearts and should be done in spirit and in truth.
Today, we are going to look at a practical example of worship, focusing on who we are worshipping. One of the reasons we are able to worship God is because of His perfect character. Who God is and what He does in our lives gives us endless reason to worship Him.
As we read Psalm 138, let’s look at what it tells us about the object of our worship – our heavenly Father.
1 I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing praises to You before the gods.
2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
3 On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD,
When they have heard the words of Your mouth.
5 And they will sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is exalted,
Yet He regards the lowly,
But the haughty He knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
8 The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
Taking this passage in 3 parts: Part 1 is 1-3
What does this passage say about the Psalmist’s attitude in the beginning?
What do these verses say about God?
Part 2 4-6
What does this passage say about God’s authority and position?
What about his connection with us?
What about his connection with the haughty? disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant;
Part 3 7-8
What do these verses say about our trouble?
Which is more important – to know that God will accomplish what He intends, or to express that we know he will accomplish what He intends? (could be said about all this stuff, the expression and acknowledgment is the worship part).
Today, we are going to look at a practical example of worship, focusing on who we are worshipping. One of the reasons we are able to worship God is because of His perfect character. Who God is and what He does in our lives gives us endless reason to worship Him.
As we read Psalm 138, let’s look at what it tells us about the object of our worship – our heavenly Father.
1 I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing praises to You before the gods.
2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
3 On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O LORD,
When they have heard the words of Your mouth.
5 And they will sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is exalted,
Yet He regards the lowly,
But the haughty He knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
8 The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
Taking this passage in 3 parts: Part 1 is 1-3
What does this passage say about the Psalmist’s attitude in the beginning?
What do these verses say about God?
Part 2 4-6
What does this passage say about God’s authority and position?
What about his connection with us?
What about his connection with the haughty? disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant;
Part 3 7-8
What do these verses say about our trouble?
Which is more important – to know that God will accomplish what He intends, or to express that we know he will accomplish what He intends? (could be said about all this stuff, the expression and acknowledgment is the worship part).
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Putting Worship in its Place
Where is the most beautiful church you have ever seen? (not a trick question)
Jesus addressed the place of worship in his encounter with the woman at the well.
John 4:19-26
The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; By "you" Jesus meant the Samaritans (plural "you" in Gr.). They worshipped a God whom they did not really know. The reason for this was their rejection of most of His revelation in the Old Testament. we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus *said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
Part of the old controversy involved the proper place of worship. In Deuteronomy 12:5 God had said that His people were to seek the place that He would choose among their tribes where He would dwell among them. The Jews, accepting all the Old Testament as authoritative, saw God doing this later when He commanded David to build the temple in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 7:13; 1 Kings 11:13; 14:21; 2 Chron. 6:6; 12:13). The Samaritans, who acknowledged only the authority of the Pentateuch, believed that Mount Gerizim near Shechem was the place that God had appointed. They based this belief on the fact that God had told the Israelites to worship Him on Mt. Gerizim after they entered the Promised Land (Deut. 11:29-30; 27:2-7, 12). (Soniclight.org, Dr. Thomas Constable)
Just as Jesus turned the conversation away from water to the woman’s more personal and serious needs, He turns the conversation from the unimportant aspect of location of worship to the paramount aspect of how to worship. In spirit and in truth. This is a hendiady, a figure of speech (greek grammatical construction) in which the speaker expresses a single complex idea by joining two things with "and" instead of using an adjective and a noun. Though the idea is one, it has two components.
Spirit – How is worship Spiritual? Worship is spiritual in every respect: in its source, mediator, object. It rises from the spirit of the worshipper, not just his or her mouth; it is heartfelt. Moreover it proceeds from a person who has spiritual life because of the new birth that the Holy Spirit has effected. It passes from believers to God through a spiritual mediator, namely, Jesus Christ. Its object is spiritual, namely, God who is spirit. Its subject is spiritual matters.
Truth – What does it mean to worship in truth? "Truth" in this context contrasts with the hypocrisy that characterized so much of Jewish and Samaritan worship, which is still present in worship today. It is sincere, God-centered worship rather than just going through motions or worshipping for what we can get out of it instead of as an offering to the Lord.
Isaiah 29:13-14
13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, 14 Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.”
V23 Says that the Father seeks true worshippers. Do we ever go into a worship service here and rely on tradition, repetition, or any non-spiritual factors to worship God? Is there any good in that? How can we make sure we are combining spirit and truth in worship at each opportunity?
Jesus addressed the place of worship in his encounter with the woman at the well.
John 4:19-26
The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; By "you" Jesus meant the Samaritans (plural "you" in Gr.). They worshipped a God whom they did not really know. The reason for this was their rejection of most of His revelation in the Old Testament. we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus *said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
Part of the old controversy involved the proper place of worship. In Deuteronomy 12:5 God had said that His people were to seek the place that He would choose among their tribes where He would dwell among them. The Jews, accepting all the Old Testament as authoritative, saw God doing this later when He commanded David to build the temple in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 7:13; 1 Kings 11:13; 14:21; 2 Chron. 6:6; 12:13). The Samaritans, who acknowledged only the authority of the Pentateuch, believed that Mount Gerizim near Shechem was the place that God had appointed. They based this belief on the fact that God had told the Israelites to worship Him on Mt. Gerizim after they entered the Promised Land (Deut. 11:29-30; 27:2-7, 12). (Soniclight.org, Dr. Thomas Constable)
Just as Jesus turned the conversation away from water to the woman’s more personal and serious needs, He turns the conversation from the unimportant aspect of location of worship to the paramount aspect of how to worship. In spirit and in truth. This is a hendiady, a figure of speech (greek grammatical construction) in which the speaker expresses a single complex idea by joining two things with "and" instead of using an adjective and a noun. Though the idea is one, it has two components.
Spirit – How is worship Spiritual? Worship is spiritual in every respect: in its source, mediator, object. It rises from the spirit of the worshipper, not just his or her mouth; it is heartfelt. Moreover it proceeds from a person who has spiritual life because of the new birth that the Holy Spirit has effected. It passes from believers to God through a spiritual mediator, namely, Jesus Christ. Its object is spiritual, namely, God who is spirit. Its subject is spiritual matters.
Truth – What does it mean to worship in truth? "Truth" in this context contrasts with the hypocrisy that characterized so much of Jewish and Samaritan worship, which is still present in worship today. It is sincere, God-centered worship rather than just going through motions or worshipping for what we can get out of it instead of as an offering to the Lord.
Isaiah 29:13-14
13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, 14 Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.”
V23 Says that the Father seeks true worshippers. Do we ever go into a worship service here and rely on tradition, repetition, or any non-spiritual factors to worship God? Is there any good in that? How can we make sure we are combining spirit and truth in worship at each opportunity?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A Picture of Worship
Based on Revelation 4:1-11
While this session is not a study of the book of Revelation, it should be noted that this book is apocalyptic in much of its writing and was written to show believers what would take place in future times (1:1, 1:19). The passage in chapter 4 is a vision of heaven, where John witnesses worship of God in a perfect setting.
Read Revelation 4:1-11
The passage is full of symbolism and elements that would make a great study – but since the focus of our study is on worship we need to examine verses 8-11 in more detail.
Discussion Questions
In the heavenly setting, what do the 4 living creatures say about God? Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord…
What do they give to God? Glory and honor and thanks
How do the 24 elders respond? They fall down before God and worship Him, casting their crowns…
What do they say? Worthy are You our Lord and our God…
Clearly the TOTAL focus of all that is going on is Almighty God. There is nothing that could possibly upstage this worship, but that is not always the case with our worship. What are a few things that take our attention away from God during worship? My to do list, Lunch (ouch), a noisy baby, someone behind me singing off-key, the coffee was a little cool in community group this morning….
How can we place and keep our focus on God throughout our worship time?
1)Prepare for worship – Forgive others, Repent of personal sin, Praise God for who He is, thank God for something He has done, make a decision in advance to be a worshipper for the duration of the service.
2)Participate in worship – Sing the songs, think about the words, pray along with the person who is praying out loud, give an offering, concentrate on the scripture as it is read, consider how the message might apply to you (even if you don’t think it does), ask God for help in being the worshiper He wants you to be.
In John’s vision the 24 elders responded (as discussed above) in a meaningful way.
What kind of response do you think God expects from us after worshiping Him?
While this session is not a study of the book of Revelation, it should be noted that this book is apocalyptic in much of its writing and was written to show believers what would take place in future times (1:1, 1:19). The passage in chapter 4 is a vision of heaven, where John witnesses worship of God in a perfect setting.
Read Revelation 4:1-11
The passage is full of symbolism and elements that would make a great study – but since the focus of our study is on worship we need to examine verses 8-11 in more detail.
Discussion Questions
In the heavenly setting, what do the 4 living creatures say about God? Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord…
What do they give to God? Glory and honor and thanks
How do the 24 elders respond? They fall down before God and worship Him, casting their crowns…
What do they say? Worthy are You our Lord and our God…
Clearly the TOTAL focus of all that is going on is Almighty God. There is nothing that could possibly upstage this worship, but that is not always the case with our worship. What are a few things that take our attention away from God during worship? My to do list, Lunch (ouch), a noisy baby, someone behind me singing off-key, the coffee was a little cool in community group this morning….
How can we place and keep our focus on God throughout our worship time?
1)Prepare for worship – Forgive others, Repent of personal sin, Praise God for who He is, thank God for something He has done, make a decision in advance to be a worshipper for the duration of the service.
2)Participate in worship – Sing the songs, think about the words, pray along with the person who is praying out loud, give an offering, concentrate on the scripture as it is read, consider how the message might apply to you (even if you don’t think it does), ask God for help in being the worshiper He wants you to be.
In John’s vision the 24 elders responded (as discussed above) in a meaningful way.
What kind of response do you think God expects from us after worshiping Him?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Romans 12:14-21 Week 6
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This passage talks about how to deal with people who might be our “enemy”.
Where do we encounter enemies? Are your enemies hungry? Thirsty? – What needs might your enemy have?
Jesus taught about this topic. Matthew 5:43-48.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The challenge in these verses is to LOVE your enemy. Does this love come by flipping the “Love/hate” switch, or is it more complicated? What else is involved? Forgiveness, an eternal perspective, focus not on myself, humility, being like Christ.
Jesus also Modeled this behavior – on the cross. Luke 23:32-34
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Jesus forgave the men who crucified Him on the cross.
What do you need to forgive?
Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Can we have enemies in the church? If so, how should we treat them in light of this verse?
This passage talks about how to deal with people who might be our “enemy”.
Where do we encounter enemies? Are your enemies hungry? Thirsty? – What needs might your enemy have?
Jesus taught about this topic. Matthew 5:43-48.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The challenge in these verses is to LOVE your enemy. Does this love come by flipping the “Love/hate” switch, or is it more complicated? What else is involved? Forgiveness, an eternal perspective, focus not on myself, humility, being like Christ.
Jesus also Modeled this behavior – on the cross. Luke 23:32-34
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Jesus forgave the men who crucified Him on the cross.
What do you need to forgive?
Ephesians 4:32 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Can we have enemies in the church? If so, how should we treat them in light of this verse?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Romans 12:9-13 Week 5
Serving in Love
This passage describes how we can interact with one another in a way that pleases God.
One of the commands here is to love one another with brotherly love.
What is an example of brotherly love that you have seen among believers?
How can we show honor for other believers?
One important aspect of this passage is that it focuses on our relationships with one another.
What barriers do we face in making the most of our relationships with one another in this group?
Too Busy? Don’t see the need?
I really don’t like the “vending Machine” mentality of Christianity. It emphasizes that if you put in your .25 worth of prayer, or attendance, or whatever, you get these great benefits: “blessings, Answers to your prayers, … the good life”. That is really problematic because God calls us to many things that can be unpleasant. Sanctification, sacrifice, unpopularity, the list goes on. BUT, in spite of that, MANY of the things God commands us to do through scripture are for our good. When we love each other with brotherly love, or outdo someone in showing honor, the result is a blessing that is difficult to describe with words. There are so many good things that come out of relationships with other believers that we might miss if we don’t invest in them.
What might we do differently as a group to make the most of our relationships with one another?
This passage describes how we can interact with one another in a way that pleases God.
One of the commands here is to love one another with brotherly love.
What is an example of brotherly love that you have seen among believers?
How can we show honor for other believers?
One important aspect of this passage is that it focuses on our relationships with one another.
What barriers do we face in making the most of our relationships with one another in this group?
Too Busy? Don’t see the need?
I really don’t like the “vending Machine” mentality of Christianity. It emphasizes that if you put in your .25 worth of prayer, or attendance, or whatever, you get these great benefits: “blessings, Answers to your prayers, … the good life”. That is really problematic because God calls us to many things that can be unpleasant. Sanctification, sacrifice, unpopularity, the list goes on. BUT, in spite of that, MANY of the things God commands us to do through scripture are for our good. When we love each other with brotherly love, or outdo someone in showing honor, the result is a blessing that is difficult to describe with words. There are so many good things that come out of relationships with other believers that we might miss if we don’t invest in them.
What might we do differently as a group to make the most of our relationships with one another?
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Romans 12:3-8 – Week 4
Sober in Self Assessment
What is the best compliment you have ever gotten?
How do other people’s assessment of you affect your self-image?
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Our view of ourselves impacts how we carry out our individual mission.
Rate yourself 1-10 on the following:
Intelligence
Athletic Ability
Physical appearance
Social interaction
Personal Relationships
Take a rough average and save that number.
Let’s do the same exercise using some of the qualities (gifts) in the passage.
Sharing your faith with others (Prophesy-communicating revealed truth)
Serving others
Teach others
Encouraging others
Giving
Leadership
Mercy
Take a rough average and save that number.
What is are some of the differences in these two lists?
The first is self-assessment is things that others might evaluate me on, the second list is made of things that are used to build up the Body of Christ.
What do these verses say about how these gifts should be used?
Is there a relationship between our self image and our ability to use our gifts the way God intended?
Why does God put such different people together?
What is the CAUTION – Don’t think more highly of yourself than you should. We are all in this together.
What is the best compliment you have ever gotten?
How do other people’s assessment of you affect your self-image?
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Our view of ourselves impacts how we carry out our individual mission.
Rate yourself 1-10 on the following:
Intelligence
Athletic Ability
Physical appearance
Social interaction
Personal Relationships
Take a rough average and save that number.
Let’s do the same exercise using some of the qualities (gifts) in the passage.
Sharing your faith with others (Prophesy-communicating revealed truth)
Serving others
Teach others
Encouraging others
Giving
Leadership
Mercy
Take a rough average and save that number.
What is are some of the differences in these two lists?
The first is self-assessment is things that others might evaluate me on, the second list is made of things that are used to build up the Body of Christ.
What do these verses say about how these gifts should be used?
Is there a relationship between our self image and our ability to use our gifts the way God intended?
Why does God put such different people together?
What is the CAUTION – Don’t think more highly of yourself than you should. We are all in this together.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Romans 12 Week 3
Separated from the World’ values
What has been your favorite movie in the last 12 months? (Iron Man)
Movies are part of our culture as are the following:
Oprah, JLo, Anderson Cooper, Tony Romo, Justin Beeber, Lady GaGa, Housewives of New Jersey, Horoscopes, iPhone, facebook, the economy, Tea Party, Wall street, Casey Anthony, Don’t Ask – Don’t tell.
The scripture we will consider today addresses all of these (and many other) cultural issues.
I wanted to list some of the popular culture ideas and people as a backdrop for the verses we will go through today.
Romans 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Luke 9:25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
What does Paul say the result of this transformed mind?
Can you give any examples where Christians are tempted to go along with cultural values that violate scripture? (movies, TV, Sports)
Jesus was tempted by some of the things of this world, but overcame temptation. Let’s see how he did it.
Matthew 4:1-8 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” 5 Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” 11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
How did Satan tempt Jesus? 3 things – Bread, Testing God, and Earthly prestige.
How did Jesus resist? By remembering God’s word.
How can we resist the temptation to conform to the culture in which we live?
John 15:4-5 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
What has been your favorite movie in the last 12 months? (Iron Man)
Movies are part of our culture as are the following:
Oprah, JLo, Anderson Cooper, Tony Romo, Justin Beeber, Lady GaGa, Housewives of New Jersey, Horoscopes, iPhone, facebook, the economy, Tea Party, Wall street, Casey Anthony, Don’t Ask – Don’t tell.
The scripture we will consider today addresses all of these (and many other) cultural issues.
I wanted to list some of the popular culture ideas and people as a backdrop for the verses we will go through today.
Romans 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Luke 9:25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
What does Paul say the result of this transformed mind?
Can you give any examples where Christians are tempted to go along with cultural values that violate scripture? (movies, TV, Sports)
Jesus was tempted by some of the things of this world, but overcame temptation. Let’s see how he did it.
Matthew 4:1-8 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” 5 Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU’; and ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” 11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
How did Satan tempt Jesus? 3 things – Bread, Testing God, and Earthly prestige.
How did Jesus resist? By remembering God’s word.
How can we resist the temptation to conform to the culture in which we live?
John 15:4-5 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Romans 12 Week 2
Surrendered to God
Giving God what He wants the most
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Jesus taught about surrendering to God in John 12:20-26:
Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip *came and *told Andrew; Andrew and Philip *came and *told Jesus. 23 And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Jesus is using hyperbole when he says “hates his life”.
What does he mean by losing life to gain life?
What does Jesus mean by serving and following Him?
Jesus not only taught about surrendering to God, He showed us how to do it by doing it Himself.
Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What did it mean to Jesus to empty Himself? To humble Himself?
Hebrews 12:1-2 Talks about the joy that awaited Jesus on the other side of the cross. Listen carefully:
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What was the joy referred to here?
What joy can we experience by surrendering to God?
What are the biggest barriers that keep us from surrendering completely to God?
Do you want to surrender completely? Do you want to hold on to part of your life and not give it to God?
Spend a few moments in prayer and quiet consideration on this matter.
Giving God what He wants the most
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Jesus taught about surrendering to God in John 12:20-26:
Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip *came and *told Andrew; Andrew and Philip *came and *told Jesus. 23 And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Jesus is using hyperbole when he says “hates his life”.
What does he mean by losing life to gain life?
What does Jesus mean by serving and following Him?
Jesus not only taught about surrendering to God, He showed us how to do it by doing it Himself.
Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What did it mean to Jesus to empty Himself? To humble Himself?
Hebrews 12:1-2 Talks about the joy that awaited Jesus on the other side of the cross. Listen carefully:
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What was the joy referred to here?
What joy can we experience by surrendering to God?
What are the biggest barriers that keep us from surrendering completely to God?
Do you want to surrender completely? Do you want to hold on to part of your life and not give it to God?
Spend a few moments in prayer and quiet consideration on this matter.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Romans 12 Week 1
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
What is true spirituality?
That is the topic we are going to talk about this morning. Jane Fonda (self professed Christian) …I needed to move back into the reverence of metaphor, the language of the soul. That is where I know my faith wants to reside. From time to time, there have been the awakened ones, conduits of perception, who, by fully embodying Spirit, have shown us the way—Jesus, Muhammed, Buddha, Allah, and others. Their messages have invariably been bare-bone-simple, remarkably similar and often embedded in metaphor, stories, and poems—all forms of art. Why? Because the non-linear, non-cerebral forms that are Art speak on a different frequency, they by-pass thinking, penetrate our defenses and jolt us open to consciousness. Over time, and, I feel, because I stepped outside of established religion, I was able to rekindle the spiritual experience that I’d been seeking. Some will say that because of all this I am not a true Christian. So be it. I feel like a Christian, I believe in the teachings of Jesus and try to practice them in my life. I have found Christians all over this country who feel as I do. They may not have been ‘saved’ yet they hum with divine spirit.
What are some popular ideas and definitions of spirituality? What are some ways that we try to identify spiritual people (Christians)? Answer and Discussion… Jesus had a discussion with some Pharisees who were struggling to understand spirituality as well. They viewed man’s relationship with God through the lens of the Law, so when they heard Jesus teaching like an expert, they asked him about what is the greatest commandment of the Law.
Matthew 22:36-39 - 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
What were the two things Jesus focused on? Relationship to God and to Man.
God us a Spiritual Being and Spirituality begins with a relationship to God. That Relationship begins with Salvation. I remember when this happened in my life (Testimony) Other Testimonies?
Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us so that "when we were in our sin Christ Jesus came to die for us." Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
That is the topic we are going to talk about this morning. Jane Fonda (self professed Christian) …I needed to move back into the reverence of metaphor, the language of the soul. That is where I know my faith wants to reside. From time to time, there have been the awakened ones, conduits of perception, who, by fully embodying Spirit, have shown us the way—Jesus, Muhammed, Buddha, Allah, and others. Their messages have invariably been bare-bone-simple, remarkably similar and often embedded in metaphor, stories, and poems—all forms of art. Why? Because the non-linear, non-cerebral forms that are Art speak on a different frequency, they by-pass thinking, penetrate our defenses and jolt us open to consciousness. Over time, and, I feel, because I stepped outside of established religion, I was able to rekindle the spiritual experience that I’d been seeking. Some will say that because of all this I am not a true Christian. So be it. I feel like a Christian, I believe in the teachings of Jesus and try to practice them in my life. I have found Christians all over this country who feel as I do. They may not have been ‘saved’ yet they hum with divine spirit.
What are some popular ideas and definitions of spirituality? What are some ways that we try to identify spiritual people (Christians)? Answer and Discussion… Jesus had a discussion with some Pharisees who were struggling to understand spirituality as well. They viewed man’s relationship with God through the lens of the Law, so when they heard Jesus teaching like an expert, they asked him about what is the greatest commandment of the Law.
Matthew 22:36-39 - 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
What were the two things Jesus focused on? Relationship to God and to Man.
God us a Spiritual Being and Spirituality begins with a relationship to God. That Relationship begins with Salvation. I remember when this happened in my life (Testimony) Other Testimonies?
Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us so that "when we were in our sin Christ Jesus came to die for us." Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Genesis 31
Genesis 31:1-13 Family Pow Wow
31:1-13 God commands Jacob to return.
Why do you think that Laban’s attitude had changed?
Jacob wanted to return, but what did he expect to find there? Esau, Rebekah?
31:3- God promises Jacob his presence.
V9 Jacob attributes his increase to God.
Family Pow Pow: Jacob tells his wives how their father has treated him.
Was this news to them?
Why do you think God reminded Jacob of his vow? What was the vow? 28:20-22
If you will be with me, and keep me on this journey, give me food and clothing, and I return in safety, then you will be my God and I’ll tithe.
Did God’s promise depend on Jacob’s safe return?
31:14-18 Rachel and Leah support Jacob.
What reasons do the girls give for siding with Jacob over Laban?
No inheritance
Status as foreigners by father
Laban sold us and spent the money
God has taken Laban’s wealth and given it to Jacob
God has spoken to you.
31:19-37
God speaks to Laban
Jacob deceives Laban
Rachel steals the household idols
Laban catches up with the convoy
What do Rachel’s actions say about her relationship with Jacob?
Are you surprised that God would speak to Laban?
Did Laban trust Rachel and Leah?
Was Jacob truthful when he told Laban why he left without warning?
31:38-53 The Agreement
Jacob tells his side of the story
What did Jacob agree to? Not to mistreat the girls or to return to do harm.
What did Laban agree to? Not to pursue Jacob for harm.
V53 – who did they swear by?
Jacob was being obedient to God in leaving Paddan-aram, but he faced difficulty in getting out of his current situation. Obedience is not always easy, nor is it easy to deal with life’s sticky situations. BUT God is faithful to keep his promises. He was with Jacob, and he is with us during our challenges in life, particularly when they come up as a result of our obedience to Him.
31:1-13 God commands Jacob to return.
Why do you think that Laban’s attitude had changed?
Jacob wanted to return, but what did he expect to find there? Esau, Rebekah?
31:3- God promises Jacob his presence.
V9 Jacob attributes his increase to God.
Family Pow Pow: Jacob tells his wives how their father has treated him.
Was this news to them?
Why do you think God reminded Jacob of his vow? What was the vow? 28:20-22
If you will be with me, and keep me on this journey, give me food and clothing, and I return in safety, then you will be my God and I’ll tithe.
Did God’s promise depend on Jacob’s safe return?
31:14-18 Rachel and Leah support Jacob.
What reasons do the girls give for siding with Jacob over Laban?
No inheritance
Status as foreigners by father
Laban sold us and spent the money
God has taken Laban’s wealth and given it to Jacob
God has spoken to you.
31:19-37
God speaks to Laban
Jacob deceives Laban
Rachel steals the household idols
Laban catches up with the convoy
What do Rachel’s actions say about her relationship with Jacob?
Are you surprised that God would speak to Laban?
Did Laban trust Rachel and Leah?
Was Jacob truthful when he told Laban why he left without warning?
31:38-53 The Agreement
Jacob tells his side of the story
What did Jacob agree to? Not to mistreat the girls or to return to do harm.
What did Laban agree to? Not to pursue Jacob for harm.
V53 – who did they swear by?
Jacob was being obedient to God in leaving Paddan-aram, but he faced difficulty in getting out of his current situation. Obedience is not always easy, nor is it easy to deal with life’s sticky situations. BUT God is faithful to keep his promises. He was with Jacob, and he is with us during our challenges in life, particularly when they come up as a result of our obedience to Him.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Youth Lesson on 1 Cor 10:31
1 Cor 10:31 Do All to the Glory of God.
School is Starting!
My Todo List: Meetings, Class, in-Box, Iphone
How do you keep up with what there is to do? Homework, games, tests, etc?
What are some things on your list?
Class – shopping – studying – work –
How about stuff not on the list, but that you are planning to do?
Read 1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Context: V23 and 24: All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Paul is talking to the church at Corinth, encouraging them to act is a way that takes others into account. The key point to the passage is that we should live so that others see Christ in our actions.
The Old Testament word for “glory” comes from the Hebrew word for weight, or heaviness. The idea behind it suggests substance and importance. For example, when Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, he instructed them, “So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” In other words, he wanted his greatness, his privileged position and exalted status and power, to be reported to Jacob.
In the New Testament, the word “glory” conveys the same idea. A man’s glory is his good reputation. It is that about him which is praiseworthy. Jesus uses the word this way in Matthew 6:2, “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
So when the Bible speaks of the glory of God it is referring to His worth and honor and greatness. Or, when this word is used of God, we could say that His majesty or supremacy is in view.
But we cannot make God more glorious than He already is and always has been. So when the Bible calls us to give glory to God it is not suggesting that we can in any way add glory to Him. He is already infinitely glorious within Himself and nothing we can do can increase His inherent worth and supremacy. He is God—the God of creation … and the God of providence…and the God of redemption…(who gave us Jesus Christ!). He is inherently all-glorious! No creature can ever do anything to add to His glory.
We can however, honor God in what we do, doing each act to point out how praiseworthy God is, rather than thinking of our actions as simply another item on the todo list.
My example – meetings – listen, be polite, value other’s opinions, in other words take others into account. Class- realize that I have student’s from different backgrounds, prepare for class, realize that as the teacher, I’m not the main person in the room, but the student’s and their learning is what is important.
How about your todo list? How can you do those things on this list so that you are seeking the good of your neighbor and glorifying God in the process?
School is Starting!
My Todo List: Meetings, Class, in-Box, Iphone
How do you keep up with what there is to do? Homework, games, tests, etc?
What are some things on your list?
Class – shopping – studying – work –
How about stuff not on the list, but that you are planning to do?
Read 1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Context: V23 and 24: All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Paul is talking to the church at Corinth, encouraging them to act is a way that takes others into account. The key point to the passage is that we should live so that others see Christ in our actions.
The Old Testament word for “glory” comes from the Hebrew word for weight, or heaviness. The idea behind it suggests substance and importance. For example, when Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, he instructed them, “So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” In other words, he wanted his greatness, his privileged position and exalted status and power, to be reported to Jacob.
In the New Testament, the word “glory” conveys the same idea. A man’s glory is his good reputation. It is that about him which is praiseworthy. Jesus uses the word this way in Matthew 6:2, “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
So when the Bible speaks of the glory of God it is referring to His worth and honor and greatness. Or, when this word is used of God, we could say that His majesty or supremacy is in view.
But we cannot make God more glorious than He already is and always has been. So when the Bible calls us to give glory to God it is not suggesting that we can in any way add glory to Him. He is already infinitely glorious within Himself and nothing we can do can increase His inherent worth and supremacy. He is God—the God of creation … and the God of providence…and the God of redemption…(who gave us Jesus Christ!). He is inherently all-glorious! No creature can ever do anything to add to His glory.
We can however, honor God in what we do, doing each act to point out how praiseworthy God is, rather than thinking of our actions as simply another item on the todo list.
My example – meetings – listen, be polite, value other’s opinions, in other words take others into account. Class- realize that I have student’s from different backgrounds, prepare for class, realize that as the teacher, I’m not the main person in the room, but the student’s and their learning is what is important.
How about your todo list? How can you do those things on this list so that you are seeking the good of your neighbor and glorifying God in the process?
Genesis 30-31
Jacob leaves Laban with Leah and Rachel
How many of you have a dog? Is it a mixed breed or a pure breed? What characteristics of each breed does it have?
What we skipped: Jacob meets uncle Laban and Rachel, agrees to work for 7 years so that he could marry Rachel. Jacob gets Leah, agrees to 7 more years of labor, gets Rachel. Several children are born to Leah, Rachel, and their 2 maids.
30:25-36 The Bargain (Jacob gets the spotted sheep)
After 14 years, Jacob is ready to go back “home”.
He strikes a bargain with Laban, but it has no exact time.
If you were Jacob, would you trust Laban?
30:37-43 Jacob uses a combination of selective breeding and popular superstition to increase his flock.
Jacob became exceedingly prosperous.
"By crossing the heterozygotes among themselves, Jacob would produce, according to the laws of heredity, twenty-five percent spotted sheep. Thus he multiplies his flock. (Heterozygote advantage)
Jacob's behavior was devious because he sought to prosper at the expense of his employer.
The text records that Jacob became very wealthy (v. 43), but it does not say that his wealth was a blessing from God. Jacob made his own fortune, as opposed to God making him rich like Abraham. God allowed Jacob to become wealthy through his own toil and deception. God probably would have done more for Jacob than he could have done for himself if Jacob had placed himself under God's authority.
In this section of Genesis we have walked through some of Jacob’s trials and experiences. As Jacob prepares to go back to his homeland, in obedience to God, how would you describe his maturity, his faith, and his personality?
How many of you have a dog? Is it a mixed breed or a pure breed? What characteristics of each breed does it have?
What we skipped: Jacob meets uncle Laban and Rachel, agrees to work for 7 years so that he could marry Rachel. Jacob gets Leah, agrees to 7 more years of labor, gets Rachel. Several children are born to Leah, Rachel, and their 2 maids.
30:25-36 The Bargain (Jacob gets the spotted sheep)
After 14 years, Jacob is ready to go back “home”.
He strikes a bargain with Laban, but it has no exact time.
If you were Jacob, would you trust Laban?
30:37-43 Jacob uses a combination of selective breeding and popular superstition to increase his flock.
Jacob became exceedingly prosperous.
"By crossing the heterozygotes among themselves, Jacob would produce, according to the laws of heredity, twenty-five percent spotted sheep. Thus he multiplies his flock. (Heterozygote advantage)
Jacob's behavior was devious because he sought to prosper at the expense of his employer.
The text records that Jacob became very wealthy (v. 43), but it does not say that his wealth was a blessing from God. Jacob made his own fortune, as opposed to God making him rich like Abraham. God allowed Jacob to become wealthy through his own toil and deception. God probably would have done more for Jacob than he could have done for himself if Jacob had placed himself under God's authority.
In this section of Genesis we have walked through some of Jacob’s trials and experiences. As Jacob prepares to go back to his homeland, in obedience to God, how would you describe his maturity, his faith, and his personality?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Genesis 28
Jacob leaves home
27:41-28:10
A Picture of family strife
After Jacob received his father’s blessing – Esau wanted to kill him.
Jacob feared Esau
Both parents had their favorite son
Rebekah was “tired of living”
Isaac – Old, deceived, not able to perceive what was going on around him.
Esau had already married Judith and Beeri – who caused a lot of trouble for Rebekah.
This is the line that God chose to bless in a supreme way. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Can we learn anything about God’s choices by looking at this family?
Does God mainly want to work through the “put together” and “perfect” people?
Why do even families who are faithful to God experience rebellious children sometimes?
28:11-28:22
Jacob’s vision and God’s promise
Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth
Spread out to the east and west, north, and south.
In you and your descendants, all the families in the earth will be blessed.
The Promise of the presence
First Person – Isaac 26:3 and 26:24
2nd person –Jacob 28:15 – I am with you.
3rd person – Moses Exodus 3:12
4th Person – Joshua Joshua 1:5
5th Person Gideon Judges 6:16
All -Christians Matthew 28:20
Jacob’s response,
A bargain and worship.
A stone to memorialize the place.
27:41-28:10
A Picture of family strife
After Jacob received his father’s blessing – Esau wanted to kill him.
Jacob feared Esau
Both parents had their favorite son
Rebekah was “tired of living”
Isaac – Old, deceived, not able to perceive what was going on around him.
Esau had already married Judith and Beeri – who caused a lot of trouble for Rebekah.
This is the line that God chose to bless in a supreme way. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Can we learn anything about God’s choices by looking at this family?
Does God mainly want to work through the “put together” and “perfect” people?
Why do even families who are faithful to God experience rebellious children sometimes?
28:11-28:22
Jacob’s vision and God’s promise
Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth
Spread out to the east and west, north, and south.
In you and your descendants, all the families in the earth will be blessed.
The Promise of the presence
First Person – Isaac 26:3 and 26:24
2nd person –Jacob 28:15 – I am with you.
3rd person – Moses Exodus 3:12
4th Person – Joshua Joshua 1:5
5th Person Gideon Judges 6:16
All -Christians Matthew 28:20
Jacob’s response,
A bargain and worship.
A stone to memorialize the place.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Genesis 25-6
Jacob and Esau
Genesis 25:24-34 Twins born. Birthright sold.
Eating/drinking/sinning.
Isaac had a taste for game – V28 – and therefore he loved Esau-Rebekah loved Jacob.
Adam’s sin was eating the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3
Noah drunk and sinned (uncovered himself) Genesis 9
Lot drunk Genesis 19
1 Corinthians 8 We have liberty to eat meat, but not to eat it if it causes our brother to stumble.
Esau gave up something very precious for something that smelled good, but was very temporal.
Edith Schaeffer, "What Is My Mess of Pottage?" Christianity Today (March 14, 1975), p. 50.
"How often do we put the question to ourselves, 'What is my mess of pottage?' Are we in danger of being tempted to give up something very precious in order to indulge a sudden strong desire? The desire may involve greedy eating and drinking, lusting after money or material things, letting loose our anger in abandonment of reason, cursing God in despair or disappointment without even thinking of the trap Satan may be setting for us, or giving in to a sweeping sexual desire without waiting for the right framework. The mess of pottage that is dangerous to you and to me is any temptation to gratify the 'feelings' of the immediate moment in a way that shows we 'despise' the promises of the living God for our future."
Genesis 27:1-29 Jacob gets Isaac’s blessing.
An oral blessing was as legally binding as a written will in the ancient Near East.
Given that the Lord had told Rebekah that Jacob would receive the God’s blessing (25:23) do you think she was just trying to help God out? Is this the same thing that Sara did with Hagar?
Isaac intended to give the blessing to Esau. What does this say about his relationship to God?
How is God’s sovereignty shown in this passage?
Genesis 25:24-34 Twins born. Birthright sold.
Eating/drinking/sinning.
Isaac had a taste for game – V28 – and therefore he loved Esau-Rebekah loved Jacob.
Adam’s sin was eating the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3
Noah drunk and sinned (uncovered himself) Genesis 9
Lot drunk Genesis 19
1 Corinthians 8 We have liberty to eat meat, but not to eat it if it causes our brother to stumble.
Esau gave up something very precious for something that smelled good, but was very temporal.
Edith Schaeffer, "What Is My Mess of Pottage?" Christianity Today (March 14, 1975), p. 50.
"How often do we put the question to ourselves, 'What is my mess of pottage?' Are we in danger of being tempted to give up something very precious in order to indulge a sudden strong desire? The desire may involve greedy eating and drinking, lusting after money or material things, letting loose our anger in abandonment of reason, cursing God in despair or disappointment without even thinking of the trap Satan may be setting for us, or giving in to a sweeping sexual desire without waiting for the right framework. The mess of pottage that is dangerous to you and to me is any temptation to gratify the 'feelings' of the immediate moment in a way that shows we 'despise' the promises of the living God for our future."
Genesis 27:1-29 Jacob gets Isaac’s blessing.
An oral blessing was as legally binding as a written will in the ancient Near East.
Given that the Lord had told Rebekah that Jacob would receive the God’s blessing (25:23) do you think she was just trying to help God out? Is this the same thing that Sara did with Hagar?
Isaac intended to give the blessing to Esau. What does this say about his relationship to God?
How is God’s sovereignty shown in this passage?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Genesis 25
Genesis 25 – Isaac – Jacob and Esau
Recap of Abraham’s Story
Abram first mentioned at birth in 11:26 (his father was Terah)
12:1 God tells Abraham to Go forth and I will make you a great nation. I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you. In you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Wife as sister in Egypt – Got richer
Came back and separated from Lot
Sarai plotted to let Abraham have a child by Hagar (Ishmael was born)
God revealed that His promise would be fulfilled by Sara
Abraham learned about intercession (for Lot)
Sodom is destroyed
Wife as sister in Gerar
Isaac born
Hagar and Ishmael sent away
Isaac nearly killed as an offering
Sarah’s death
Eleazar sent to get a bride for Isaac
Abraham marries and has 6 more sons
Abraham dies – all goes to Isaac.
25:5-9 – Abraham’s funeral
As we reflect back over the last several weeks in studying Abraham, what have we learned about our heavenly Father?
Has God shown you something new or reinforced something you already knew during this study?
• God can sometimes allow tests or trials into our lives to perfect our faith. Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac.
• God is able to send judgment on a city that is evil.
• God wants to include man in His plans.
• God invites us to pray.
• God is sovereign.
V19-26 –(before reading this) The Generations of Isaac.
The book of Genesis is divided into 10 sections of “Generations”.
The phrase "the generations of" (toledot in Hebrew, from yalad meaning "to bear, to generate") occurs ten times (really eleven times since 36:9 repeats 36:1), and in each case it introduces a new section of the book. A new toledot begins with 25:19. Its theme is "the acquisition of the blessing and its development and protection by the Lord."
We see that Isaac was 40 when he married – and Rebekah was barren for 20 years.
Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife and the Lord answered him and Rebekah conceived.
Does this situation remind you of anything? (Abraham and Sarah).
Do you think God was waiting on Isaac to intercede before allowing Rebekah to conceive?
Did Rebekah’s barrenness endanger God’s plan?
Rebekah had a problem pregnancy, which drove her to inquire of the Lord.
Is there something about being pregnant that makes a woman turn to the Lord, or was it the normal response of someone in a difficult situation?
V23 – God determined that Jacob would be the one who would be the one through whom God would fulfill his promise, but he was born second. This was contrary to normal cultural practice.
What does this tell us about God? Could he have caused Jacob to be born first?
Recap of Abraham’s Story
Abram first mentioned at birth in 11:26 (his father was Terah)
12:1 God tells Abraham to Go forth and I will make you a great nation. I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you. In you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Wife as sister in Egypt – Got richer
Came back and separated from Lot
Sarai plotted to let Abraham have a child by Hagar (Ishmael was born)
God revealed that His promise would be fulfilled by Sara
Abraham learned about intercession (for Lot)
Sodom is destroyed
Wife as sister in Gerar
Isaac born
Hagar and Ishmael sent away
Isaac nearly killed as an offering
Sarah’s death
Eleazar sent to get a bride for Isaac
Abraham marries and has 6 more sons
Abraham dies – all goes to Isaac.
25:5-9 – Abraham’s funeral
As we reflect back over the last several weeks in studying Abraham, what have we learned about our heavenly Father?
Has God shown you something new or reinforced something you already knew during this study?
• God can sometimes allow tests or trials into our lives to perfect our faith. Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac.
• God is able to send judgment on a city that is evil.
• God wants to include man in His plans.
• God invites us to pray.
• God is sovereign.
V19-26 –(before reading this) The Generations of Isaac.
The book of Genesis is divided into 10 sections of “Generations”.
The phrase "the generations of" (toledot in Hebrew, from yalad meaning "to bear, to generate") occurs ten times (really eleven times since 36:9 repeats 36:1), and in each case it introduces a new section of the book. A new toledot begins with 25:19. Its theme is "the acquisition of the blessing and its development and protection by the Lord."
We see that Isaac was 40 when he married – and Rebekah was barren for 20 years.
Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife and the Lord answered him and Rebekah conceived.
Does this situation remind you of anything? (Abraham and Sarah).
Do you think God was waiting on Isaac to intercede before allowing Rebekah to conceive?
Did Rebekah’s barrenness endanger God’s plan?
Rebekah had a problem pregnancy, which drove her to inquire of the Lord.
Is there something about being pregnant that makes a woman turn to the Lord, or was it the normal response of someone in a difficult situation?
V23 – God determined that Jacob would be the one who would be the one through whom God would fulfill his promise, but he was born second. This was contrary to normal cultural practice.
What does this tell us about God? Could he have caused Jacob to be born first?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Genesis 23
Abraham lives out his faith. Facts – V1-16
Sarah died at age 127. (she is the only woman who’s age is recorded upon her death).
She is also the only woman whose name God changed in the Bible.
Abraham’s choice of burying Sarah in Canaan demonstrated that he saw Canaan as him homeland, not Mesopotamia (his original homeland).
Hittite law specified that when a landowner sold only part of his property
to someone else the original owner had to continue to pay all taxes on the
land. However if he sold the entire tract the new owner was responsible to
pay the taxes (cf. 1 Chron. 21:24)
The piece of property was not cheap for Abraham; 400 shekels would be more than a hundred pounds of silver. At $36.70/oz = $58,720.00. David paid only one-eighth that amount—50 shekels of silver—for the temple site from Araunah. 2 Sam. 24:24
V 17-20.
How can we tell that this purchase was official?
The purchase was official.
There were witnesses, paperwork, and it was done at the gate.
Application
Abraham demonstrated his faith in God with this action. He showed that he believed that Canaan was the long term homeland for him and his descendants. He went to great lengths to buy the land and document that it was his indeed.
Abraham demonstrated his faith at one of the most difficult times in his life, just after Sarah’s death.
Similarly Jeremiah purchased property in the Promised Land on the eve of the Babylonian captivity to
express his belief that God would bring the Israelites back there eventually (Jer. 32:6-15).
Abraham lived like he believed God’s promise. Genesis 17:8 “I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
Here are some promises that God has given us in scripture.
How can we demonstrate our faith in God, given these promises?
Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:19
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:37-39
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sarah died at age 127. (she is the only woman who’s age is recorded upon her death).
She is also the only woman whose name God changed in the Bible.
Abraham’s choice of burying Sarah in Canaan demonstrated that he saw Canaan as him homeland, not Mesopotamia (his original homeland).
Hittite law specified that when a landowner sold only part of his property
to someone else the original owner had to continue to pay all taxes on the
land. However if he sold the entire tract the new owner was responsible to
pay the taxes (cf. 1 Chron. 21:24)
The piece of property was not cheap for Abraham; 400 shekels would be more than a hundred pounds of silver. At $36.70/oz = $58,720.00. David paid only one-eighth that amount—50 shekels of silver—for the temple site from Araunah. 2 Sam. 24:24
V 17-20.
How can we tell that this purchase was official?
The purchase was official.
There were witnesses, paperwork, and it was done at the gate.
Application
Abraham demonstrated his faith in God with this action. He showed that he believed that Canaan was the long term homeland for him and his descendants. He went to great lengths to buy the land and document that it was his indeed.
Abraham demonstrated his faith at one of the most difficult times in his life, just after Sarah’s death.
Similarly Jeremiah purchased property in the Promised Land on the eve of the Babylonian captivity to
express his belief that God would bring the Israelites back there eventually (Jer. 32:6-15).
Abraham lived like he believed God’s promise. Genesis 17:8 “I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
Here are some promises that God has given us in scripture.
How can we demonstrate our faith in God, given these promises?
Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:19
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:37-39
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Genesis 22 - Abraham's Test
Genesis 22:1-14
God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham followed God’s instructions, but God stopped him from killing Isaac at the last minute.
What was God testing in Abraham? His sincerity, loyalty, dedication, faith.
As a teacher, I test my students to find out how much they know. Why did God test Abraham?
James 2:21-23 As a result of Abraham’s works (this response to the test) His faith was perfected.
It is Abraham’s actions that complete his faith in James 2:22. The Greek here is teleioo, meaning accomplish or finish, but also implying make perfect. James is calling us to be made perfect by our actions, by doing works that complete our faith.
God tested Abraham by asking him to surrender the thing in his life that he “loved” (first use of that word).
Does God “test” us? How? Why?
Typology (or typological symbolism) is a Christian form of biblical interpretation that proceeds on the assumption that God has placed anticipations of Christ in the laws, events, and people of the Old Testament. There is a danger of infringing one's presumptions upon the biblical text to the point where typology becomes allegory.
Types: Isaac is a type of Christ – obedient to the point of death.
Abraham is a type of the Father – he did not spare his own son.
The Ram – A type of substitution – Christ was offered as a burnt offering in our stead (Heb 10:5-10)
Only begotten Son Genesis 22:2 John 3:16
Offered on a mountain, hill Genesis 22:2 Matt. 21:10
Took donkey to place of sacrifice Genesis 22:3 Matt. 21:2-11
Two men went with him. Genesis 22:3 Mark 15:27; Luke 23:33
Three day journey. Jesus: three days in the grave Genesis 22:4 Luke 24:13-21
Son carried wood on his back up hill Genesis 22:6 John 19:17
God will provide for Himself the lamb Genesis 22:8 John 1:29
Son was offered on the wood Genesis 22:9 Luke 23:33
Ram in thicket of thorns Genesis 22:13 John 19:2
Servant gets bride for son Genesis 24:1-4 Rev. 21:2, 9; 22:17
The bride was a beautiful virgin Genesis 24:16 2 Cor. 11:2
Table from Matt Slick, Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, Dictionary of Theology, typology: http://www.carm.org/dictionary/dic_t.htm#_1_192
God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham followed God’s instructions, but God stopped him from killing Isaac at the last minute.
What was God testing in Abraham? His sincerity, loyalty, dedication, faith.
As a teacher, I test my students to find out how much they know. Why did God test Abraham?
James 2:21-23 As a result of Abraham’s works (this response to the test) His faith was perfected.
It is Abraham’s actions that complete his faith in James 2:22. The Greek here is teleioo, meaning accomplish or finish, but also implying make perfect. James is calling us to be made perfect by our actions, by doing works that complete our faith.
God tested Abraham by asking him to surrender the thing in his life that he “loved” (first use of that word).
Does God “test” us? How? Why?
Typology (or typological symbolism) is a Christian form of biblical interpretation that proceeds on the assumption that God has placed anticipations of Christ in the laws, events, and people of the Old Testament. There is a danger of infringing one's presumptions upon the biblical text to the point where typology becomes allegory.
Types: Isaac is a type of Christ – obedient to the point of death.
Abraham is a type of the Father – he did not spare his own son.
The Ram – A type of substitution – Christ was offered as a burnt offering in our stead (Heb 10:5-10)
Only begotten Son Genesis 22:2 John 3:16
Offered on a mountain, hill Genesis 22:2 Matt. 21:10
Took donkey to place of sacrifice Genesis 22:3 Matt. 21:2-11
Two men went with him. Genesis 22:3 Mark 15:27; Luke 23:33
Three day journey. Jesus: three days in the grave Genesis 22:4 Luke 24:13-21
Son carried wood on his back up hill Genesis 22:6 John 19:17
God will provide for Himself the lamb Genesis 22:8 John 1:29
Son was offered on the wood Genesis 22:9 Luke 23:33
Ram in thicket of thorns Genesis 22:13 John 19:2
Servant gets bride for son Genesis 24:1-4 Rev. 21:2, 9; 22:17
The bride was a beautiful virgin Genesis 24:16 2 Cor. 11:2
Table from Matt Slick, Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, Dictionary of Theology, typology: http://www.carm.org/dictionary/dic_t.htm#_1_192
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Genesis 21 - Isaac and Hagar
Genesis 21:1-8 Isaac is born.
V1- God did as He had promised. Abraham was 100 years old.
V4 Abraham obeyed God in circumcising Isaac. (17:12)
V8 A celebration ensued.
V9-21 Hagar and Ishmael
The Hebrew word translated "mocking" (v. 9) comes from the same root as Isaac's name and means "laughing." However this participle is in the intensive form in Hebrew indicating that Ishmael was not simply laughing but ridiculing Isaac.
Ishmael (age 14) disdained Isaac as Hagar had despised Sarai (See 16:4).
Did God condone (or even command) divorce in V12?
Who was Hagar addressing in v16?
What was the crying in V17? Was it just boo hoo, or was it a call to the Lord?
Why do you think that God made the promise of a great nation for Ishmael in V18?
What do you think about God choosing to bless Ishmael? What does this show about God?
V1- God did as He had promised. Abraham was 100 years old.
V4 Abraham obeyed God in circumcising Isaac. (17:12)
V8 A celebration ensued.
V9-21 Hagar and Ishmael
The Hebrew word translated "mocking" (v. 9) comes from the same root as Isaac's name and means "laughing." However this participle is in the intensive form in Hebrew indicating that Ishmael was not simply laughing but ridiculing Isaac.
Ishmael (age 14) disdained Isaac as Hagar had despised Sarai (See 16:4).
Did God condone (or even command) divorce in V12?
Who was Hagar addressing in v16?
What was the crying in V17? Was it just boo hoo, or was it a call to the Lord?
Why do you think that God made the promise of a great nation for Ishmael in V18?
What do you think about God choosing to bless Ishmael? What does this show about God?
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Genesis 20 Abraham's deception
Background and Setting –
1. Abraham had been promised that he would be the father of many nations, and that Kings would come forth from you (17:6). Sarah will be the mother of nations and Kings of peoples will come from her (17:16).
2. God appeared to Abraham in Chapter 17-18 and provide some more information
a. The promise would not be fulfilled by Ishmael 17:19
b. Sarah would deliver a child in 1 year
c. God invited Abraham to intercede for Lot
d. Abraham experienced answered prayer
Genesis 20:1-8 The Lie
Abraham claimed Sarah was his sister and Abimelech took her into his harem.
God appeared to Abimelech in a dream and convinced him to send her back.
What was Abraham THINKING?
How could this have endangered God’s promise?
Do you think this was the aftermath of a “mountaintop experience”?
How important is it for us to consistently show good judgement?
Small Recap from Chapter 12-God made the initial promise to Abraham, then told Abraham to “go forth”. Abraham went to Canaan, then a famine hit so he went to Egypt, where he pulled the same stunt. He convinced Sarai to claim she was his sister, then the Pharoh took her into his house, but God struck the Pharoh with plagues, then he left. This event was almost immediately following the promise.
Genesis 20:9-18 The Result
What do these verses tell us about God’s Actions?
God used Abimalech to enrich Abraham further.
God protected Sarah
God blessed Abimalech because of Abraham
God answered Abraham’s prayer to heal Abimilech’s wives and make them bear children.
1. Abraham had been promised that he would be the father of many nations, and that Kings would come forth from you (17:6). Sarah will be the mother of nations and Kings of peoples will come from her (17:16).
2. God appeared to Abraham in Chapter 17-18 and provide some more information
a. The promise would not be fulfilled by Ishmael 17:19
b. Sarah would deliver a child in 1 year
c. God invited Abraham to intercede for Lot
d. Abraham experienced answered prayer
Genesis 20:1-8 The Lie
Abraham claimed Sarah was his sister and Abimelech took her into his harem.
God appeared to Abimelech in a dream and convinced him to send her back.
What was Abraham THINKING?
How could this have endangered God’s promise?
Do you think this was the aftermath of a “mountaintop experience”?
How important is it for us to consistently show good judgement?
Small Recap from Chapter 12-God made the initial promise to Abraham, then told Abraham to “go forth”. Abraham went to Canaan, then a famine hit so he went to Egypt, where he pulled the same stunt. He convinced Sarai to claim she was his sister, then the Pharoh took her into his house, but God struck the Pharoh with plagues, then he left. This event was almost immediately following the promise.
Genesis 20:9-18 The Result
What do these verses tell us about God’s Actions?
God used Abimalech to enrich Abraham further.
God protected Sarah
God blessed Abimalech because of Abraham
God answered Abraham’s prayer to heal Abimilech’s wives and make them bear children.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Genesis 19 Lot
Genesis 19:1-3- The angels arrival – Greeting.
How is this greeting different or similar to the greeting these angels got in 18:1-8 from Abraham?
Lot’s Progression
13:10-11 Lot lifted up his eyes to the valley of the Jordan/Moved his tents to Sodom.
19:1 Now he is sitting in the gate of Sodom (v9: says acting like a judge)
Read 19:4-10 Neighbors?
This passage demonstrates how wicked the people of Sodom and become.
What does this passage tell us about Lot’s character?
He wanted to protect the angels,
He would offer his own daughters to do so,
He knew what would happen if the angels stayed in the square (he thought),
He was powerless to resist the level of evil at hand.
Read 19:11-14 The angels struck the raiders blind, The angels tell him to get is family and get out before the place goes up in smoke. His sons-in-law thought it was a joke.
Read 19:15-26 Lot and his daughters and wife escape, she looks back, fire and brimstone rain.
Lot negotiated with the angels, but not in an intercessory way, he was asking for accommodation for his own party.
Lot’s wife was unnamed, but she is famous for looking back.
Why do you think she turned back?
Read 19:27-29 Abraham went back to the place where he had prayed (maybe the alter).
God answered his prayer.
Did God answer Abraham’s prayer? What does this tell us about intercession?
Read 19:30-38. Lot’s daughters got him drunk, had sex with him and became pregnant. One bore Moab, one bore Ammon.
"Lot was able to take his daughters out of Sodom, but he was not able to take . . . Sodom out of his daughters."
The environment of Sodom must have had an influence on Lot’s daughters.
Who do you surround yourself with? Where do you spend your time? How important is our daily interactions with others? It is foolish for a believer to become attached to the things of this world. They will corrupt him, and God can destroy them swiftly and suddenly.
What did God reveal about Himself in this chapter?
How is this greeting different or similar to the greeting these angels got in 18:1-8 from Abraham?
Lot’s Progression
13:10-11 Lot lifted up his eyes to the valley of the Jordan/Moved his tents to Sodom.
19:1 Now he is sitting in the gate of Sodom (v9: says acting like a judge)
Read 19:4-10 Neighbors?
This passage demonstrates how wicked the people of Sodom and become.
What does this passage tell us about Lot’s character?
He wanted to protect the angels,
He would offer his own daughters to do so,
He knew what would happen if the angels stayed in the square (he thought),
He was powerless to resist the level of evil at hand.
Read 19:11-14 The angels struck the raiders blind, The angels tell him to get is family and get out before the place goes up in smoke. His sons-in-law thought it was a joke.
Read 19:15-26 Lot and his daughters and wife escape, she looks back, fire and brimstone rain.
Lot negotiated with the angels, but not in an intercessory way, he was asking for accommodation for his own party.
Lot’s wife was unnamed, but she is famous for looking back.
Why do you think she turned back?
Read 19:27-29 Abraham went back to the place where he had prayed (maybe the alter).
God answered his prayer.
Did God answer Abraham’s prayer? What does this tell us about intercession?
Read 19:30-38. Lot’s daughters got him drunk, had sex with him and became pregnant. One bore Moab, one bore Ammon.
"Lot was able to take his daughters out of Sodom, but he was not able to take . . . Sodom out of his daughters."
The environment of Sodom must have had an influence on Lot’s daughters.
Who do you surround yourself with? Where do you spend your time? How important is our daily interactions with others? It is foolish for a believer to become attached to the things of this world. They will corrupt him, and God can destroy them swiftly and suddenly.
What did God reveal about Himself in this chapter?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Genesis 18 - God and Abraham
Part 1 The events
Read 18:1-15
The Lord and 2 angels show up at Abraham’s tent.
How does Abraham greet them?
Foot washing, bread, a calf, curds, milk, shade
What is so special about sharing a meal with someone? Who do you eat with?
V10 and 14 – further clarifies God’s promise to Abraham by telling him when the promised heir would be born.
What 2 important characteristics of God are evident in v13-14?
God is omniscient –Nothing is too hard for God (All Powerful).
Do you live as if you really believe that God knows your every thought?
If you truly believed that God knew you that well, how would that change your thought process?
Do you live as if you really believe that God is ALL Powerful?
If your faith allowed you to demonstrate that belief, how would it affect your daily life?
Part 2 The events
Read 18:16-22
The Lord discusses whether or not to reveal His plan to Abraham with the 2 angels.
The two angels leave for Sodom, Abraham continues talking to God.
The Lord chooses to bring Abraham in on the coming process.
Why do you think God decided to let Abraham in on the plan?
V19 so that he could keep the way of the Lord and do righteousness and Justice.
Also to give him a chance to intercede.
Abraham is left alone with God in V22. They have just shared a meal, God has shown His omniscience and power, reinforced his promise, and now has taken Abraham into his confidence.
How do you think Abraham is feeling at the end of V22?
Would it be possible for me to somehow find myself in a position where my fellowship with God was anywhere as close as Abraham experienced? How would I do that?
Part 3 The events
Read 18:23-33
Abraham bargains with God, interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah.
50-45-40-30-20-10
What was Abraham’s goal in this negotiation?
A. Secure deliverance for the righteous
B. Protect God’s reputation v25
C. Demonstrate mercy for the wicked
Do you think Abraham’s close fellowship had anything to do with his boldness?
What does this exchange between God and Abraham tell us about God’s view of justice and mercy?
Did lot stop negotiations too soon?
Read 18:1-15
The Lord and 2 angels show up at Abraham’s tent.
How does Abraham greet them?
Foot washing, bread, a calf, curds, milk, shade
What is so special about sharing a meal with someone? Who do you eat with?
V10 and 14 – further clarifies God’s promise to Abraham by telling him when the promised heir would be born.
What 2 important characteristics of God are evident in v13-14?
God is omniscient –Nothing is too hard for God (All Powerful).
Do you live as if you really believe that God knows your every thought?
If you truly believed that God knew you that well, how would that change your thought process?
Do you live as if you really believe that God is ALL Powerful?
If your faith allowed you to demonstrate that belief, how would it affect your daily life?
Part 2 The events
Read 18:16-22
The Lord discusses whether or not to reveal His plan to Abraham with the 2 angels.
The two angels leave for Sodom, Abraham continues talking to God.
The Lord chooses to bring Abraham in on the coming process.
Why do you think God decided to let Abraham in on the plan?
V19 so that he could keep the way of the Lord and do righteousness and Justice.
Also to give him a chance to intercede.
Abraham is left alone with God in V22. They have just shared a meal, God has shown His omniscience and power, reinforced his promise, and now has taken Abraham into his confidence.
How do you think Abraham is feeling at the end of V22?
Would it be possible for me to somehow find myself in a position where my fellowship with God was anywhere as close as Abraham experienced? How would I do that?
Part 3 The events
Read 18:23-33
Abraham bargains with God, interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah.
50-45-40-30-20-10
What was Abraham’s goal in this negotiation?
A. Secure deliverance for the righteous
B. Protect God’s reputation v25
C. Demonstrate mercy for the wicked
Do you think Abraham’s close fellowship had anything to do with his boldness?
What does this exchange between God and Abraham tell us about God’s view of justice and mercy?
Did lot stop negotiations too soon?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Genesis 17 - The Promise of Isaac
God’s promises to Abram were numerous.
Genesis 12:1-3 I will make you a great nation
Genesis 15:5 Descendants as numerous as the stars
Genesis 17:1-2 I will multiply you exceedingly.
Why do you suppose that none of these promises are conditional?
Even though Abram demonstrated faith in God (15:6 – Abram believed God and He reckoned it to him as righteousness) what could have happened if God had made His promise of a great name conditional on Abram’s obedience to some command?
Genesis 17:3-8 Name Change
Abraham – Father of a Multitude. Father of Many Nations.
What do these verses say about the covenant? How long is it good for?
What can we learn about the Lord from these verses?
Genesis 17:9-14 God’s direction for Abraham
(Thomas Constable, Soniclight.org) There are three types of signs in the Old Testament. Some signs were proofs that convinced observers of something (e.g., the Egyptian plagues). Others were certain acts that resembled an announced situation (e.g., acted prophecies, Ezekiel 12:1-6). Still others were reminders of something (e.g., the rainbow, circumcision).
Circumcision was a fitting symbol for several reasons.
1. It would have been a frequent reminder to every circumcised male of God's promises involving seed.
2. It involved the cutting off of flesh. The circumcised male was one who repudiated "the flesh" (i.e., the simply physical and natural aspects of life) in favor of trust in Yahweh and His spiritual promises.
3. It resulted in greater cleanliness of life and freedom from the effects of sin (i.e., disease and death).
Genesis 17:15-19
The ratification of this promise was the change of Sarai's name into Sarah (v. 15), the same letter being added to her name that was to Abraham's, and for the same reasons. Sarai signifies my princess, as if her honour were confined to one family only. Sarah signifies a princess--namely, of multitudes, or signifying that from her should come the Messiah the prince, even the prince of the kings of the earth.
Prior to this section do you think Abraham was confused regarding who God would use to fulfill the Promise?
How did Abraham respond to the command to circumcise himself and everyone?
God directed Abraham in a way that He seemed confident that Abraham would obey.
God made promises to Abraham that took time to fulfill, time to understand, and were not what Abraham expected.
As we consider God’s promises, we shouldn’t be too quick to rush to our own conclusion about how and when they might be fulfilled.
Genesis 12:1-3 I will make you a great nation
Genesis 15:5 Descendants as numerous as the stars
Genesis 17:1-2 I will multiply you exceedingly.
Why do you suppose that none of these promises are conditional?
Even though Abram demonstrated faith in God (15:6 – Abram believed God and He reckoned it to him as righteousness) what could have happened if God had made His promise of a great name conditional on Abram’s obedience to some command?
Genesis 17:3-8 Name Change
Abraham – Father of a Multitude. Father of Many Nations.
What do these verses say about the covenant? How long is it good for?
What can we learn about the Lord from these verses?
Genesis 17:9-14 God’s direction for Abraham
(Thomas Constable, Soniclight.org) There are three types of signs in the Old Testament. Some signs were proofs that convinced observers of something (e.g., the Egyptian plagues). Others were certain acts that resembled an announced situation (e.g., acted prophecies, Ezekiel 12:1-6). Still others were reminders of something (e.g., the rainbow, circumcision).
Circumcision was a fitting symbol for several reasons.
1. It would have been a frequent reminder to every circumcised male of God's promises involving seed.
2. It involved the cutting off of flesh. The circumcised male was one who repudiated "the flesh" (i.e., the simply physical and natural aspects of life) in favor of trust in Yahweh and His spiritual promises.
3. It resulted in greater cleanliness of life and freedom from the effects of sin (i.e., disease and death).
Genesis 17:15-19
The ratification of this promise was the change of Sarai's name into Sarah (v. 15), the same letter being added to her name that was to Abraham's, and for the same reasons. Sarai signifies my princess, as if her honour were confined to one family only. Sarah signifies a princess--namely, of multitudes, or signifying that from her should come the Messiah the prince, even the prince of the kings of the earth.
Prior to this section do you think Abraham was confused regarding who God would use to fulfill the Promise?
How did Abraham respond to the command to circumcise himself and everyone?
God directed Abraham in a way that He seemed confident that Abraham would obey.
God made promises to Abraham that took time to fulfill, time to understand, and were not what Abraham expected.
As we consider God’s promises, we shouldn’t be too quick to rush to our own conclusion about how and when they might be fulfilled.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Genesis 13 - Brothers
This chapter continues Abram’s story, telling of how he and Lot split up. Today I’d like for us to follow Abrams story and see how God reinforces His promises to Abram.
Read Genesis 13 (Today we will be looking at Abram’s actions, but I want us to also keep in mind that this story is meant to reveal God and His character, not simply provide a human model of action).
According to v2 and v5, what was Abram’s and Lot’s financial situation?
What was the cause of strife between Abram and Lot?
Why did their strife bother Abram?
Abram told Lot to choose the land he wanted and go there.
Do you think Abram’s proposal to solve the problem was radical?
Do you think that Abram’s solution was influenced by what happened in v4?
What causes strife in our families today?
Possible answers: Financial problems, self-centered behavior, external forces.
Lot was Abram’s nephew, but he refers to him as “Brother”. Hebrew word is ach (phonetic awkh)
A primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance. Also translated as kinsman (27 times) or relative (80 times).
Let me suggest that we, in the church family, can run into strife (surprise?).
Here are a few NT ideas on how to deal with strife among family or brothers in Christ:
Matthew 18:15-17 15"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16"But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Galations 6:1-3 1Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Let’s get back to Lot. Lot chose the best looking land based on the fertile ground and fitness for his own personal wealth. We can see what a bad choice this was in hindsight, but given prosperity or struggle, what would you choose?
What are some Biblical principles for making the best choices?
Does the Bible specifically forbid it?
Does the Bible specifically give guidance?
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – God – to Israel. Choose Obedience!
V14-18: God confirms his promise of the land and Abram’s descendants.
Read Genesis 13 (Today we will be looking at Abram’s actions, but I want us to also keep in mind that this story is meant to reveal God and His character, not simply provide a human model of action).
According to v2 and v5, what was Abram’s and Lot’s financial situation?
What was the cause of strife between Abram and Lot?
Why did their strife bother Abram?
Abram told Lot to choose the land he wanted and go there.
Do you think Abram’s proposal to solve the problem was radical?
Do you think that Abram’s solution was influenced by what happened in v4?
What causes strife in our families today?
Possible answers: Financial problems, self-centered behavior, external forces.
Lot was Abram’s nephew, but he refers to him as “Brother”. Hebrew word is ach (phonetic awkh)
A primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance. Also translated as kinsman (27 times) or relative (80 times).
Let me suggest that we, in the church family, can run into strife (surprise?).
Here are a few NT ideas on how to deal with strife among family or brothers in Christ:
Matthew 18:15-17 15"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16"But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Galations 6:1-3 1Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Let’s get back to Lot. Lot chose the best looking land based on the fertile ground and fitness for his own personal wealth. We can see what a bad choice this was in hindsight, but given prosperity or struggle, what would you choose?
What are some Biblical principles for making the best choices?
Does the Bible specifically forbid it?
Does the Bible specifically give guidance?
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – God – to Israel. Choose Obedience!
V14-18: God confirms his promise of the land and Abram’s descendants.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Genesis 12 God's Promises
Genesis 12 Abram – God’s Promises
Listing of genealogy from Shem to Abram.
Read Genesis 12:1-9
Beginning in chapter 12, God promises Abram several things:
Go forth to the land I will show you. (No If).
• I will make you a great nation. Israel.
• I will bless you. “face to face”, Multiple promises, a son, wealth, the line of Jesus
• I will make your name great. – It’s great.
• You shall be a blessing. - His faith is still a blessing.
• I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you, I will curse.
• In you all the families of the earth will be blessed. – Jesus – Of course.
V7 – I will give this land to your descendents. (Canaan)
God kept His promises to Abram.
Promises in the Bible
God will keep all his promises
Psalm 89:34 My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.
Some promises are to us (believers, followers of Christ)
James 1:5, NIV. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
Some promises are made to individuals in the Bible
Abram
Some Promises are positive, some are negative.
Genesis 3:14-19 – God promised to curse the serpent, the woman, and Adam.
Promises must be understood in the context in which they are presented
Jeremiah 30:17- For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'Because they have called you an outcast, saying: "It is Zion; no one cares for her."'
This verse is presented in the context of delivering Israel and Judah from captivity. Their “sickness” or lack of health is presented figuratively and their deliverance is described as a restoration to health. Picking out promises without understanding the context is dangerous.
Some promises reveal something about God’s character
Numbers 14:17 18'The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.'
Some promises are for the future
Revelation 21:4, NIV. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Listing of genealogy from Shem to Abram.
Read Genesis 12:1-9
Beginning in chapter 12, God promises Abram several things:
Go forth to the land I will show you. (No If).
• I will make you a great nation. Israel.
• I will bless you. “face to face”, Multiple promises, a son, wealth, the line of Jesus
• I will make your name great. – It’s great.
• You shall be a blessing. - His faith is still a blessing.
• I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you, I will curse.
• In you all the families of the earth will be blessed. – Jesus – Of course.
V7 – I will give this land to your descendents. (Canaan)
God kept His promises to Abram.
Promises in the Bible
God will keep all his promises
Psalm 89:34 My covenant I will not violate, Nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.
Some promises are to us (believers, followers of Christ)
James 1:5, NIV. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
Some promises are made to individuals in the Bible
Abram
Some Promises are positive, some are negative.
Genesis 3:14-19 – God promised to curse the serpent, the woman, and Adam.
Promises must be understood in the context in which they are presented
Jeremiah 30:17- For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'Because they have called you an outcast, saying: "It is Zion; no one cares for her."'
This verse is presented in the context of delivering Israel and Judah from captivity. Their “sickness” or lack of health is presented figuratively and their deliverance is described as a restoration to health. Picking out promises without understanding the context is dangerous.
Some promises reveal something about God’s character
Numbers 14:17 18'The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.'
Some promises are for the future
Revelation 21:4, NIV. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Genesis 11 Babel
What is the most widely recognized brand on earth?
10 most popular facebook pages
1 Coka-cola
2 Starbucks
3 Oreo
4 Disney
5 Skittles
6 Red Bull
7 Converse All start
8 Victoria’s Secret
9 Converse – like #7
10 Pringles
Today we are going to talk about some People who wanted to make a name for themselves. They wanted fame – a reputation for greatness.
Gen 11:1-9
What was wrong with building a tower that will reach to heaven?
What kind of reputation were they seeking?
What were they worried about? – How did God punish them?
How important is your reputation?
How closely does your reputation actually match your character?
Is your reputation different among family, friends, church, work, community? Why?
What Counts
Samuel is seeking a King to replace Saul
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
David’s prayer (Nathan just told him he would not build the temple)
2 Samuel 7:20 “What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign LORD.
God knows our heart. Our “reputation” with Him matters more than anything others may think about us.
10 most popular facebook pages
1 Coka-cola
2 Starbucks
3 Oreo
4 Disney
5 Skittles
6 Red Bull
7 Converse All start
8 Victoria’s Secret
9 Converse – like #7
10 Pringles
Today we are going to talk about some People who wanted to make a name for themselves. They wanted fame – a reputation for greatness.
Gen 11:1-9
What was wrong with building a tower that will reach to heaven?
What kind of reputation were they seeking?
What were they worried about? – How did God punish them?
How important is your reputation?
How closely does your reputation actually match your character?
Is your reputation different among family, friends, church, work, community? Why?
What Counts
Samuel is seeking a King to replace Saul
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
David’s prayer (Nathan just told him he would not build the temple)
2 Samuel 7:20 “What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign LORD.
God knows our heart. Our “reputation” with Him matters more than anything others may think about us.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Genesis 6 - Obedience in the Midst of a Flood
Obedience to God
Genesis 6:5-22 Key Verse 22, Noah did what God told him to do.
What do these verses say about Noah’s character? V9 – He was righteous, blameless in his time, and he walked with God.
What motivated Noah to obey God?
Was it the threat of the flood? His desire to please God? His faith?
What about the level of detail in this command?
How would you like that level of detail? Every day?
Genesis 7:1-16 The flood. V5 Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him.
V16- Is this a theophany?
Genesis 7:21-24 The consequences. Every living thing died.
What can we learn about God by reading this story?
God is a God of both judgment and grace.
Can what was said of Noah in V5 be said of you?
Do you think obedience was easy for Noah in this situation?
What were his challenges in obeying God?
What challenges do we face in obeying God?
How can we overcome these challenges?
Genesis 8:14-21 The fruit of obedience
What promises does God make in these verses?
What conditions must be met for God to fulfill these promises? None.
God’s Promises
I will never again curse the ground on account of man
I will never again destroy every living thing as I have done.
Seasons will come and go as long as the earth remains.
Noah’s obedience resulted in 950 years of life and a relationship with God like no one else.
He experienced deliverance in a way that most of us can barely imagine.
What is the result of obedience in our lives?
Genesis 6:5-22 Key Verse 22, Noah did what God told him to do.
What do these verses say about Noah’s character? V9 – He was righteous, blameless in his time, and he walked with God.
What motivated Noah to obey God?
Was it the threat of the flood? His desire to please God? His faith?
What about the level of detail in this command?
How would you like that level of detail? Every day?
Genesis 7:1-16 The flood. V5 Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him.
V16- Is this a theophany?
Genesis 7:21-24 The consequences. Every living thing died.
What can we learn about God by reading this story?
God is a God of both judgment and grace.
Can what was said of Noah in V5 be said of you?
Do you think obedience was easy for Noah in this situation?
What were his challenges in obeying God?
What challenges do we face in obeying God?
How can we overcome these challenges?
Genesis 8:14-21 The fruit of obedience
What promises does God make in these verses?
What conditions must be met for God to fulfill these promises? None.
God’s Promises
I will never again curse the ground on account of man
I will never again destroy every living thing as I have done.
Seasons will come and go as long as the earth remains.
Noah’s obedience resulted in 950 years of life and a relationship with God like no one else.
He experienced deliverance in a way that most of us can barely imagine.
What is the result of obedience in our lives?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Genesis 4 Cain’s offering
Offerings given wrongly.
Genesis 4:1-7 Cain and Abel born. Both gave offerings. Jealousy ensued. Cain killed Abel.
What was wrong with Cain’s offering?
How did his offering to God affect his relationship to God?
Why is God concerned about offerings?
Leviticus 10:1-3 Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire. Burnt up.
Why was Nadab and Abihu’s punishment so severe?
Was the priest’s offering any different than anyone else’s offering?
Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira. Lied about the price of the land. Died.
Where did Annanias and Sapphira go wrong?
Does this lesson mean that God wants us to all give 100% of everything to Him?
Were they seeking recognition from men at a discount?
How important is integrity in the body of Christ?
How to Give rightly.
What do these scriptures tell us about our offering to the Lord?
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 Give Cheerfully
2 Corinthians 8: 1-5 Give according to one’s ability
Acts 17: 24-25 Give not because God needs it
1 Chronicles 29:6-9 Give willingly
Genesis 4:1-7 Cain and Abel born. Both gave offerings. Jealousy ensued. Cain killed Abel.
What was wrong with Cain’s offering?
How did his offering to God affect his relationship to God?
Why is God concerned about offerings?
Leviticus 10:1-3 Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire. Burnt up.
Why was Nadab and Abihu’s punishment so severe?
Was the priest’s offering any different than anyone else’s offering?
Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira. Lied about the price of the land. Died.
Where did Annanias and Sapphira go wrong?
Does this lesson mean that God wants us to all give 100% of everything to Him?
Were they seeking recognition from men at a discount?
How important is integrity in the body of Christ?
How to Give rightly.
What do these scriptures tell us about our offering to the Lord?
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 Give Cheerfully
2 Corinthians 8: 1-5 Give according to one’s ability
Acts 17: 24-25 Give not because God needs it
1 Chronicles 29:6-9 Give willingly
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Genesis 3 Sin
Genesis 3 The Fall of Man Genesis 3:1-7 Sin
Satan’s 3 step approach
1) Question the truth – has God said?
2) Deny the truth – You shall not surely die
3) Twist the truth – You will be like God
Does Satan use this approach today?
Genesis 3:8-13
The result of sin
What were the immediate resulting consequences (before the curses) of the sin?
Man’s relationship with God suffered.
Adam didn’t understand how his sin had affected his relationship with God.
FEAR showed up.
Adam blamed Eve – Eve blamed the serpent.
What are the immediate results of your and my sin?
Why does sin impact our relationship with God?
Why doesn’t He just look the other way once in a while?
The Curses
Genesis 3:14-19
The serpent – on your belly, enmity, bruised head.
The Woman – pain in childbirth
Adam – toil, cursed ground, thorns and thistles, return to dust.
Sin is serious. The consequences range from impacting our relationship with God to everyday life.
We should be on guard against temptation, and recognize it for what it can lead to.
Satan’s 3 step approach
1) Question the truth – has God said?
2) Deny the truth – You shall not surely die
3) Twist the truth – You will be like God
Does Satan use this approach today?
Genesis 3:8-13
The result of sin
What were the immediate resulting consequences (before the curses) of the sin?
Man’s relationship with God suffered.
Adam didn’t understand how his sin had affected his relationship with God.
FEAR showed up.
Adam blamed Eve – Eve blamed the serpent.
What are the immediate results of your and my sin?
Why does sin impact our relationship with God?
Why doesn’t He just look the other way once in a while?
The Curses
Genesis 3:14-19
The serpent – on your belly, enmity, bruised head.
The Woman – pain in childbirth
Adam – toil, cursed ground, thorns and thistles, return to dust.
Sin is serious. The consequences range from impacting our relationship with God to everyday life.
We should be on guard against temptation, and recognize it for what it can lead to.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Creation
The Creation
Genesis 1:1-13 and 14-31
As we read Genesis 1 - Look for the verbs that indicate action by God.
God said
God created
God made
God blessed them
God gave
God saw
God called
Spirit of God moving
God spoke creation into being and made man
What do these actions tell us about God?
What did God do after making man?
God made man and immediately blessed him.
Then he gave him some commands.
The creation account describes the character and attributes of God. Genesis one corrects many misconceptions concerning God. Positively, it portrays His character and attributes.
• God is sovereign and all-powerful.
• God is no mere force, but a Person.
• God is eternal.
• God is good.
Genesis 1:1-13 and 14-31
As we read Genesis 1 - Look for the verbs that indicate action by God.
God said
God created
God made
God blessed them
God gave
God saw
God called
Spirit of God moving
God spoke creation into being and made man
What do these actions tell us about God?
What did God do after making man?
God made man and immediately blessed him.
Then he gave him some commands.
The creation account describes the character and attributes of God. Genesis one corrects many misconceptions concerning God. Positively, it portrays His character and attributes.
• God is sovereign and all-powerful.
• God is no mere force, but a Person.
• God is eternal.
• God is good.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Adam and Eve
Genesis Week 1 Feb 13, 2011
Adam and Eve
Opening – Who has had some surgery? How did you feel when you woke up?
Genesis 1:26, 2:7-8 God formed man from dust. "Formed" (Heb. yasar) means to shape or mold and implies that God deliberately did this with tender loving care. It describes the work of an artist (cf. Job 10:8-9).
God made man.
Genesis 2:15-17 Edenic Covenant
What responsibilities was Adam given in these verses?
Cultivate and keep the garden
Eat from any tree, but don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
How did Adam respond to his responsibilities?
Genesis 2:18-25 The Wife
Why did God make a wife for Adam?
It was not good for him to be alone.
In God’s image – the Trinity is not alone.
What did the scene look like in V22? (God bringing Eve to Adam).
What do these verses tell us about marriage?
God instituted it.
God intended it to be monogamous.
God intended it to be heterosexual.
It sets a priority of relationships above the parent/child relationship.
In involves physical and spiritual unity.
What causes disunity in a marriage relationship?
How does not be unified affect the people in the marriage?
What things promote unity in a marriage?
How does unity affect the marriage?
Adam and Eve
Opening – Who has had some surgery? How did you feel when you woke up?
Genesis 1:26, 2:7-8 God formed man from dust. "Formed" (Heb. yasar) means to shape or mold and implies that God deliberately did this with tender loving care. It describes the work of an artist (cf. Job 10:8-9).
God made man.
Genesis 2:15-17 Edenic Covenant
What responsibilities was Adam given in these verses?
Cultivate and keep the garden
Eat from any tree, but don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
How did Adam respond to his responsibilities?
Genesis 2:18-25 The Wife
Why did God make a wife for Adam?
It was not good for him to be alone.
In God’s image – the Trinity is not alone.
What did the scene look like in V22? (God bringing Eve to Adam).
What do these verses tell us about marriage?
God instituted it.
God intended it to be monogamous.
God intended it to be heterosexual.
It sets a priority of relationships above the parent/child relationship.
In involves physical and spiritual unity.
What causes disunity in a marriage relationship?
How does not be unified affect the people in the marriage?
What things promote unity in a marriage?
How does unity affect the marriage?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Jesus Prayers Week 4
Content – What did Jesus pray about?
John 17 – Jesus High Priestly Prayer
As we read through this passage – Look for: Praise, Thanksgiving, Intercession, Supplication, and Confession.
Big Picture – What was the overall theme of this prayer?
Praise
In the OT the word for praise mainly used halal, the root meaning of which is
connected with making a noise; yada which was originally associated with
the bodily actions and gestures which accompany praising; and zamar, which
is associated with the playing or singing of music. (New Bible Dictionary)
Definition: to commend; applaud; to express approval or admiration of; to extol in words or in song; to magnify or to glorify. We praise God by directly by expressing our admiration for Him. We praise God by declaring, commending or magnifying Him to others. Praise is pre-occupied with who God is and what He has done.
• V3 the only true God
• V7 everything you have given me is from you
• V12 Given His name to Jesus
• V17 Your word is truth
• V25 You sent Me (Jesus)
Thanksgiving
• Mark 14:22 – Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it.
Why is this element difficult to see in this prayer?
Does this mean it is not important?
What does this say about formulas for prayer?
Intercession
• V9-11 I ask on their behalf, keep them in your name – that they may be one even as we are one.
• V13 that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
• V15 keep them from the evil one
• V17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is the truth
• V20-21 they may all be one; even as you are in me and I am in you.
Supplication
• V1 Glorify your son, that the Son may glorify you
• V5 Glorify Me together with yourself, with the glory I had with you before the world was.
• V24 Be with me where I am.
Confession
Obviously Jesus had no sin to confess. But confession can be confession of sin, confession of faith, or acknowledging our own condition or actions before God.
• V4 I glorified you on the earth, having accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
• V6 I have manifested your name to the men You gave me out of the world.
• V8 I have given them the words you gave me.
• V11 I am no longer in the world.
• V12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in your name which you have given me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that scripture would be fulfilled.
• V13 I come to you.
• V14 I have given them your word.
• V22 The glory which you have given me, I have given them, that they may be one, just as we are one.
• V25 I have known you.
• V26 I have made your name known to them.
What can we learn from this prayer?
Jesus had a purpose for this prayer.
Jesus focused on his relationship with the Father even amongst the other element of the prayer.
Unity is important.
Psalm 24 –The King of Glory
John 17 – Jesus High Priestly Prayer
As we read through this passage – Look for: Praise, Thanksgiving, Intercession, Supplication, and Confession.
Big Picture – What was the overall theme of this prayer?
Praise
In the OT the word for praise mainly used halal, the root meaning of which is
connected with making a noise; yada which was originally associated with
the bodily actions and gestures which accompany praising; and zamar, which
is associated with the playing or singing of music. (New Bible Dictionary)
Definition: to commend; applaud; to express approval or admiration of; to extol in words or in song; to magnify or to glorify. We praise God by directly by expressing our admiration for Him. We praise God by declaring, commending or magnifying Him to others. Praise is pre-occupied with who God is and what He has done.
• V3 the only true God
• V7 everything you have given me is from you
• V12 Given His name to Jesus
• V17 Your word is truth
• V25 You sent Me (Jesus)
Thanksgiving
• Mark 14:22 – Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it.
Why is this element difficult to see in this prayer?
Does this mean it is not important?
What does this say about formulas for prayer?
Intercession
• V9-11 I ask on their behalf, keep them in your name – that they may be one even as we are one.
• V13 that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
• V15 keep them from the evil one
• V17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is the truth
• V20-21 they may all be one; even as you are in me and I am in you.
Supplication
• V1 Glorify your son, that the Son may glorify you
• V5 Glorify Me together with yourself, with the glory I had with you before the world was.
• V24 Be with me where I am.
Confession
Obviously Jesus had no sin to confess. But confession can be confession of sin, confession of faith, or acknowledging our own condition or actions before God.
• V4 I glorified you on the earth, having accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
• V6 I have manifested your name to the men You gave me out of the world.
• V8 I have given them the words you gave me.
• V11 I am no longer in the world.
• V12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in your name which you have given me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that scripture would be fulfilled.
• V13 I come to you.
• V14 I have given them your word.
• V22 The glory which you have given me, I have given them, that they may be one, just as we are one.
• V25 I have known you.
• V26 I have made your name known to them.
What can we learn from this prayer?
Jesus had a purpose for this prayer.
Jesus focused on his relationship with the Father even amongst the other element of the prayer.
Unity is important.
Psalm 24 –The King of Glory
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Jesus Prayers Week 3
Where did Jesus Pray?
Why is it against the law to text in a school zone? Because it might distract you from driving safely.
One thing that we know about Jesus’ prayer life is that when He prayed, he sought a place where He could concentrate on prayer – without distractions. Here are some scriptures that describe places where Jesus prayed.
And early in the morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there. ( Mark 1:35)
And immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the multitude away. And after bidding them farewell, he departed to the mountain to pray. ( Mark 6:45-46)
And they came to a place called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed." And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch." And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began praying. ( Mark 14:32-34)
And when day came, He departed to a lonely place; and the multitudes were searching for Him, and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from going away from them. ( Luke 4:42)
But He Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. ( Luke 5:16)
And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. ( Luke 6:12)
Do you multi-task? Watch tv and read? Eat and watch tv? Drive and talk on your cell phone?
Why do you think Jesus left the crowd to pray?
When you decide to pray, what are some of the most common distractions you face?
How can we overcome the distractions to prayer?
Testimony* Other than your prayer for salvation – Where were you when you had a prayer time when you really connected with God?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Jesus Prayers Week 2
Jesus’ life was characterized by prayer.
When do you pray?
Before
Mark 1:35-39 – Early in Jesus ministry, he was healing and preaching. This passage is recorded just after he heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many others. This prayer resulted in Jesus moving on to preach elsewhere.
Mark 6:45-52 – Jesus prayed before he walked on water.
Luke 6:12-16 – Jesus prayed before he named the 12 apostles
During
Luke 3:21-22 – Jesus was baptized as he was praying
Luke 9:28-32 – Jesus was transfigured while he was praying.
After
John 11:37-46 – Jesus prayed after raising Lazarus from the dead.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing
It seems as though Jesus was in prayer a lot.
Some people are interested in the taste of food – some people are more interested in volume.
What is more important in prayer, quality or quantity?
Are you more likely to pray before, during, or after an event?
Can prayer change us? How?
What can we learn from seeing “when” Jesus prayed (in these examples)?
When do you pray?
Before
Mark 1:35-39 – Early in Jesus ministry, he was healing and preaching. This passage is recorded just after he heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many others. This prayer resulted in Jesus moving on to preach elsewhere.
Mark 6:45-52 – Jesus prayed before he walked on water.
Luke 6:12-16 – Jesus prayed before he named the 12 apostles
During
Luke 3:21-22 – Jesus was baptized as he was praying
Luke 9:28-32 – Jesus was transfigured while he was praying.
After
John 11:37-46 – Jesus prayed after raising Lazarus from the dead.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing
It seems as though Jesus was in prayer a lot.
Some people are interested in the taste of food – some people are more interested in volume.
What is more important in prayer, quality or quantity?
Are you more likely to pray before, during, or after an event?
Can prayer change us? How?
What can we learn from seeing “when” Jesus prayed (in these examples)?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Jesus' Prayers Week 1
There are 27 specific prayers in the Bible attributed to Jesus. In this series we will see what we can learn about prayer by studying how our Lord prayed. Since there are many, many passages in scripture that describe aspects of prayer, we know prayer is important to the believer. This week we will examine the model prayer, in Matthew 6:9-13.
What is your definition of prayer?
What are some mistakes people sometimes make in their understanding of prayer?
Verses 1-8 give some needed context to the prayer, so let’s read it first.
Matthew 6:1-8. According to this passage what does Jesus expect of believers?
• Don’t practice righteousness before men to be noticed by them.
• Give to the poor without fanfare
• When you pray – do it in private
• Don’t use meaningless repetition in prayer
There is a time for private prayer and there are times for public prayer. Jesus prayed alone, with others, and for others. Jesus uses the words “us” and “our” in the prayer. These are pronouns. They are also plural (meaning they are spoken on behalf of more than one person). “Us” is a first person plural personal pronoun, and “our” is a first person plural possessive pronoun. The idea is that this prayer is meant for a public setting as opposed to using “me” and “my”.
Now Let’s look at the Model Prayer: Mat 6:9-13.
Does this prayer focus more on God or more on the person praying?
Why do you think it is so short?
Simple Outline
God and His Kingdom
Us – Physical needs, relationship with others, relationship with God
God and His Power and Glory
As I look at this prayer, it begins and ends with an emphasis on God.
It’s clear that prayer is not something for us to do to be seen by others. V5
It’s also seems that Jesus is teaching that in our prayers, we need to make sure we realize who we are praying to. This prayer is the perfect example of how we can pray together, but it isn’t exactly how we do it. We often use our “prayer time” for sharing prayer requests and other information with each other. I think that is one of the best things we do as a group, but it does not always follow this pattern.
Ask for 9 Volunteers for the Model Prayer skit. – Model Prayer
What is your definition of prayer?
What are some mistakes people sometimes make in their understanding of prayer?
Verses 1-8 give some needed context to the prayer, so let’s read it first.
Matthew 6:1-8. According to this passage what does Jesus expect of believers?
• Don’t practice righteousness before men to be noticed by them.
• Give to the poor without fanfare
• When you pray – do it in private
• Don’t use meaningless repetition in prayer
There is a time for private prayer and there are times for public prayer. Jesus prayed alone, with others, and for others. Jesus uses the words “us” and “our” in the prayer. These are pronouns. They are also plural (meaning they are spoken on behalf of more than one person). “Us” is a first person plural personal pronoun, and “our” is a first person plural possessive pronoun. The idea is that this prayer is meant for a public setting as opposed to using “me” and “my”.
Now Let’s look at the Model Prayer: Mat 6:9-13.
Does this prayer focus more on God or more on the person praying?
Why do you think it is so short?
Simple Outline
God and His Kingdom
Us – Physical needs, relationship with others, relationship with God
God and His Power and Glory
As I look at this prayer, it begins and ends with an emphasis on God.
It’s clear that prayer is not something for us to do to be seen by others. V5
It’s also seems that Jesus is teaching that in our prayers, we need to make sure we realize who we are praying to. This prayer is the perfect example of how we can pray together, but it isn’t exactly how we do it. We often use our “prayer time” for sharing prayer requests and other information with each other. I think that is one of the best things we do as a group, but it does not always follow this pattern.
Ask for 9 Volunteers for the Model Prayer skit. – Model Prayer
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