LESSON #31 (Week ending 08/01/10)

1 & 2 Thessalonians

AUTHOR & DATE:

Paul wrote both of these epistles from the city of Corinth between 50 – 54 AD after visiting them and establishing a church there during his second missionary journey (see Acts 17).

PURPOSE:

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to encourage them as they faced persecution from zealous Jews and to give further doctrinal teachings to the young and growing church.

1 Thess. 1: Great Faith Appreciated

Ø Paul lists three things (verse 3) for which he is thankful about the Thessalonians. What are they and what can we learn from them?

Ø In what ways did the Thessalonians demonstrate by their lives the impact the Gospel had on them?

Ø Is the response given by the Thessalonians to the Gospel normative? Application?

1 Thess. 2: Reminders of Paul's Ministry with the Thessalonians

Ø Did Paul face opposition while sharing the Gospel in Thessalonica?

Ø What was Paul's proclaimed reason for sharing the Gospel?

Ø Did Paul and the others with him share the Gospel by their words only? Application?

1 Thess. 3: Timothy's Great Report

Ø How did Paul multiply his ability to minister?

Ø Did the church grown in spite of persecution?

Ø What powerful "tool" did Paul use to minister to the Thessalonians while he was not with them?

1 Thess. 4 & 5: More Teaching and Questions Answered

Ø Is it important to live lives that please God? Why or why not?

Ø What was God's will for the Thessalonians (vs. 3-12)? Is it the same for us?

Ø In verses 4:13-5:11 what does Paul teach about death of believers and what will happen to believers who are alive when Jesus returns for His own?

Ø Is Paul referring to Christ's final return to earth or something else?

Ø How should this teaching affect the Church of Jesus Christ (vs. 5:11)? Does that apply to us also?

Ø In 5:12-22 Paul lists several "works" that should be a part of the believer's life. What are they and how do they apply to us?

2 Thess. 1: Prayer of Thanksgiving

Ø For what is Paul thankful here?

Ø When will God make right all the "wrongs" the church has suffered over the years?

Ø Verses 11-12 give us a wonderful example of a prayer we can use for our loved ones.

2 Thess. 2: More Teachings

Ø What must occur before the Lord returns to set up His Kingdom on earth?

Ø What will Satan use to deceive?

Ø What is the reason many will perish?

Ø Verse 2:13 gives a clear indication of how salvation takes place. Who is the author and finisher of salvation?

2 Thess. 3: Request for Prayer, Additional Warnings, and Final Greetings

Ø Why did Paul ask for prayer? Should we ask others to pray for us?

Ø Paul talks about idleness which means being unfruitful. How does Paul view idleness?

Ø How did Paul tell his readers to relate to someone who did not obey his teachings?

Ø Does this apply for us today?

LESSON #30 -- Psalm 22-29

PSALMS 22:1-29:11

Week ending 07/25/10

Review: MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS OF PSALMS:

* Praise psalms. These focus on the person of God and praise Him by describing His nature or His qualities. This type of psalm is illustrated by Psalms 33, 103, and 139.

* Historical/Wisdom psalms. These review God's dealings with His people. Illustrations are Psalms 68, 78, 105, and 106.

* Relational psalms. These psalms explore the personal relationship which exists between God and the believer. They are illustrated by Psalms 8, 16, 20, 23, and 55.

* Imprecatory psalms. These are psalms in which the worshiper calls on God to overthrow the wicked. Among them are Psalms 35, 69, 109, and 137.

* Penitential psalms. In these the psalmist expresses sorrow over his failures and confesses his sins to God. Examples are Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, and 143.

* Messianic psalms. These psalms refer in some way to Christ, who is to come from David's family line. Many such psalms are indicated by references in the New Testament. Psalms which the New Testament indicates refer to Christ are Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 40, 45, 69, 72, 89, 102, 109–110, and 132.

* Liturgical psalms. These are psalms which were used in Israel's worship at specific times of the year or on special occasions. Liturgical psalms may be illustrated by Psalms 30, 92, and Psalms 120–134.

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Psalm 22: A Prayer for Deliverance (A Messianic Psalm)

• Does this Psalm refer to more than one event? (A near and a far event)
• Why does Matthew (27:46) reference this verse as coming from Christ on the cross?
• List the many references to Christ that are found in this Psalm.
• Does this Psalm give an indication that walking with the Lord is an "easy" walk?
• What does this Psalm promise to those who walk with the Lord? Application?

Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd (A Praise Psalm)

• What adjectives describe a shepherd in this Psalm and how do those adjectives relate to the leading of the Good Shepherd?
• What promise is found here for "sheep" who trust in and follow their Shepherd?
• Is there application for us in this Psalm?

Psalms 24: Who is He? The King of Glory! (A Messianic Psalm)

• To whom does the earth belong? Why?
• Is it possible to approach the Lord of lords? If so, how? (See Heb. 4:14-16)
• Who is the King of Glory?

Psalm 25: Praise to You O Lord! (A Praise Psalm)

• In whom does the Psalmist place his trust? How about you?
• For what does the Psalmist pray in verses 4-7? Is that your prayer?
• What happens to those who "fear" the Lord?

Psalm 26: Vindicate Me, O Lord (An Relational Psalm)

• What does the psalmist mean when he says that he has led "a blameless life"?
• What actions does the Psalmist list to indicate his devotion to the Lord?
• To be pleasing to the Lord, what type of human company does the Psalmist try to avoid? Application?

Psalm 27: Praise the Lord (A Praise Psalm)

• What does this Psalm teach us about fear?
• David gives us a wonderful example of a prayer of protection in verses 4-6. Is that applicable to us today?
• In what does David place his confidence? Application?

Psalm 28: Lord, Hear My Cry (A Relational Psalm)

• How would you describe David's emotional state in verses 1-5 of this Psalm?
• Do you feel comfortable crying out to the Lord when you are struggling emotionally or spiritually?
• Did the Lord respond to David's cry?
• Application for us?

Psalm 29: God Thunders (A Praise Psalm)

• How In the NIV translation David uses the word "ascribe". What does ascribe mean?
• David, in this Psalm, breaks into song praising and worshipping the Lord. What can we learn from his example?
• Is praise and worship part of your conversation (prayer) with the Lord?

LESSON #29 (Week ending 07/18/10) Psalms 13-21

PSALMS 13:1-21:13

Review: MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS OF PSALMS:

* Praise psalms. These focus on the person of God and praise Him by describing His nature or His qualities. This type of psalm is illustrated by Psalms 33, 103, and 139.

* Historical/Wisdom psalms. These review God's dealings with His people. Illustrations are Psalms 68, 78, 105, and 106.

* Relational psalms. These psalms explore the personal relationship which exists between God and the believer. They are illustrated by Psalms 8, 16, 20, 23, and 55.

* Imprecatory psalms. These are psalms in which the worshiper calls on God to overthrow the wicked. Among them are Psalms 35, 69, 109, and 137.

* Penitential psalms. In these the psalmist expresses sorrow over his failures and confesses his sins to God. Examples are Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, and 143.

* Messianic psalms. These psalms refer in some way to Christ, who is to come from David's family line. Many such psalms are indicated by references in the New Testament. Psalms which the New Testament indicates refer to Christ are Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 40, 45, 69, 72, 89, 102, 109–110, and 132.

* Liturgical psalms. These are psalms which were used in Israel's worship at specific times of the year or on special occasions. Liturgical psalms may be illustrated by Psalms 30, 92, and Psalms 120–134.

Psalm 13: A Prayer From the Heart (A Relational Psalm)

• Where are you Lord?
• Why are my prayers going unanswered?
• But "I trust. . . "! PTL!
• Where is God when we are struggling?

Psalm 14: When Will We Ever Learn (A Penitential Psalm)

• How can finite man claim there is no God?
• How can a corrupt creation question the Creator?
• There is a day coming when God will restore His creation to its pre sin glory!

Psalms 15: A Righteous Man (A Relational Psalm)

• Who is righteous?
• Who is blameless?
• How can anyone enter God's sanctuary?

Psalm 16: Oh The Joy (A Relational Psalm)

• Is the Psalmist confident in His God?
• Does any good thing come apart from God?
• If God has made us and empowered us for His purposes, why do we struggle with His plan?
• What must we do to be able to walk in the ways of the Lord?

Psalm 17: Hear, O Lord (An Imprecatory Psalm)

• Lord, be my Protector and hide me from the wicked.
• Why do the wicked try to silence the godly?
• What is the reward of those who stand by faith with the Lord?

Psalm 18: Praise the Lord (A Praise Psalm)

• What are the seven adjectives the psalmist used to describe the Lord in verses 1-3?
• Who is ultimately in control and is our Rescuer?
• For what reason does God rescue His own?
• How does God respond to His own?

Psalm 19: The Heavens Declare (A Praise Psalm)

• How can man know that there is a God?
• Why is man without excuse when he rejects God?
• Is there anything in God that lacks perfection?
• Is there anything that is more precious that God?
• Why, then, does man put such value on created things?

Psalm 20: Prayer of Protection (A Relational Psalm)

• Verses 1-5 are a powerful prayer.
• In whom should our trust be placed?
• Can we be confident in the Lord answering our prayers also?

Psalm 21: Praise for God's Victory (A Praise Psalm)

• From whom do the desires of the heart come?
• Praise to God for His wonderful provisions ought to be a part of our daily prayer life.
• If we have seen God work in our lives before, shouldn't we trust Him to control our situations now?

LESSON #28 (Week ending 07/11/10) Hosea

HOSEA

BACKGROUND:

Hosea, whose name means "salvation," has been called the "gentlest" of the Old Testament prophets. He was called to one of sacred history's most difficult missions. Hosea married a wife, Gomer, who abandoned him for a series of lovers, breaking the marriage covenant which bound them together. Yet Hosea's love for his wife was so great that he could not give her up. When her profligate ways led to slavery, Hosea bought her and brought her back home, to lead a holy life. In this the prophet shared God's own experience with His people, Israel. Though bound to the Lord in a covenant relationship, Israel turned away from Him to pursue idols and the adulterous lifestyle associated with paganism. That idolatry would ultimately lead the nation to enslavement too. Yet God could not stop loving, anymore than Hosea could. God too will one day bring His humbled people home, and they will again commit themselves to Him.

The Book of Hosea is deeply moving. As we sense the prophet's pain, we also enter into the pain God feels when His beloved people are unfaithful to Him. God's love truly is a love that will not let us go.^[1]

DATE: 750-730 BC

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1:1-3:5: Hosea's Marriage

Ø Why did God instruct Hosea to marry an "adulterous wife" and have children by her?

Ø Why did Hosea give such unusual names to his children?

Ø What was God's complaint against Israel?

Ø What did Hosea's buying his wife back out of slavery to prostitution indicate?

Ø What application is there for us?

4:1-7:16: God's Indictment Against Israel

Ø List the indictments the Lord had against Israel (Chap. 4).

Ø Are these indictments characteristic only to Israel?

Ø List the judgments against Israel (Chap.5).

Ø Do the parent's sins affect their children (4:7)?

Ø What is the remedy for Israel's sin?

Ø What does God desire from His people?

Ø Israel turned to other gods and nations rather than to the God with devastating results.

Ø Application for us?

8:1-10:15: Consequences

Ø Why were there consequences for Israel (8:1)?

Ø What do verses 8:3-4 indicate about earthly rulers?

Ø On what did Israel depend rather than on God (10:13-15)?

Ø Application for us?

11:1-14:9: God's Love Demonstrated

Ø List the amazing attributes of God that are taught in this book.

Ø In 14:4-9 God indicates how He will heal Israel.

Ø When did the Lord fulfill this promise?

Ø What can we learn from all that Hosea has said against Israel?

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^[1]Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (523). Wheaton: Victor Books.