Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Philippians 1:12-20 KJV
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places]; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) To what did the Apostle Paul attribute the sufferings of his life? (v.12-14)
2) Why did others preach Christ? (v.15-17)
3) What did the apostle surmise about the two motives for preaching the gospel and how did he respond to each? (v.18-20)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) If you preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus, what is your motive for doing so?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Our only motive for preaching Christ should be to magnify the Lord rather than ourselves.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
3 John 1:1-14 KJV
1 The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth. 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 12 Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Apostle Paul's desire for his traveling companion, Gaius? (v.1-2)
2) What was Paul's greatest joy in concerning Gaius and all of his spiritual children? (v.3-4)
3) What had Gaius faithfully done, that others were witness to? (v.5-6)
4) How did Gaius' actions inspire the aposte, as well as those who were witness to his actions? (v.7-8)
5) What did the Apostle Paul write to the church, as a result, and how was it received by Diotrephes? (v.9)
6) What else did the apostle say that he would do, as a result of Diotrephes actions, and warn others to do? (v.10-11)
7) What did Paul write about Demetrius? (v.12)
8) What else did the apostle want to write to the reader(s) and why didn't he do that? (v.13-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Have you ever encountered individuals in your church, or home, who refused to receive the truth and follow it? If so, how did you respond and what happened to them?
LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord would have His children to follow those who testify to, teach, and live the truth that is found in His word.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Matthew 6:1-8 KJV
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are Christians not to do when serving others or praying? Why? (v.1,5a)
2) How do hypocrites act when serving others or praying? Why? (v.2,5b)
3) How are true believers to act when serving others or praying? Why? (v.3-4,6-8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are your true motives for ministering to others or praying corporately?
5) What are the right motives for serving others or praying corporately?
LIFE LESSONS
6) The true motives of our hearts are revealed in who we seek to please when serving the Lord and/or His people.
7) When we seek the approval of man more than the approval of God our ministry for the Lord is in vain.
8) The Lord rewards those with clean hands and pure hearts in serving His people.
