April 30, 2010 Lesson 9 of 1 Corinthians 12

List the different kinds of gift and of service that Paul mentions in this chapter. On what principle are they given, and for what purpose? What responsibility does the possession of such a gift put on the person who has it? Answer: The big one that sticks out is speaking in tongues. I can see how this can be interpreted in several different ways. I would be interested to go back and study it in its original text and language (not that if I would be able to do that now). The other gifts include wisdom, knowledge, healing, faith, prophecy, and miraculous powers. They are given by the Spirit for us to help and support on another as the parts of the body help the whole.


Consider how the character of the human body illustrates both the unity and the diversity of the church. What other lessons does the apostle draw from this illustration? Answer: He is telling us that we each have a purpose as set forth by the Spirit so that the body of Christ can work for the Glory of God. We should work together by each doing our “assigned job,” not looking to do something that God does not want us to do (i.e. don’t try to be a rocket scientist when you can’t even understand aeronautics, no matter how much you may love to be a rocket scientist).


Note: V1-3. The necessary and decisive test of the presence of the Spirit of God in those exercising spiritual gifts is loyalty to Jesus as Lord. Cf. 1 John 4:1-3.

April 29, 2010 Lesson 8 1 Corinthians 11:2-34

This chapter deals with two irregularities in public worship. The first concerns the proper way for women to dress when they take part in public worship. The second concerns unchristian behaviour at the social meal, which was the occasion of the observance of the Lord’s Supper.


What were the arguments that Paul brought forward to insist that in Corinth women should be veiled in public worship? How far are these arguments of permanent validity? Can their application vary where prevailing social customs differ from those of Paul’s day? Answer: Paul is arguing here that a woman’s head should be covered for worship as a sign of honor and authority. I need to do more research to know how to answer this one. I find this very interesting.


What (according to v 23-26) is the central significance of the Lord’s Supper? What were the causes of some receiving it unworthily? See verses 17-22 and 27-32. How can we make our reception more worthy? Answer: The central significance in the Lord’s Supper is the remembrance of His death for our sins. Some received it unworthily by not respecting the significance of the supper itself, and not respecting one another by partaking together.


Notes:
V10. ‘Because of the angels’: Christians worship was probably regarded as conducted in their presence and open to their view.
V10. The veil was both a symbol of authority, reminding the woman that her husband was her head, and also a sign of her modesty and charity, for no respectable woman was seen without one in Corinth at that time.

April 28, 2010 Lesson 7 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1

10:1-13. The people of Israel, who came out of Egypt, enjoyed similar privileges to those of Christians. What lessons then can we learn from their failures? Why is the inevitability of temptation no occasion for despair? Answer: first lesson God is a jealous God. We serve and worship none but Him. He will punish those who do. We should not worry about temptation as God will “not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, e will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (v13)


Paul distinguishes between eating in an idol temple (v14-22), and eating meals both in the market, which had been offered before and idol (v23-30). Why does he condemn the former, but permit the latter, except in the circumstances of verses 28-29? What principles does he lay down, in conclusion, to guide Christians in all such matters? Answer: He condemns the former because it is a form of worship, while the latter is not. He says what every we do, do it for the glory of God.

April 27, 2010 Lesson 6 of 1 Corinthians 8 and 9

The church in Corinth had asked about the eating of food which had been offered before an idol. Picture yourself as a Christian in Corinth, invited to a social banquet in a temple, or seated as a guest in the house of a non-Christian friend, and offered food which had been presented in sacrifice to an idol.
8:1-13. Using the knowledge of truth as their sole guide (such truth as is stated in verse 4-6), what decision did the Corinthians come to about eating food offered to idols? Did Paul agree? List the reasons why he also says that in certain circumstances he would abstain from such eating. Answer: The Corinthians were asking do we, or can we, eat the meat sacrificed to other Gods. This is of question, as I understand because much of the meat prepared by gentiles at the time was sacrificed to other Gods to purify it. Paul’s argument is that this sacrifice to purify the meet was a practice of the ignorant. Those with knowledge know that the meet does not need to be purified by sacrifice. God made all things good for us to eat. So Paul’s bigger argument is do it or don’t do it, just don’t do something that will make the unbeliever or even the new and immature Christian stumble and fall.


9:1-27. What basic principles which should govern Christians action does Paul illustrate here from his own conduct? In particular what rights does he show Christian workers to have, and what are his reasons for not using them? Answer: Paul says the main purpose of the Christian worker is to share in the gospel. Paul says that the Christian worker has the right to preach and not work at a job. Paul argues that the Christian worker should be supported by the church body to preach the word. He concludes by saying that we should walk with sinners to show them the love Christ showed us. We should love them as Christ did while living here with us.


Notes
8:12. ‘Wound their weak conscience’: note the contrast. What requires tender handling is brutally treated. Cf. 9:22. The ‘weak’: i.e., those whose grasp of Christians truth is feeble, and who are timid in exercising their liberty in Christ. Cf. Rom 14:1-3
8:13. This declaration is conditional and personal, not absolute and general. The significance of this should not be overlooked. Cf. 10:27-30.

April 26, 2010 Lesson 5 of 1 Corinthians 7

In this chapter Paul is answering specific questions about marriage. These questions had been sent to him by the church at Corinth. His instructions are strict in view of the moral laxity of pagan Corinth and the ‘distress’, etc. referred to in verses 26-35. He shows that marriage and the single life are equally permissible and that each person must find out in which state God intends them to live.
Why did Paul remain single (v7-8)? See v 25-35. Are his reasons relevant for us today? Answer: Paul remained single because he believed not that marriage was bad, rather, that marriage could be a distraction from spreading the gospel. I believe that he does make a point that we tend to get wrapped up in us our lives and pull attention away from God and the study and spread of His Word.


In verses 17-24 Paul is dealing with the wider question of the Christian’s position in the society of his day. What rule is laid down for the Christian three times in these verses? How does this apply to us? Answer: the rule: Stay where God has put you. Don’t look for something different. Everyone is to do His will, not our own, based on the gifts He gave us.


Gather out Paul’s practical teaching about married life (2-5, 10-16) and compare his more theological treatment in Eph 5:22-33. Answer: I think they are saying the same thing about marriage. I think in today’s passage Paul is saying let’s not get wrapped up in marriage and things of the world. Let us focus on God and his return.


Notes
V14There seems to have been a fear in come minds that continued union with an unbeliever after conversion to Christ might be defiling to the Christian partner. Paul says the opposite can happen.
V17-24. Being ‘called’ in this section refers not to a person’s place and function in human society, but to God’s call through Christ to sinners.
V26, 28, 29, 31-35. The trying and transitory character of this present world, the added anxieties of married life, and desire to give undivided devotion to the Lord may provide reasons for abstaining from Unnecessary change or involvement.
V36-38. A difficult section. Paul was probably advising a young man about his fiancée. But he could have been advising a father or guarding about a girl under his care.

April 25, 2010 Lesson 4 of 1 Corinthians 5 and 6

Notice in chapter 5 the distinction in the attitudes enjoined towards sinning Christians and sinning non-Christians. What special actions are demanded here of the local church, and why are such actions necessary? Answer: Those who are immoral, continually sinning especially sexual sin, must be punished. In the example here the sexually immoral person is ostracized from the church in order that he may feel guilt for his behavior and repent.


6:12-20. These verses stress the permanent significance of the Christian’s body. List the points mentioned here. What does it mean to glorify God in your body? What kind of actions are: a) appropriate, and b) undesirable or even unthinkable? Answer: I believe, based on this passage, that to honor God with your body means to flee from sexual immorality. As it says when the two become one in a sexually immoral way, it is defiling God in you.


6:1-11. What reasons does Paul give here for viewing the public washing by Christians of their dirty linen as a denial of the church’s mission in the world? Answer: I am not sure what Paul says to make this a denial of the church’s mission in the world. However, I do see that Paul is saying that because they have these lawsuits show that they are practicing greed, retaliation, and hatred. They should be practicing love, unselfishness, and “even a willingness to suffer loss.”


Notes:
5:2’Proud’ (arrogant or puffed up). Used often by Paul in this letter (4:18-19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4).
5:5. Paul implies that physical affliction may follow excommunication.
5:6-8. Paul enforces his point by referring to the Passover practice of searching out and destroying all the old leaven before (not after) the Passover Lamb is eaten. See Exod. 12:14-15, 19.

April 24, 2010 Lesson 3 of 1 Corinthians 3 and 4

3:1-4:2. Discover and summarize all that this section has to teach concerning the place and tasks of Christian worker. What is, or should be, their relationship to: a) God, b) each other, and c) those among whom they work? Answer: Each person has a place as determined by God. Some are planters, some water. It is only God who can make it grow by opening the eyes of the unbeliever. It is only God that can soften the heart of the unbeliever to lay the foundation for the building to be built.

4:1-21. What lessons are to be learnt from the earthly lot of the apostles? Why are men’s judgments concerning the worth of Christian ministers’ work of such little value? How and when will the real worth of a man’s work for God be made plain? Can the value of what he does affect his own salvation? Or what will it affect? See 3:13-15. Answer: Men’s judgment is of little value because it is not man who will judge, it is God. We, like Paul, must walk with a clear conscience. Not because we are holy on our own, but because it is God through Christ that makes us holy and righteous. 3:13-15 says: 13. His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. A man’s deeds do not affect his salvation. Rather it affects his reward in heave.


Notes:
3:12-13. The different materials mentioned here can be taken to represent the teachings of those who were ministering in the church; the gold, silver, and precious stones being the doctrines of the Spirit, and the wood, hay, and stubble the wisdom of the world.
4:6. ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ This was probably a familiar catchphrase of the day. AV supplies verb ‘to think’, which gives a more pointed sense in context than RSV ‘to live.’

April 23, 2010 Lesson 2 of 1 Cor. 1:18-2:16

List Paul’s reasons for preaching the word of the cross in the way he did. See verses 1:17-2:5. Answer: Paul is preaching to them that it is not through man’s wisdom or worldly knowledge that we prosper. Rather, it is through Christ that we live and do His will. He is coming as an example (2:1-5) to show that one must be chosen and submit fully to the will of God in order to do His works.


See 2:6-3:2. What does Paul teach here about a) “human wisdom”, and b) ‘a secret and hidden wisdom of God’? How is the latter to be possessed, and by whom alone is it understood? Answer: Man’s wisdom is nothing. Man’s wisdom is short sighted. The wisdom of God seems foolish to those who do not have the Spirit. Man cannot know the wisdom of God, except by the Spirit that dwells inside the man. The Spirit gives discernment to the true believer.

Looking back over the passage, pick out the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and the human preacher respectively in man’s salvation. Is the Lord Jesus Christ to you all that Paul speaks of in 1:30-31? Answer: Without a doubt.

Notes:
2:6. There would appear to be three groups of people in Paul’s mind: a) ‘the mature person’ (cf. ‘spiritual’, 3:1); b) ‘infants in Christ’, 3:1; c) the ‘unspiritual’ person of 2:14.

April 22, 2010 Lesson 1 of 1 Cor 1:1-17

Paul is setting out to deal with various divisive factors in the life of the church at Corinth. What is significant, therefore, about his approach in v 1-9? What can we learn from these verses about our privileges and prospects as Christians? Answer: The first thing of note is how Paul has once again stated his privilege and God given right to be an apostle. This is, as I have learned, something he does in most all his letters. He then continues to set up the letter by telling them that he is thankful that they will be seen blameless on the day of judgment. That Christ is revealed to them, and they will be kept strong.


What were the main causes of the dissensions in the church at Corinth? See v 10-17; cf. 3:3-4, 21. How can similar dissensions arise in church life today? According to this passage why are they fundamentally wrong and what is the remedy for them? Answer: The division arises from differences in understanding or doctrinal beliefs. Cephus, or Peter, was the “rock” of the early church, and many of “his followers” were believed to be Jewish Christians. Apollos was sent to Corinth to help the other disciples spread the Word. They are fundamentally wrong because the cross would mean nothing if we followed man and not Christ. They are needing to understand that there are many parts to a body and they all work together for God’s will.


Note: V12. Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, a center of philosophy. He was a man of learning and eloquence, and very able in argument. See Acts 18:24-28. It seems probable that some at Corinth preferred him to Paul for these reasons.

April 21, 2010 Lesson 29 of Exodus 39 and 40

Try to picture the tabernacle and its furniture as described here. What New Testament truths does it foreshadow? Cf. e.g. Heb 9:8-12. Answer:


What phrase occurs repeatedly in this passage concerning the making of the tabernacle? What does this teach us about our own service for God? Cf. John 15:14. Answer:


Note: 40:26. ‘The gold altar’: i.e. the altar of incense, called ‘gold’ to distinguish it from the brazen altar of burn offering in the outer court (40:29)

OK, to be honest here I am totally lost. I don’t know how to answer these questions at all. I understand that God had them create the temple so the priests could make atonement for all their sins at the appointed time. I don’t understand all the significance of the imagery. I am a visual person so I have to see pictures or models as it is being explained to truly understand it. This is another section of the Bible I will have to come back to later to read more and understand more. These questions posed here are very difficult to understand when reading for the first time.

April 20, 2010 Lesson 28 of Exodus 37:10-38:31

The tabernacle signified both God’s approach to man and also man’s way of drawing near to God. In view of this, what is the significance of the table of showbread, the candlestick or lamp stand, and the altar of incense? Cf. John 6:57; 8:12; Heb 4:16. Answer: After reading the passages to confer with it seems to me that it is not unlike communion. God is sharing Himself with us to show us His grace. Prior to Christ’s death this was God’s way. I will be anxious to see Pastor Troy’s


Where did the brass for the laver come from? Consider the part played by women in the making of the sanctuary. Where did the silver used in the sanctuary come from? Cf. Also 30:11-16. Is the fact that the tabernacle was founded on atonement money significant? Answer: From the money collected as they passed through to be counted (a total of 603,550 men). The other came from the wave offering. I am sure it is. We must seek atonement for our sins. I seems that this money taken to build the temple would be an atonement. They are in obedience symbolically giving up of themselves.

April 19, 2010 Lesson 27 of Exodus 36:8-37:9

36:8-38. Try to picture the holy place, as seen from within. What would the sides, the roof, the ends, and the floor consist of? Of what were these a symbol? Answer: This is hard for me. I have to see plans or the building itself. It is hard for me to visualize, especially when some of it I don’t understand. However, here I go. The sides were made of “finely twisted linen” colored blue, purple, and scarlet. Cherubim were woven into the fabric. The inside roof was made of goat’s hair, covered with red dyed ram skin and hides of sea cows. As to what they symbolized, I am totally lost.


37:1-9. In what way do the ark and the mercy seat speak of Christ? Answer: ??

April 18, 2010 Lesson 26 of Exodus 35:1-36:7

What illustration do we find in this passage of the way in which the service of God in his church calls for the contribution of all his people, whatever their talents, rank or age? Cf. 1 Cor 15:58. Answer: It is amazing how God can give us the KSA’s (knowledge, skills, and abilities, an acronym I have picked over the years from somewhere) to do His work. This is not unlike how the Church is to work.


What examples for ourselves can be found in the spirit in which the people brought gifts, and in the value and abundance of their giving? Cf 2 Cor 8:1-7. Answer: 2 Cor8:7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. God commands us all to give. He first gives to us what is His and wants to see what we will do with it. Will we keep it in greed? Will we give back to Him, as commanded, what already is His?

April 17, 2010 Lesson 25 of Exodus 34

Show how fully God answered Moses’ request, fulfilling the promise of 33:19. Against what things was Moses, as representative of the people, sternly warned? Answer: They are warned not to make a treaty or intermarry with those who currently live in the Promised Land. Make no more idols.


As a result of his communion with God the skin of Moses’ face shone. What, in the case of Christians, issues from the contemplation of the glory of Christ? Cf. 2 Cor 3:18; Luke 11:36. Answer: I am not sure what this question is asking. I will say that 2 Cor 3:18 shows how even as believers today God shows through us.

April 16, 2010 Lesson 24 of Exodus 33

There follows a period of suspense, during which the people mourned, and Moses set up a tent outside the camp. Here God came in the pillar of cloud to speak with him.
What was God’s attitude at this time: a) towards the people, and b) towards Moses? What were Moses’ three petitions? What answers did God give? Answer: God was about to punish the Israelites, almost to the point of death. Moses pleaded, again, for their well-being. God was pleased with Moses. Moses asks for 1) some to lead the people with him, 2) for God’s presence to go with them, 3) God to show His glory to him.

How do the prayers and answers of this chapter show: a) the growth of Moses’ desire and faith, and b) the richness of God’s grace? Answer: Moses knows that if he asks God will give. I think that all of the behaviors of the Israelites show God’s grace. They are almost in a constant state of rebellion, but God still keeps His promises and watches out for them.

Notes
V1-3. The cause of mourning seems to be that God threatened to revoke the promise of 25:8; 29:45-46 and to return to the earlier method of guidance by his angels (cf.1:19; 18:20-23)
V7. This tent of meeting cannot be the tabernacle (although it was sometimes called by that name: 29:42-44; 35:21), because it was not yet built. It was apparently an ordinary tent pitched outside the camp during the period of suspense.

April 15, 2010 Lesson 23 of Exodus 32

How does Aaron illustrate the dangers of compromise when essentials are at stake? What did compromise lead to? Why was God’s anger kindled against the people? Answer: First God’s anger was inflamed because the people turned from their faith in Him. I am not sure how Aaron “illustrates the dangers of compromise.” I see the people pleading for a god, and Aaron making them one. The NIV study says about V5 that “apparently Aaron recognized the idolatrous consequences of his deed and acted quickly to keep the people from turning completely away from the Lord.” I don’t see any “remorse” on Aaron’s part anywhere in this section. In fact he lied to Moses about it when he returned. I see Aaron making a very big mistake and only after being found out is remorseful.

What features of Moses’ character stand out in this chapter? What can we learn from his example? Answer: One of the first I see is love. Love like that of a parent. Moses knew that the people did an evil thing, but still begged God for mercy for them.

April 14, 2010 Lesson 22 of Exodus 30 and 31

Chapter 30. The altar of incense and the bronze laver speak of the need for prayer and for daily cleansing. Cf. Ps 141:2; John 13:10; 1 John 1:8-9. What lessons can we learn from this chapter on these important subjects? Answer: We are saved and by His grace our sins are forgiven. That does not mean that we suddenly stop sinning. Sinning is our nature and we must continually seek atonement for those sins. So daily prayer and cleansing is very important.

Chapter 31. What was God’s part and what was the children of Israel’s in the designing and making of the tabernacle? See verses 1-11 and cf. 25:2, 9. Answer: God designed it, the children of Israel built it.

April 13, 2010 Lesson 21 of Exodus 29

In this instruction concerning the consecration of the priests, distinguished the various parts of the ceremony: the cleansing, the robbing, the anointing, and the sacrifices. How does our High Priest stand out in marked contrast to Aaron? Cf. Heb 7:26-28. Answer: Our High Priest Jesus Christ is far above and beyond that of Aaron and the other priests. Each of them continued to sin, and therefore had to seek their own atonement before they could seek atonement for the people. Christ was sinless, thereby giving us eternal forgiveness.


Verses 38-46. What was the significance of the daily burnt offering morning and evening? What are the counterparts to these activities that are possible for us to share in? Answer: The morning and evening sacrifices were to atone for their sins in a virtually continual manner. Christ died for sins of all time and only had to die once to cover all of the sins of those who believe. During this time however, until Christ’s death on the cross the people had to seek continual atonement.

April 12, 2010 Lesson 20 of Exodus 28

For the order in which the priest’s garments were put on, See Lev. 8:7-9. Each has some significance: the coat of pure linen (v 39) indicating the high priest as a righteous man; the blue robe (v31-35) as a heavenly man; the ephod with the names of the tribes (v3-29) as a representative man; miter with its golden plate (v 36-38) as a holy man. Reflect how in all these ways the high priest of Israel in his priestly garments was a type of Christ. Answer: Beyond being the representative of the people to God, I am not sure. I know that during these times the priest acted as the go between the people and God. Only the priest could enter the most holy place. Only Christ, through His death, can we be made righteous before God.


What can we learn from this chapter concerning the way in which to draw near to God on behalf of others? How must we be clad, and what ought we to be concerned to do? Answer: I am not sure?? I keep thinking of the armor of Christ. The breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, sandles of peace, the belt of truth, and the sword of the spirit of God’s Word.


Notes:
The ephod was a shoulder garment, covering breast and back.
The breast pieces was probably a bag of pouch fastened to the front of the ephod, and called ‘the breast piece of judgment’ because it contained the Urim and Thummim which were used to ascertain the divine will. Cf. Num 27:21; Ezr 2:63. Their exact form and use is not now known.
Aaron bore the names of the tribes on his shoulders (the place of strength) and on his heart (the place of affection).

April 11, 2010 Lesson 19 of Exodus 26 and 27

Chapter 26 what four layers of curtains covered the tabernacle? What appearance would it have from without, and from within? Cg. The contrast between Christ seen from without (Is 53:2), and seen from within (Phil 3:8). Answer: I honestly can not begin to answer this question. 1) I am a visual person, I don’t “imagine” things very well. 2) I am not a tent maker or seamstress so that makes it harder to visualize it. According to the study text it would be 2 sections; a holy and a most holy place. The holy place is 30x15 feet with a lampstand. The most holy place would be 15 feet square, and contain the arc.

Note. It will prove helpful to draw a grounded plan of the tabernacle so far as it had been described in these two chapters, with the court, the holy place, and the most holy place, and the altar, table of showbread, candlestick and ark in their proper positions.

April 10, 2010 Lesson 18 of Exodus 25

What was the twofold purpose of the tabernacle? See v8, 22 in particular. Answer: The tabernacle was to be a dwelling place for God as well as the ark. Also it was to be the place of atonement. The Ark was kept in the most holy place and Moses would go in to sprinkle blood to seek atonement for himself, his family, and the tribes of Israel.

Notice the three articles of furniture described in this chapter, but observe specially the ark and what is said of it in verses 20, 22. What if the significance of the fact that only above the mercy seat could God and man meet and commune together? Cf. 1 John 2:1-2. Answer: I am not sure. I have some ideas but I need to look at it some more.

Note. Verses 17-22. The ‘atonement cover’ (or mercy seat o propitiatory covering) was a slab of pure gold, with cherubim at either end. This acted as a lid on the ark, covering the tables of testimony inside. On it the high priest sprinkled blood to make atonement. Cf. Lev 16:15-16.

April 9, 2010 Lesson 17 of Exodus 23:20-24:18

23:20-33 Consider the promises God makes to the people and the demands he makes of them. Can you think of parallel spiritual promises made to Christians and demands made of them in the Christian life? Answer: The first thing that comes to mind is the Holy Spirit left here to help guide us until Christ’s return.


24:1-8. Why was this a day of significance and importance in the history of Israel? To what did the people commit themselves? Why is this covenant called (in Cor 3:7,9) a ‘dispensation of condemnation’ and of ‘death’? What was God’s answer to the situation thus created? Cf Lev 17:11; Heb 9:22 Answer: This is the day that the covenant the God made with the Israelites was confirmed. Moses sprinkled them with the blood of the sacrifice to represent the sealing of the covenant. The people were committing to follow the laws of God and obey His words. This covenant was a dispensation, just as Christ’s death and shed blood on the cross was a dispensation. God requires a sacrifice in order to atone for sins.

April 8, 2010 Lesson 16 of Exodus 21:33-23:19

The laws in 21:33-22:15 relate mainly to questions of property, and the remainder of the portion contains miscellaneous precepts.
What instances of careless neglect, leading to injury or loss of for others, are given in 21:33-22:15? And what does God demand of the offender in such cases? Can you think of modern parallels to the careless neglect described here? Answer: Most of it deals with animals and when they are in the possession of someone other than the owner. i.e. V10-11 show that if the animal is in the safekeeping of a neighbor and it is injured and no one is around, then the owner is just out. Or, v 14 shows that if someone borrows an animal and that animal dies when the owner is not present then the borrower owes the owner for the animal. These laws are not unlike our own today. At the same time we draw up contracts many times that spell out specifics of who owes or doesn’t owe based on what happened to the animal (or whatever the contract is about, there were no rental car places in the time Exodus was written).


Gather out from 22:16-23:19 illustrations of the truth of the claims God makes here concerning himself. For these claims see 22:27; 23:7. Against what sin does he say that his wrath will wax hot? Answer: I am lost on this question! 22:23-24, God describes how He protects the poor and widowed. 22:25-27; God is saying don’t take advantage of the poor when lending money. Don’t charge them interest for He will hear their cries. I like 23:7; “I will not acquit the guilty.” To me this is God’s way of saying to people before Jesus that works will not get you in. Beyond these things I am not sure what the question is asking.


Note. Some of these laws are similar to those found in the famous code of Hammurabi, but the provisions are much more merciful. (Cf. NBD, pp. 442-3). Notice in 22:31 the reference to being ‘consecrated’ to God. Cf Lev 11:44-45.

April 7, 2010 Lesson 15 of Exodus 21:1-32

The laws in this portion concern relations between people, particularly those between slaves and masters. While slavery is tolerated, its severity is mitigated in various ways.
What are the principles underlying the laws about persons? In particular, what kind of relationship between slave and master is contemplated in verses 2-6? Cf. also Deut. 15:12-18; Jer 34:12-17. Answer: I see the laws saying a lot about and eye for an eye. If a man kills another he is to be put to death. Slaves and masters are a bit different. The master has a bit more leeway than the slave. The master may harm the slave but then has to release the slave. I find it interesting that if a man slave takes a wife while in the service of his master, the wife and children become property of the master and don’t have to be released.


For what kind of transgression was the death penalty inflicted? See also 22:18-20; 31:15. Why is this? Cf. Mark 9:43-48. Answer: killing another, attacking parents (note it doesn’t say killing or harming, attacking can be seen as just about anything), and kidnapping.

April 6, 2010 Lesson 28 of Romans 16:17-27

a) How can perverters of the gospel be recognized? Cf. 1Tim6:3; Matt7:15-21. B) how can we be safeguarded for them? Cf. 2John 10; 2 Tim 2:14-16; 1 Thes 5:2. C) what encouragement have we in the conflict? Answer: Perverters of the gospel can be recognized by the fruit they produce. Matt 7:16 “by their fruit you will recognize them.” The passage goes on to say good fruit can not come from a bad tree, and vice versa. Based on the passages I am missing what part b of the question is asking. I do know that prayer and meditating on the Word of God are probably the best ways to put the Word in your heart to use as a weapon against satan. The encouragement we have is one day seeing Christ!


How is God described? How does the present age differ from all that went before? What is the one all-important end to be achieved? Cf 1:5. What is the method to be adopted? Answer: I am not sure??


Note: Verse 25 and 26. The mystery spoken of is fully expounded in the epistle to the Ephesians Cf. e.g. Eph 3:3-6.

April 5, 2010 Lesson 27 of Romans 16:1-16

What can we learn about Phoebe from her name and the place where she lived (see Note 1), from the description of her as ‘sister’ and ‘deaconess of the church’, and from the service that she rendered? What did Paul ask for her from the Christians at Rome. Answer: Sister, refers to her being a fellow believer in Christ. He specifically asks for help for her. Help to get what she needs to survive.


Looking down the list of names, note the reference to: a) diligent service; b) sufferings borne for Christ; and c) Christian character. Cf. 2 Cor 5:9, 10. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.


How often do you find the phrase ‘in the Lord’ or ‘in Christ Jesus’ or ‘in Christ’? Notice also the different connections in which it is used. What significance do you attach to the phrase? Answer: It is significant to me in that it shows how we are all part of one body, the Body of Christ.

Notes
V1 The name Phoebe, being that of a goddess, suggests that Phoebe had a heathen background. But now she is a sister in the Lord, one of the household of faith. Cenchrea, the eastern port of Corinth, was not an easy place in which to life as a Christian.
V7. ‘my relatives’: This probably means ‘fellow countrymen’, ‘fellow prisoners’; they may at the time have been imprisoned with Paul because of the gospel.
V13. Rufus, possibly the same as in Mark 15:21

April 4, 2010 Lesson 26 of Romans 15:14-33

The epistle from 1:16 onward has been more like a treatise than a letter. Paul now resumes the epistolary form, and there are many links between this closing section and 1:1-15.
How does Paul in verses 15-21 describe his work – in relation to its nature, scope, power, and results? How far is the description applicable to our own work in connection with the gospel?
Answer: I pray most every day that God will allow me to be a witness in some way to someone. I am not as bold as Paul, but at the same time I am not afraid to confess my love for my Savior who first loved me! I feel a pull to ministry, so the other thing I pray most every day is that if that is what God wants in my life to open up the right doors for me. Many times I need more than a door, I need a billboard on the side of I69 to say “Eric go this way- Love God.”


What matters lay nearest to Paul’s heart at this time, as shown in verses 20-25? Also what can we learn about the importance that he attached to intercessory prayer? Have we a kindred spirit and outlook? Answer: Paul desperately wants to visit Rome, but feels more compelled by the Spirit to spread the Word. As blessed as Paul was by God to enable him to spread the Word he remains humble enough to say that yes we all need to pray one for another, so please pray for me that God’s will continue to be done in my life.


Notes:
V16. The figure here is that of the sacrifices of the Old Testament ritual. Paul’s work was to bring the Gentile to God as an offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
The contribution of the Gentile churches to the poor of the church in Jerusalem were the result of much labour on Paul’s par, and he looked for important results in the drawing together of Jewish and Gentile believers. Cf. 2 Cor 8 and 9, especially 9:12-15.

April 3, 2010 Lesson 25 of Romans 15:1-13

The counsel given in verses 1-2 is by no means easy to follow. What three sources of help and encouragement are suggested in verses 3-5? Answer: 1) Christ as an example, 2) Christ as a support, 3) The prophets as a teacher, and I think another is 4) constant prayer one for another.

What does following Christ’s example involve (v7-12)? Why does Paul lay such emphasis on the inclusion of the Gentiles? Answer: 1) acceptance of one another, 2) Serve one another, 3) live to glorify God. Because God wants no one to end in hell. It is our own choice.

What should characterize the life of the Christian church? See verse 2, 5-7, 13. Answer: I appears to me that the body of Christ should be one unified body. Not a hundred different pieces doing (believing) different things.

April 1, 2010 Lesson 23 of Romans 13

What three main reasons does Paul give in vereses1-7 why it is right to submit to the civil power? How will this submission express itself in practice? Answer: 1) power is established by God, 2) The one in power is God’s servant to do His will, 3) to keep your conscience clear. This submission is made evident by your actions. Do you pay your taxes? Do you support new policies? The key thing I think here is Paul is once again pointing out the sovereignty of God, and His laws.

What single guiding principle should control the Christian’s life in society? See v 8-10. Answer: Love, Love one another as Christ loved us. I’m not talking the pot smokin’ free lovin’ of the sixties. I’m talking about caring, gratitude, compassion, being neighborly, and giving to the poor and needy.

V11-14. Paul gave in 12:1 one powerful motive for living the life set forth in these chapter, namely God’s mercy. What further motive does he present here? What will wearing the armor of light mean for you, both negatively and positively? Answer: The motive here is you never know when your time is up. Are you going to die tonight or will the Lord return before you get home from work? In a negative sense wearing the armor of God, will cause you more grief in life. People will see the difference in you and attack you to try to break your faith. Positively, you don’t have to worry about this because God is your comforter and protector.

Note: v2. ‘The state can rightly command obedience only within the limits of the purposes for which it has been divinely instituted – in particular the state not only may but must be resisted whit it demands the allegiance due to God alone’ (Romans (TNTC), p. 223-4)