Thursday, April 30, 2015
Hebrews 10:23-27 KJV
23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are Christians to "hold fast" to? Why? (v.23)
2) What else are we to do and when? (v.24-25)
3) What remains for those who sin willfully? (v.26-27
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever been willfully disobedient to the Lord? If so, why?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Those who know of the tremendous sacrifice that was made for our sins, by our Lord Jesus, cannot willingly or knowingly sin against Him.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Ephesians 4:17-25 KJV
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After exhorting members of the body of Christ to walk in unity, what does the Apostle Paul tell disciples to refrain from doing? (v.17)
2) Why are these Gentiles living as they do? (v.18-19)
3) What have disciples of Christ been taught and what should we "put off," "put on," and "put away", as a result? Why? (v.20-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Are you still living as those who have not learned of Christ? If so, what will you do to renew your mind?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Those who have been saved from the penalty of sin, are being freed from the power of sin as we are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ, through His Holy Spirit.
Monday, April 28, 2015
1 Kings 2:1-4 KJV
1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, 2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; 3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: 4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was happening in King David's life and what did he tell his son Solomon to do, as a result (v.1-3)
2) Why did David instruct Solomon to obey the Lord? (v.4)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) What words of wisdom will you impart to your children, and/or grandchildren, before you depart this life?
4) What spiritual legacy do you hope to leave your children, and/or grandchildren?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord will bless our children, and their children, when we faithfully obey Him during our time on this earth.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Daniel 4:34-37 KJV
34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the Lord humbled King Nebuchadnezzar over a span of seven years, what did the king write concerning his restoration? (v.34,36)
2) What did the king write concerning the people of the earth and our God? (v.35)
3) What change of heart did the king have toward God and the proud, after his humiliation? (v.37)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Has the Lord ever humbled you because of the pride that was in your heart? If so, describe what happened.
LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord humbles all those who fail to acknowledge His lordship over their lives.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
2 John 1:1-13 KJV
1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. 3 Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write] with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Apostle John write this epistle to? (v.1a)
2) What does the apostle write concerning his love for the reader(s) of this letter and his reason(s) for writing the letter? (v.1b-2)
3) What blessing(s) does the apostle extol to the reader(s) of this epistle? (v.3)
4) Why was the apostle rejoicing? (v.4)
5) What does the apostle urge the reader(s) of this letter to do? (v.5)
6) What does the Apostle John tell the readers that love is and when did the readers receive the commandment to love? (v.6)
7) Why is John reiterating this commandment? (v.7a)
8) Who are the deceivers and anti-Christ)? (v.7b)
9) What does the apostle encourage the reader(s) to do and why? (v.8)
10) What does John tell us concerning those who keep the commandment of love, and those who do not? (v.9)
11) What does the apostle tell his readers to refrain from doing for those who do not follow the commandment of love and why? (v.10-11)
12) What else does the Apostle John tell the readers of this letter? (v.12-13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
13) How loving are you toward the members of the household of faith?
14) Who in your local church body are you unable, or unwilling to love with the love of the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
15) The Lord's command to love one another, as He loved us, is not an option, or a suggestion, for a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
1 John 5:16-21 KJV
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 19 [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) The Apostle John mentions two types of sin, what are they and which sin should we pray for? (v.16)
2) What does the apostle write concerning all unrighteousness and sin that leads to death? (v.17)
3) Why do those believers, born of God, refrain from practicing sin? (v.18)
4) What do we know about the children of God and the children of the world? (v.19)
5) What do we know about Jesus? (v.20)
6) What is John's warning to the children of God? (v.21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Do you willfully practice sin? If so, will you confess and repent of your sins to the Father to avoid spiritual death?
LIFE LESSONS
8) Those who willfully practice sin are not born of God.
9) Willful disobedience (rebellion) against God, leads to spiritual death.
Friday, April 24, 2015
1John 5:6-15 KJV
6 This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did our Lord Jesus come into the world the first time? (v.6a)
2) Who is witness to the first incarnation and why? (v.6b)
3) Who in heaven bears record that Jesus is the Son of God and what is their relationship to one another? (v.7)
4) Who and/or what on earth agrees that Jesus is the Son of God? (v.8)
5) What is the witness of God and why is the witness of God greater than human witness? (v.9)
6) Who has eternal life and who does not? Why? (v.10-12)
7) Why did the Apostle John write about the witness within everyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (v.13)
8) Why should we be confident when we pray? (v.14-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) How do you know that you have eternal life in Christ?
LIFE LESSONS
10) For those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we are assured of eternal life through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Romans 16:16-20 KJV
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle Paul encourage the churches to do? (v.16)
2) What does the apostle warn the brethren to do and to avoid? Why? (v.17-18)
3) What did the Apostle Paul write about the obedience of the brethren? (v.19)
4) What does Paul proclaim that God will do against our adversary? (v.20)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Who is causing dissension in your family and/or church?
6) What will you do in response to the strife that they are causing among the brethren?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord wants His people to be of one mind and one accord. Pray for those who stir up strife within the church and/or our homes.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Matthew 24:3-14 KJV
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these [are] the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After predicting the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, what did Jesus do and how did the disciples respond? (v.3)
2) What did our Lord tell them would be the signs of the end of the age? (v.4-12)
3) Who will be saved from all that will transpire on this earth at the end of the age? (v.13)
4) What else must happen before the end of time? (v.14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) How are you preparing to endure the hardships that our Lord foretold, and that will come to pass on this earth?
6) With whom have (or will) you share(d) the gospel of the kingdom of our Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord will not return until the gospel is preached throughout the entire world.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Acts 15:22-35 KJV
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell [you] the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 [Which] when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [them]. 33 And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. 34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the dissension concerning the circumcision of Gentile believers, who was sent with an epistle (letter) from among the Jewish believers? (v.22)
2) Who was the letter addressed to and what did the letter say? (v.23-29)
3) Where did the men, who had been sent, first deliver the letter? (v.30)
4) How did those sent to Antioch, react after reading, what was written in the letter, to the multitude and why? (v.31)
5) Who confirmed what was written and what else did they do to encourage the believers in Antioch? (v.32)
6) Who remained in Antioch and what did they do while there? (v.33-35)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What individual(s), or group of believers, needs to be restored, or reconciled, to the body of Christ in your home church, and/or denomination?
8) How is the Lord leading you to begin that process of restoration and/or reconciliation?
LIFE LESSONS
9) The body of Christ is comprised of many different followers of the Lord, from many different ethnicities and doctrines.
10) Our Lord is returning for unified body of believers
Monday, April 20, 2015
Jeremiah 9:1-7 KJV
1 Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! 2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. 3 And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. 4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. 5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity. 6 Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD. 7 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Jeremiah express concerning his head and his eyes? Why? (v.1)
2) What did the prophet want for himself and why? (v.2-3)
3) What did Jeremiah write about relations with neighbors? Why? (v.4-5)
4) What does the prophet tell his readers (hearers) concerning deceipt that was in their midst? (v.6)
5) What was the word of the Lord concerning the deceivers and His people? (v.7)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are you doing to get to know the Lord better?
LIFE LESSONS
7) Those with a desire to know the Lord will not be deceived or deceive others.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
1 John 4:13-5:5
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. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How do we know that God lives in us and that we live in God? (v.13)
2) To what had the Apostle John seen and testified? (v.14)
3) How do we know that the Spirit of the Living God lives in us? (v.15-16)
4) Why is the love of God perfected (brought to maturation) in believers? (v.17)
5) How do we know that the love of God has not been perfected in us? (v.18)
6) Why do we love God? (v.19)
7) If we truly love God, how will that love be manifested? (v.20)
8) What command has the Lord given us? (v.21)
9) How do we know that we are born of God (born again)? (5:1)
10) How do we know that we love God's children? (v.2)
11) How is the love of God manifested? (v.3)
12) What do the children of God do? (v.4a)
13) What is the victory that overcomes the world? (v4b)
14) Who overcomes the world (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
15) Are you able to love everyone the Lord sends into your home, church, workplace, or community? Why, or why not?
16) Have you been grown in your love for others since first coming to faith in Christ? If so, How do you know?
17) Are you ever fearful of, or intimidated by, other believers? If so, why?
LIFE LESSONS
18) The Lord perfects His love in us, over time, by driving out the darkness within our souls (e.g. fear, unforgiveness, jealousy, anger, lust, pride).
19) The Holy Spirit of God is manifested through our lives as we love others.
20) The Holy Spirit emboldens us to love others, as we love God.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
1John 4:7-12 KJV
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 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.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does John the beloved suggest that followers of Christ do? Why? (v.7)
2) What does the apostle write concerning those who do not love others? (v.8)
3) How was the love of God manifested toward us? Why? (v.9)
4) Why did God send His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins? (v.10)
5) What should we do because God has loved us? (v.11)
6) What is love for others proof of? (v.12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Is there anyone in your life that you are unable to love with the love of the Lord?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The Father loved sinful people so much that He sent His Son to save us.
9) When the Holy Spirit in fills us, we will love others with the same love that God has for them.
Friday, April 17, 2015
1John 4:1-6 KJV
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle John tell followers of Christ to do? What are we to do instead and why? (v.1)
2) How will we know whether the Spirits are of God or the antichrist? (v.2-3)
3) What does John write about the children of God? (v.4)
4) What does he write about the children of world? (v.5)
5) How will we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you a child of God, or a child of the world? How do you know?
LIFE LESSONS
7) The Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Truth) indwells, leads, guides, and directs every child of God.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Romans 8:31-39 KJV
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth. 34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle Paul write concerning the heirs of salvation? (v.31)
2) Why does the Lord "freely give us all things"? (v.32)
3) What is the result of our justification? (v.33)
4) Who can condemn us? Why not? (v.34)
5) What can hardships in life does the apostle write about? Can those hardships separate us from the love of Christ? Why not? (v.35-36)
6) What is the apostle persuaded of? (v.37-39)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Were the hardships or difficulties that you've faced in your life able to separate you from the love of God?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The love of God is freely given to the heirs of salvation, despite the trials that we endure in this life.
April 15, 2015
Romans 12:9-18 KJV
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. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the word say about love, about good and about evil? (v.9,17)
2) How are we to be toward our brothers and sisters in Christ? (v.10,13,16)
3) How are believers to be in business? (v.11)
4) How are we to be when facing tribulation? (v.12)
5) How are we to be toward those who persecute us? (v.14)
6) How are we to be toward those who rejoice and weep? (v.15)
7) How are we to be toward all men? (v.18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Which verse(s) speak to your heart as (an) area(s) of weakness in your life?
9) How will you pray for the strengthening of the area(s) of weakness in your life?
LIFE LESSONS
10) The logos of God provides practical instruction on ministering to others and living a faithfilled life.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
1 Peter 3:8-12 KJV
8 Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After exhorting women to be submissive to their husbands, how does the Apostle Peter tell every believer to behave and why? (v.8-9)
2) What must the reader do to live a long and a good life? Why? (v.10-12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) Are you in one mind, or one accord, with your fellow believers? If not, why not?
4) Are you experiencing a long and a good life? If so, why do you believe that is?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Every believer experiences the blessing of the Lord when we submit, and do good, to other believers.
Monday, April 13, 2015
1 Peter 1:8-12 KJV
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Though we do not see Him, how are we to be toward Him and because of Him? Why? (v.8-9)
2) What did the prophets search diligently to discern? (v.10-11)
3) What was revealed to the prophets of old, to those who would preach the gospel, and to the angels? (v.12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) To whom do you share the message of salvation?
LIFE LESSONS
5) The mystery of salvation is revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who need Christ's redemption.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
1 John 3:11-24 KJV
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the message that the readers heard from the beginning? (v.11)
2) Who did the Apostle John use as an example of one who did not love his brother? (v.12a)
3) Why does the world hate Christians? (v.12b-13)
4) How do we know that we have passed from death to life? (v.14a)
5) What does John write about those who do not love the brethren? (v.14b-15)
6) Why should we lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ? (v.16)
7) How do we assure our hearts before God and know that we are of the truth? (v.17-19)
8) What enables us to have confidence toward God and to have our prayers answered? (v.20-22)
9) What has God commanded us to do? How? (v.23-24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) How do you know that you have eternal life?
11) Who, or what, enables you to keep the Lord's command to love your brothers and sisters in Christ?
LIFE LESSONS
12) The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to live a life of love.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
John 13:31-35 KJV
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After our Lord had washed the disciples feet and Judas left the room, what did Jesus say to the rest of the disciples? (v.31-33)
2) What new commandment did Jesus give His disciples? (v.34)
3) How would others know that Jesus' followers were His disciples? (v.35)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Are you one of Christ's disciples? How do others know?
LIFE LESSONS
5) A follower of Christ is not simply one who professes belief in the Lord Jesus, but one who loves others as He does.
Friday, April 10, 2015
1 John 3:6-10 KJV
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle John say about those who continually practice sin? (v.6,8a)
2) What does he say about those whose acts are righteous? (v.7)
3) What does John write about the devil? (v.8b)
4) Why did our Lord Jesus manifest on earth the first time that He lived among humans? (v.8c)
5) What can one born of God not do and why not? (v.9)
6) How are the children of God and the children of the devil manifested? (v.10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Do you willfully and continually sin? If so, will you confess your sins to the Father, repent of your sin, and ask the Lord to forgive you?
LIFE LESSONS
8) Our Lord died on the cross and rose again so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.
9) Those who willfully practice sin have not been born of God.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Luke 7:44-48 KJV
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the woman anointed our Lord with the alabaster box of perfume, what did Jesus say to Simon Peter about her? (v.44-47)
2) What did Jesus say to the sinful woman? (v.48)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) Have you ever poured your worship and praise upon our Lord in ways that others did not understand? Why?
4) Have you ever witnessed such a display and questionned why the individual did what they did?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Those who have been forgiven much worship the Lord lavishly.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
John 13:1-15 KJV
[Jhn 13:1-15 KJV] 1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am. 14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord know and do before the feast of passover? (v.1)
2) What manifested in Judas heart during and/or after supper was ended? (v.2)
3) What did Jesus do for His disciples and why? (v.3-5)
4) What was Simon Peter's response to what the Lord did for him? (v.6, 8a,9)
5) What did the Lord say to Peter? Why? (v.7, 8b, 10-11)
6) What happened after Jesus finished ministering to His disciples? (v.12-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever had to serve someone in church, or at home, that had been unkind to you? What was your attitude of heart as you ministered to them?
LIFE LESSONS
8) The best response to offense is forgiveness because our Lord forgave us.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
1John 3:1-5 KJV
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What has the love of God done for His children and what is the result of that? Why? (v.1)
2) What has yet to be revealed to the sons (children) of God and when will it be manifested? (v.2)
3) What should those of us who hope to be His sons (children) do? Why? (v.3-5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Do you still sin? If so, what do you do to purify (cleanse) yourself.
LIFE LESSONS
5) The sons (children) of God are manifested through the love of God in our hearts and by the purification of our hearts, as well as our deeds, by the Spirit of God.
