Posts with the category “study-questions”

Read Jeremiah 29:4-14; Ezra 1:1-6; 2:64-70From the prophecy in Jeremiah 29 to the fulfillment in Ezra, what do you learn about the power and character of God in Ezra 1:1-6 and 2:64-70?How does Proverbs 21:1 correlate to God's work in Ezra 1?How does this help you pray through an election year as we have in 2024?How does this truth help you "keep your head" in an election year like 2024?Old Testame...  Read More

Consummation is not a common word used in everyday language. Consult a dictionary definition of the term and discuss why you think it is used to describe the closing events of human history? Take a few moments before you read these passages to discuss what heaven means to you? What themes rise to the top?Read Revelation 21:1-5 and 22:1-6We often don't think of our experience of heaven being on the...  Read More

Read: Isaiah 53:1-6 and Colossians 1:15-20Using a study bible or commentary, how many years before the arrival of Christ did Isaiah write these words about "the servant" of the LORD.According to Colossians 1:15-20, Jesus was God's "agent" in Creation and Salvation. Was Jesus merely an "agent?"If someone asked you, "Where can I go to see God?" How would you answer them and why? How does John 14:6-9...  Read More

Because of Sin's ______________, we see increasing ________, not progressive _____________. (Genesis 6:1-5)  God's patience with sin is ________ but not _____________. (Genesis 6:3, 6-7)2 Peter 3:8-98 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some peo...  Read More

Read Genesis 6:1-9:17; Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 2:5Last week we addressed the issue of these earliest characters being historical figures. What do the Matthew 24 and 2 Peter 2 passages help us believe?What does Genesis 6:3 say about what is coming in the verses that follow?  What does it say about God's character?What does Genesis 6:5 tell us about humanity's capacity for evil?List some things yo...  Read More

Read Genesis 31. The temptation narrative is very insightful and timeless. Satan uses the same themes in differing variations even today.In his conversation with Eve, Satan offers a character as well as an allure to his presentation.In verses 1-5, what is he trying to convince Eve of concerning the character of God?In verse 6 we see three aspects of the allure, what are they?2. When Adam and Eve s...  Read More

Read Genesis 1-2“If God is omnipotent and omniscient, why didn’t hestart the universe out in the first place so it would comeout the way he wants? Why is he constantly repairing andcomplaining? No, there’s one thing the Bible makes clear:The biblical God is a sloppy manufacturer. He’s not good atdesign, he’s not good at execution. He’d be out of businessif there was any competition” (Carl Sagan, C...  Read More

Read Philippians 3:21-231. Why is it important to greet one another? What makes a good greeting? Give examples of how certain greetings (or lack thereof) have impacted you positively/negatively.2. What is the significance of those in Caesar's household giving their greetings? How does this example give us encouragement? (Hint: the gospel reach is as far externally as it is internally)3. What is ou...  Read More

Read Philippians 4:10-20In our last lesson, we looked at the imperative force (commands) of the text. In our reading today, there is no imperative force. Paul isn't commanding us to do anything, but there are examples to follow. Can you find 2 examples to follow from Paul? Can you find 2 examples to follow from the Philippians?According to 4:17, Paul is trying not to sound ungrateful for the gift....  Read More

Read Philippians 4:1-9From verses 1-9, how many commands (imperatives) do you count?The command in 4:1, "stay true to the Lord" is a hinge command that connects the previous teaching on dealing with external opponents (3:2-21) to the teaching that follows on dealing with internal conflict (4:2-9).   How do these sections link to "stay true to the Lord?"What does the command involve in 4:8?What doe...  Read More

In Philippians, Paul demonstrates for us the essence of his reasoning. His logic flows like this: "On the basis of this........Do this..."Return to a reading of Philippians 2:1-11 then read 4:1-3.How do you experience the essence of Paul's reasoning from this particular comparison How does 4:2 connect us with 2:5?How is the "nearness" of the Lord, or the "Lord's return" reinforce what Paul has sta...  Read More

Read: Philippians 3:12-4:11. From a pastoral perspective, why do you think it was important to Paul to elaborate on what he explains in 3:12-14?2. Why might Paul consider it a mark of maturity to recognize your own imperfection?3. What is one way Paul describes those who are enemies of the cross? How is that contrasted with believers in this passage?4. Some people accuse Christians of being so “he...  Read More

Read Philippians 3:1-11 and Romans 3:19-22In 3:1, Paul talks about the necessity of repetition of instruction in matters of faith and practice. Why is this so important?Since our faith is objective, based on a relationship with Jesus Christ, what challenges to the relationship do you face in keeping it fresh but also familiar? Perhaps draw from the experience of other relationships you have where ...  Read More

Read: Philippians 2:1-18Notice how verses 12-18 flow from what Paul has taught us from Christ's example in the previous verses. We can call the outcome Paul is identifying here "spiritual formation" (Galatians 4:19).According to v 12, why is it important to pursue this sort of formation in partnership with others as much as we can. What might happen in Paul's absence from the Philippians?Using the...  Read More

Read: Philippians 2:1-18Notice how verses 12-18 flow from what Paul has taught us from Christ's example in the previous verses. We can call the outcome Paul is identifying here "spiritual formation" (Galatians 4:19).According to v 12, why is it important to pursue this sort of formation in partnership with others as much as we can. What might happen in Paul's absence from the Philippians?Using the...  Read More

Read: Philippians 2:1-11 and Isaiah 45:18-251. Last week Paul reminded us that our citizenship is in heaven. Our Lord and loyalties lie with that location and economy.  What does it say to you about the love of God for Jesus to leave his position there to reside with us, and rescue us??2. Why would we need to be told to be humble and not selfish? What is the goal of self-exaltation?  What typicall...  Read More

Read Philippians 1:27-301. What should be our top consideration when it comes to the proclamation of the gospel? (v27).2. What is the difference between living a life worthy of the gospel and living a life to merit the gospel? (v27)3. How does living a life worthy of the gospel impact others in the church, the lost, and even yourself? How have you seen this play out? (v27-30)4. How could suffering...  Read More

Read: Philippians 1:12-26Have you ever been through a bad experience where you were confident that God was working through the mess of it? Our normal response is to question God as to why we are in the mess and appeal to Him for deliverance immediately. What are your thoughts about this?Read Genesis 50:16-20  Knowing this story well, how might Paul understand his own current situation with that of...  Read More

Read:  Acts 16: 6-40 and Philippians 1:1-2In the greeting that begins this letter, Paul wastes no time in showing us where the source of our joy in life originates-- in grace and peace.What is it about grace and peace that is so important to joy? (hint: consult a Bible dictionary for the biblical understanding of grace and peace)What is the difference between happiness and joy?According to Philipp...  Read More

In Genesis 22:1-8, God tested Abraham's faith by commanding that he sacrifice his son, Isaac. With several opportunities for his faith to collapse, Abraham obeyed even when Isaac recognized there was no sacrifice for the fire.How do you process thoughts and emotions around these verses?Why would God use Abraham in a demonstration to sacrifice he beloved son and heirAccording to verse 8, what did A...  Read More

Read Genesis 181. What does Abraham's hospitality example tell you about your attitude toward serving others?  (cross-reference with Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:1-2)2. Compare Sarah's attitude here with Hebrews 11:11. What does this say to you about how faith in God grows?  3. What are you desiring in your life that seems too impossible even for God? (Go back and look at how God reveals Himself to Abrah...  Read More

Read Genesis 16 and 17.Contrast the natures of these chapters. Were you shocked by how Abraham and Sarah acted? How do you feel for Hagar?Read Hebrews 11:8-13.Are you able to read this New Testament passage with a fuller understanding and appreciation for the lives of our faith heroes? Does this give you hope for your own family?Abraham and Sarah wait for over 20 years to have a son of their own. ...  Read More

Read: Genesis 15:1-211. Take some time and consider the ceremonial opportunities we engage. Some are once in a lifetime (weddings) and others are more regular (the Lord's Supper).  Why are ceremonies important to us?    Have you grown tired of some ceremonial activities?  2. What questions does this covenant ceremony address for Abram?3. What two particular promises is God addressing in the covena...  Read More