Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Hebrews 9:11-15
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What "greater and more perfect tabernacle" did Christ become high priest of? (v.11)
2) After shedding His blood for our sins, where was the holy place that Christ entered into? (v.12)
3) Why was Christ's sacrifice superior to the old system? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What did you do to be forgiven for your sins?
5) Where is the dwelling place (presence) of God, at this moment?
6) What proof do you have that Christ's sacrifice was enough for you to become a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) As children of God, we are God's temple.
8) The law could never change the hearts of the people of God.
9) The indwelling Holy Spirit is the only One who can change the human heart.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
A Better Covenant
Monday, September 8, 2014
Hebrews 8:1-7, 13
1 Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
... 13 In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where does our Lord minister? (v.1-2)
2) Why is Jesus authorized to act as our high priest? (v.3)
3) Why is Jesus' ministry different from that of the earthly priests who ministered on behalf of the people of Israel? (v.4-6)
4) Why was the second covenant necessary? (v.7, 13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Can people ever make a lasting covenant with, or an offering to, God on behalf of your sins? Why, or why not?
6) What does Jesus' sacrifice for your sins mean to you, personally?
7) What would become of you had your sins been atoned for according to the law?
PRINCIPLES
8) Because Jesus offered Himself, an atonement for our sins, we have eternal peace with God.
9) The old sacrificial system was merely a shadow of the better.
10) Because of Jesus, we need never rely upon another human being to absolve us of our sins.
Hebrews 8:1-7, 13
1 Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
... 13 In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where does our Lord minister? (v.1-2)
2) Why is Jesus authorized to act as our high priest? (v.3)
3) Why is Jesus' ministry different from that of the earthly priests who ministered on behalf of the people of Israel? (v.4-6)
4) Why was the second covenant necessary? (v.7, 13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Can people ever make a lasting covenant with, or an offering to, God on behalf of your sins? Why, or why not?
6) What does Jesus' sacrifice for your sins mean to you, personally?
7) What would become of you had your sins been atoned for according to the law?
PRINCIPLES
8) Because Jesus offered Himself, an atonement for our sins, we have eternal peace with God.
9) The old sacrificial system was merely a shadow of the better.
10) Because of Jesus, we need never rely upon another human being to absolve us of our sins.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Hope for Israel's Neighbors
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Jeremiah 12:14-17
14 Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Word of the Lord to the enemies of Israel? (v.14-15)
2) What does the Lord promise to those who learn the ways of His people? (v.16)
3) What does the Lord say will happen to the nation(s) that do(es) not obey Him? (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are believers witnessing this day concerning the enemies of Israel?
5) What will happen to those who oppose His people?
6) How does this comfort you, as a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) God avenges His own!
8) God is not willing that anyone perish, but that all repent.
9) God will be the final judge of every human being on this earth.
Jeremiah 12:14-17
14 Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Word of the Lord to the enemies of Israel? (v.14-15)
2) What does the Lord promise to those who learn the ways of His people? (v.16)
3) What does the Lord say will happen to the nation(s) that do(es) not obey Him? (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are believers witnessing this day concerning the enemies of Israel?
5) What will happen to those who oppose His people?
6) How does this comfort you, as a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) God avenges His own!
8) God is not willing that anyone perish, but that all repent.
9) God will be the final judge of every human being on this earth.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
A Future with a Hope
Friday, September 5, 2014
Jeremiah 29:10-14
10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What nation(s) had been in captivity in Babylon for seventy years? What was the Lord's promise to them in this verse? (v.10)
2) What were the Lord's thoughts and plans toward/for His captive people ? (v.11)
3) What hope, and promises, did the Lord offer His people? (v.12-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever experienced the mercy of the Lord, despite your failures? If so, please describe one such time.
5) How did the Lord manifest His love toward you, despite your confessed sin(s)?
6) What was your response to the Lord after He showered favor and blessing on you despite your past failures?
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord's mercy endures, whether we deserve it, or not.
8) The Lord's faithfulness does not depend upon us, but upon Him!
9) No matter how many times we fail Him, the Lord receives His penitent people.
10) God is absolutely merciful, but He is also absolutely just!
Jeremiah 29:10-14
10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What nation(s) had been in captivity in Babylon for seventy years? What was the Lord's promise to them in this verse? (v.10)
2) What were the Lord's thoughts and plans toward/for His captive people ? (v.11)
3) What hope, and promises, did the Lord offer His people? (v.12-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever experienced the mercy of the Lord, despite your failures? If so, please describe one such time.
5) How did the Lord manifest His love toward you, despite your confessed sin(s)?
6) What was your response to the Lord after He showered favor and blessing on you despite your past failures?
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord's mercy endures, whether we deserve it, or not.
8) The Lord's faithfulness does not depend upon us, but upon Him!
9) No matter how many times we fail Him, the Lord receives His penitent people.
10) God is absolutely merciful, but He is also absolutely just!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Turn from your Evil Way
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Jer 18:1-10
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it]. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7 [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it]; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it]; 10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah? (v.1)
2) How did Jeremiah respond and what did he observe? (v.2-4)
3) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah the second time? (v.5-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever felt forsaken by the Lord, in the midst of some trial or difficulty?
5) If you answered affirmatively to the above question, what did you do about the situation?
6) Do you believe that the U.S. is going through difficulties, at present, because of the sinful culture in which we live? Why, or why not.
PRINCIPLES
7) Our Lord uses trouble in our lives to draw us closer to Him.
8) The Lord often allows difficulties to correct His people when we are in error.
9) God ultimately allows our enemies to defeat us, when we willfully rebel against Him.
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it]. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7 [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it]; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it]; 10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah? (v.1)
2) How did Jeremiah respond and what did he observe? (v.2-4)
3) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah the second time? (v.5-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever felt forsaken by the Lord, in the midst of some trial or difficulty?
5) If you answered affirmatively to the above question, what did you do about the situation?
6) Do you believe that the U.S. is going through difficulties, at present, because of the sinful culture in which we live? Why, or why not.
PRINCIPLES
7) Our Lord uses trouble in our lives to draw us closer to Him.
8) The Lord often allows difficulties to correct His people when we are in error.
9) God ultimately allows our enemies to defeat us, when we willfully rebel against Him.
10) When a nation, or an individual, repents and turns from wickedness, The Lord relents.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Only the Lord Will Be Exalted
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Isaiah 2:10-19
10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
12 For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up,
15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who does the Lord tell to "hide in the dust, for fear of the Lord"? Why? (v.10-11)
2) Who will the Day of the Lord be a terror to? (v.12-16)
3) What will become of the prideful and their idols on the Day of The Lord? Who alone will be exalted on that day? (v.17-19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you trusted in anyone, or anything, more than you have trusted in the Lord? If so, who or what are those things?
5) What will you do to restore, or begin, right relationship with the Lord, if you have relied on anything, or anyone, other than the Lord, during your life?
PRINCIPLES
6) Pride is exalting anyone, or anything, above the Lordship of Christ.
7) The Lord will judge the proud in heart when He establishes His kingdom on earth.
8) Humility (complete dependence upon the Lord) is what will save us from judgment after His return to this earth.
Isaiah 2:10-19
10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
12 For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up,
15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who does the Lord tell to "hide in the dust, for fear of the Lord"? Why? (v.10-11)
2) Who will the Day of the Lord be a terror to? (v.12-16)
3) What will become of the prideful and their idols on the Day of The Lord? Who alone will be exalted on that day? (v.17-19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you trusted in anyone, or anything, more than you have trusted in the Lord? If so, who or what are those things?
5) What will you do to restore, or begin, right relationship with the Lord, if you have relied on anything, or anyone, other than the Lord, during your life?
PRINCIPLES
6) Pride is exalting anyone, or anything, above the Lordship of Christ.
7) The Lord will judge the proud in heart when He establishes His kingdom on earth.
8) Humility (complete dependence upon the Lord) is what will save us from judgment after His return to this earth.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Hear the Word of This Covenant
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Jer 11:1-10
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2 Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
3 And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,
4 Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:
5 That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
6 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.
7 For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.
8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.
9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Jeremiah to say to the men of Judah and Jerusalem? (v.1-2)
2) What did the Lord say would happen to those who would, or would not, not obey Him? (v.3-5)
3) What was the Lord's plea to His people and how did they respond? (v.6-8)
4) What were the people of Judah and Jerusalem guilty of? (v.9-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever knowingly ignored, or rebelled, against a command of the Lord? If so, please explain what happened.
6) How has the Lord responded when you were obedient to His will? Please describe one such instance.
PRINCIPLES
7) It is the foolish person who chooses to rebel against the Lord.
8) The Lord always and only wants what is best for His people.
9) When we choose our own way, rather than the Lord's, we deprive ourselves of God's favor and blessing.
Jer 11:1-10
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2 Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
3 And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,
4 Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:
5 That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
6 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.
7 For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.
8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.
9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Jeremiah to say to the men of Judah and Jerusalem? (v.1-2)
2) What did the Lord say would happen to those who would, or would not, not obey Him? (v.3-5)
3) What was the Lord's plea to His people and how did they respond? (v.6-8)
4) What were the people of Judah and Jerusalem guilty of? (v.9-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever knowingly ignored, or rebelled, against a command of the Lord? If so, please explain what happened.
6) How has the Lord responded when you were obedient to His will? Please describe one such instance.
PRINCIPLES
7) It is the foolish person who chooses to rebel against the Lord.
8) The Lord always and only wants what is best for His people.
9) When we choose our own way, rather than the Lord's, we deprive ourselves of God's favor and blessing.
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