Thursday, December 31, 2015
1 Timothy 1:12-17 KJV
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who was counted faithful to be a minister, why shouldn't he have, and why did he? (v.12-13)
2) How was the grace and love of the Lord extended to the apostle? (v.14)
3) Why did Christ Jesus come into the world and why was His mercy extended to the apostle, as well as to all who would believe in Him? (v.15-17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) For what do you praise our God and King?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Our great God is worthy of honor and glory because of the mercy He has shown us through the Gift of His Son, Christ Jesus.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Wisdom More Than Strength
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Proverbs 24:3-7, 13-14 KJV
3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety. 7 Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. ... 13 My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste: 14 So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How is a house built and established? (v.3)
2) How are the chambers filled and with what? (v.4)
3) Who is strong and who increases strength? (v.5)
4) What is written about counselors? (v.6)
5) What is written concerning the fool? (v.7)
6) What is sweet to the soul? Why? (v.13-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What do you do to increase in divine wisdom and knowledge?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord imparts divine wisdom and knowledge to those who study His word.
Proverbs 24:3-7, 13-14 KJV
3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety. 7 Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. ... 13 My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste: 14 So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How is a house built and established? (v.3)
2) How are the chambers filled and with what? (v.4)
3) Who is strong and who increases strength? (v.5)
4) What is written about counselors? (v.6)
5) What is written concerning the fool? (v.7)
6) What is sweet to the soul? Why? (v.13-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What do you do to increase in divine wisdom and knowledge?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord imparts divine wisdom and knowledge to those who study His word.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Honesty: The Best Policy
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Proverbs 12:19-26 KJV
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment. 20 Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy. 21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight. 23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What becomes of the words that proceed from the "lip of truth" and the "lying tongue"? (v.19)
2) What is in the heart of the evil and of the righteous? (v.20)
3) What will become of the righteous (just) and of the wicked? (v.21)
4) What is an abomination to the Lord and what delights Him? (v.22)
5) What is the difference between the prudent and the foolish? (v.23)
6) What will become of those who are diligent and slothful in their work? (v.24)
7) What cause gladness of heart? (v.25)
8) What else is written about the way of the righteous and and the way of the wicked? (v.26)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Do you know of anyone who behaves as a righteous person? If so, briefly descirbe that individual(s).
LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord expects His people to live lives of honesty and integrity.
Proverbs 12:19-26 KJV
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment. 20 Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy. 21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22 Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight. 23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. 26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What becomes of the words that proceed from the "lip of truth" and the "lying tongue"? (v.19)
2) What is in the heart of the evil and of the righteous? (v.20)
3) What will become of the righteous (just) and of the wicked? (v.21)
4) What is an abomination to the Lord and what delights Him? (v.22)
5) What is the difference between the prudent and the foolish? (v.23)
6) What will become of those who are diligent and slothful in their work? (v.24)
7) What cause gladness of heart? (v.25)
8) What else is written about the way of the righteous and and the way of the wicked? (v.26)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Do you know of anyone who behaves as a righteous person? If so, briefly descirbe that individual(s).
LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord expects His people to live lives of honesty and integrity.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Trustworthy Lives
Monday, December 28, 2015
Proverbs 11:9-13 KJV
9 An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How is a neighbor destroyed? (v.9)
2) What happens when "it goes well with the righteous" and when the "wicked perish"? (v.10)
3) What exalts a city and what overthrows it? (v.11)
4) How do the wicked and the man "of understanding" regard their neighbor? (v.12)
5) What does a talebearer and a faithful person do against their neighbor? (v.13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How loving are you toward your neighbor(s)?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Our neighbor is anyone who is in need.
8) The Lord God commands His children to love our neighbors, as ourselves.
Proverbs 11:9-13 KJV
9 An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How is a neighbor destroyed? (v.9)
2) What happens when "it goes well with the righteous" and when the "wicked perish"? (v.10)
3) What exalts a city and what overthrows it? (v.11)
4) How do the wicked and the man "of understanding" regard their neighbor? (v.12)
5) What does a talebearer and a faithful person do against their neighbor? (v.13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How loving are you toward your neighbor(s)?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Our neighbor is anyone who is in need.
8) The Lord God commands His children to love our neighbors, as ourselves.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Generous Even in Poverty
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord Jesus say about the actions of the Pharisees and why they did them? (v.2-7)
2) What did Jesus tell His followers to do? (v.8-10)
3) Who is greatest according to the Lord? Why? (v.11-12)
4) Who did the Lord say to beware of and why? (v.38-40)
5) Who did the Lord take notice of at the treasury? Why? (v.41-44)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Do you know of anyone who exalts themselves above others? If so, briefly describe this individual and what, if anything, you do to help them forsake their sin?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord abases the proud, but blesses the poor in spirit.
Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord Jesus say about the actions of the Pharisees and why they did them? (v.2-7)
2) What did Jesus tell His followers to do? (v.8-10)
3) Who is greatest according to the Lord? Why? (v.11-12)
4) Who did the Lord say to beware of and why? (v.38-40)
5) Who did the Lord take notice of at the treasury? Why? (v.41-44)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Do you know of anyone who exalts themselves above others? If so, briefly describe this individual and what, if anything, you do to help them forsake their sin?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord abases the proud, but blesses the poor in spirit.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Humble Generosity
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Matthew 6:1-6 KJV
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord say about giving to the poor? (v.1-4)
2) What did Jesus say about praying with wrong motives? (v.5)
3) What is the correct way for believers to approach the Father in prayer and how will God reward us as a result? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever given or prayed with wrong motives? If so, what if anything did you (or they) do to right your wrong?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Our Lord always knows the true motives for our giving, as well as for our praying,
Matthew 6:1-6 KJV
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord say about giving to the poor? (v.1-4)
2) What did Jesus say about praying with wrong motives? (v.5)
3) What is the correct way for believers to approach the Father in prayer and how will God reward us as a result? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever given or prayed with wrong motives? If so, what if anything did you (or they) do to right your wrong?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Our Lord always knows the true motives for our giving, as well as for our praying,
Loving Generosity
Friday, December 25, 2015
Romans 12:6-13 KJV
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is every believer given, according to what? (v.6a)
2) What spiritual gifts does the Apostle Paul list? (v.6b-8)
3) What does Paul encourage believers to do? (v.9-13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are your spiritual gifts and how do you use them to edify the members of your local church body?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord gives spiritual gifts to every member of His body for the perfecting of the saints.
Romans 12:6-13 KJV
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is every believer given, according to what? (v.6a)
2) What spiritual gifts does the Apostle Paul list? (v.6b-8)
3) What does Paul encourage believers to do? (v.9-13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are your spiritual gifts and how do you use them to edify the members of your local church body?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord gives spiritual gifts to every member of His body for the perfecting of the saints.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Wise Generosity
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Colossians 3:12-17 KJV
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. 14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As God's elect, what are we to "put on," refrain from doing, and do for one another? Why? (v.12-13)
2) What is most important for us to "put on"? Why? (v.14)
3) What are we to "let" rule and "dwell" within us? Why? (v.15-16)
4) In whose name are we to speak and act? (v.17a)
5) Who do we give thanks to and when? (v.17b)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you demonstrate your thankfulness to God for His enabling power to live your life of faith?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Thankfulness to God, for the gift of salvation, is demonstrated by our submission to His perfect will for us.
Colossians 3:12-17 KJV
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. 14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As God's elect, what are we to "put on," refrain from doing, and do for one another? Why? (v.12-13)
2) What is most important for us to "put on"? Why? (v.14)
3) What are we to "let" rule and "dwell" within us? Why? (v.15-16)
4) In whose name are we to speak and act? (v.17a)
5) Who do we give thanks to and when? (v.17b)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you demonstrate your thankfulness to God for His enabling power to live your life of faith?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Thankfulness to God, for the gift of salvation, is demonstrated by our submission to His perfect will for us.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Excelllent Generosity
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
2 Corinthians 8:3-9 KJV
3 For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Despite their afflictions and poverty, what did the churches of Macedonia urge the Apostle Paul and other leaders of he church to do for them? (v.3-4)
2) What did the Macedonians do before presenting their offering to others? (v.5)
3) What did the Apostle Paul want from Titus? (v.6)
4) In what did the church at Corinth abound and what did the Apostle Paul encourage them to do generously for other needy saints? Why? (v.7-8)
5) How did the apostle use our Lord Jesus as an example of generous giving to the Corinthians?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How generous are you in meeting the needs of other believers in your local church?
LIFE LESSONS
7) We can never "out give" God!
2 Corinthians 8:3-9 KJV
3 For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Despite their afflictions and poverty, what did the churches of Macedonia urge the Apostle Paul and other leaders of he church to do for them? (v.3-4)
2) What did the Macedonians do before presenting their offering to others? (v.5)
3) What did the Apostle Paul want from Titus? (v.6)
4) In what did the church at Corinth abound and what did the Apostle Paul encourage them to do generously for other needy saints? Why? (v.7-8)
5) How did the apostle use our Lord Jesus as an example of generous giving to the Corinthians?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How generous are you in meeting the needs of other believers in your local church?
LIFE LESSONS
7) We can never "out give" God!
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Gracious Generosity
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV
1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who has God quickened (made alive)? (v.1)
2) How did we walk (live) in the past? (v.2-3)
3) What did God do for us in our former sinful condition and why? (v.4-7)
4) How were we saved and why? (v.8-9)
5) Now that we are saved what are we to God and what were we saved for? (v.10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What "good works" has God ordained for you to live out??
LIFE LESSONS
7) God has a plan and a purpose for every born-again believer.
Ephesians 2:1-10 KJV
1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who has God quickened (made alive)? (v.1)
2) How did we walk (live) in the past? (v.2-3)
3) What did God do for us in our former sinful condition and why? (v.4-7)
4) How were we saved and why? (v.8-9)
5) Now that we are saved what are we to God and what were we saved for? (v.10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What "good works" has God ordained for you to live out??
LIFE LESSONS
7) God has a plan and a purpose for every born-again believer.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Modeled Generosity
Monday, December 21, 2015
John 1:10-18 KJV
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle John write about our Lord and those who received Him? (v.10-13)
2) What does the apostle write about the Word? (v14)
3) What does John write about John the Baptist and his testimony concerning our Lord? (v.15)
4) What else does John the Beloved apostle write about our Lord? (v.16-18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you been born-again?
6) If so, how do you know?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The greatest manifestation of the new birth experience is a change in the believers' behavior, character and/or nature.
John 1:10-18 KJV
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle John write about our Lord and those who received Him? (v.10-13)
2) What does the apostle write about the Word? (v14)
3) What does John write about John the Baptist and his testimony concerning our Lord? (v.15)
4) What else does John the Beloved apostle write about our Lord? (v.16-18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you been born-again?
6) If so, how do you know?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The greatest manifestation of the new birth experience is a change in the believers' behavior, character and/or nature.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Dedication of Jesus
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Exodus 13:13-15; Luke 2:22-32 KJV
13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem. 14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the children of God to redeem after taking possession of their land of promise and with what were they to redeem each? (v.13)
2) What were the children of Israel to tell their children when they asked why they made these sacrifices? (v.14-15)
3) What did Mary do following the birth of Jesus? Why? (v.22-24)
4) Who was Simeon and what did God do for him? Why? (v.25-26)
5) What was Simeon doing when Jesus' earthly parents brought Him to the temple and what did Simeon say upon seeing the Christ child? (v.27-32)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you expecting from the Lord before Jesus returns?
LIFE LESSONS
7) To prepare for Jesus' return, we must ask the Lord to rid us of all that is not like Him or of Him.
8) To prepare for the Lord's return, we must ask Him to bring us into alignment with His word and His will.
Exodus 13:13-15; Luke 2:22-32 KJV
13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem. 14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the children of God to redeem after taking possession of their land of promise and with what were they to redeem each? (v.13)
2) What were the children of Israel to tell their children when they asked why they made these sacrifices? (v.14-15)
3) What did Mary do following the birth of Jesus? Why? (v.22-24)
4) Who was Simeon and what did God do for him? Why? (v.25-26)
5) What was Simeon doing when Jesus' earthly parents brought Him to the temple and what did Simeon say upon seeing the Christ child? (v.27-32)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you expecting from the Lord before Jesus returns?
LIFE LESSONS
7) To prepare for Jesus' return, we must ask the Lord to rid us of all that is not like Him or of Him.
8) To prepare for the Lord's return, we must ask Him to bring us into alignment with His word and His will.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Dedication of First Born
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Leviticus 12:1-8 KJV
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. 5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. 6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: 7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This [is] the law for her that hath born a male or a female. 8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Lord speak to and what did He tell the person to say to the children of Israel concerning a woman's first born man child? (v.1-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) How likely would your mother have been to keep this law of the Lord, if believers were stilll bound to the law in this present age of grace? Please explain your answer.
LIFE LESSONS
3) God gave His people laws to show them how impossible it is for any human being to keep them.
4) The Law represented God's standard for holiness.
5) Only Jesus Christ could perfectly fulfill all of the commandments of the law, so that we would not have to.
Leviticus 12:1-8 KJV
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. 5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. 6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: 7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This [is] the law for her that hath born a male or a female. 8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Lord speak to and what did He tell the person to say to the children of Israel concerning a woman's first born man child? (v.1-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) How likely would your mother have been to keep this law of the Lord, if believers were stilll bound to the law in this present age of grace? Please explain your answer.
LIFE LESSONS
3) God gave His people laws to show them how impossible it is for any human being to keep them.
4) The Law represented God's standard for holiness.
5) Only Jesus Christ could perfectly fulfill all of the commandments of the law, so that we would not have to.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dedication of David
Friday, December 18, 2015
1 Samuel 16:10-13 KJV
10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Samuel's response after Jesse had each of his seven sons pass before the prophet the second time? (v.10-11a)
2) What did the prophet tell Jesse to do after hearing that Jesse had another son? (v.11b-c)
3) What did Jesse's youngest son look like, what did the Lord tell Samuel to do for him? (v.12-13a)
4) What happened to the young man after the prophet anointed him? (v.13b)
5) What did Samuel do after completing his assignment? (v.13c)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Do you know of anyone who was chosen to serve in a position or ministry that they did not appear to be qualified to serve in?
7) If so, in what ways did the Lord reveal to you, and to others, that He had chosen that individual for the job and/or ministry?
LIFE LESSONS
8) God knows whom He has chosen to serve Him, in whatever capacity, irregardless of what other people think of them.
1 Samuel 16:10-13 KJV
10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Samuel's response after Jesse had each of his seven sons pass before the prophet the second time? (v.10-11a)
2) What did the prophet tell Jesse to do after hearing that Jesse had another son? (v.11b-c)
3) What did Jesse's youngest son look like, what did the Lord tell Samuel to do for him? (v.12-13a)
4) What happened to the young man after the prophet anointed him? (v.13b)
5) What did Samuel do after completing his assignment? (v.13c)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Do you know of anyone who was chosen to serve in a position or ministry that they did not appear to be qualified to serve in?
7) If so, in what ways did the Lord reveal to you, and to others, that He had chosen that individual for the job and/or ministry?
LIFE LESSONS
8) God knows whom He has chosen to serve Him, in whatever capacity, irregardless of what other people think of them.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Dedication of Samuel
Thursday, December 17, 2015
1 Samuel 1:11, 20, 24-28 KJV
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. ... 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD. ... 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
OBSERVATION QUESTONS
1) What did Hannah vow to the Lord if He would open her womb? (v.11)
2) What did Hannah do after giving birth to her child? (v.20)
3) What did Hannah do after the child was weaned? (v.24-28)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever asked the Lord to grant a specific request and made a vow to Him if He would do what you asked?
5) If so, did the Lord grant your petition and did you fulfill your vow?
LIFE LESSONS
6) God will always grant the petitions of our hearts in accordance with His divine plan and purpose for our lives.
7) The blessings and favor of God cannot be bartered for, or bought.
1 Samuel 1:11, 20, 24-28 KJV
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. ... 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD. ... 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
OBSERVATION QUESTONS
1) What did Hannah vow to the Lord if He would open her womb? (v.11)
2) What did Hannah do after giving birth to her child? (v.20)
3) What did Hannah do after the child was weaned? (v.24-28)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever asked the Lord to grant a specific request and made a vow to Him if He would do what you asked?
5) If so, did the Lord grant your petition and did you fulfill your vow?
LIFE LESSONS
6) God will always grant the petitions of our hearts in accordance with His divine plan and purpose for our lives.
7) The blessings and favor of God cannot be bartered for, or bought.
Dedication of Samson
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Judges 13:2-5, 24-25 KJV
2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name [was] Manoah; and his wife [was] barren, and bare not. 3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou [art] barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. 4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean [thing]: 5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. ... 24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who was Manoah and what do we know about his wife? (v.2)
2) Who appeared to Manoah's wife and what did he tell her? (v.3-5)
3) What do we learn about Manoah's son? (v.24-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Do you know of anyone who bore a child after a season of being infertile? If so, briefly describe how the person(s) responded after the child was born?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Children, whether adopted or born into a family, are a gift from God.
Judges 13:2-5, 24-25 KJV
2 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name [was] Manoah; and his wife [was] barren, and bare not. 3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou [art] barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. 4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean [thing]: 5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. ... 24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who was Manoah and what do we know about his wife? (v.2)
2) Who appeared to Manoah's wife and what did he tell her? (v.3-5)
3) What do we learn about Manoah's son? (v.24-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Do you know of anyone who bore a child after a season of being infertile? If so, briefly describe how the person(s) responded after the child was born?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Children, whether adopted or born into a family, are a gift from God.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
God's Heart and Dedication
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
2 Chronicles 30:5-12 KJV
5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done [it] of a long [time in such sort] as it was written. 6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. 8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. 9 For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him. 10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What decree was established and proclamation declared throughout Israel? Why? (v.5)
2) What posts went to the king and his princes throughout Israel and Judah? (v.6a)
3) What did the letters say? (v.6b-9)
4) How did the people of the land respond upon hearing and reading the posts that were dispatched? (v.10-11)
5) What did God do in Judah? (v.12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What is the Lord calling you and/or your local church to do during this last hour?
7) Are you doing what the Lord has called you to do?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord grants His people discernment to know what He is doing, or about to do, among us. We would be wise to heed His directives.
2 Chronicles 30:5-12 KJV
5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done [it] of a long [time in such sort] as it was written. 6 So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, [who] therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. 8 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. 9 For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him. 10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What decree was established and proclamation declared throughout Israel? Why? (v.5)
2) What posts went to the king and his princes throughout Israel and Judah? (v.6a)
3) What did the letters say? (v.6b-9)
4) How did the people of the land respond upon hearing and reading the posts that were dispatched? (v.10-11)
5) What did God do in Judah? (v.12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What is the Lord calling you and/or your local church to do during this last hour?
7) Are you doing what the Lord has called you to do?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord grants His people discernment to know what He is doing, or about to do, among us. We would be wise to heed His directives.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Separate for a Purpose
Monday, December 14, 2015
Leviticus 20:7-8, 22-24 KJV
7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God. 8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I [am] the LORD which sanctify you. ... 22 Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. 23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. 24 But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I [am] the LORD your God, which have separated you from [other] people.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord God tell His people to do, and to refrain from doing, to inherit their land of promise? Why? (20:7-8,22-24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) In what ways have you separated yourself from the people of the world?
LIFE LESSONS
3) As God's holy people, we are to separate ourselves from the ways of the people of this world, that we may inherit the blessings God has promised us.
Leviticus 20:7-8, 22-24 KJV
7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God. 8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I [am] the LORD which sanctify you. ... 22 Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. 23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. 24 But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I [am] the LORD your God, which have separated you from [other] people.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord God tell His people to do, and to refrain from doing, to inherit their land of promise? Why? (20:7-8,22-24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) In what ways have you separated yourself from the people of the world?
LIFE LESSONS
3) As God's holy people, we are to separate ourselves from the ways of the people of this world, that we may inherit the blessings God has promised us.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Acceptable Sacrifice
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33 KJV
17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 18 Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever [he be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering; 19 [Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats. 20 [But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. 21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. 22 Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD. 23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. 24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land. 25 Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption [is] in them, [and] blemishes [be] in them: they shall not be accepted for you. ... 31 Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I [am] the LORD. 32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I [am] the LORD which hallow you, 33 That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Moses to say to Aaron, Aaron's sons, and the children of Israel concerning acceptable offerings? (v.17-21)
2) What did the Lord deem to be an unacceptable offering to Him? Why? (v.22-25)
3) What did the Lord remind the children of Israel to do? Why? (v.31-33)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What have you offered to the Lord recently?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The best offering that we can make to the Lord is an offering of what He has given to us, whether time, talent, or treasure.
Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33 KJV
17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 18 Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever [he be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering; 19 [Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats. 20 [But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. 21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. 22 Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD. 23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. 24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land. 25 Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption [is] in them, [and] blemishes [be] in them: they shall not be accepted for you. ... 31 Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I [am] the LORD. 32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I [am] the LORD which hallow you, 33 That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Moses to say to Aaron, Aaron's sons, and the children of Israel concerning acceptable offerings? (v.17-21)
2) What did the Lord deem to be an unacceptable offering to Him? Why? (v.22-25)
3) What did the Lord remind the children of Israel to do? Why? (v.31-33)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What have you offered to the Lord recently?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The best offering that we can make to the Lord is an offering of what He has given to us, whether time, talent, or treasure.
Perfect Sacrifice
Saturday, December 12, 2015
1 John 4:9-16 KJV
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How was the love of God manifested toward us? Why? (v.9)
2) How did God demonstrate His love for us? (v.10, 14)
3) Since God so loved us, what are we to do for others? (v.11)
4) How do we abide in God's love and how is it perfected in us? (v.12-13)
5) How do we know that we abide in the love of God and that God abides in us? (v.15,16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you know that you abide in God and that His love indwells you?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Our love for others is evidence that the love of God abides within us.
1 John 4:9-16 KJV
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How was the love of God manifested toward us? Why? (v.9)
2) How did God demonstrate His love for us? (v.10, 14)
3) Since God so loved us, what are we to do for others? (v.11)
4) How do we abide in God's love and how is it perfected in us? (v.12-13)
5) How do we know that we abide in the love of God and that God abides in us? (v.15,16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you know that you abide in God and that His love indwells you?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Our love for others is evidence that the love of God abides within us.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Faithful Sacrifice
Friday, December 11, 2015
Hebrews 11:4-16 KJV
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why does the writer of Hebrews include Abel and Enoch among God's faithful people? (v.4-5)
2) What is impossible to do without faith? (v.6)
3) Why are Noah, Abraham and Sara listed among God's patriarchs of the faith? (v.7-12)
4) How did these people of faith depart this life and what did they think of themselves? (v.13)
5) What did the patriarchs of faith seek and what did the Lord prepare for them as a result of their faith in Him? (v.14-16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you believing that the Lord will do in your life?
7) Will your faith remain in the Lord even if you never see what He has promised you?
LIFE LESSONS
8) Our faith is not simply in the promises of God, but in the faithfulness of God Himself.
Hebrews 11:4-16 KJV
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why does the writer of Hebrews include Abel and Enoch among God's faithful people? (v.4-5)
2) What is impossible to do without faith? (v.6)
3) Why are Noah, Abraham and Sara listed among God's patriarchs of the faith? (v.7-12)
4) How did these people of faith depart this life and what did they think of themselves? (v.13)
5) What did the patriarchs of faith seek and what did the Lord prepare for them as a result of their faith in Him? (v.14-16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you believing that the Lord will do in your life?
7) Will your faith remain in the Lord even if you never see what He has promised you?
LIFE LESSONS
8) Our faith is not simply in the promises of God, but in the faithfulness of God Himself.
Complete Sacrifice
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Romans 12:1-8 KJV
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Apostle Paul beseech his brethren to do, in what way, and why? (v.1-2)
2) What does the apostle tell the members of Christ's body to refrain from doing? Why? (v.3-5)
3) What are the gifts of God and how are believers to use the gifts that have been given to each of us? (v.6-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are your spiritual gifts and how are you using those gifts in your local church or within the body of Christ?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord gives spiritual gifts to every member of His body to edify and encourage every member of His body!
Romans 12:1-8 KJV
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Apostle Paul beseech his brethren to do, in what way, and why? (v.1-2)
2) What does the apostle tell the members of Christ's body to refrain from doing? Why? (v.3-5)
3) What are the gifts of God and how are believers to use the gifts that have been given to each of us? (v.6-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are your spiritual gifts and how are you using those gifts in your local church or within the body of Christ?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord gives spiritual gifts to every member of His body to edify and encourage every member of His body!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Loving Sacrifice
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Mark 12:28-34b KJV
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. 31 And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the scribe ask Jesus? (v.28)
2) What was Jesus' response? (v.29-31)
3) What did the scribe say to Jesus after hearing His response? (v.32-33)
4) What did Jesus say to the scribe? Why? (v.34a)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you obeyed the Lord's commands to love Him and love the people He loves? If not, why not?
6) If you have faithfully obeyed the Lord's commands to love Him and to love the people He loves, briefly describe how you have done that recently.
LIFE LESSONS
7) The faithful are not always able to love God and/or His people as the Lord would have us to.
8) When believers are not able to love as Jesus loves it is incumbent upon us to confess our weakness, repent of our failure, and pray for the Lord's grace to love who He loves and as He loves.
Mark 12:28-34b KJV
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. 31 And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the scribe ask Jesus? (v.28)
2) What was Jesus' response? (v.29-31)
3) What did the scribe say to Jesus after hearing His response? (v.32-33)
4) What did Jesus say to the scribe? Why? (v.34a)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you obeyed the Lord's commands to love Him and love the people He loves? If not, why not?
6) If you have faithfully obeyed the Lord's commands to love Him and to love the people He loves, briefly describe how you have done that recently.
LIFE LESSONS
7) The faithful are not always able to love God and/or His people as the Lord would have us to.
8) When believers are not able to love as Jesus loves it is incumbent upon us to confess our weakness, repent of our failure, and pray for the Lord's grace to love who He loves and as He loves.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Contrite Sacrifice
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Psalm 51:15-19 KJV
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Psalmist declare that he would do if the Lord opened his lips? (v.15)
2) What does the Lord not delight in? (v.16)
3) What does the Lord not despise? (v.17)
4) What did the psalmist ask the Lord to do as it pleased Him? (v.18)
5) What would be the result? (v.19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you doing to please the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord is not as pleased with external sacrifices as He is in our internal brokenness and need for Him.
8) Internal brokenness that results in changed behavior always pleases God.
9) External offerings that are not the result of internal change are meaningless to God.
Psalm 51:15-19 KJV
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Psalmist declare that he would do if the Lord opened his lips? (v.15)
2) What does the Lord not delight in? (v.16)
3) What does the Lord not despise? (v.17)
4) What did the psalmist ask the Lord to do as it pleased Him? (v.18)
5) What would be the result? (v.19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you doing to please the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord is not as pleased with external sacrifices as He is in our internal brokenness and need for Him.
8) Internal brokenness that results in changed behavior always pleases God.
9) External offerings that are not the result of internal change are meaningless to God.
Living Sacrifice
Monday, December 7, 2015
Psalm 40:1-8 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the psalmist do and how did the Lord respond? (v.1-3a)
2) What did David say about those who were witnesses to the Lord's goodness to him? (v.3b)
3) Who is blessed? (v.4)
4) What did the psalmist write about the Lord and His works? (v.5)
5) What two things did the Lord not require from the psalmist? (v.6)
6) What would be written in the Scriptures about the Lord's Servant? (v.7-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How do people know that your trust is only in the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
8) Our trust in the Lord is manifested through the blessings that He showers upon our lives.
9) The blessings of God are not merely material possessions but intangibles such as peace, mental stability, and the grace of God.
10) We can never earn the blessings or favor of God through material offerings alone, but through our trust in Him to meet our every need.
Psalm 40:1-8 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the psalmist do and how did the Lord respond? (v.1-3a)
2) What did David say about those who were witnesses to the Lord's goodness to him? (v.3b)
3) Who is blessed? (v.4)
4) What did the psalmist write about the Lord and His works? (v.5)
5) What two things did the Lord not require from the psalmist? (v.6)
6) What would be written in the Scriptures about the Lord's Servant? (v.7-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How do people know that your trust is only in the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
8) Our trust in the Lord is manifested through the blessings that He showers upon our lives.
9) The blessings of God are not merely material possessions but intangibles such as peace, mental stability, and the grace of God.
10) We can never earn the blessings or favor of God through material offerings alone, but through our trust in Him to meet our every need.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
A Day of Rest
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Exodus 20:8-11, 31:12-16 KJV
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: 11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Lord God want His people to do in observance of the sabbath day? Why? (20:8-11)
2) Why is it so important that God's people remember to keep sabbath? (31:12-13)
3) How long is the sabbath to be kept and what are the penalties for not keeping it? (31:14-16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Review Hebrews 4:1-10 concerning the promise of rest that remains for the children of God in this present age of grace.
LIFE LESSONS
5) We enter into God's rest by ceasing from our own efforts to live godly lives and by yielding to the Holy Spirit's direction for our lives.
Exodus 20:8-11, 31:12-16 KJV
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: 11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Lord God want His people to do in observance of the sabbath day? Why? (20:8-11)
2) Why is it so important that God's people remember to keep sabbath? (31:12-13)
3) How long is the sabbath to be kept and what are the penalties for not keeping it? (31:14-16)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Review Hebrews 4:1-10 concerning the promise of rest that remains for the children of God in this present age of grace.
LIFE LESSONS
5) We enter into God's rest by ceasing from our own efforts to live godly lives and by yielding to the Holy Spirit's direction for our lives.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Work, Then Rest
Saturday, November 5, 2015
Exodus 16:22-26 KJV
22 And it came to pass, [that] on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one [man]: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. 25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day [is] a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, [which is] the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the children of God do on the sixth day? (v.22)
2) What did Moses tell the congregation to do on the Sabbath? (v.23)
3) What did the people of God do with that which they gathered on the sixth day? Why? (v.24-26)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What, if anything, do you do to honor the Sabbath?
LIFE LESSONS
5) We honor the Sabbath best by resting in the Lord (the One who is our Sabbath because He fulfilled the Law)!
Exodus 16:22-26 KJV
22 And it came to pass, [that] on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one [man]: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. 25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day [is] a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, [which is] the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the children of God do on the sixth day? (v.22)
2) What did Moses tell the congregation to do on the Sabbath? (v.23)
3) What did the people of God do with that which they gathered on the sixth day? Why? (v.24-26)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What, if anything, do you do to honor the Sabbath?
LIFE LESSONS
5) We honor the Sabbath best by resting in the Lord (the One who is our Sabbath because He fulfilled the Law)!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Eternal Rest
Friday, December 4, 2015
Revelation 14:12-13, 21:1-5 KJV
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How are the "saints" of God to live during the time when the mark of the beast is being received by those who have rejected Jesus Christ? (v.12)
2) What did the voice from heaven say to John and tell him to write? (v.13)
3) What did John see after all satanic rebellion was destroyed? (21:1-2)
4) What did John hear, in this vision, after the evil one was overthrown? (v,3-4)
5) What did He who sat on the throne say and tell John to write? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you ready for Jesus imminent return? If not, what will you do to prepare?
LIFE LESSONS
7) To prepare for Jesus return, every believer is to keep God's word hidden in our hearts and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus in all that we say, think and do.
8) The Day is coming when satan will be defeated and there will be no more evil.
Revelation 14:12-13, 21:1-5 KJV
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How are the "saints" of God to live during the time when the mark of the beast is being received by those who have rejected Jesus Christ? (v.12)
2) What did the voice from heaven say to John and tell him to write? (v.13)
3) What did John see after all satanic rebellion was destroyed? (21:1-2)
4) What did John hear, in this vision, after the evil one was overthrown? (v,3-4)
5) What did He who sat on the throne say and tell John to write? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you ready for Jesus imminent return? If not, what will you do to prepare?
LIFE LESSONS
7) To prepare for Jesus return, every believer is to keep God's word hidden in our hearts and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus in all that we say, think and do.
8) The Day is coming when satan will be defeated and there will be no more evil.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Promised Rest
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Hebrews 4:1-11 KJV
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it]. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this [place] again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why does the writer tell the people of God to "fear"? (v.1)
2) Who does, and does not, enter into the "rest" of God? Why? (v.2-3,6-11)
3) Why is entering into the "rest" of God so important? (v.4-5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How do you enter the "rest" promised by the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Believers enter the "rest" promised by God when we believe His word and cease from our own "works" of the flesh.
Hebrews 4:1-11 KJV
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it]. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this [place] again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why does the writer tell the people of God to "fear"? (v.1)
2) Who does, and does not, enter into the "rest" of God? Why? (v.2-3,6-11)
3) Why is entering into the "rest" of God so important? (v.4-5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How do you enter the "rest" promised by the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Believers enter the "rest" promised by God when we believe His word and cease from our own "works" of the flesh.
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