Generous Even in Poverty

Sunday, December 27, 2015
Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44

2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

 38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord Jesus say about the actions of the Pharisees and why they did them? (v.2-7)
2) What did Jesus tell His followers to do? (v.8-10)
3) Who is greatest according to the Lord? Why? (v.11-12)
4) Who did the Lord say to beware of and why? (v.38-40)
5) Who did the Lord take notice of at the treasury? Why? (v.41-44)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Do you know of anyone who exalts themselves above others? If so, briefly describe this individual and what, if anything, you do to help them forsake their sin?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord abases the proud, but blesses the poor in spirit.

Why are you Baptizing?

Saturday, February 28, 2015
John 1:24-28 KJV 

24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After John the Baptist identified himself as the one who would prepare the way of the Lord to the priests and Levites, who else was sent to question him and what did they ask him? (v.24-25)
2) What was John's response to their question? (v.26)
3) What did John say about the One who would come after him? (v.27)
4) Where did the confrontation with John take place? (v.28) 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Has anyone ever confronted you about your witness for Christ?
6) What has been, or what will be, your response to those who ask why you share Christ with unbelievers?

LIFE LESSONS
7) Our witness for Christ is not just in what we say about Him, but in what He does through us for His glory.
8) The greatest witness for Christ is a changed life.