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.
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Teach Me Your Ways
Friday, November 27, 2015
Exodus 33:12-18 KJV
12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation [is] thy people. 14 And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not [with me], carry us not up hence. 16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth. 17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Moses say to, and ask of, the Lord? Why? (v.12-13)
2) How did the Lord respond? (v.14)
3) What did Moses say to the Lord after that? (v.15-16)
4) How did the Lord reassure Moses? (17)
5) What additional request did Moses make of the Lord? (v.18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What have you asked the Lord to do for you to glorify His Name?
LIFE LESSONS
7) God is most glorified through us as we seek His grace to know Him, to serve Him, and to serve His people.
Exodus 33:12-18 KJV
12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation [is] thy people. 14 And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not [with me], carry us not up hence. 16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth. 17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Moses say to, and ask of, the Lord? Why? (v.12-13)
2) How did the Lord respond? (v.14)
3) What did Moses say to the Lord after that? (v.15-16)
4) How did the Lord reassure Moses? (17)
5) What additional request did Moses make of the Lord? (v.18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What have you asked the Lord to do for you to glorify His Name?
LIFE LESSONS
7) God is most glorified through us as we seek His grace to know Him, to serve Him, and to serve His people.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
God Makes No Distinction
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Acts 15:1-12 KJV
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What transpired among the brethren when a "works" gospel was being taught among them and what was done in an attempt to resolve the matter? (v.1-2)
2) What did the disciples declare among the brethren on their way to Jerusalem and what was the response to that news? (v.3)
3) What happened after the disciples spoke with the leaders and apostles in Jerusalem? (v.4)
4) Who arose among the leaders in Jerusalem and what did they declare concerning the Gentile converts? (v.5)
5) What transpired after the leaders in Jerusalem began to consider the matter? (v.6-7a)
6) What did the Apostle Peter say to the Jewish leaders and how did they respond to his reasonings? (v.7b-12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever been involved in, or heard of, a dispute concerning man-made traditions in your local church assembly, denomination, or elsewhere? If so, briefly describe how the matter was resolved.
LIFE LESSONS
8) Doctrinal disputes and religious practices should never dilute the simple truth of the Gospel: "We are saved by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone, and nothing else!"
Saturday, August 22, 2015
The Lord Waits to be Gracious
Saturday, August 22, 1988
Isa 30:18-26 NIV
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! 19 People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" 23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Though the people of God continually rebelled against the Lord and His rule over them, what did the Lord long to do for them? Why? (v.18)
2) What was the Lord's promise to His willful children and how would He respond to them in their trouble? (v.19)
3) What had the Lord given His rebellious people and how would He provide for them despite His judgments against them? (v.20-21)
4) What did the Lord expect His people to do in response to His mercy? (v.22)
5) How else would the Lord demonstrate His great compassion for His people? (v.23-24)
6) What would happen in the "day of great slaughter" and when "the LORD binds" up the wounds of His afflicted people? (v.25-26)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) In what ways have you rebelled against the Lord?
8) How will you restore right relationship with Him?
LIFE LESSONS
9) Despite His chastening, the Lord longs to be gracious to His rebellious people.
Isa 30:18-26 NIV
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! 19 People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!" 23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Though the people of God continually rebelled against the Lord and His rule over them, what did the Lord long to do for them? Why? (v.18)
2) What was the Lord's promise to His willful children and how would He respond to them in their trouble? (v.19)
3) What had the Lord given His rebellious people and how would He provide for them despite His judgments against them? (v.20-21)
4) What did the Lord expect His people to do in response to His mercy? (v.22)
5) How else would the Lord demonstrate His great compassion for His people? (v.23-24)
6) What would happen in the "day of great slaughter" and when "the LORD binds" up the wounds of His afflicted people? (v.25-26)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) In what ways have you rebelled against the Lord?
8) How will you restore right relationship with Him?
LIFE LESSONS
9) Despite His chastening, the Lord longs to be gracious to His rebellious people.
Monday, January 12, 2015
The Grace of God Has Appeared
Monday, January 12, 2015
Titus 2:11-15 KJV
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Apostle Paul tell Titus about the grace of God? (v.11)
2) What should believers refrain from? (v.12a)
3) How should we live instead? (v.12b-13)
4) Why did our Lord Jesus redeem us? (v.14)
5) What three things does the apostle tell Titus (us) to do, in light of what was previously written in this Scripture passage? (v.15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you handle ungodly behaviors in your life, or in the lives of your spiritual children?
7) What do you do to live a life that pleases God?
LIFE LESSONS
8) As followers of the Lord Jesus, we are to die (cease from indulging in) whatever causes us to live ungodly lives.
9) Our Lord Jesus died to save us from sinful behaviors that keep us from growing in grace and the knowledge of God.
10) We are not saved from ungodliness by our own power alone, but by the power and grace of God.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Our Hope of Sharing God's Glory
Friday, December 19, 2014
Romans 5:1-5 KJV
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are we justified by? (1a)
2) What is the result of our justification? (1b)
3) Who and what grants us peace with, and access to, God? (1b-2)
4) Why do we "glory in tribulations"? (v.3-5a)
5) What does the indwelling Holy Ghost do for us? (v.5b)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you typically respond to trouble in your life?
7) Give one example of how the Lord used your trouble(s) to conform you to the image of Christ?
LIFE LESSONS
8) We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
9) By faith in the Lord Jesus, we have access to God and His grace.
10) By the grace of God, we can endure the trials of life.
11) God uses trials to grow patience, experience, hope, and the love of God in our hearts, through His Holy Spirit.
12) The Lord uses the trials of life to transform us to the image of Christ.
Friday, November 21, 2014
A New Birth, A Living Hope
1 Peter 1:1-7 KJV
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who was the Apostle Peter writing this epistle to? (v.1)
2) What made them the "elect" and how did that effect them spiritually? (v.2)
3) What has the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ done for all who have been born again? Why? (v.3-4)
4) What are we kept by and through? (v.5a)
5) What does our faith lead to? (v.5b)
6) What should be our response to so great a salvation? (v.6a)
7) What may happen instead, as a result of our faith? (v.6b)
8) Why are our trials so precious? (v.7)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) What is your typical reaction to the trials that you face in life?
10) Has your faith in God ever faltered, since you believed? If so, what happened?
11) To whom, or what, do you attribute your faith in God today?
PRINCIPLES
12) We are saved by grace, through faith, in the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
13) We were chosen by God for sanctification that leads to soul salvation.
14) All who belong to the Lord have an eternal inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven.
15) Trials are used by God to test our faith and to bring glory to our Lord.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Open Wide your Hearts
Sunday, August 24, 2014
2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 7:2-4
1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true; 9 As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
11 O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged.
2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3 I speak not [this] to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you].
4 Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Apostle Paul asking the church at Corinth to do and why? (v.1)
2) What had God said through the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 49:8)? (v.2)
3) How did the Apostle Paul, and his colleagues, conduct themselves and why? (v.3)
4) How did the apostle, and other disciples of Christ, show that they were true ministers? (V.4-10)
2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 7:2-4
1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true; 9 As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
11 O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged.
2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3 I speak not [this] to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you].
4 Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Apostle Paul asking the church at Corinth to do and why? (v.1)
2) What had God said through the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 49:8)? (v.2)
3) How did the Apostle Paul, and his colleagues, conduct themselves and why? (v.3)
4) How did the apostle, and other disciples of Christ, show that they were true ministers? (V.4-10)
5) Please list at least four (4) specific ministerial traits that the apostle wrote about (v.4-10).
6) What happened to the hearts of the apostles as they ministered to the church at Corinth? (v.11)
7) What was Apostle Paul asking the Corinthians to do and why? (v.12-13)
8) What else was the apostle asking of the Corinthians and why? (v.2)
9) What did the apostle say that he was not doing and why? (v.3)
10) Why was the Apostle Paul comforted by the Corinthians and joyful despite his trials? (v.4)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) How do you typically conduct yourself around those who are less spiritually mature than you, and/or those whom you disciple?
11) Have you ever discipled a younger brother, or sister, in the Lord? If so, please describe your heart attitude toward a younger disciple of Christ.
12) Have your efforts at discipling younger believers always been well received or honored? If not, please describe one such incident and what you did to correct the situation.
PRINCIPLES
13) To make disciples we must first become disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
14) Despite our personal trials, the Lord expects His ministers to disciple to the young in faith.
15) It is impossible to disciple a young believer and not possess the love of Christ for them.
6) What happened to the hearts of the apostles as they ministered to the church at Corinth? (v.11)
7) What was Apostle Paul asking the Corinthians to do and why? (v.12-13)
8) What else was the apostle asking of the Corinthians and why? (v.2)
9) What did the apostle say that he was not doing and why? (v.3)
10) Why was the Apostle Paul comforted by the Corinthians and joyful despite his trials? (v.4)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) How do you typically conduct yourself around those who are less spiritually mature than you, and/or those whom you disciple?
11) Have you ever discipled a younger brother, or sister, in the Lord? If so, please describe your heart attitude toward a younger disciple of Christ.
12) Have your efforts at discipling younger believers always been well received or honored? If not, please describe one such incident and what you did to correct the situation.
PRINCIPLES
13) To make disciples we must first become disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
14) Despite our personal trials, the Lord expects His ministers to disciple to the young in faith.
15) It is impossible to disciple a young believer and not possess the love of Christ for them.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord
Sunday, August 17, 2014
2 Corinthians 4:1-15
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As ministers of the Gospel, how are we to conduct ourselves? (v.1-2)
2) Who is not able to receive the Gospel? Why not? (v.3-4)
3) What are we to proclaim? (v.5)
4) What has God done for His servants and why? (v.6)
5) What is the treasure that is within every born-again believer? Where does the treasure come from? (v.7)
6) When is the life of Jesus manifested through us? (v.8-12)
7) Why do we endure hardships? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Do you tend to cave into despair or hopelessness when going through trials? Why, or why not?
9) How will you respond to hardships, in the future, in light of this passage of Scripture?
10) Why shouldn't we faint, or lose heart, when faced with difficulties in our lives?
PRINCIPLES
11) The minds of our unsaved loved ones are blinded to the truth of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
12) Though we are mortal, the resurrection power of God indwells every believer through the Holy Spirit.
13) To live for Christ we must die to self.
2 Corinthians 4:1-15
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.
15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As ministers of the Gospel, how are we to conduct ourselves? (v.1-2)
2) Who is not able to receive the Gospel? Why not? (v.3-4)
3) What are we to proclaim? (v.5)
4) What has God done for His servants and why? (v.6)
5) What is the treasure that is within every born-again believer? Where does the treasure come from? (v.7)
6) When is the life of Jesus manifested through us? (v.8-12)
7) Why do we endure hardships? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Do you tend to cave into despair or hopelessness when going through trials? Why, or why not?
9) How will you respond to hardships, in the future, in light of this passage of Scripture?
10) Why shouldn't we faint, or lose heart, when faced with difficulties in our lives?
PRINCIPLES
11) The minds of our unsaved loved ones are blinded to the truth of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
12) Though we are mortal, the resurrection power of God indwells every believer through the Holy Spirit.
13) To live for Christ we must die to self.
Finding Grace in the Wilderness
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Jeremiah 31:1-6
1 At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
2 Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
4 Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
5 Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.
6 For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who shall be God's people? (v.1)
2) What did God grant His people who were in the wilderness? (v.2)
3) How does God draw His people to Himself and why? (v.3)
4) What does the Lord promise His people? (v.4)
5) Why will the people of God celebrate? (v.5)
6) Where will the people of God go to be with Him? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Are Jewish people the only people of God? Why, or why not?
8) Has the Lord ever comforted you after allowing you to go through various difficulties or trials? If so, please explain one such instance.
9) Do you ever doubt the Lord's love for you? Why, or why not?
PRINCIPLES
10) By His grace and lovingkindess the Lord has drawn us to Himself!
11) We do not deserve God's mercy, yet He displays His mercy to us all the time.
12) The only response to Love is to love!
Jeremiah 31:1-6
1 At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
2 Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
4 Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
5 Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.
6 For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who shall be God's people? (v.1)
2) What did God grant His people who were in the wilderness? (v.2)
3) How does God draw His people to Himself and why? (v.3)
4) What does the Lord promise His people? (v.4)
5) Why will the people of God celebrate? (v.5)
6) Where will the people of God go to be with Him? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Are Jewish people the only people of God? Why, or why not?
8) Has the Lord ever comforted you after allowing you to go through various difficulties or trials? If so, please explain one such instance.
9) Do you ever doubt the Lord's love for you? Why, or why not?
PRINCIPLES
10) By His grace and lovingkindess the Lord has drawn us to Himself!
11) We do not deserve God's mercy, yet He displays His mercy to us all the time.
12) The only response to Love is to love!
Monday, August 4, 2014
Grace and Justification
Friday, August 8, 2014
Scripture Reading: Rom 5:15-21 KJV
15 But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What “offence” and “free gift” is the Apostle Paul referring to in this Scripture? (v.15-16)
2) What does “spiritual death” or the “free gift” reign through? (v.17-18)
3) What makes us sinners or righteous? (v.19)
4) Where sins abounds what else abound more? (v.20)
5) What reigns and leads to death? What reigns through righteousness and leads to eternal life (v. 21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What is the “free gift” that we, as believers, have received?
7) Why did we receive the “free gift”?
8) Do you have eternal life? Why, or why not?
Scripture Reading: Rom 5:15-21 KJV
15 But not as the offence, so also [is] the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, [which is] by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What “offence” and “free gift” is the Apostle Paul referring to in this Scripture? (v.15-16)
2) What does “spiritual death” or the “free gift” reign through? (v.17-18)
3) What makes us sinners or righteous? (v.19)
4) Where sins abounds what else abound more? (v.20)
5) What reigns and leads to death? What reigns through righteousness and leads to eternal life (v. 21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What is the “free gift” that we, as believers, have received?
7) Why did we receive the “free gift”?
8) Do you have eternal life? Why, or why not?
PRINCIPLES
9) Salvation is free but sanctification is costly!
10) Christians receive eternal life the moment we believe on Jesus Christ!
11) Sin always leads to spiritual death, unless and until it is confessed!
12) Condemnation comes through the Law, but GRACE comes through Jesus Christ!
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