Maadi Women's Bible Study: Recent Episodes
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An engaging weekly women's study unlocking the Scriptures for personal transformation and building up the body of Christ.
- How does God factor into the definition of love given in the Song of Songs? How must God factor into our definitions of love? Why is this so necessary?
- In v. 6 love is described as “strong as death” “jealousy as fierce as the grave.” What positive and negative aspects of love and jealousy do you see here?
- What kinds of “waters” threaten to drown or flood many modern marriages?
After the Lesson
As a group answer these questions:
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From this passage what do you learn about forgiveness verses reconciliation? Why is reconciliation so important for Christian relationship?
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What in the text indicates that the man and women have achieved reconciliation and not merely one sided forgiveness?
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Take some time to self examen are you guilty of not pursuing true reconciliation and allowing issues to be swept under the rug? Why does this seem preferable to you at times? What are you avoiding?
Questions
- The woman speaks of a paradox of being asleep on the one hand but her heart is awake on the other. Are their times when you would say that you are spiritually responsive but physically or emotionally asleep or lagging? Share a time you heard God call but you didn’t respond.
- Her lover knocked and she wasn’t available and offered excuses. What are common excuses you make to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in your faith pursuit or relational?
- The chorus asks the woman to recount “What makes her man more beloved than another?” What makes Jesus a more satisfying lover to you than any of the other places you look for love and identity?
Before the Study
Read to yourself 4:1-5
The writer of the song has drawn a picture with words intended to EVOKE (to bring feelings, memory, imagery from the back of your mind to the forefront) ideas and feelings not a physical image.
What ideas and feelings is the writer trying to evoke from the description of the woman?
After the Study
As a group answer these questions.
- On a scale of 1-10 (uncomfortable-comfortable) how does this text make you?
- How does 4:16 reflect the bride’s active willing involvement in the relationship? How does this challenge shallow or passive views of desire in Christian teaching?
- In what ways can this text be misused (either to spiritualize away sexuality or to reduce it to pure physicality)? How can we hold both the physical and spiritual dimensions of this passage with integrity?
- How does the bride’s invitation and the beloved’s joyful response mirror the way we (singles as well) might invite Christ into the “garden” of our deep sacred soul space?
Individually read the passage and list any Old Testament imagery that you see or suspect is OT hints.
Each of us has a different salvation story, some came to new life gradually and others in a very distinct moment. Share a bit about how you came “out of the wilderness.”
We often discuss how we will respond when we first see Jesus face to face, what are your thoughts about how Jesus will see you? Do you ever imagine him getting choked up by your beauty…feeling overwhelmed by your presence with him? What thoughts or feeling arise with this thought?
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Have you ever experienced a season of searching like the woman in the passage? What did it teach you?
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In what way do you resonate with the theme of longing and separation? Why do you think it is emphasized in SoS?
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How does the woman’s active pursuit challenge typical expectations of gender roles? How do you feel about this portrayal?
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What is the difference between healthy longing that deepens love and unhealthy obsession that distorts it and how might this passage help us tell the difference?
Before the Lesson read SoS 2:8-17
- What imagery (sight, sound, taste, touch, hearing) is being poetically employed in the passage?
- As you read the text notice the many metaphors in the text (gazelle, winter, foxes, lilies) which resonates with you in some way?After the Lesson
As a group answer these questions:
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There is a theme of pursuit and inaccessibility in this passage. How can you relate as the pursuer? How do you relate as the inaccessible one? Think in terms of marriage, friendship and relationship with God.
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How does the gospel reflected in this passage remind us there’s grace for us even when we have missed the mark in areas of sexual sin. How does this text express hope?
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What are some “little foxes” that you need to be aware of in your marriage, friendships, walk with God? What is a practical step you can take to protect those relationships?
1) Read through this mornings text and look for words or phrases that are using sensory imagery (Taste, sight, sound, touch) ask yourself what does the imagery conjure up in your mind. Be honest you don’t have to share out loud.
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How do you respond when someone compliments you for your appearance?
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Do you compliment others for theirs?
After Lesson
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Do you ever express admiration for the beauty of God? What effect would such an expression have on your affection for him?
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V.3 speaks about her lover as an apple tree, providing shade and protection, nourishment and refreshment. How do you find satisfaction when you have no lover to protect and nourish, or your lover doesn’t consistently meet your desire for safety, and rest and nourishment? How does Jesus speak into this situation?
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Which tree’s shade have you been “delighting” in? Romans 12:2 tell us to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” What do you need to do to step further away from the patterns of this world and into the shade of the Tree of Life?
Before the Study Answer
Individually: Read SoS 1:5-11
- What stands out to you about the woman’s view of her body?
- How has society’s norms about beauty and shape affected your self perception over the years? If you are married has marriage eased or changed your self perception.
After the study Answer
In what ways do you feel you have neglected your own vineyard? Think more than just physically, but look inward. Do you feel the neglect is forced upon you by circumstances or of your own doing? (Think Mary and Martha)
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Do you struggle to feel God’s particular love for you?
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God describes himself as passionate and jealous in his love for you. What thoughts and feelings does this descriptive even sexual sounding love churn up in you? Comfortable or uncomfortable? Why?
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How do you think all this wording and intensity of passionate love is received by men?
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The song starts immediately with a woman’s bold desire. What thoughts does this stir in you?
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From her point of view, what do these metaphors in vs. 2-3 suggest with regard to threlationship between character and reputation and her physical desire for her beloved?
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The "friends" appear to love him (vs.4). How does finding that others recognize the character and goodness of your partner enhance your own love for them?
Questions
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It has been said that the Church talks about sex too much and too little. In what ways does it talk too much and in what ways too little?
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SoS is clearly a celebration of human sexuality yet women especially often hear or absorb negative messages about their body. Where have you picked up negative ideas?
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What do you wish would have been explained, taught, or modeled for you that would have helped you in your own understanding of a healthy sexual mindset?
Questions
Read chapter 2 and highlight all words that appeal to your five senses (imagery)
Metaphor:
Practice On your own reading metaphor in ch. 2:8-17. Read it through 1x don’t analyze just experience it. What feelings do you have? What feeling does the writer intend to arouse? Pick a few verses and write down what do you think the writer means?
Listen to the Song “You Pursue Me.” Then attempt to write a few lines of your own poetry using imagery, metaphor or another technique to express how it feels to be pursued by God.
Read Luke Luke 18:9-17
As a group answer these questions:
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In your own prayers, do you ever find yourself slipping into comparisons with others? Why do you think that happens?
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How do you guard against self righteousness while still pursuing holiness?
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Do you think you pray completely honest prayers right now?
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What area of life do you need to remember that your worth is based on God’s mercy not your performance?
Questions
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Have you ever felt lost in your faith or life choices? What helped you feel found?
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If you imagine yourself as the the lost coin in this story what does it reveal about your worth to God?
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What do these three parables reflect and reveal about God’s character and priorities?
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There was rejoicing in all of the stories when the lost thing was found. Who in your life do you celebrate spiritual growth or answered prayer with?
Individually: Read Luke 7:36-50
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What are some ways we seek to judge before understanding?
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Can you think of a time when God has shown you mercy when you didn’t deserve it?
After the Lesson
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Accepting forgiveness starts with understanding a need for forgiveness. Is there an area of your life where you have not allowed forgiveness to take place?
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What is something in your life you have poured out before the LORD, laid down at His feet?
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Can you think of someone you may have misunderstood & could offer greater empathy to?
Read Luke 5:27-32, 6:20-49
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What is your definition of being “blessed?” (6:20-49)
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Do any of these blessings/woes speak to a current life situation?
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Jesus said he came for the sick, not the healthy. How does this statement shape the way you view your own need for Him?
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What does this passage (5:31-32) teach us about the mission of the church? How can we make sure we don’t drift into becoming a “holy club” instead of a hospital for sinners?
As a group answer these questions:
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What significant thing does Jesus do in relation to the leper that speaks to his attitude towards the marginalized and rejected?
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Who might be considered “untouchable” in our world today?
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The leper said, “if you are willing…” In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God’s willingness or timing?
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How can we cultivate hearts that are more attentive to God’s “remarkable things” around us?
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Discuss your comfort level with discussing the spirit realm (demonic activity, Spiritual beings influencing earthly leaders and nations…)
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What words or ideas stand out to you in these passages?
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The man in ch 8 with the legions of demons went from a state of isolation and torment to restoration and mission. Where have you seen Jesus bring transformation like this- in your life or someone else’s?
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Does this story challenge your view of Jesus’ power and compassion?
- What is a situation in your life where you have had to wait? What good have you discovered in that waiting period?
- As Luke tells us about the personal struggles of Zachariah and Elizabeth he goes to great length to undermine a linkage between their goodness or lack of goodness and their circumstances. How do you see him doing this and why does such a linkage need to be broken?
- Where are you feeling barren today? How might God use this feeling of emptiness as a gateway to something new?
Before the Lesson read Luke 1:26-56
Individually: Read excerpts from Luci Shaw’s poem The Annunciatory Angel (Thoughts on the painting by Fra Angelico The Annunciation)
How does an angel look? We are not Daniel or Zechariah; we have not been shown. This rendering suggests not celestial power and radiance but a weight of apprehension; what must be announced will not be entirely easy news.
Wind is part of the picture, gusts whipping the robes and body along a stretch of baroque carpet. Gabriel seems to be advancing up an incline, laboring with the imperative of message, hair flattened against scalp, features tense, hands folded tight to the chest, agitation or awe-it is hard to tell. We can’t see the heart hammering in the unearthly body, but the announcement, the cracking open of a space that encircles earth and heaven, must weigh like a gold boulder in the belly.
How might it feel (if an archangel has feelings) to bear this news? Perhaps as confounded as the girl, there in the corner? We worry that she might faint. Weep. Turn away, perplexed and fearful about opening herself. Refuse to let the wind fill her, to buffet its nine-month seed into her earth. She is so small and intact. Turmoil will wrench her.
She might say no.
- How does this poem make you consider the incarnation in a fresh way?
After the Lesson
- Mary’s Song is a beautiful account of humility on Mary’s part and yet she does not resist or refuse the great honor that God is bestowing up on her. How do you balance neither thinking more highly of yourself than you ought and not thinking too low of yourself to be of use to God and his purposes?
- What practices can you develop to intentionally empty yourself?
- What are specific reasons God is a source of joy for you? How do you express this joy to God and to others? What is gained by expressing it to others?
The Teacher’s words throughout this book have pushed us towards satisfaction in God-not wealth, possessions, status, etc. Why are these words painful to hear sometimes? During this study, has there been an area where you found yourself being poked or prodded in ways you weren’t anticipating?
"For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14). What feelings does this evoke in you? It isn’t meant as a threat so how can it be an encouragement to you?
Questions and Discussion
What is the Teacher encouraging us to do when he says, “Remember your Creator”?
This poem (v.1-5) uses highly metaphorical language. What do you think the phrases refer to? Use your imagination as well as all biblical interpretive skills you might have. (Hint: think about the physical aging process)
Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 gives a very negative picture of old age. What are some positives about growing older? Why do you think they were not mentioned here?
Have you ever known a person who was, in Gibson’s words, “shrouded by death”? What were they like? How would they have been different if they could have lived “shaped by death” instead?
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In verse 3 the author brings to our attention two examples of things that we cannot control (when a cloud releases its rain and where a tree will fall). He then rebukes the person who “observes the winds” in verse 4. What do these verses teach us?
What do you think it means to “observe the winds”, and what does this look like today? -
How have you seen yourself get caught up in the “may-be’s and might-haves” of life and get distracted from the task at hand?
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What do verses 7-8 teach us about life? How do we hold in balance the goodness of life and its fleeting nature?
4.How does the coming judgment of God help us to enjoy the gift of our youth more wisely? What advice would you give to your younger self?
- Consider v. 10 and look at your own life are there places where you are working extra because you are swinging a dull axe? Busyness and overcommitment are two specific ways that we are getting hammered by the enemy in the church today. In light of verse 10 where do you need to stop and sharpen your axe? Get specific here - answering with “i need to read my Bible more” is a good thought, but let’s put some tangible steps to it. Help each other with application and change.
- v. 12-14 talk about the foolishness of a man’s speech. What is the difference between wise speech and foolish speech? What about the effects of wise and foolish speech? How is the fruit of wise speech different than the fruit of foolish speech?
- Verses 8-20 consists of proverbs about wisdom and folly. Which ones stick out to you the most and why? Do you see any themes repeated in the sayings?
- What does Ecclesiastes 8 teach us about the limitations of human wisdom?
- Reflect on the paradox of the righteous receiving what the wicked deserve and vice versa. How does this challenge or reinforce your understanding of divine justice?
- How does Ecclesiastes 8 suggest we deal with the uncertainties and paradoxes of life?
Individual: Read ch. 7
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The Teacher makes some bold claims which ones do you agree with? Why? Are there some that you don’t agree with? Why?
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v.4 suggests that there is a wisdom to be learned at a funeral that cannot be learned at a birthday party. What wisdom can you learn from a funeral?
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What are some questions that arise in this text that you want to find some resolution to?
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Compare Ecclesiastes 7:1 with Proverbs 22:1. What piece of wisdom is being communicated here? How might you respond to this piece of wisdom?
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Verse 2 of this chapter begins to drive home one of the main ideas of the book of Ecclesiastes—to live your life in light of your last days. How should having a good understanding of our mortality impact the way we live today?
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Verses 15-18 describe a reality(Abelesque) that is often highlighted in the Scriptures (Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 37:3, 73:30, 94:3; Job 12:6, 21:13) the righteous often suffer while the wicked prosper. How does it make you feel that the Bible validates this reality?
- 5:19 says EVERYTHING is a gift from God. Where in my life and thinking does my pride sneak in focus my attention on what I have done or accomplished?
- Ecclesiastes 6:7 states that “all the toil of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied.” Why does our physical labor allow us to feed and clothe ourselves, yet not have the ability to satisfy our souls? What is missing? How can you relate to this?
- Ecclesiastes 6 presents a seemingly pessimistic view of life. How can you reconcile this with a hopeful perspective on life?
- What is something that stood out to you today that you can carry into your coming week or change a practice?
Consider this A.W. Tozer quote “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
- What do you think Tozer meant? How does our genuine belief about who God is determine how we approach Him.
- How do you approach God? Are you quick to speak, but slow to listen to what He has to say? Do you always come to Him with an agenda?
After Lesson Questions
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Describe some situations in which you tend to be more ready to do something for God than to listen to God.
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How can the advice in verses 1-3 guide us in our daily prayers and
conversations with God?
- Look at God’s command in Genesis 1:26-31. God’s plan for leadership fosters the betterment of society. Discuss how God sees oppression, suffering, and our role as His followers. (Ex. 22:21-27, Psalm 146:5-9, Proverbs 14:31, Isaiah 1:17)
- Of the 14 comparisons found within verses 2-8, which one resonates with you most right now? Why does this particular pair resonate with you?
- Is one pair more challenging to accept and deal with? Why
- Based upon what we’ve read, heard, and studied, what strategies do you think people (including yourself) use to avoid facing the reality of death?
- According to the Preacher, why do you think the idea of embracing and understanding our death allows us a perspective to enjoy life?
- What is a thought from this lesson that you can carry into your week?
Questions
- In verse 11, the Preacher communicates that our lives after we pass will eventually fade from memory. How does that make you feel?
- How does this impact the way you think about the legacy you wish to leave?
- What is your view of pleasure and work in your life as Christian women?
David Augsburger says,“Emptiness is at the center of our humanness. To flee it is to miss the creative openness toward creation and Creator. To stuff it full of things is to block our ability to receive others in listening love. To anesthetize it with addictive experiences is to deaden the creative springs of the true self. Emptiness is to be embraced as a gift.”
Questions to Consider
Taken as a whole, this passage (1:1-11) paints a portrait of immense frustration. Does anything here resonate with you? Do you or have you ever felt a sense of frustration with life that is similar to what this passage describes?
On his quest, Qoheleth tries many approaches to life. But at the end of them all, he is still left with the seemingly incurable frustration that he hasn’t found the “good life” he’s looking for. In what ways have you tried to create the “good life” for yourself? Talk about some of the things you have tried that haven’t really worked out the way you had hoped.
How can it be liberating , rather than frustrating to know that life is repetitive?
Do you find the message of this first chapter depressing or promising? Explain.
Welcome back to a new series studying in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Here are a few discussion questions to consider as we begin.
Ecclesiastes asks several very direct and probing questions about the meaning of life. How much thought have you given to questions like: “What is the purpose of life?” and “Why have faith in God when so much in life seems empty and futile?” What conclusions have you come to?
Apart from the personal benefit that might come from gaining a deeper understanding of God and the world in which we live, how might grappling with this issue help us engage with others?
Prayerfully ask God to bring someone into your life over the next few months so that you can share this biblical philosophy of life and satisfaction.
Psalm 13 to yourself and answer these questions then share as a group.
- When in your life have you felt forgotten by God or others? How do you identify with David?
- Can you think of a time you have cried out “Why” to God? Do you think you would really want him to answer? Why or why not?
- Protest—lay out your complaints and your griefs before God. Don’t hold back.
Petition God for what you want. Be bold!
Praise God for listening, for caring, and for considering your prayer.
1. Share a pivotal time of God’s*hesed* in your past? How has or does this experience encourage you in your future?
2. Share a point of real gratitude from this past week.
3. Can you think of a time that unanswered prayer was a blessing?
4. Pray for one another
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Did you practice reciting a liturgical prayer (The Lord’s Prayer or another one) this week? Any observations or thoughts? Do you think there is a value in continuing?
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Are there particular strongholds in your thinking that need to be addressed?
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As you consider your prayer life do you view it more as personal self improvement or engaging in a battle?
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What actions might you need to take in order to be more attentive to the command to pray “in the Spirit”?
Take a few minutes alone to think through these questions. Then as a group Answer these questions
- Did you practice that Breathing Prayer this week? Any observations to share?
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. After you pray each line take a pause and breathe in before starting next line.
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What are some things (share 2-3) that happen in the world that you personally wish that God would fix and put right.After the Lesson
- What are your thoughts and feelings about Liturgical prayers? If you have prayed these prayers for a while how do you think they have grown or hindered your prayer life.
- How do you think the daily incorporation of the phrase “May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” might change how you view the world around you and its problems and your role as God’s partner?
- This week continue to practice your Breath Prayer and add in a Liturgical Prayer.A Liturgical Prayer is a written or memorized prayer that serves as a framework for your individual prayer. For example practice reciting “The Lord’s Prayer” at least 1x a day ideally even 2x.
- How would you describe your experiences with prayer? Have you had conflicted feelings about prayers?
- Do you think you expect too much from prayer or too little?
- What do you understand the purpose of prayer to be?
- What is a question or challenge you face on the topic of prayer?
- Corrie Ten Boom famously asked “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” What did she mean by this and how would you answer it?
- What do you hope to experience in your prayer life?
- Take a few minutes to write a “Breath Prayer” to use through out the week. Pick a name of God or an attribute that is meaningful to you and then follow it with deep God given desire. Example: “Son of David, have mercy on me a sinner.” Breath in and say “Son of David” and breath out and say “Have mercy upon me a sinner.” Practice through out the day saying it in quiet moments as you drive, standing and cooking. Take note of if/how it affects you and share next week.
Read Ex. 32-33
- What observation do you make? What questions stand out to you? Any patterns?
- Ex 32:14 uses an interesting word to describe God’s action. He relented from the disaster he had spoken of bringing on his people. How do you reconcile both God’s unchanging nature and the use of this word relenting?
- In Ex. 33:12 Moses says to God “You have not let me know whom you will send with me.” What do you think Moses is asking for?
- Why do you think Aaron and many of the Levites were allowed to live through the slaughter of 32:26?
- What stands out to you about God’s character in ch. 32-33. What does 34:5- 6 add to this picture of God?
Before the Lesson read Ex. 28-29
What role did/does ritual and formalities play in your worship (corporate and private) experience? How can rituals enhance your worship experience? What dangers can accompany them.
Twice in ch. 28 it says that the garments were made “for glory and for beauty.” How important is aesthetics to worship? Thoughts about beautiful cathedrals that cost lots of money? Money well spent?
After the Lesson
What thoughts do you have about God choosing Aaron and his sons for such a sacred and privileged position and role knowing that they will quickly and spectacularly fail?
Why do you think Aaron caved so quickly to the people’s demands to create an idol?
Do you have any little calfs that you bring alongside your worship of God?
Before the Lesson
- What are your preconceived feelings and thoughts when you hear or think about the slavery laws or instruction about Israel conquering the land?
- Read Exodus 23:20-33. What reasons are given for the conquest? What specifically are the Israelites asked to do? Does what the text actually say differ much from what your preconceived ideas were? In what ways?
- If someone said to you, “Whatever God’s law is, I am going to follow it perfectly!” what would you say to them?
- Do you think the people's response in verse 7 was foolish? Why or why not?
After the Lesson Questions
- Share about a time that you acted in obedience to God without understanding why? What did you learn from the experience?
- After this intense ritual meal with God, Aaron and his sons descend the mountain back to the people. In Moses absence Aaron commits a heinous sin (Ex 32) and later his son’s are killed for improper worship. (Lev 10) What thoughts do you have about this?
- Have you had times of deep intimacy and then failure? How do you process this? In what ways have grown through these cycles?
- What attribute of God did you see in this week’s passage that particularly struck you? How should it change the way you pray, think, speak or act this week?
Before the Lesson
Individually Read Ex 20:22-ch.23:9 and write down any questions and observations that you note. Look for repeated words, and phrases or situations that sound familiar.
Before Lesson
Exodus 20:22-23:33 is commonly known as the “Book of the Covenant.”
- What patterns do you see in these laws?
- Whom do they protect? What do they celebrate?
- How do they honor God? Where do you see God’s transcendence (majesty and authority) reflected in His commands?
- Where do you see God’s immanence (intimate involvement in our lives) reflected in His commands?
After Lesson
- Look at 24:6-8 again. Imagine what it would look, smell and feel like for all that blood to be thrown against the altar of God and upon yourself. How does that action put your personal and our collective sin and transgression of the law in perspective?
- Have a group member read Matthew 26:26-29. How does Matthew help you understand Exodus 24, especially verses 9-11? How does it give you a hope for the future?
- What is one take away from this week that you can chew on further?
Individually Read Exodus ch.17-19 write down any questions and observations that you note. Look for repeated words, and phrases or situations that sound familiar.
- Did anything new stand out to you?
- At the Red Sea, God fought Egypt FOR Israel (14:4). At Rephidim God fights Amalek THROUGH Israel (17:8-16) What can you derive from this as it applies in your own struggles and battles today?
- 1 Cor 10:1-13 Adds a much fuller picture and meaning to Ex. 17 the “water from a rock rebellion” what insight can you extract for life application?
- Ex. 19:3-6 In these verses what do we learn about God and the gospel?
- What is the expected response to such grace according to Exodus 19:5a? What does it mean to you to be God’s treasured possession?
- What’s the difference between obeying from freedom rather than for freedom?
- What is one take away from this week that you can chew on further?
- Did anything new stand out to you?
- Look for the repetitive use of pronouns in certain sections of Moses song. Where do they occur and what do they convey?
- Why did they spend so much of the song singing about the death of Pharaoh’s army?
- Can you think and share of a time that God responded to your grumbling with grace?
- In what ways do we try and take over and manage what God generously provides? How has that worked for you?
- What is it that God desperately longed for from Israel?
Individually Read Exodus Ex 12:33- ch.14 write down any questions and observations that you note. Look for repeated words, and phrases or situations that sound familiar.
As a group Answer these questions (15 min)
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Did anything new stand out to you?
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Many people like the idea of a God who saves but are uncomfortable with a God who judges. Yet the reality is that God saves through judgment. What do you think the phrase “salvation through judgment” means, and where are some places you see this pattern in Scripture?
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What interesting item did Moses take with him when they exited Egypt? What was its significance to the story?
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What reason did God give for taking the Israelites the long way around to the Promised Land (verses 17-18a)? What does this same about the human heart?
After Lesson
- It seems as if God instructed opposing idea. On the one hand he tells the Israelites to “fear not and stand firm” he will do the fighting AND on the other hand he instructs them to walk forward into the sea. How do you understand this and how does it make sense in your own journey forward?
- William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury (1942-1944), is quoted as saying “The only thing of my very own I contribute to my redemption is the sins from which I need to be redeemed”. What does such a statement say to us about our part and God’s part in our rescue?
- Is there anything going on in your life right now that God might be taking you on the longer route to get there so that the outcome in the end will be far better than taking you on a more direct route?
Father God we know your ‘desert’ – less as land, than pain within:
when you take away our comforts to release us.
You begin by this training, so to teach us how to live more free of sin.
In this ‘desert’ you command us when to act and when to rest.
You break down our suppositions, which assume that we know best.
For our holiness and wholeness you give us this ‘desert’ test.
Lord, we like to know your presence; feel you close – as if by right.
But to deepen faith not feelingsyou may give our souls ‘dark night’.
When your hand is not apparent - keep us safe, and hold us tight.
This experience of learning is, for many, years, not days.
It takes time to break, remake us in your image and your ways.
Feed us, therefore, guide us, heal us, so through all - it ends in praise.
—John Richards, “Hymn: The Wilderness”
Before the Lesson
Individually Read Exodus 11-12:32 write down any questions and observations that you note.
- Did anything new stand out to you?
- How is God portrayed as supremely sovereign in Exodus 11:1–3? What does he control? How does this inform our understanding of our own salvation?
- Ch. 12:3-13 contains a series of instructions for Israel to follow in preparing the Passover lamb. What do these instructions reveal about the way God extends salvation to his people?
After the Lesson
As a group Answer these questions
- Is there a significant date in your life that you celebrate and honor in a specific way? What do you do? Do you include others in that celebration?
- 12:13 God says that placing the blood on door post “will be a sign for you…” Is there a time in your life where God asked you to demonstrate your confidence in his power to rescue or change a situation?
- In what ways can this Passover account in Exodus shape how you approach the Lord’s Supper, and where you focus your mind as you eat and drink?
Before the Lesson
Individually Read Exodus 7:14-ch. 10 write down any questions and observations that you note. Look for repeated words, and phrases or situations that sound familiar.
As a group Answer these questions (15 min)
Did anything new stand out to you?
What patterns do you notice in how the plague narratives unfold? Why do you think God didn’t just send a single, decisive plague? What is the purpose of having so many plagues?
Although this section is primarily concerned with God’s judgments against Pharaoh and Egypt, on several occasions Moses intercedes with God on behalf of Pharaoh (Ex. 8:12, 29; 9:33; 10:18). Why might these intercessions be recorded throughout this section? What do they contribute to this narrative filled with judgment?
What are you thoughts about how Pharaoh’s magicians and sorcerers performed some of the same tasks that Moses did with God’s help?
After the Lesson
As a group Answer these questions
- Although there isn’t sufficient evidence that every plague is in response to a specific Egyptian god, Ex. 12:12 makes it clear that God is accusing and judging Egypt for their idolatrous lifestyle. What things did the Egyptians idolize and how different are they from idols in our own life?
- Initially God instructs Aaron to cast down his staff so it becomes a serpent, and when he did so for the Israelites they believed, but later when he does it for Pharaoh he doesn’t believe.What do the different responses reveal about the effectiveness of miraculous signs for bringing about faith?
- Several times Pharaoh attempts to bargain with Moses and dictate his terms of obedience. (8:25,28 10:11,24) All are rejected. What are some ways we attempt to bargain with God when it comes to obedience?
Before the Lesson
Individually Read Exodus 3-7:13 on the work sheet write down any questions and observations that you note. Look for repeated words, and phrases or situations that sound familiar. (10 min)
As a group Answer these questions (15 min)
- What are some significant observations that stood out to you in your reading?
- What verses stand out to you as demonstrating God’s “choosing” verses someone “deserving?”
- In ch. 2:15 mentions that Moses sat down by a well and there he met the daughters of Jethro. Think of other examples in the Bible of men sitting down at wells. What significance do “wells” have in the larger Biblical story?
- In 3:22 God says that the Israelites will “plunder” the Egyptians how does v.19-21 describe this process and what strikes you as unusual about it?After the Lesson
As a group Answer these questions
1. In Ex. 3:8 God says he will bring Israel up out of that land, but then 2 verses later tells Moses “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people…out of Egypt.” Consider this alongside Mt.28:18-20. What does this reveal about how God carries out his salvation in the world?
2. In what way is Moses something of a “Third Culture Kid” struggling with identity questions?
3. According to 4:23 what is the goal of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt? What implications does this have for our lives?
4. What other point stood out to you today that you could apply in your journey of faith?
Before the Lesson
Read Exodus 1-2 on the back write down any questions and observations that you note. Look for repeated words, and phrases or situations that sound familiar. (10 min)
- Did you notice anything new you had not seen before?
- In what ways do you see connection and continuation of the Book of Genesis?
- What names are mentioned and which are not? What significance is there in that?
-
What character qualities do you see already exhibited in Moses’ life that will be used by God later in the story?After the Lesson Answer these Questions
- Although God is not mentioned the writer clearly wants us to make connections and to see His hand at work. Where do you see his handiwork?
- In what ways do you recognize aspects of our world today in the oppression account that Israel suffered at the hands of Pharaoh and the Egyptians?
- What examples of faithfulness and trusting in the Lord are demonstrated? What can we learn about this for our own lives?
Questions
- Discuss your thoughts of this quote. “If you read history; you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”
- In what ways do you see the current church at large successfully or unsuccessfully fulfilling its mission as being true and faithful worshippers and faithfully living and proclaiming the good news of the gospel?
- How does the church offer a better word than what the world offers?
- How do you work out your role as an individual with how God speaks to us as a community?
Questions
As you reflect on past 2 weeks can you think of a situation where you consciously gave thought to the “Way of the Lamb” and chose to walk in it? Share with the group how you and maybe others benefited.
John is writing to churches that are enduring persecution and suffering and he is not promising them ease or safety. We know from other NT passages that being a follower of Jesus will involve suffering. The deepest and truest promises John is offering is for protection from the second death. How do you feel about this? Do you feel it is a satisfying promise?
A favorite image for many of us is that of Revelation 7:17: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” What pain do you carry that you are eager to have “wiped away”? How does this image of God affect how you pray?
Questions
- As you read and listen to this text what feelings arise in you? Do you feel fearful or emboldened? Does the passage raise questions or doubts?
- Have you experienced a situation where you longed for vindication and justice? Did you receive it? If not how have you handled that? If so how did it change you?
- Are there areas of your life that tempt you to want to run from God in fear rather than run to him in faith?
Helpful Context: This lesson was taught 2 days after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel and a day after another devastating earthquake in Afghanistan that killed 2400.
Questions
- What do we learn about God’s sovereignty from this passage? How does His sovereignty encourage you and/or challenge you?
- Why is it right and loving for God to judge sin and exact justice? Why is it important to acknowledge and understand that God is both merciful and wrathful and not emphasize one over the other?
- How might you be more intentional about praying and living out a “Thy Kingdom Come…” mentality?
- As you look at these 7 churches and their struggles where do you see that you share some of these faulty ideas and similar struggles.
- In ch. 4 The heavenly liturgy calls God the “ruler of everything,” and emphasizes God’s glory, honor, and power. How is this vision of God similar to the way you most often think about God, how is it different? What effect does this vision have on you? Why?
Questions
- What is something that stood out to you that you were not aware of before?
- How could this awesome (in literal sense of inspiring awe and terror) picture of Jesus be an encouragement to the 7 Churches suffering at that time?
Questions
- What is your knowledge, background or initial thoughts concerning the book of Revelation?
- Read 1:6. What do you think this means? What other Bible texts inform your thinking about this verse?
- What verses in ch. 1 are portraying the authority and power and overall rule and domain of Jesus. When you read these what feelings do they inspire in you?
Questions
- In what ways can you see that Ruth rejected or resisted the philosophy of caution?
- What have you learned from Ruth’s bold example that you could apply in your life?
- Why do you think years (hundreds) later the genealogy was added to this story? What feelings do you have about the ending of the book? Satisfying…still wanting answers…too good to be true…
Questions
- What do you think are differences between why Naomi’s apparently self concocted solution to her situation (Ruth to present herself to Boaz at the threshing floor) was blessed by God and positively furthered his story while Abraham and Sara’s self concocted plan to further their family line through Hagar was NOT?
2. How does Ruth and Boaz’s generous interpretation of the law
foreshadow Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes?
- In what ways does this kind of rule breaking help you imagine the endless possibilities to the greatest command to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself”?
Questions
- Can you recall a time of emerging from a deep spiritual darkness? Was it a sudden awareness or gradual? To whom and how did you express that you saw that God was still at work?
- What do you think are some of the lessons we are intended to learn from this story? Does aspects of the story make you uncomfortable? Why or why not?
- What are areas of my life where I need to be bolder, more of a risk taker?
Questions
-
What made Ruth’s decision (1:16-17) so radical?
-
Read Ps. 13 where is hesed present and how does it change David’s perspective?
-
Describe a time in your own life that spoke God’s hesed for you.
Questions
- “I shall look at the world through tears.Perhaps I shall see things that dry- eyed I could not see.” Share about something you have been able to see through tears that you couldn’t or didn’t see dry-eyed.
- Describe a time in your life where you shared Naomi’s view of God?
- Did you feel encouraged or discouraged by those around you when you were wrestling with God’s goodness or apparent lack there of?
- As a friend of a struggler, what is your worry or fear when being engaged in these hard conversations? What can we consider and do to be better support to the strugglers?
Questions
- In what ways has patriarchy touched and influenced your life and your thinking?
- How does viewing the book of Ruth as the story of Naomi, a female Job, contrast with how you previously viewed the story or heard it taught?
- Why do you think the subject of God inevitably come up when we are going through difficult circumstances or experiencing loss?
- How do your own struggles and losses shape your view of God?
List All the Feasts in the Book
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Peripety: a sudden and unexpected change of fortune or reverse of circumstances
Questions:
How has studying the book of Esther challenged your understanding of God and how he works in the world? Can you point to where in your life he has worked for your good through his providence?
Questions
Briefly share with your group the firt time you were called to identify with the people of God. How are you called on daily or a weekly basis to identify with the people of God?
Where does your idea of what it means to be a godly woman come from? Is that consistent with the qualities you see displayed by woman in the Bible? How might their story challenge your own thinking?
Questions:
Are you in a time of calm or turbulence? What things are you doing in the calm to be ready for what is ahead? How has past preparation served you well?
How do you handle injustice (in the world largely and in your own personal life)? Are you willing to let God right wrongs in his own time and way, or do you fight for resolution yourself? How can we fight injustice while still trusting God to fight for us?
Questions:
Questions
Do you find yourself identifying closely with Vashti? How about Esther? How do your modern sensibilities influence the way you interpret their actions?
Esther is a book that highlights the providence of God. How should knowledge of the providence of God impact the way you live your life? Does it change the way you view your own decision making? Are there things you need to “trust to the Lord” and move on from?
Questions:
Can you identify any areas in your own life where you blindly follow the ways of Empire? What does this reveal about your heart and how does your acknowledgment of those help motivate behavior change?
When viewed against the allure of Empire, is our church body offering an attractive alternative to our generation and the next? How can we do this better?
Questions
Of the three approaches to the “Problem of Persia” which one resonates with you the most? [Return Restore Rebuild, Do what you want - but you better obey, or Stay and Resist]
Can you recall a time when God has intervened on your behalf, and how do you know it was Him?
Notes
Old Life
Master:
Actions:
Pattern:
Fruit:
New Life
Master:
Actions:
Pattern:
Fruit:
Questions
-
What value is there in examining your old life if you are now a new creation?
-
In what ways in your life have you seen sin become a trap that leads to even more sin?
3. In what ways in your life have you seen righteousness lead to even more righteousness?
- When and where do you see works based religion slipping into your thinking? How do you combat this tendency we all have?
- What do you think is the difference between a work based theology and evidence of fruit theology. Both require action why is one right and the other wrong?
- Paul quotes, about Israel, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” It’s easy for us to look back 2,000 years and say how bad those Jews were, but what about us? Can you think of things Christians do that may cause non-Christians to curse Jesus?
Questions
- Do you struggle to accept the reality of God’s wrath? Why or why not
- Share how understanding the depth of your own sin, and God’s just wrath on that sin, has helped deepen your appreciation for Christ’s work on the cross.
- Paul says that what we worship determines our behavior. Do you see the connection between worship and behavior in your own life?
- When sharing the gospel do you begin by sharing the the good news first or the bad news? Why?
- What would you say is your life “thesis” right now? How does Paul’s life thesis (the gospel) both challenge and encourage your own? (1:16-17)
- How does realizing you’re a saint affect the way you respond to sin in your life?
Questions
How does the concept of a “remnant” encourage you in the midst our current culture where all seem to have abandoned God?
Who do you know you in your life that you have written off as outside of God’s reach or interest? How does this passage change your thinking about that person?
At the end of Romans 11, vs. 33-36 Paul shares a deep satisfaction that God’s wisdom, His knowledge, ways, plans, and judgement are perfect beyond what we can imagine. What do these verses inspire in you?
- How does the concept of election and sovereignty bring you comfort? What questions does it raise within you?
- Does Paul’s answer to the question of verse 9:19 satisfy you? Why/why not?
- The basis of God’s expression of mercy is our disobedience. Disobedience is our status quo into which God shows mercy. How do you wrestle with this truth that you were born into sin and fully deserving of condemnation? (Rom. 11:30-33)
Questions
- Paul calls out the sleepers and the slothful which do you think most applies to you?
- What thoughts arise when you see that Paul lists quarreling and jealousy on the same level plane as orgies and drunkenness?
- Paul speaks of taking off and putting on. What is a specific thing that you know needs to be “taken off”? Can you share and then pray specifically for one another to remove this ugly piece of clothing?
Questions
1) Read 1 Cor 12:4-11, Eph. 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11
Make a list of all the various gifts mentioned, underline the repeated ones.
- In what settings or situations do you often find yourself being “superminded?”
- What do you think or have you come to understand, is your God given assignment or gift to use in the body of Christ?
- What are your thoughts on leaning into your assignment as a technique of combatting supermindedness?
- The gifts that Paul mentioned in his various listings are shaped by the needs of those particular congregations. What gifts do you see a need for in your church today?
Notes
Missed point from last weeks discussion on Weak/Strong. The idea of ch. 13 concerning the believers response to government authority. This was primarily aimed at the Jewish listener who leaned towards a zealousness and a resistance to authority and paying taxes. The weak of Rome were tempted by this zealous option under a heavy tax burden.
Christoformity expresses itself through a God orientation...a Body of Christ orientation, and a Public orientation.
Questions
- Christ calls us to be like him and step down from our place of privilage and power and enter into a messy story. What would this look like in your life?
- Why is being a living sacrifice so much harder than offering a costly animal for sacrifice?
- As an individual make a list of issues that you consider as “matters of conscience” (not a clear biblical or moral teaching for or against an issue) but that are, at times in our current Christian culture, being treated as certainties. Share your lists and see if others have said the same things. What are some ideas that are different from your list. Answer with gentleness recognizing that at your table there are likely different opinions just liken Rome.
- Consider how you view Christians who have different convictions from you. In your thoughts or words, have you shown disdain or judgement toward them? Have you felt that others have judged you or disdained you for your different convictions?
Those in Rome being Greeted
Phoebe- (F)
Prisca-(F) Prisca’s name is listed before her husband’s in four of the six times
Aquila-tentmaker by trade, a profitable but not high class profession.
Epaenetus-“Beloved” first convert in Asia
Mary-(F) worked hard for you
Andronicus-
Junia-(F) likely married to Andronicus
Ampliatus-
Urbanus-
Stachys-
Apelles-
Aristobulus-
Herodian-
Narcissus-
Tryphaena-(F) worker in the Lord
Tryphosa-(F) worker in the Lord
Persis-(F)
Rufus-
Rufus’ mother-(F)
Asyncritus-
Phlegon-
Hermes-
Patrobas-
Hermas-(likely a woman)
Philologus-
Julia-(F)
Nereus-
Olympas-(F)
With Paul in Corinth
Tertius- v. 22 the actual writer of the letter.
Gaius- v.23
Erastus-
Quartus-
Questions
- Have you ever attended a house church? How do you think a Roman house church would have differed from your current church experience? What do you think are some of the strengths and weaknesses of a small fellowship group?
- Have you ever fellowshipped in an environment where you were a part of the minority group not only in number, but in power and privilage as well? (It is very possible to be in the minority number wise, but still have the majority of power and privilage) Describe some of the challenges and the strengths.
- How does understanding more about ancient letter writing influence your thoughts about Paul’s letter writing?
4 Layers of Context
Narrative Context: Where does the book lie with in the larger Biblical narrative?
Cultural Context: What is the culture(s) into which the book or letter was written?
Situational Context: What is the relationship between the author and the recipients
Literary Context: “We must avoid the modern misconception: Paul and the apostles wrote their letters in solitude producing a single unedited daft that was hastily sent, or that Paul used a secretary to whom he dictated his letters word for word and then signed and sent the original draft. This mental image is completely out of sync with everything we know about letter writing in the ancient Greco-Roman world of 1st century” T. Mackie
- In what ways do you see pride at work in your life? Either in a superior way or an inferior way.
- Mordecai didn't bring up his good deed or ask for a reward at all. He did what he needed to do and left it at that. Read Malachi 3:16-17 have you experienced a time that God defended you or rewarded an overlooked ct of good?
- What personal experience do you have of being opposed, hated or marginalized for following Jesus?
- How does the gospel Mordecai preaches in 4:14 encourage you today to follow Jesus despite the pressure?
- In smaller ways, how do you think God may have put you in your present circumstances “for such a time as this”? How can you, like Esther and Jesus, be faithful where God has put you?
Join me for a one month study in the Book of Esther. This particular time the questions discussed are part of the recorded lesson. Next week lesson will be separated from discussion time.
- When you look at your family tree, what are some traits and patterns you would like to continue? Which ones would you like to clearly leave behind?
- Have you seen in your family God do an obvious act of life transformation that has encouraged you in your own walk with God?
- We have all ridden this rollercoaster ride of success and disappointment and up and down again. Can you think of a story from your own “ride” that could encourage others when they are on the downside and can’t see God’s bigger picture?
Questions
- What thoughts do you have about the various complexities of these stories? Are you disappointed that God doesn’t work things out more clearly and straightforward or do you find a comfort in it?
- Can you share about a time you feared a difficult encounter or conversation? How did you handle it and how did it resolve?
- What are your thoughts on this idea that maybe the sin isn’t fully gone and forgotten until Heaven and that there is worth in our awareness of the sin and working out the shame and pain?
Questions
1) Can you recall a time when you had done something unfair, or unkind (consciously or not) to someone and then have it happen to you?
2) Did you make the connection that you had done this offense before?How did this teach you, or did it?
3) When have you striven to win the approval or affection of someone? What did you learn from that experience?
4) Leah tries to build her identity on Jacob’s love for her instead of on God’s love for her. It seems by the 4th son God mangos to break through to her with divine grace. In what ways can you identify with Leah?
Questions
1) Do you think this dream is like a divine “seal of approval” on Jacob’s behavior up to now? Or is it an “in spite of”? Or something else? Why do we say this?
2) Do you think that Jacob has moved into a genuine personal relationship with Yahweh? Does this tell us anything about God, that would relate to us? What is that?
3) What application can you make in your own life from this story?
Questions
- What do you think are the similarities and differences between doing God’s will and God’s will being done?
- Can you relate to the idea or feeling of living in the sweet spot of God’s will and pleasure? Can you remember a clear example when you were outside of the sweet spot and you knew it?
Questions
- Abraham insists on his servant finding a bride from his family and country. The servant goes about this request by specifically asking of God to reveal the woman in a specific way. How do you feel about praying in this fashion? Have you ever asked something of God in this fashion?
- Read 24:21 What do you think the servant was considering as he looked at Rebekah?
- Do you think Rebekah made her decision to go with the servant based on a sense of God’s providential call, or was she impressed by the gifts and the promise of a good life? Why or why not?
- What personal application do you see in this text?
-
God is certainly testing Abraham, but He may also be seeking His own benefit by the pleasure He receives through Abraham’s active love and obedience. Have you ever considered that your faithfulness to God and obedience to Him gives Him pleasure? How might that be a motivating factor in your walk with God?
-
With the sacrifice of Isaac, God is asking Abraham to give up everything – not just his son, but the promises of the covenant as well. All Abraham will have left is God Himself. Is that enough? Would you give God your life if He gave back nothing but Himself?
-
How much do the “benefits/blessings of God” motivate you in your walk with Him?
Questions
-
In this story of Sarah, Abraham and Hagar who is someone that you can relate to? What was God doing or saying to Sarah, Abraham, or Hagar that God might also be saying to you today?
-
Discuss how the sorrow of sending Ishamel away was the natural consequence of Abraham’s sin. How might the Lord use the consequences of our sin to refine us. When we suffer under the consequences of our sins does this mean that God is angry with us?
-
Where do we see evidence of God’s mercy in this passage? How has God been merciful to you in the midst of pain and suffering (of any kind, but even pain caused by your own sin)?
Questions
- Judging from Sarah’s laughing in unbelief at God’s promise, how do you explain the fact that Sarah is one of only two women mentioned in the Bible’s honor roll of faith? See Heb 11:11 and Gen 21:1-7. What does this tell you about God and how He works? About Sarah’s faith? Your faith?
- The condition of Sodom and Gomorrah is so outrageous to most of our ears that it is easy to move on fail to apply anything. How does Ezekiel’s take on their sin affect your thinking?
- Share a time of God’s expression of slow to anger in your life
Notes and Questions
A. Geneology 11:26-32
B. Test for Abram 12:1-9
C. Abe sojourns in Egypt and passes Sarai off as sister 12:10-20
D. Abram and Lot incident 13:1-14
E. Covenant 15
X Hagar and Ishmael
E. Covenant 17
D. Abram and Lot 18-19
C. Abram sojourns Gerar passes Sarai off as sister 20:2
B. Test for Abram
A. Geneology 22:20-24
If you were to rename certain locations based on your testimony of God’s faithful work, which places would you focus on?
What names might you give them? Share or write down one of those meaningful stories of God’s faithfulness.
Questions
-
What are you waiting on God for? What could it look like for you to wait patiently and with expectant hope in God’s faithfulness?
-
Examine your social circle. How much diversity is present in your community? How can you go about working on being more open to different/odd/uncomfortable relationships? Keep in mind it isn’t a project you do on the side for a short time but it is the goal of what it looks like to be the family of God.
Questions
- What questions or fears arise when you ponder that understanding the Bible may not be as plain and simple and literal as you might have once thought?
- Share a thought that was new to you or stood out to you as important?
- We often talk about our "testimony" or our "witness" but what if we shifted our language of outward responsibility to reflect more of how it is worded in Genesis 1-2, as a mandate to image God as priest and king? What difference does this make in how you understand what God wants from you?
Notes and Questions
My apologies for not doing a great job at repeating what different ladies identified as patterns. The first one about Rebellion Language was in reference to Pharaoh seeing Sarai was beautiful and taking for himself and acting upon it by making her his wife.
- In what ways can you describe how your family, culture, and nationality has shaped your identity? How has living in a cross- cultural environment shown you things about your identity that you would not have otherwise seen?
- Do you think it would be easier or harder to geographically “leave” your old identity (country, culture, community) as Abraham did vs. what we are called to do which is non spatial (eg. Emotional, behavioral) separation.
- How does looking at Abraham’s mistakes and struggles encourage you in your journey?
- “Blessed to be a Blessing” Have you ever experienced this in your life or ministry, that seeking to bless rather than “convert” provided a greater opportunity to share the gospel?
Notes and Questions
- Take a few minutes and look at your own life as a narrative arc. Sketch out some of your meta narrative (joys and pains, ) can you see God’s faithfulness as the red thread connecting it all together? Sometimes it’s hard to see what it all means, but this “evil turned to good” theme will start to sink in and give you hope that even your own failures will not get the last word in God’s story for you.”
Questions
Colossians 3:18-4:1
-
What are some examples of the negative connotations associated with the word “submit”?
-
Because of these negative connotations on a societal level, it’s easy to feel uncomfortable using the word “submit,” even though it’s a biblical word. But rather than swap out the word for something else, I think the best way to recover the concept is with faithful practice, coupled with helpful synonyms. Now, imagine for a moment that you’re talking to a non-Christian friend, and your friend says, “Hey, I’m interested in Christianity. But this whole “wives submit” bit is ridiculous. I don’t get it.”
How would you explain the meaning to your friend? What kind of stories or illustrations might you use? What examples might you use from your own marriage?
- A main idea in the book of Colossians is the superiority and preeminence of Jesus. The book teaches that only when Jesus is supreme over the details of everyday life and relationships that they are transformed from burdens to gifts, from drudgery to freedom. Apart from Jesus, the temptation in every relational context is make it about “me.”
Why do you think making every relational context about yourself ultimately becomes a burden?
How does reconnecting the details of our relationships to the supremacy of Jesus infuse them with meaning? What difference does it make? Why do you think such reconnecting is so important?
Colossians 3:1-17
Questions
- Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What is a heart tie or treasure that you struggle to release and get a heavenly perspective on?
- Discuss the struggle and challenges of dealing with your own failure and the failure of others to fully live into our new identity. How do we pursue something and yet graciously love and forgive and accept the weakness and frailty of our own living and those around us?
- Looking closely at verse 11, it seems like an odd inclusion at this point yet obviously relevant to the time and situation of the church at Colossia. Is it relevant to our times? How does our constant thinking of heaven and our new identity help us with judgmental thoughts about people of other races or socio economic status?
Notes and Discussion Questions
Read Acts 15:1-29, Mark 7:1-23
What stays? What goes? Why?
Questions:
-
What is so attractive about rule-keeping? Why do you think it's so ingrained in us?
-
Read Matthew 5:17-19. How did Jesus understand His relationship to the law?
-
What aspects of legalism do you think you have been prone to in your Christian life? What truth about how God relates to us has helped you resist the pull of legalism?
Lets begin by taking a few minutes and look at the passage on your own.
-
circle repeated words, phrases
-
underline key words or ideas that you feel the writer is calling
emphasis to.
- take notice of grammar and tense that is being used
Questions
- How do you reconcile or work out your responsibility or role in what God is saying is his responsibility?
-
It was highlighted that the work of Christ on the cross plays out or applies at 3 levels personal salvation, corporate (the body) debt forgiveness, and victory in the cosmic realm over the forces of evil. Which one do you tend to think of most often? How are all three levels connected?
-
Give some examples of philosophies and current trends of thought
that are likely influenced by elementary spiritual forces.
Pre- lesson Question
As you look back at your “come to Jesus story” how significant was the suffering that Jesus endured, to your story and understanding?
- Do you think you have ever suffered in some capacity (physically, emotionally, relationally) because of your relationship with Christ?
- What do your prayers say about your truest thoughts on suffering and trails?
- Do you think all suffering counts as redemptive?
Questions
- How do you understand what Paul is teaching when he writes that we will be presented without blemish and free from accusation ‘if’ we continue in our faith?
- What do you think Paul means by having the ministry of reconciliation?
- What would this look like in practice in your life?
Orthodoxy (Right Belief)
Pushing Back
Pushing Onward
Image of the invisible God
God was pleased to have all
his fullness dwell in Him
For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers of rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
...the firstborn over all creation.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Questions
- In what ways does the supremacy of Christ challenge your worldview or personal experience?
- What in your life needs to change to be brought back under the authority of Jesus?
- How can you rest in the significance and security that an understanding of the supremacy of Jesus brings?
- What is your gut response when we talk about the spiritual realm in this fashion?
- v. 12 speaks of God strengthening you with power according to his glorious might… How do you understand his effort at “strengthening you?”
- How can gratitude be a sufficient weapon against the dark evil which surrounds you?
- How can we keep a proper perspective toward the world?
- What is an application that you can make from today’s teaching to your life and journey?
Questions
- What can your prayer life learn from the prayer that Paul has for those for whom he feels spiritually responsible?
- How does one go about determining what it looks like to walk “in a manner worthy of the Lord…?” How can this be understood in such a way as to not lead to critical self condemnation or outward judging of others?
- Before praying for one another take some time to sit quietly and ask God for wisdom and insight into how to pray for another lady in your group.
Sorry we lost our electricity early on so this is a salvaged version of the audio. I will recap so major points in the next lesson.
This is the final week of our Spring study. I hope that it has opened up some new avenues for reading and understanding Scripture. We will return in mid September with a new study!
Questions
- Take a few minutes of quiet prayer and reflection and ask God to reveal ways that you might overtly or subversively seek to make a name for yourself or seek to create connection with God on your own terms? Discuss
“N. American Christianity has a strong historical tendency to be ethnocentric, and part of this distortion is to project Caucasian people back into all aspects of the biblical story. Coming to grips with the multi-ethnic, non-caucasian cultural context of the OT is a critical foundational step in developing a truly biblical theology of race.” From Every People and Nation Daniel Hayes
- Has this current discussion of race in US (although very relevant in France and UK at the moment) caused you in any way to self exam? What are some of your discoveries?
- Unity is one of God’s greatest goals and a tool to reaching his greatest goal of reconciling all things to himself. How do you see the enemy using disunity as a primary tool to resist God’s purpose and plans?
m. Questions ch. 6-9
- The text (6:9) tells us that “Noah walked with God.” What do we understand “walking with God” to mean? Who else in the Bible walked with God? Do we feel we, ourselves, “walk with God”? Why or why not? Do we want to? How would that be different from the way we live now?
- Why is the story of Noah, the flood, and God’s covenant with Noah important to you today, and how does it strengthen your faith, your view of God, and your hope for the future?
- What kind of connection can you make (if any) between the flood and this pandemic that we are living under today?