Saturday, May 2, 2015
1Timothy 2:1-7 KJV
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Apostle Paul exhort his readers to do and why? (v.1-3)
2) Why is it acceptable to God that we pray for all people, especially those in authority? (v.4)
3) Why would our intercessions matter to Jesus and to the Apostle Paul? (v.5-7)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Why do you pray for those in spiritual and/or civic authority over the members of your family, church, and nation?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Our Lord determines who will be in authority over us. Our prayers for them will ensure our protection and provision in times of trouble.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Proverbs 29:12-18 KJV
12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) When a spiritual or civil leader listens to lies, what are the people who told them the lies like? (v.12)
2) What do the impoverished and the deceitful have in common? (v.13)
3) Whose authority is established forever? (v.14)
4) How should those who are wise exercise their spiritual authority over the spiritually immature? (v.15a)
5) What becomes of a natural or spiritual child who is left to themselves? (15b)
6) When transgression increases, what happens and why? (v.16)
7) How will the spiritually mature receive rest and what will happen to their relationship with their wayward spiritual child(ren)? (v.17)
8) What happens when there is no vision? (v.18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Are you in a position of spiritual authority in your home, job, church, or community? if so, what have you done to establish the God-given vision and/or rules for the souls that are in your care.
LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord expects His people to exercise spiritual authority in those areas where He has blessed us to care for the souls of people.
