Stand Firm

Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Ephesians 6:14-18 KJV 

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After identifying who our real enemies are, what does the Apostle Paul tell us to do to be victorious against evil? (v.14-18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) How do you do put on the whole armor of God?

LIFE LESSONS
3) We can only be victorious over our spiritual enemies by abiding in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4) We can only abide in our Lord Jesus Christ by reading, studying, and/or meditating upon His word and doing what it says by His grace.
5) We are only victorious against the evil within us, and the evil without, through the One who has already conquered death, hell, and the grave.

Be Content

Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Hebrews 13:5-10 KJV 

5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) The word "conversation" means "conduct". What does the writer of Hebrews tell the reader to do? Why? (v.5)
2) Why shouldn't we fear what man does to us? (v.6)
3) Who are believers to remember and follow? (v.7)
4) What does the writer tell us about our Lord Jesus? (v.8)
5) What are we to refrain from doing? Why? (v.9-10)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How content are you with what the Lord allows you to have in your journey of faith?

LIFE LESSONS
7) As followers of Christ, we are to be content with whatever the Lord allows knowing that the Lord has good plans for our lives.

Never Moved

Monday, September 28, 2015
Psalm 15:1-5 KJV

1 [[A Psalm of David.]] LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not. 5 [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What questions does David ask his readers? (v.1)
2) What is the psalmist's response to those questions? (v.2-5b)
3) According to the word of the Lord to David, who will never be moved?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Are you doing anything, or failing to do anything, that hinders your relationship with the Lord? If so, what is it and what will you do to draw nearer to Him?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Our relationship with the Lord is only as intimate as our obedience to His word and will.
6) The more intimate our relationship with the Lord is, the more likely that we will be blessed with His mercy and grace.
7) The Lord keeps those who trust in and obey Him.

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Sunday, September 26, 2015
Acts 7:2-4, 8-10, 17, 33-34, 45-47, 53 KJV 

2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. ... 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so [Abraham] begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac [begat] Jacob; and Jacob [begat] the twelve patriarchs. 9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ... 17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, ... 33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. 34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. ... 45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built him an house. ... 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Stephen tell the council about Abram, the other patriarchs of the faith, and Israel? (v.2-4,8-10, 17)
2) What did Stephen tell them about Moses? (v.33-34)
3) What did Stephen say about David and the nation of Israel? (v.45-47,53)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How do you personally apply the history of the nation of Israel to your own life?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The history of the nation of Israel enables us to understand God and ourselves, as His children, better. 

Responding to God's Faithfulness

Saturday, September 26, 2015
Acts 6:7-15 KJV 

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the Hellenists complained about the distribution of provision to their widows, the apostles charged the disciples to find seven spirit-filled men to serve all of the widows. What else was happening, in the early church, during this time? (v.7)
2) What was notable about Stephen? (v.8)
3) Who disputed with Stephen? (v.9)
4) What were those who were opposed to Stephen unable to resist? (v.10)
5) Why did people oppose Stephen and what did they do to stir up antagonism against him? (v.11-14) 
6) How did Stephen appear to the Jewish council? (v.15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have your motives and/or actions ever been questionned by others in your local church or among other religious leaders? If so, please briefly explain.

LIFE LESSONS
8) Those who follow Christ will face much opposition and even persecution.

Remembering God's Will

Friday, September 25, 2015
1Thessalonians 5:16-25 KJV 

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]. 25 Brethren, pray for us.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After observing that the Day of the Lord is imminent, what eight (8) things did the Apostle Paul exhort believers to do and for what two (2) reasons? (v.16-25)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) What are you doing to prepare for the Lord's return?

LIFE LESSONS
3) The best way to prepare for the Lord's return is to surrender our will to His and obey Him.

Remembering God's Grace

Thursday, September 24, 2015
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 KJV

1 Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Apostle Paul's salutation to the church at Corinth? (v.1-3)
2) What is Paul thankful for? Why? (v.4-7)
3) With whom had the saints in Corinth been called into fellowship with and who would present them blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus? (v.8-9)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How would you describe your relationship with the Lord Jesus?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord Jesus calls every believer into relationship with Himself so that we may be sanctified through His Spirit.

Avoid Foolishness; Live Truthfully

Thursday, September 17, 2015
2 Timothy 2:14-16,22-26 KJV

14 Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. ... 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After charging his spiritual son to commit his sayings to faithful men who were "able to teach others", what does the Apostle Paul tell Timothy to encourage those men to refrain from doing? Why? (v.14)
2) What else does Paul encourage Timothy to do and to refrain from doing? Why? (v.15,22-23)
3) What does the apostle write concerning those who serve (teach for) the Lord? Why? (v.24-26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Are you prone to striving, with other believers, about the meaning (truth) of Scripture? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord has given His word to all believers to read and to apply in our lives according to understanding.
6) Contentions about the Holy writ are futile and foolish.
7) Scripture must be compared with Scripture to establish the Truth that is in the word of God.
8) Scripture has been given to believers to enable us to live authentically as children of God and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Remembering God's Word

Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Psalm 119:89-94 KJV 

89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness [is] unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all [are] thy servants. 92 Unless thy law [had been] my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I [am] thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is settled in heaven? (v.89)
2) What is unto all generations and abides? (v. 90)
3) What continues and is for all the Lord's servants? (v.91)
4) What would have become of the psalmist if he had not delighted in the word of the Lord? (v.92)
5) What else did the Lord's words do for the psalmist? (v.93-94)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What does God's word do for you?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Word of God enables us to live as followers of Christ in this world.

Remembering God's Love

Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24 KJV 

1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. 2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. 3 For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. 4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou [art] my strength. 5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. ... 19 [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. 22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. 23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) In Whom, or what, has David placed his trust? (v.1a)
2) For what seven things does David need help with? Why does he believe that the person he trusts in will help him? (v.1b-5)
3) What does the psalmist write about the goodness of the One he trusts in? (v.19-22)
4) What does the David encourage the Lord's people to do for Him? Why? (v. 23)
5) What will the Lord do for those who have courage to hope in Him? (v.24)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) In whom, or what, have you placed your trust?
7) Have you ever needed the Lord's strength? If so, briefly describe one such time.

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord strengthens those who only trust in Him. 

Remembering God's Commands

Monday, September 21, 2015
Deuteronomy 7:1-11 KJV 

1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; 2 And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. 5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. 6 For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. 11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord command His people to do, and to refrain from doing, after taking possession of the promised land? Why? (v.1-6)
2) Why did the Lord choose the people of Israel to be His people? (v.7-8)
3) Who is the Lord merciful to? Why? (v.9-11)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How diligent are you to remember, and to do, whatever the Lord commands? 

LIFE LESSONS
5) When God's people remember and obey His commands, He faithfully keeps His promises to us.

Witnessing the Truth

Sunday, September 20, 2015
Act 5:27-29, 33-42 KJV

27 And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ... 33 When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Following their second imprisonment and supernatural escape, what did the members of the Sanhedrin council ask the apostles? Why? (v.27-28)
2) How did the Apostle Peter respond? (v.29)
3) How did the members of the council react to Peter's declaration? (v.33)
4) Who stood next and what did he tell those who listened to him? (v.34-39)
5) How did the other members of the council respond to the man and what did they do to the apostles? (v.40)
6) What did the apostles do next? (v.41-42)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever been persecuted because of your profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, how did you respond to the persecution?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Those who witness boldly for the cause of Christ will suffer persecution from the people of this world, but will also receive eternal rewards from the Lord Himself.

Prevailing Truth

Saturday, September 19, 2015
Act 4:5-12 KJV

5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who gathered to question the Apostles Peter and John, the day after their arrest? (v.5-6)
2) What did they ask them? (v.7)
3) Who responded, how did he differ from those he responded to, and what did he tell them? (v.8-12)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever had to defend your faith in the Lord Jesus? If so, briefly describe what happened.

LIFE LESSONS
5) The indwelling Holy Spirit emboldens us and grants us divine wisdom to share Christ with others.  

Trustworthy and Truth

Friday, September 18, 2015
Revelation 22:1-7 KJV 

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What two things did the angel of the Lord show the Apostle John and what were they for? (v.1-2)
2) Why will there be no more curse upon anything? (v.3)
3) What will the servants of the Lord behold and what will be the sign that they belong to Him? (v.4)
4) Why will there be no more light from the sun or the moon and what will become of the people of God? (v.5)
5) What did the angel tell John about all that He had heard and seen while on the Isle of Patmos? (v.6)
6) What does our Lord Jesus declare to His apostle and to His people? (v.7)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Given all of the tragic events that have happened in this nation and around this world recently, what are you doing to prepare yourself for our Lord's imminent return?

LIFE LESSONS
8) As life in this world becomes increasingly darker, the lives of the people of God are to become increasingly brighter to herald Jesus' return.

Avoid Foolishness; Live Truthfully

Thursday, September 17, 2015
2 Timothy 2:14-16, 22-26 KJV

14 Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. ... 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After charging his spiritual son to commit his teachings to "faithful men", what does the Apostle Paul tell Timothy to direct those who teach others to refrain from doing? (v.14)
2) What else does the apostle encourage Timothy to do and to refrain from doing? Why? (v.15-16, 22-26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) Have you ever been in a Bible study where those assembled talked about personal experiences that were unrelated to the Bible study? If so, how did the study of God's word progress?

LIFE LESSONS
4) When the word of God is studied, believers are to refrain from conversations that have nothing to do with the Scripture that is being taught.
5) Conversation that does not edify the hearers, leads to ungodly behavior and strife 

The Power of Truth

Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Luke 4:14-19 KJV 

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What happened after Jesus returned from His temptation in the wilderness? (v.14-19) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) What temptations have you faced in recent months?
3) Were you victorious over your temptations, or did you yield to any of them?

LIFE LESSONS
4) Because we are followers of Christ, we can expect to be tempted to sin throughout our earthly lives.
5) Overcoming sin does not depend entirely upon us, but on the grace of God and the power of His word to endure each temptation.

The Life of Truth

Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Proverbs 14:22-29 NIV

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. 23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. 26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. 28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined. 29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are the consequences to those who devise evil and to those who devise good? (v.22)
2) Who or what are the wealthy and the impoverished compared to? (v.23-24)
3) What becomes of the truthful witness and what is the false witness likened unto? (v.25)
4) What becomes of those who fear the Lord? (v.26-27)
5) How are those who rule over people glorified or brought to ruin? (v.28)
6) What type of person has "great understanding" and who is foolish? (v.29)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Do you fear the Lord? If not, why not?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Reverential fear of the Lord always leads to truthfulness in our relations with others.

The Cause of Truth

Monday, September 14, 2015
Psalm 45:1-4, 6-7 KJV

1 [[To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.]] My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue [is] the pen of a ready writer. 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3 Gird thy sword upon [thy] thigh, O [most] mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. ... 6 Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.


OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the psalmist write about his heart and his tongue? (v.1)
2) What does the psalmist write about Jesus and His kingdom? (v.2-4)
3) What does the psalmist write about our Lord's throne and His anointing? (v.6-7)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Does Jesus rule on the throne of your heart? If so, how do you know?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord's kingdom of God is established in our hearts when our will and our ways are in alignment with His word.

Sharing All Things

Sunday, September 13, 2015
Acts 4:34-5:10 NIV 

34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. 

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God." 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." 9 Peter said to her, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why were there "no needy persons" among the members of the early Church? (v. 34-35)
2) What did Barnabus do to contribute to the needs of the early church? (v.36-37)
3) Who else gave to the early church and how was their sacrifice different than Barnabus' sacrifice? (v.1-2)
4) How did the Apostle Peter respond to the sacrifice of these two people? Why? (v.3-10)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever lied to those in spiritual authority over you concerning your sacrifices to the church?
6) If so, why did you do it?

LIFE LESSONS
7) When we make a vow to those in spiritual authority over us and lie to them about that vow, we have not only lied to our spiritual leaders, but to the Holy Spirit.
8) The consequences of disobedience to the the Holy Spirit may include physical death, unless we repent and are truthful with Him.

Sharing out of Abundance

Saturday, September 12, 2015
Luke 3:10-16 NIV 

10 "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. 11 John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" 13 "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay." 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After preaching "repentance," the crowd asked John the Baptist what they should do to repent. What did John tell them? (v.10-14)
2) What did the people wondered within their hearts about John the Baptist? (v.15)
3) How did John respond to them? (v.16)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What have you done recently to repent for your sins?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Repentance is the result of a changed heart and leads to a change in actions.

Sharing Troubles

Friday, September 11, 2015
Philippians 4:1-14 NIV 

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the Apostle Paul express His affection for the saints at Philippi and what is his closing admonition to them in this verse of his letter? (v.1)
2) What is the apostle's plea to the women of the church? Why? (v.2-3)
3) What else does the apostle encourage the saints at Philippi to do? Why? (v.4-9)
4) What does Paul write concerning himself and the care of the saints of Philippi for him? (v.10-14)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) How willing are you to share in the troubles of your brothers and sisters in Christ?
6) Which of the above verses will you place into practice in your own life? Why?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord wants His people to care for each other, especially as troubling times increase on this earth.
8) All Scripture is helpful to followers of Christ by teaching us how to live lives that are pleasing to our Lord.

Sharing with All

Thursday, September 10, 2015
Isaiah 1:15-18 NIV 

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. 18 "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After rebuking the people of God because of their rebellious ways, what did the Lord say that He would do when they prayed to Him? Why? (v.15)
2) What did the Lord counsel His people to do to restore relationship with Himself? (v.16-17)
3) After repenting of their wicked ways, what would the Lord do concerning the former rebellious ways of His people? (v.18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you, your church family, and/or this nation repented of rebellion against the Lord? If so, how?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord cannot pardon the evil ways of His wicked and rebellious people until and unless all have repented of their sin and do that which pleases the Lord.
6) The Lord is pleased when we care for the least among us.
7) The greatest evidence of genuine repentance is a heart to share the love of Christ with those who have been marginalized in our lives, our churches, and our nation.

Sharing Generously

Wednesday, September 9, 2015
1 Timothy 5:11-19 NIV 

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After addressing the treatment of other church members, specifically the treatment of widows, what does the Apostle Paul write concerning the treatment of younger widows? Why? (v.11-13)
2) What was the apostle's counsel to younger widows? Why? (v.14-15)
3) What does Paul write concerning those believers who care for widows and the treatment of elders? Why? (v.16-19)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How do you and/or your local church treat the widows in your congregation?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord has always required His people to make provision for the poor, the needy, the orphan, and the widow.

Living Blamelessly

Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Psalm 26:1-12 NIV

1 Of David. Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered. 2 Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. 4 I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. 5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD, 7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. 8 LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did David ask of the Lord? Why? (v.1-7)
2) What did David declare about His life before the Lord? Why? (v.8-12)

APPLICATIOIN QUESTIONS
3) Are you able to declare that you have lived a righteous (blameless) life before the Lord? 
4) If so, why? If not, why not?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Believers are declared righteous (blameless) based upon the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, alone.

Rescuing the Weak

Monday, September 7, 2015
Psalm 82:1-8 NIV 

1 A psalm of Asaph. God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the "gods": 2 "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? 3 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. 5 "The 'gods' know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.' 7 But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler." 8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does Asaph reveal about our God? (v.1)
2) What question does the psalmist ask the readers of this psalm? (v.2)
3) What does the psalmist encourage the readers to do instead? (v.3-4)
4) What does the psalmist write concerning the "gods" of this earth and its foundations? (v.5)
5) What does Asaph write about the "sons of the Most High"? (v.6-7)
6) What plea does the psalmist make to God? (v.8)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Do you believe that God is about to judge the nations of this earth? If so, what, if anything, can you do about it?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord God will one day judge all who have refused His rule and reign in their lives and on this earth, as individuals, as well as nations.

9) The Lord will hear the prayers of the righteous and relent from allowing disaster, or calamity, to strike an individual and/or nation that He has purposed to judge.

Praying For One Another

Sunday, September 6, 2015
Act 4:23-31 NIV

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.' 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Apostles Peter and John do upon their release from the Sanhedrin's custody? (v.23)
2) What did the other followers of Christ do upon hearing what the apostles told them? (v.24-30)
3) What happened after the disciples of Christ completed their prayer? (v.31)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Do you generally pray fervently and earnestly for the needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ? If so, what generally happens when you do?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord expects His people to pray earnestly for each other's needs through the power of His Holy Spirit.

No Other Authority

Saturday, September 5, 2015
Act 4:13-22 NIV

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the lame man at the gate Beautiful was miraculously healed, the Sanhedrin questionned the apostles and asked who gave them authority to heal the man. Peter boldly confessed that the man was healed in the name of Jesus Christ. What astonished the religious leaders? (v.13)
2) What did the Sanhedrin do next? Why? (v.14-17)
3) What did the Sanhedrin command  the apostles to refrain from doing and how did the apostles respond? (v.18-20)
4) What did the Sanhedrin finally do to the Apostles John and Peter? Why? (v.21-22)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever witnessed a miracle in your life, ministry, and/or local church? If so, please briefly describe one such time.
6) What, if anything, did the "religious" people say about the miracle?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord still does the miraculous among those who truly believe that He is able.