LESSON #73 (Week ending 10/2/11)

Job 1-14

Background: “The Book of Job underscores the mysteries of God and the limitations of man’s knowledge of him as perhaps no other book in the Bible. Certainly the book clearly presents the omniscience, omnipotence and justice of God. The attribute of God, however, which most baffled Job and his friends, was his sovereignty, or freedom to act as he pleases. The God of this book does not operate by the books that men have written about him. He refuses to be bound by human concepts of him. He follows his own agenda, not one prescribed by theologians. He is free to keep secrets about himself, free to intervene or not intervene on man’s behalf, free to answer man’s objections about him or not. Job and his friends were frustrated because they were holding God to promises he had never made and setting forth rules for him which he would not follow.

The book also stresses divine wisdom. The characters in the book all claim to possess wisdom. In the end, however, it is God alone who is the source of wisdom, and he distributes it as he sees fit. The proper human response to God’s wisdom is repentance and submission, and that is exactly how Job responded (42:5f.). No matter how right his defense against his friends, before God the patriarch manifests heartfelt repentance of his own impatience toward the Lord. Thus the book encourages reverence.” (J.E. Smith)

Purposes:

• To address the question of why innocent people suffer.

• To promote faith and trust in God, whose ways are higher than those of humankind (Wilmington’s Bible Handbook)

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Job 1: Job’s First Tests

Ø Why was Job declared “blameless and upright”? Does this mean he was sinless?

Ø Is wealth a “sign” of God’s blessing on a person? Is poverty a “sign” of God’s blessing on a person?

Ø What can we learn about heaven from verses 6-12?

Job 2:1-10: Job’s Second Test

Ø What does it mean that Satan “incited” God to cause Job to be tested? Does Satan have power over God?

Ø Why did God allow Satan to continue testing Job?

Ø What do you think about the advice Job received from his wife?

Job 2:11- 2:13: Job’s Three Friends

Ø What was the motivation for the three friends to visit Job?

Ø Were they surprised when they saw their friend?

Ø What do their actions teach us about true friendship?

Job 3:1-26: Job’s Despair

Ø The weight of Job’s pain and suffering left him wishing he had never been born. How you ever felt the weight of emotional or physical pain to that degree?

Ø Job did not have the advantage of 20/20 hindsight as we do. From a New Testament, risen Christ perspective, what is the answer to Job’s despair?

Job 4:1–5:27: Eliphaz Responds to Job’s Groaning

Ø What is the argument that Eliphaz uses to ague Job’s despair?

Ø Eliphaz makes the case that the Lord does not allow trouble to befall the innocent, implying that Job must be sinning. Is that an accurate argument?

Ø What does Eliphaz’s approach teach us about ministering to those who are suffering?

Job 6:1–7:21: Job Responds to Eliphaz’s Rebuke

Ø Job argues that his suffering gives him a right to complain. What do you think about that statement?

Ø Job asks his friend to show him why he deserves the suffering he is receiving. What do you think about that argument?

Ø Job complains that God has targeted him foe no reason. He asks why God should go to all this trouble for no apparent reason and for such an insignificant person. Have you ever felt that way? Is it ever right to question God about things that happen to us?

Job 8:1-22: Bildad Piles On

Ø Bildad tells Job that if he confesses his sins, he will be restored. Is this ever an argument to use to confront someone who is suffering?

Ø Bildad advises Job to repent and be restored. What might a better response to Job have been?

Job 9:1-10:22: Job Defends Himself Against Bildad

Ø How would you respond to Job’s argument that God attacked him without reason?

Ø Job desired a Mediator to approach God and plead his case. Is there such a Mediator for us today? Why can He plead our case for us?

Ø Is it ever right to question why we go through suffering as Job did?

Job 11:1-20: Zophar Rebukes Job

Ø Zophar wishes Job could see himself as God does. Does anyone every really see themselves as God sees us?

Ø Is it always correct to assume that suffering comes from sinful actions? List any other Scriptures to support your answer.

Job 12:1-14:22: Job Defends Himself Before Zophar

Ø Job knows that God knows all and that he is in control of everything that happens. Why, then, does he complain so bitterly? What can we learn about ourselves from Job?

Ø Job wants his friends to listen to him rather than condemn him. What does this teach us about how to minister to others?

Ø Is Job justified is asking God to stop his affliction and to have mercy on him? Is that a prayer you would use if in Job’s situation?

Ø How is our situation today different than the situation in which Job found himself?

LESSON #72 (Week ending 09/25/11)

Ephesians

Week ending 09/25/11

Background: “Ephesus was the queen city of Asia. Though its port facilities were silting up in the first century, Ephesus remained the Asian center of the cult of Artemis. Its temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world, drawing many thousands of visitors to the city annually. Its priesthood used their wealth to become the bankers of the East, accepting deposits and paying interest, and making vast loans to individuals and even nations. First–century Ephesus represented the materially “successful” religion of that era. Yet Ephesus also displayed the spiritual void that existed in the first century. Ephesus was a center of occult practice, as its citizens turned to magic, witchcraft, and sorcery to manipulate hostile spiritual powers to their advantage.

Against this background of religion and superstition, Paul writes of the church created and sustained by God. The Father is the architect of this temple, Jesus its builder, and the Holy Spirit the divine presence that dwells in it. God’s temple is not constructed of stone but of living flesh. Its treasury is void of gold and silver, but stocked with spiritual blessings in heavenly places. God’s church is vitally alive, it’s every member recreated for good works. God’s church is not directed by a priesthood but by Christ, its living Head. God’s church is not at the mercy of hostile spiritual forces but guarded by One whose power is supreme above every rule and authority. God’s church is no heap of cold marble, but rather a vital, loving family, enriched and sustained by caring relationships. God’s temple is not some ancient, weathering edifice but a growing, nurturing fellowship, which keeps on building itself up in love. How appropriate this epistle was written to the Ephesians, where pagan religion ruled but left life empty and unfulfilled.” (Richards: “The Bible Reader’s Companion”)

Purposes:

• To teach about the church as the body of Christ, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

• To exhort believers to conduct themselves properly toward one another because of their oneness in Christ.

• To equip them for spiritual warfare. (Wilmington’s Bible Handbook)

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Eph. 1: Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Ø When we talk about salvation, is it we who choose God or is it He who chooses us?

Ø List the benefits that Paul includes when we are chosen. (Vs. 4-14)

Ø Notice Paul’s prayer in verses 15-23. What can we learn from this prayer?

Eph. 2: We Are Made Alive in Christ

Ø Who is “the ruler of the kingdom of the air”? Is he still an issue for people today or was he only active during Paul’s time?

Ø Why did God see fit to save us?

Ø What does salvation do for those who accept Christ according to verses 2:4-22)?

Eph. 3: Paul Sent to the Gentiles

Ø What is the “mystery” bout which Paul speaks?

Ø Why did God not review this “mystery” sooner? (Vs. 3:10-12)

Ø 3:14-21 is a powerful prayer that we can use for ourselves and for everyone else!

Eph. 4-6:9: The Unity of the Body of Christ

Ø Paul calls himself a “prisoner of the Lord” several times. What does he mean by this description?

Ø What does it mean “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received”?

Ø What does Paul mean when he says that Jesus “descended to the lower earthly regions”?

Ø Who is it that gave gifts to the church and for what reason were those gifts given?

Ø As believers in Christ how should we live? (Vs. 4:17-6:9)

Eph. 6:10-24: The Armor of God

Ø What is the purpose of “the armor of God”?

Ø Against whom is our struggle as Christians? Why do we fight amongst ourselves?

Ø Was prayer important to Paul? Why did he ask his readers to pray for him? Do we seek out other believers and ask them to pray for us?

LESSON #71 (Week ending 09/18/11)

1 Samuel 13-31

Chapt. 13:  Samuel Rebukes Saul

Ø  What caused Samuel to rebuke Saul?

Ø  When Saul became impatient with Samuel against whom was he really rebelling?  Application for us?

Ø  Does man’s wisdom ever supersede God’s wisdom?

Ø  Are there consequences to being disobedient to God?

Chapt. 14:  Jonathan Attacks the Philistines

Ø  How did Jonathan’s attitude differ from Saul’s?

Ø  Does God need armies to accomplish His purposes?  Application for us?

Ø  How did the ill-advised oath of Saul cause problems for the Hebrew army?

Ø  What can we learn from Saul’s disobedience toward God?

Chapt. 15:  Saul Rejected

Ø  Why was Saul unable to carry out the commands of the Lord?

Ø  What does it mean when the Lord says that He was “grieved” for making Saul king?

Ø  Was Saul lying to Samuel when he said he had carried out God’s orders or was he deluded?

Ø  Instead of taking full responsibility for his actions what did Saul do?  Application?

Ø  What does God want from His people, obedience or sacrifice?  Application?

Chapt. 16:  David Anointed

Ø  How did Samuel try to determine God’s anointed among Jess’s sons?  Application?

Ø  How does God choose those He wants to serve Him?

Ø  What does it mean that “an evil spirit from the Lord” tormented Saul?

Chapt. 17:  David and Goliath

Ø  Why did the Israelites fear Goliath?  Who or what are the “giants” in your life?

Ø  How was David able to defeat Goliath?  Application?

Ø  When circumstances cause us to be fearful, what does that indicate about our faith?

Chapt. 18 & 19:  Saul’s Jealousy of David

Ø  Why was Saul jealous of David?

Ø  Notice the progression of Saul’s sin:  jealousy, anger, murder, fear.  Is there ever a time when jealousy does not take this downward spiral?  If so, when?

Chapt. 20:  David and Jonathan

Ø  Describe the relationship between Jonathan and David.

Ø  If Jonathan was the logical successor to his father’s throne, why did he befriend and assist David?  Application?

Ø  How would you describe Jonathan’s character?

Chapt. 21- Chapt. 24: 

Ø  David deceived the priest Ahimelech in order to get food.  What were the consequences of this?  Application?

Ø  Why did David flee into the enemy camp?  How did God protect him?

Ø  What was the significance of David sparing Saul’s life?  Application?

Chapt. 25:  David, Nabal, and Abigail

Ø  What type of person does Nabal represent? 

Ø  What type of person does Abigail represent?

Ø  Some commentators note a similarity between Nabal and Saul. Each is hostile to a loyal and honest David. Each goes against the advice of family and retainers. Each ultimately is struck down by God, not by David. Samuel even told Saul he acted foolishly, using the same Hebrew letters that make up Nabal’s name (13:13). The evil each did David returned to condemn him. What a lesson for us. Let’s let our enemies’ own acts condemn them, rather than take revenge.^[1]

Chapt. 26-31:  Continued Conflict

Ø  David refused to kill Saul a second time.  Did this act of kindness cause Saul to repent?

Ø  Why did David go to the Philistines?  How did God use this “detour” in David’s life?  Application?

Ø  What is the significance of Saul seeking wisdom from the Witch of Endor?  Application?

Ø  In the end Saul’s rebellion ended in defeat for Israel and in Saul taking his own life.  The progression of sin and rebellion always lead to death.  What is the remedy?

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^[1] Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (196). Wheaton: Victor Books.

LESSON #70 (Week ending 09/11/11)

1 Samuel 1-12

Overview:

Samuel, Israel’s last, greatest judge, was also a prophet (1 Sam. 3:20) and a priest (9:12–13). In his old age he served as God’s adviser to Israel’s first king, Saul. Samuel anointed Israel’s greatest king, David.

Together the two Books of Samuel cover the history of Israel from the last quarter of the 12th century b.c. to the first quarter of the 10th. They explain Israel’s transition from loosely associated tribes led by local judges to a unified nation led by kings.^[1]

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Chapt. 1:  Samuel

Ø  What is significant in the way God responded (or didn’t respond) to Hannah’s prayers over the years?  Application

Ø  What can we learn from the interaction between Eli and Hannah?  Are things always as they appear to us?

Ø  Is there any significance to the fact that we never hear of Peninnah again?

Ø  How difficult do you think it was for Hannah to leave Samuel with Eli at such a young age?  Application?

Chapt. 2:1-11: Hannah’s Prayer

Ø  Compare Hannah’s prayer with that of Mary (Luke 1:46-53).

Ø  What can we learn from this prayer?

Ø  Is God’s timing perfect?

Chapt. 2:12-36:  The Fall of the House of Eli

Ø  Perhaps Eli’s greatest failure was in the way he raised his sons.  Contrast 1 Sam 2:12, 17 with 2:35.  Although Eli appears to have served the Lord with reasonable faithfulness, his sons clearly did not.  Application for us?

Ø  Does it necessary follow that if a parent is serving the Lord their children will automatically follow?  Application?

Ø  Was Eli aware of all the ways his sons were sinning?  What did he do about it?

Ø  Did God break His promise to the house of Eli?  Are there ever consequences to sin?

Chapt. 3:  God Calls Samuel

Ø  Why was Eli so slow to recognize what was happening between Samuel and God?  How do you think Eli may have felt about God revealing Himself to Samuel instead of him? 

Ø  Notice the contrast between 3:9 and 3:17.  What do you think Eli’s reaction in 3:18 tells us about him?

Ø  What does 1 Sam 3:7 mean?  In what sense it is possible for us to be involved in ministry and not know the Lord?

Ø  Samuel’s obedience demonstrated his love and devotion to the Lord.  How can we judge our own love and devotion to the Lord?

Chapt. 4- Chapt. 7:  The Ark Travels

Ø  What was fundamentally wrong about the way the Israelites used the Ark of the Covenant when they went into battle against the Philistines?  Application for us?

Ø  How did God demonstrate His displeasure in what they had done? 

Ø  Is it possible that God does not answer prayers for deliverance when the situation is a result of disobedience?

Ø  How did God demonstrate His displeasure toward the Philistines? 

Ø  Why didn’t the plagues cause the Philistines to turn to God since they understood He was the origin of their troubles?

Ø  What was miraculous about the way the Ark was returned to Israel?

Ø  Did the Israelites handle the return of the Ark correctly?  Consequences and/or application?

Ø  What is an “Ebenezer” and what is the significance in this passage?

Chapt. 8- Chapt. 11:  “We Want A King Like The Nations”

Ø  How did Samuel do as a father?  Any better than Eli?  Application?

Ø  Did the consequence of Samuel’s failure with his sons cause problems for Israel?

Ø  Why did the people want a “king like the nations”?  Were they trusting the Lord or looking at the world?  Application for us?

Ø  Why did God allow Samuel to appoint a king when it was not His will for His people?  Application for us?

Ø  Did God use Saul to deliver His people?  Application?

Ø  What happened to Saul as he gained in power with the people?  Id that something we have to watch if God uses us?

Chapt. 12:  Samuel’s Farewell Speech

Ø  Samuel led the people with purity of service and conviction.  In the end he helped them understand where they had rejected the Lord by demanding a king.

Ø  Instead of gloating over the people for their disobedience Samuel prayed for them and encouraged them.  Application for us?

Ø  Notice Samuel’s final admonition to the Israelites, what can we learn from this to apply to our walk with Jesus?

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^[1] Richards, L., & Richards, L. O. (1987). The teacher's commentary (199). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.