February 28, 2010 Lesson 12 of Proverbs 17 and 18

Make a list of sins condemned in chapter 17. What choices concerning our conduct ought we to make, if we wish to avoid them? Answer: I am not seeing anything specific about condemning a specific sin. However, I do see those who mock the poor show contempt for their maker, wicked listen to evil lips, arrogance is to the fool, evil men are rebellious, the Lord hates those who condemn the innocent and set free the guilty, and the wicked accept bribes. I do like the pieces on discernment. Like v10; The rebuke impresses the discerning.

What reasons are given in chapter 18 why we should ‘watch the door of our lips’? Answer: v6 fools lips bring strife. V7 fools lips are his undoing and are a snare.
Other: fruit of the mouth fills the stomach v 20. V21tongue has power of life and death.
An overriding theme is the tongue!! Don’t gossip, don’t lie, don’t condemn others with your tongue.

Consider the two fortresses in 18:10-11; and cf. John 10:27-28; Luke 12:15-21. Answer: I prefer to live in His love than depend on my own way. Money can be lost. That “fortified city” is a very scalable wall.

Note 18:10. ‘The name of the Lord’ denotes the character of God himself, as revealed to us in the scriptures. Cf. e.g. Exod. 34:5ff. For us it is summed up in Jesus.

February 27, 2010 Lesson of Proverbs 15:24- 16:33

How does 15:24- 33 illustrate what has been called ‘the sanity of religion’? Answer: I am not sure. I don’t know what Stibbs is referring to here as the ‘sanity of religion’. What I do see in this passage is the Lord’s protection and some very sound advice for living (basic moral values and behaviors).

Gather out what is said in today’s portion about the Lord, and about man’s proper attitude to him. Answer: first off I see the sovereignty of the Lord in 16:1 and 4, which must never be forgotten! We must commit to Him (16:3). We must obey Him, 16:20. His ways are righteous, while ours are not, 16:25. We need patients (16:32), peace (16:29), a silent tongue (16:23,28). We need to avoid pride (16:5)

Consider in 16:27-30 the different types of evil carried out by evil men. Cf. Jas 3:6-10. Answer: plotting evil, stirring up dissension, gossip, and violence.

February 26, 2010 Lesson 10 of Proverbs 14:22-15:23

What is said in this passage about the beneficent effects of right words? Answer: gentle answer turns away wrath (15:1), and tongue of the wise commends (15:2) and spreads (15:7) knowledge.

What is said about ‘the Lord’? How can we discern the fear of the Lord in our own hearts? Answer: Fear of the lord brings peace and life. Lord detests the way of the wicked, and loves those who pursue righteousness (15:9). I am missing how we discern that the fear of the Lord is in our heart.

Can I claim to have the four things making for satisfaction which are enumerated in 15:13-17? Answer: I believe that yes we can. When we are saved and the Spirit fills us He brings us that peace.

February 25, 2010 Lesson 9 of Proverbs 13-14:21

‘Consider the outcome of their way of life’ (Heb 13:7). What is said in today’s portion concerning the outcome of their life in the case of the righteous and of the wicked, respectively? Answer: The righteous are blessed and full, while the wicked are not (v25). The righteous hate lies, while the wicked bring same and disgrace (v 5). The righteous shine, while the wicked do not (v9).

Gather out what is taught about ‘fools’ and ‘folly’. If we are wise, what should be the manner of our life: a) in relation to the Word, b) in relation to our neighbors, and c) in conduct and speech? Answer: a) we would read and seek knowledge from the Word, b) we would love our neighbors, treating them with respect, c) we would not be quick to talk, spreading gossip, or lying, rather we would spread words of reassurance and blessing to others.

February 24, 2010 Lesson 8 of Proverbs 11:14-12:28

What two kinds of sin or sinners are said in this passage to be an abomination to the Lord? Answer: perverse heart and lying lips.

What other sins are condemned here? In what ways are they traced to their origin in the heart? Cf. 4:23; Matt 12:34-35; 15:18-19. Answer: I see first off the love of money and things that bring people to ruin.

Apply to yourself the five principles for the using of money expressed in 11:24-28. Answer: That is hard to do, especially in today’s world where we are inundated with ads to convince us to buy things we don’t need. This leads to more spending and increasing credit and pulling from what is really Gods to begin with.

February 23, 2010 Lesson 7 of Proverbs 10:1-11:13

In 10:2-6 there are four conditions of well-being in circumstances, mind and character. What are they? Answer: 1) righteousness delivers from death 2)those who are lazy will not prosper 3) crowns of blessings are for the righteous 4) there is wisdom in planning. In the light of Jas 3:10, what uses of the faculty of speech are here: a)commended, and b) to be avoided? Answer: v19 don’t gossip; v18 don’t lie; v20 the tongue of the righteous brings “silver” or blessing to the wise and v21 to those around them; What will the possession of integrity secure for a man (11:1-13)? Answer: Long life.

February 22, 2010 Lesson 6 of Proverbs 9a

In my reaction to criticism and advice, do I show any of the symptoms of the scoffer or of the wise man, as shown in verses 7-9? Answer: I really used to be that way, and I am have been praying and asking God to give me back the heart of the righteous man. At my work I feel like an attack is around the corner. Let’s forget if they are legit attacks (one that I could really learn from) or illicit attacks (those attack that just come from the devil and are only meant to harm). So I have become a bit defensive and closed off to that learning. I have noticed this and I have been asking God to help give me wisdom and peace to address either type of attack.

February 22, 2010 Lesson 6 of Proverbs 9

Set 9:1-6 and 9:13-18 side by side. In what respect are wisdom and folly (9:13, RV mg.) alike, and where in do they differ? Answer: Each call out to those in the street. Wisdom is calling them to life, while folly is calling them to death. Wisdom tells you up front that those with folly will mock and rebuke you, while folly continues to pull people in through deception.

February 21, 2010 Lesson 5 of Proverbs 8c

What similar but greatest gifts than those which wisdom offers in 8:32-36 are offered in Christ? Cf e.g. Matt 11:29; Luke 11:28; John 14:21; 17:2-3; 3:36. Answer: The biggest one I see is freedom from death. Salvation to life.

February 21, 2010 Lesson 5 of Proverbs 8b

What is said of wisdom in verses 22-31 concerning: a) its existence from the beginning; b) its part in creation; c) its communion with God; d) its interest in man? Consider how in all these respects there it here a foreshadowing of Christ. Cf. e.g. a) John 17:5; b) John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-17; c) Matt 11:27; d) Hed 2:17-18. Answer: When reading these verses I first thought that this was Christ. Then I remembered John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. So wisdom is not Christ, but she is absolutely a strong foreshadowing of Christ.

February 21, 2010 Lesson 5 of Proverbs 8

Contrast the description of wisdom with that of the woman in 7:5-27. How do they differ in speech, in conduct, in what they offer, and in the goal to which they lead their followers? Answer: The woman in chapter 7 is dressed as a prostitute, which brings to mind a seductive and revealing attire. She is loud, defiant, and deciving. She is stealing the man off to bed and defiling the wedding bed, and caring not for the things of God. Wisdom in contrast is calling out to bring people to righteousness. She is valued above all bringing sound judgment, discernment, and blessings with things greater than silver or gold.

February 20, 2010 Lesson 4 of Proverbs 6 and 7

V1-5 give warning against foolish financial commitments and pledges. What other warnings are given in these chapters? Answer: I see warning against being a sluggard, gossip, haughty (arrogant) eyes, lying, hurting others (shed blood), those who “devises wicked schemes,” those who react rashly, false witness, those who stir up dissension, and adultery. In what forms do the sins spoken of here manifest themselves at the present day? Answer: Probably too many ways to count. The sluggard is the person who expects everyone to give them what they need with out working for it (i.e. welfare) when they actually can get up and work for it. Those sitting on capitol hill who think that we as Americans can’t make our own decisions. Those of us who run around trying to spend more time talking about others than worry about our own problems. Test your life in light of 6:16-19.

February 19, 2010 Lesson 3 of Proverbs 4 and 5 cont

What are the results, at various levels, of neglecting this way of wisdom? See 4:19; 5:9-14; 5:21-23. Answer: 4:19- shows a lack of direction (stumble). 5:9-14 shows that if you don’t follow wisdom then your works will go to bless another man’s house. 5:21-23 shows that a continued path away from wisdom will bring judgment and death.

February 19, 2010 Lesson 3 of Proverbs 4 and 5 cont

4:23-27 provide an admiral guide to successful living. Heart, lips, eyes, feet: what directions are given concerning each? Note how much is implied for the Christian by verse 18. Answer: Heart: well spring of life. Lips: keep away from gossip and other talk that brings death. Eyes: keep your eyes on the path, fixed straight ahead. Feet: keep your path straight not to the left or right.

February 19, 2010 Lesson 3 of Proverbs 4 and 5

What are the main lessons that the speaker seeks in these chapters to impress on us? What attention have I given, and am I giving, to this urgently expressed advice? Answer: I think above all else the theme here is to follow wisdom, seek the knowledge of God, and you will be blessed. Stay away from the wicked and the adulterer or you will be lead to death.

February 18, 2010 Lesson 2 of Proverbs 2 and 3

What directions are given in these chapters for the attaining of wisdom? Make a list of them as a guide to your own life. Answer: Accept the words of wisdom. Turn your ear to wisdom and apply it to your heart. Call out for, and search for wisdom. Keep wisdom’s commands in your heart. Honor God, and as 3:5-6 says: 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

February 17, 2010 Lesson 1 of Proverbs 1

February 17, 2010 Lesson 1 of Proverbs 1 From the purpose of this book, as expressed in verses 1-6, what personal profit can we expect to gain from studying it? How, according to v 7, can we: a) begin right, or b) show our folly? (see note under lesson 17). Answer: Verses 1-6 tell us that the Proverbs were given to us to attain wisdom and discipline, understanding words of insight, helping us discern between right and wrong, knowledge and discretion to young while giving prudence to the simple, and let the wise grow in learning. V7 is telling us that nothing starts without God. We must first fear Him before we can even start to learn wisdom. List some of the attractions in the enticing talk of verses 11-14. What positive attitudes will forearm me against them? Answer: V11-14 show that it is easy to get wrapped up in the things of this world and follow those of the world. In these verses it is showing those of the world trying to entice those seeking wisdom to harm others to attain their own desires. Seeking wisdom will help to forearm. What is the essence of the outlook deplored in verse 20-32? And of the promise given in 33? Answer: V20-32 is wisdom personified asking the question, why do you not follow? Wisdom argues that she was there but you rejected her, refusing her advice and guidance. She continues by saying she will refuse to listen when you need her since you previously refused her. However, V33 tells us that we can be at ease if we do follow and listen to her.

February 16, 2010 Lesson 7 of Galatians 5:25-6:18

5:25-6:10. What is the effect of ‘living by the Spirit’ in the realm of social relationships? Make a list of what you find, and test your own relation to fellow Christians by it. Answer: It says you will reap what you sow. You must help your brother in Christ, but don’t be tempted by his “problem” when doing so (v1). Don’t be filled with pride, for without Christ we are nothing (v3). Help one another to walk in life (v2). Don’t be filled with conceit, envy, or provoking one another. (5:25). What, according to 6:11-16, is the core of Christianity? What must be given up in order to embrace it? Answer: Self must be given up to follow Christ. Gather together from the epistle as whole the teaching given about: a) the cross of Christ and b) the Holy Spirit. Answer: The cross, and Jesus’ death on it, is our only true redemption. The law can not save us, only the blood of Christ can. The Holy Spirit is here to guide us until we are called home. Note. 6:2. ‘the law of Christ’: Cf. John 13:34; 1 John 4:21.

February 15, 2010 Lesson 6 of Galatians 5:2-24

Spiritual freedom may be lost in tow ways: a)by false teaching, in this case the teaching of the necessity of circumcision (v 2-12); and b) by living to please self (v13-15). The secret of victory is to give the Holy Spirit full sway within us by obeying his promptings. He will subdue the flesh, and bring forth in us the fruit of Christ-like living (v16-25). V2-12. To be circumcised meant taking the way of the law. What four results would follow if the Galatians did so? What is the way of the gospel? Answer: The way of the gospel is faith in Christ who gives us love to show to others. Alienation and obliged to live by the law (when done under the law) are two that I see. V 13-15. How should the Christian use his freedom? Answer: To serve and love one another as Christ did. V16-24. Seek to grasp the antithesis between ‘flesh’ and ‘spirit’. What should be the attitude of the Christian towards each? Note that the right attitude demands expression in positive action. Answer: I think that the attitude of the Christian toward things of sin should be the same as God’s, hate for sin. At the same time Christ showed love for the sinner, and so should we as Christians. Notes: V5-6. ‘The righteous for which we hope’: i.e. the hope of the future glory that springs from justification through believing on Jesus Chris. Cf. Rom 5:1-2; 1 Pet 1:3. Notice also the collocation here of faith, hope, and love. V18. The Christian is free from the law as a rule to be obeyed in order to obtain life (cf.3:12), yet, when led ‘by the Spirit’ he does all that the law demands (see verses 24-25; cf Rom 8:4). V24. Cf. 2:20; Rom 6:6

February 14, 2010 Lesson 5 of Galatians 4:8-5:1

According to this passage what does Christian freedom imply? Answer: It means freedom from having to uphold every aspect of the law as it relates to salvation. The law has not changed, what has changed is that Christ died for our sins and our salvation does not come from works. It frees us from that bondage. In what ways is Paul’s reaction to the Galatians’ condition indicative and illustrative of pastoral concern? Do we know any similar concern for the spiritual well-being of others? Answer: I am not a pastor so I am not sure how to answer the first. I will say that because my “cup overflows” that I would love the opportunity to share Christ with others. So, yes I am concerned for others. Like Christ, I would like everyone to go to heaven and worship God! V 21-31. Paul uses Gen. 16 as an allegory. In this pictures, what is the position of those ‘under law’, and what, in contrast, that of believers? What is the point of Paul’s quotation of a) Isaiah 54:1, and b) Gen 21:10-12? Answer: Paul is comparing those under the law to Hagar and those under Christ to Sarah. Those who believe are free and will be blessed beyond measure. Those who do not believe will be blessed only enough to glorify the sovereign God. The point of the quotation is to help show that God’s love and promise is forever and always and is never changing! Notes: 4:17-18. A reference to the new teacher, who were eager to win the favor of the Galatian believers in order to cut them off from Paul and his gospel so that they would have no one to turn to but themselves. If these teachers had really come to do good, Paul would have raised no objection (v18).

February 13, 2010 Lesson 4 of Galatians 3:19-4:7

3:19-24. Paul seems to have made light of the law. How does he state its purpose in this passage? Answer: I don’t feel he has made light of the law. The study I have done and other’s sermons I have listened to tell me that Paul is linking the Law to the Promise and how Christ’s death on the cross covered all sin. Sin of those in the past, present, and future. Christ’s blood covers us. While the law continues to show us God’s moral standard. In what ways does 3:25-4:7 demonstrate the amazing privileges and position of a Christian? Make a list of them in your own words. Answer: 1) we are all 1 in Christ Jesus, 2) If we “belong” to Christ then we too are Abraham’s seed and heir, 3) We are no longer a slave to sin!! Note: 3:19-20. ‘Added because of transgressions’: i.e. the law gave to sin the form of transgression and so made men conscious of guilt before God when they sinned. Cf. Rom 3:19-20; 5:20; 7:7, 13. ‘The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator’: Paul introduces these words to show that the promise is superior to the Law even in the very manner of its promulgation. In the case of Abraham God himself spoke the promises directly, where as the giving of the law was through intermediaries on both sides- God being represented by angels (cf. Deut 33:2, LXX; Acts 7:53; Heb 2:2

February 12, 2010 Lesson 3 of Galatians 3:1-18.

These verses are a fourfold argument in proof of 2:16; a) verses 1-5, an argument from experience; b) Verse 6-9, an argument from Scripture teaching about Abraham, c) verse 10-14, an argument from the meaning of Christ’s death, and d) verses 15-18, an argument from the fact that the covenant of promise was long prior to the giving of the law. Unravel the argument used by Paul in these verses to demonstrate that justification and enjoyment of the gift of the Spirit are by faith in Christ, and not by ‘works of the law’ (i.e. our own law-keeping). Answer: I think first off Paul makes the point (more than once here and in the previous chapter) that we are not saved by works. The law was there to set up God’s moral law for all time. The is the same then as it is now, the only difference is Christ died on the cross for the covering of all sins and justifies us through faith. Verse 10-18. Distinguish between law and promise and between works and faith as bases in God’s dealing with men. What two benefits has Christ made available for us by his redeeming work? Answer: I think this is shown here in v14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Notes: Verses 2,5. ‘Believe what you heard’: This is an abbreviated expression for hearing the word of the gospel and received it with responsive or obedient faith. Cf. Rom 10:8-17. Verse 7. ‘Children of Abraham’: in the sense of spiritual likeness. Cf. John 8:39 Verse 8-9. Paul interprets the promise of Gen 12:3b to mean that just as Abraham received the blessing of justification by faith (Gen 15:6), so a time would come when men of all nations would ‘in Abraham’, i.e., through his seed, which is Christ (v 14, 16), received the same blessing in the same way.

Galatians 2

February 11, 2010 Lesson 2 of Galatians 2

V1-10.  Why does Paul consider his Jerusalem visit significant?  What issues were at stake, and what forces were confirmed?  Answer:  Paul is showing what James MacArthur called his apostolic commendation.  That is Paul was showing, in v 1-10, that despite not having anyone teach him the word his teaching and preaching were accurate and blessed by God.  Paul also makes mention of false prophets, those requiring Christians to still follow Mosaic Law. 

V11-21.  What were Paul’s motives for his opposition to Peter?  How does he justify the stand which he took?  Try to express in your own words the truth declared in verses 16 to 20.  Answer:  1 Timothy 5: 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.  Paul wanted to point out the hypocrisy of Peter.  Peter behaved one way (living like a gentile) then another (acting like a legalist) when certain people were around.   

What can we learn from this chapter concerning the principles that should govern Christian fellowship, church unity, and ministerial co-operation?  Answer:  The big thing I see here is Justification by Faith.  It is not by our works, but by our faith in Christ that we are justified, pure, and righteous. 

This blog will be a branch off my facebook postings.  http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=17651&post=117344&uid=126350792350#!/group.php?gid=126350792350&ref=ts.  I will post on both sites for now. 

February 10, 2010 Lesson 1 of Galatians 1

February 10, 2010 Lesson 1 of Galatians 1


What does Paul say in verses 1-10 about a) God; b) Christ; c) himself; and d) the Gospel? Note these things carefully, for they lay the foundation on which the epistle rests. Answer: Of God he describes how god provided grace through Christ. Of Christ he talks of Him being the one true way, the grace that God gives us through salvation. Of himself, Paul, first states his apostleship through Christ and not through man. Of the Gospel he shows how he fears that others (false prophets) will come in and try to turn them (the Galatians) from the Word. He states these false teachers are anathema (condemned).

Verses 11-24. How does Paul show that the gospel is revelation of God? What does his personal testimony demonstrate? What significance has this for the Christian? Answer: First of all I think his personal testimony shows that God is a very loving, caring, gracious God who chooses whomever He sees fit to use, to do His will for His glory. He shows the Gospel is revelation of God by showing how His work is done through us for His glory. Paul does this by sharing his personal testimony.

Note
Verse 10 is parenthetical. Paul appears to have been changed by his opponents with being a man-pleaser. So, after writing verses 8-9, he interjects a pertinent question. What he means is: “Words such as I have just written do not look like man –pleasing, do they?”