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Thank you for taking this journey with us.
While our Bible study class is still meeting every Sunday morning, our study format is changing, starting next week. So, this is the end of this blog... and the beginning of exciting new things God has planned!
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For Sunday, October 30, 2011

1) Romans 12:1-2

What is Paul urging the Christians to do? What does that mean? How is it different from the old sacrificial system? How is worship dependent on this attitude? What does it mean to be conformed? What does it mean to be transformed? How has God renewed your mind? How does it still need to be renewed? How does presenting yourself as a sacrifice prove God’s will?

2) Romans 12:3-8

According to Paul, how should a Christian think of themselves? Why? How do we all fit together as Christians? Why do you think Paul was giving these instructions? What service gifts has God given you? How are you using them?

3) Romans 12:9-16

How can love be tainted by hypocrisy? What did Paul have to say about how Christians treat each other? What did he have to say about a Christian’s attitude? Which of these is hardest for you? When are we tempted to be wise in our own estimation? What is the danger in this attitude? How does it affect our relationship with God? With others?

4) Romans 12:17-21

What are the main categories of behaviors Paul addresses in this passage? How can you respect what is right in the sight of someone you disagree with? What does Paul say about peace? Why is this important to a Christian? How does Paul’s teaching about revenge compare to our society’s teaching about it? How should a Christian overcome evil? When is it tempting to do it differently? Why is this a foundational truth?

For Sunday, October 23, 2011

1) Romans 9:1-5

What was bothering Paul? How would you describe his feelings about it? What was he willing to do? What are you willing to do to help someone else come to a true understanding of following Christ?

Romans 9:19-24

What argument was Paul confronting in this passage? To whom did Paul compare God? To what did Paul compare the Christian? How does knowing this truth change the way you live your life?

2) Romans 9:30-33

What was the comparison Paul made in these verses? What is the key to the pursuit? Who was the stumbling stone? Who did He make stumble?

Romans 10:1-4

What was Paul’s heart desire? What is your heart desire? Do you have a burden for an individual or a people group to come to Christ? What are you doing about it? What was wrong with how the Israelites were pursuing righteousness?

3) Romans 10:8-15

According to Paul in this passage, what must a person do to be saved? What was the encouragement for Paul’s audience found in verses 12-13? What is the progression a person must go through to reach salvation? What was the purpose of all of Paul’s questions in verses 14-16?

4) Romans 11:1-2a; 5-6

According to Paul, how had God’s relationship with His people, Israel, changed? What was the good news in these verses? What was the bad news?

Romans 11:33-36

How did Paul finish his theological explanation about the role of Jews and Gentiles in God’s kingdom? What do you think he ended this way? What stands out to you in these verses?

For Sunday, October 16, 2011

1) Romans 8:1-11

Why is there now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? What does Paul say about the law of the Spirit? The Law of the Flesh? What is the contrast between the two? What characterizes the mind set on death? on the Spirit? According to Paul, in what domain do believers live?

2) Romans 8:12-25

What is our obligation, according to Paul? What is the difference Paul describes between slavery and adoption? How does that change our approach to struggling with sin? What did Paul declare is clear evidence that a person is a child of God? What do you do to stay in fellowship with the Spirit? What does Paul have to say about suffering and the future? In what ways do you see or feel the “birth pains” of God’s ultimate plan?

3) Romans 8:26-30

In what way does the Holy Spirit intercede for believers? When have you experienced this? How has the Holy Spirit helped you in praying about a difficult situation? Does this promise only apply to difficult situations?

What promise did Paul declare was given to those who love God concerning the things that happen to them?

4) Romans 8:31-39

What does Paul say about our victory over sin in this passage? What does he teach about God’s love in this passage? About God’s power? Which verse in this passage is most meaningful to you right now in your Christian walk? How will these truths effect how you live?

For Sunday, October 9, 2011

1) Romans 7:7-13

What questions did Paul anticipate from his opponents in this section? Why would Pauls’ opponents argue this? Or why would they argue that Paul was leading to this idea? What is the purpose of the Law? How does the Law make sin alive? What was Paul’s conclusion about the Law?

2) Romans 7:14-20

What is the conflict Paul describes in this passage? Do you identify with this struggle in your own life? How would you describe your personal experience with this struggle? Is verse 17 an excuse?

3) Romans 7:21-25

How does Paul identify the parts of himself that are in conflict? What is Paul’s conclusion? Where does freedom come from? How would you describe this freedom to someone who hasn’t experienced it? Are you experiencing freedom over sin in your life?

4) Review Genesis 3

How do you look at this story differently after reading Paul’s teaching in Romans 7?

John 14:13; James 1:22; 1 John 2:3-6

What do these verses teach about why the struggle against sin is important?

For Sunday, October 2, 2011

1) Romans 6:1-7

What was the new argument Paul addressed? Why would this argument be tempting for people to follow? In what way have Christians died to sin? What do we learn about baptism in this passage? What does it mean to live in newness of life? Do you feel like you are living in newness of life? Does your life show the example of being free from the bondage of sin?

2) Romans 6:8-14

How is the Christian life about a “death” experience? How is it about a “life” experience? What if being a Christian was just about one of these, and not the other? How would that change things? Of all those Jesus and His disciples raised from the dead in the New Testament, how many died again? What was different about Jesus’ experience? Why are we not to let sin reign in us? When it comes to dealing with sin in your life, what is the difference between being under the Law and under grace?

3) Romans 6:15-19

What was the next argument Paul addressed? How does it compare to the argument in 6:1? What are the choices when it comes to being a slave? What does a person’s life look like who is a slave to righteousness? What are the results of being a slave to righteousness? What does that mean?

4) Romans 6:20-23

What is the outcome of being a slave to sin? (What does a person earn for their sin?) What are the benefits of being a slave to righteousness? (What is the free gift of God?) How does understanding verse 20 change the way you approach non-Christians? Can you explain God’s free gift of grace to someone who doesn’t know about it? What evidence in your life points to whether you are a slave to sin or to righteousness?

For Sunday, September 25, 2011

1) Romans 5:1

How is a Christian justified? Review: what does it mean to be justified? How does that bring peace with God? What (or Who) is the conduit of that peace? How is this kind of peace different than the peace the rest of the world talks about? Meditate on the peace in your relationship with God today. If you aren’t experiencing that peace, talk to Him about what sin needs to be confessed and repented of.

2) Romans 5:2-5

What does it mean to stand in grace? How would this be lived out in a Christian’s life? What does Paul mean by the hope of the glory of God? What makes us able to celebrate in our tribulations? Are you experiencing, or have you experienced, this? Make a flow chart of the progression Paul describes. How does hope in God not disappoint?

3) Romans 5:6-11

What was our condition when Christ died? Who did He die for? Do you agree or disagree with Paul’s statement in verse 7? How did God demonstrate His love for us? IN your opinion, why did Paul say God in this instance, and not Jesus? How are we justified through Jesus’ blood? How did we receive reconciliation with God? How could you explain this concept to someone else?

4) Romans 5:15-21

How are the gift (grace) and the transgression (sin) different? Can you write out Paul’s teaching in these verses as a mathematical expression? What were the results of the transgression? What were the results of the free gift? Can you think of evidence of God’s abundant grace to you today? Praise and thank Him for it.

For Sunday, September 18, 2011

1) Romans 3:27-31

Why does Paul bring up the argument about boasting? Who would be boasting and why? What does it mean to be justified? What kinds of works (actions, rituals) were the Jews tempted to rely on for justification? Why was this a problem? According to Paul, how will God judge the circumcised? The uncircumcised? Why did Paul bring up the question about nullifying the Law? What would be the problem if the Law no longer applied? What is the connection between following the Law and faith?

2) Romans 4:1-8

Why did Paul choose Abraham as an example for the Jews about how to be justified? According to Paul, how was Abraham justified? What proof did he use in his argument? Which other person did Paul select as an example? Read Psalm 32:1-2.

3) Romans 4:9-15

What nationality was Abraham? Why does Paul dedicate so much time to circumcision? If he were choosing a modern day example of works (actions or rituals done to try to make oneself right with God), what might he choose? Why was it so important for the early church for Paul to explain this teaching in detail?

4) Romans 4:16-25

What is the connection between faith and grace in salvation? If following the Law still played a major role in salvation, how would life be different for modern Christians? How did Abraham show an extraordinary measure of faith? Did Abraham ever wobble in faith or lose faith in God’s promise? Why is the goal of faith righteousness? Thank God today for giving you the ability to have faith in Him.

For Sunday, September 11, 2011

1) Romans 1:18-32

Where is the wrath of God revealed? How does nature teach us about God? Can you think of some specific examples of what nature teaches us about God? According to verse 23, what is the big “exchange” humans have made? What does a person give up when they choose this exchange? How did this exchange affect humanity? Individuals? Nature?

2) Romans 2:1-11

What does Paul teach about judgment in these verses? Why would this topic be so important to the early church? To us today? How does the kindness of God lead a person to repentance? What does a stubborn and unrepentant heart store up? What did Paul mean by verse 11? Why was this an important lesson for the early church? How should this lesson inform our behavior today?

3) Romans 3:7-20

What argument was Paul addressing in verse 7? Can you think of some modern examples of this twisted idea, that sinning more allows God to forgive more, bringing Him more glory? How would you answer someone who claimed this is true? In verses 10-18, how does Paul describe humanity’s sin problem? Who does it affect? What does Paul point to as the cause of this problem? What is the purpose of the law, according to Paul in verses 19-20?

4) Romans 3:21-26

What does Paul say in these verses about:

The Law?

Righteousness of God?

Sin?

Faith?

Justification? (What is justification? How is it accomplished? Why do we need it?)

For Sunday, September 4, 2011

1) Romans 1:1-17

What did Paul say about himself in this passage? What did Pau claim God had singled him out to do? Have you ever felt “singled-out” for a task? What are the possible good feelings and fears about being “singled out” for God’s work?

2) Romans 1:1-17

What does Paul say about God and Jesus in this passage? What kinds of connection words does He use to describe Their relationship? What does this passage teach us about the Holy Spirit?

3) Romans 1:1-17

What does Paul say about the Roman Christians he was writing to? What did Pual want to give them? What did he plan for them to give him? Do you approach your relationships with other Christians this same way? How could those interactions be improved?

4) Romans 1:16-17

In how many ways was this statement revolutionary? Can you say these verses and mean it? What is the evidence in your life that you truly believe this? What does it mean to live by faith?

For Sunday, August 28, 2011

1) Lamentations 1:1-6

When was Jeremiah writing this? What were his surroundings? What was he mourning?

2) Lamentations 3:1-18

How was Jeremiah feeling? How was he feeling about his relationship with God? What were his conclusions in verses 17-18? Have you ever felt this way? What were the circumstances? What is the solution?

3) Lamentations 3:19-26

According to Jeremiah, what is the solution for feeling helplessness or depression? List what he states about God. How would life be different if the opposite of these things were true about God? Which item on the list is most important to you right now? What does it take to wait on the Lord? What does it mean to wait silently? Why is the silence important?

4) Lamentations 3:31-32

How would focusing on the message of these verses change things for the exiles and Jeremiah?

Lamentations 3:37-41

How would awareness of verses 37-38 change the perspective of Jeremiah and the exiles? How would it change our perspective to focus on these truths during difficult times? What does it take to live out verses 40-41? Are you living like this?

For Sunday, August 21, 2011

1) Jeremiah 50:1-5

Against whom have most of the prophecies in Jeremiah been given? Against whom was this prophecy given? How do you think the Israelites (remnant/exiles) would feel about this? Where would Babylon’s judgment come from? Does this passage say why? What would change for the Israelites at this time?

2) Jeremiah 50:6-10

How did God compare the people of Israel to lost sheep? In what ways? Who was to blame? Why did the adversaries of Israel say they weren’t guilty? How is the Lord the “habitation of righteousness?” (NAS verse 7) How is the Lord their “true pasture?” (NIV verse 7) During the exile, God told them to settle and make a life (Jer 29:4-7). What were the instructions once Babylon’s judgment started?

3) Jeremiah 50:11-13; 17-21; 24-25; 29-32

God sent Babylon to bring judgment on Judah for their idolatry. What do these verses say about the reason for the judgment on Babylon? Where did they go wrong in fulfilling God’s purpose for them? What do these verses say about Israel’s restoration? What do these verses teach us about God?

4) Daniel 5:1-4; 25-28; 30-31

Skim the entire chapter of Daniel 5. This is the story of Babylon’s judgment? What were they doing the day it came? How was God glorified through this judgment? Who was the new leader over the exiled Israelites?

For Sunday, August 14, 2011

1) Jeremiah 41:17-18

What was the situation for the exiles? Where were they headed? Why?

Jeremiah 42:1-6

Why did they go to see Jeremiah? How did Jeremiah respond? What was their promise? What was their motive?

2) Jeremiah 42:7-12

How long did Jeremiah have to pray before God answered? Do you have a guess as to why it took that long? What message did God send to them? What was difficult about God’s instructions? What was God’s promise to them?

3) Jeremiah 42:13-18

What was the other choice of response God addressed to them? What would the consequences be of choosing this response? Why? How would this be a reversal of the Exodus, when God freed them from Egypt? What were they hoping for in Egypt? What did God say would be the reality of their time in Egypt?

4) Jeremiah 42:19-43:4

How did Jeremiah clarify the instructions? Why did Jeremiah confront them? How were they deceiving themselves? What did these people accuse Jeremiah of? What motivated them to make this accusation? What excuse did they give for their accusation? Have you ever fallen into this same pattern – saying you want to know the truth and God’s word, but really only wanting to hear support for your own decision? What were the consequences? What does a person who has chosen this kind of deception have to do to make things right with God again?

For Sunday, August 7, 2011

1) Jeremiah 35:1-5

When was this prophecy given? (Early in Jeremiah’s ministry, mid-ministry or after the 3 deportations? See the timeline chart below.) What was Jeremiah supposed to do? What seems unusual about this request? Do you have a guess as to God’s purpose in this request?

2) Who were the Rechabites? Review 2 Kings 10, especially verses 15-25, 28.

3) Jeremiah 35:6-11

How did the Rechabites answer Jeremiah’s request? What were the reasons they gave? What were the Rechabite family rules? Do you have any guesses to the reasons behind these rules? According to verse 11, how had life changed for the Rechabites in recent times?

4) Jeremiah 35:12-17

How was God using the Rechabites as an object lesson for the people of Jerusalem and all Judah? What qualities did their response show? How did God describe the ways He had given His people instructions? How did He describe their responses? What was God’s conclusion about their relationship, according to verse 17?

Jeremiah 35:18-19

What was God’s promise to the Rechabites? Why did this seem unusual to the people of Judah? Would you be willing to request this promise from God for your family? What would be the cost?

For Sunday, July 31, 2011

1) Jeremiah 31:1-6

How is the time period this prophecy is describing different than Israel/Judah pre-exile? In what way was the exile a “rest’ or “grace in the wilderness” for the people? What does verse 3 teach us about God’s view of us/ How does God draw people into relationship with Him? How has He drawn you? What was God’s hopeful promise to the exiles in verses 4-6?

2) Jeremiah 31:15-17

Who was Rachel? (See Genesis 29:9-20) Why were the exiles to have hope? Why did this hope require faith?

Jeremiah 31:27-30

What will be different about the new era God had planned? What does the saying in verse 29 mean? What might have motivated the exiles to say it? How does verse 30 add to it?

3) Jeremiah 31:31-34

How would the new covenant be different from the old? What does this covenant teach us about God? How was this prophecy fulfilled?

Ezekiel 26:22-28 (Another prophecy about the new covenant.)

Why did God enact a new covenant? How does this prophecy compare with Jeremiah 31:31-34?

4) Read about some other covenants: (In each passage, to whom did God speak?)

Genesis 9:9-11; Genesis 15:18-21; Exodus 19:3-6; Numbers 25:10-13; 2 Samuel 7:11-16; 2 Samuel 23:5

For Sunday, July 24, 2011

1) Jeremiah 29:1-9

Who was Jeremiah to deliver this message to? Where was the audience? What was the message? How did these instructions oppose human logic or natural human emotions? What does it mean to seek the welfare of their city? What would that mean for us?

Jeremiah 29:10-14

What does God promise the exiles in this passage? How is this a good news/bad news message? What would happen before they would be restored?

2) Jeremiah 29:15-20

Why were they looking for a different prophet than Jeremiah? What was the danger in looking for a different prophet than the one God sent? What would be the consequences of their refusal to listen? When are you tempted to look for different instructions from God than what He’s already given?

Jeremiah 29:21-32

What did God have Jeremiah say about the false prophets? What would be their consequences?

3) Read about the 3 deportations to Babylon that took place.

Daniel 1:1-7; 2 Kings 24:10-14; 2 Kings 25:1-12

What was the progression in the deportation? Who was taken first? When did the most destruction occur?

Jeremiah 29:8-9

How can a person discern whether a prophet is a false prophet or a true prophet from God?

Deuteronomy 18:18-22

How would knowing this passage help the exiles? How could it help us?

4) Jeremiah 29:4-7

How do the following New Testament verses relate to God’s instructions to the exiles in Babylon?

Matthew 5:43-45; Romans 12:20-21; Titus 3:1-2

How do these instructions all relate to us?

For Sunday, July 17, 2011

1) Jeremiah 22:1-9

Who was Jeremiah to deliver this message to? What was the message? What is justice? Gilead was known for lush growth and medicinal plants. What would the other nations learn about God when Judah was destroyed?

2) Jeremiah 22:10-19

What was God’s message about King Shallum (Jehoahaz)? King Jehoiakim? What charges did God describe against the kings of Judah? According to God, where did the kings put their focus?

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

How would things have been different if the kings had consistently obeyed these commands?

Jeremiah 22:13

Is your house built with righteousness and justice? What is the evidence?

3) Jeremiah 22:21-23

How do these verses apply to the other verses in this lesson? In what ways do these verses apply (or not) to your life?

What is the definition of justice? What do these verses say about a life of justice?

Exodus 23:6-7; Deuteronomy 16:20; Proverbs 21:15; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 61:8

4) One definition of justice is “the order that God seeks to reestablish in His creation where all people receive the benefits of life with Him. (Includes penalties assigned and blessings handed out.) Do you agree or disagree with this definition? How does it differ from other definitions of justice that you have heard?

What do these verses say about a life of justice?

Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:38-40; James 1:27; Matthew 25:31-46

For July 10, 2011

1) Jeremiah 19:1-11

What was God’s message for Jeremiah to deliver? Why? Who did God command Jeremiah to have present for the message? How do you think the people felt about the message? About Jeremiah?

2) Jeremiah 20:1-4

What happened to Jeremiah, as a result of this prophecy? What was Jeremiah’s message to Pashur?

Jeremiah 20:7-11

How does Jeremiah respond to his circumstances? How does he feel about the message God has given him? What does he say about God in this passage?

3) Jeremiah 21:1-5

What were the officials asking Jeremiah to do? What was Jeremiah’s surprising answer? Was there any hope found in this message? How did God’s instructions compare with usual human wisdom? How would obeying God in this situation be an act of faith? How is obedience always an act of faith?

4) 2 Kings 24:17-20; 25:1-7

What further information do these verses give about the background of the circumstances of the passages of this lesson?

Isaiah 37:33-37

In Jeremiah 21:2, the officials mentioned “wonderful acts” of God. This Isaiah passage gives an example of a time God did rescue them. How was this time going to be different? Why?

For Sunday, July 3, 2011

1) Jeremiah 18:1-4

Where did God send Jeremiah? What did Jeremiah see there? Retell it in your own words. What are some common uses for clay pots? Why is the term “clay pots” a fitting description for humans?

2) Jeremiah 18:5-12

What did Jeremiah learn about God’s character from this experience? How was Israel like the clay the Potter had been using? What was Jeremiah’s next message to the people supposed to be? According to the Lord, how would it be received?

3) Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8; Lamentations 4:2; Romans 9:19-24

What lessons do these passages add to the description of God as the Potter and people as the clay? What would be a more modern way of saying this same comparison? Why are we so tempted to challenge God’s work (the Potter’s work) in our lives? How are these verses encouraging? In what area of your life are you resistant to recognizing God’s work as Potter?

4) 2 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 9:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:20-26; Exodus 19:5

What do these verses have in common? What do these passages say about God’s relationship with humans? In what ways are you like an earthen vessel? In what ways are these verses encouraging? Challenging?

For Sunday, June 26, 2011

1) Jeremiah 15:1-4; 2 Kings 21:1-18
What was God saying about His relationship with Judah in this passage? Why were they going to be an object of horror? What had Manasseh done, according to the 2 Kings 21:1-18 passage?

2) 2 Kings 23:26-27; 24:3-4; 2 Chronicles 33:1-9

These passages give more details about Manasseh’s sins. How would you describe Manasseh to someone who didn’t know about him? What were the consequences for Judah? If you were summarizing Manasseh’s reign in Judah in just a few words, what would you say?

3) Jeremiah 15:10-11, 15-18

How is Jeremiah feeling in this passage? Why is he feeling that way? What do you learn about Jeremiah’s relationship with God in this passage? What do you learn about the character of God from this passage?

What was God’s response to Jeremiah in verse 11? Have you ever felt like Jeremiah?

4) Jeremiah 15:19-21

How does God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns and discouragement? What does He promise Jeremiah? What does He warn Jeremiah about? What can we learn about following Jesus from this passage?

For Sunday, June 19, 2011

1) Jeremiah 7:1-7
What was God’s command to Jeremiah? What did God have to say about the people’s word? About the people’s actions? What was God’s promise to them? What was their responsibility? List the “do” and “don’t do” instructions God gave them.

2) Jeremiah 7:8-11
How were they trusting in deceptive words? What was the Lord’s complaint about them in this passage? Can you think of a modern example of this behavior? Does verse 11 sounds familiar? See Matthew 21:13. Is there an area of your life currently where your words and actions don’t match?

3) Jeremiah 7:12-15

Where was Shiloh? What do you know about the history of Shiloh? See Joshua 18:1-5 and 1 Samuel 1:20-28 for more information about Shiloh and about the name of the tribe of Ephraim being synonymous with Israel, the Northern country of God’s people. What was the judgment God was declaring? Why? According to verse 13, did they have any excuse of ignorance of their sin? Why or why not?

4) Jeremiah 7:16-20

What surprising instructions did God give Jeremiah? Do you think God gives these instructions often? Why or why not? According to God’s description in verse 18, how much of Judah’s society was effected by idol worship? What does it mean to spite God? Where would the consequences of God’s wrath being poured out be evident?

For Sunday, June 12, 2011

1) Jeremiah 3:1-5
How did God describe his relationship with Israel/Judah? Jeremiah’s language here is very descriptive, yet difficult to experience. What is the key issue described in verse 3? How is following other gods like adultery? Is there any adultery in your relationship with God?

2) Jeremiah 3:6-11
How did the Lord compare the attitudes and actions of Israel versus Judah? Which was punished first? What was each one punished for? According to verse 11, who was more unrighteous? Why? In what way is a Christian more accountable for their actions and attitudes than an nonbeliever?

3) Jeremiah 3:12-17

Which direction was Jeremiah supposed to direct his words? Why? How did God describe His anger? What was the condition (the thing they were required to do) to receive God’s grace? God made a promise about how things would be after they repented. What was it? (See verse 15) In what way would the people’s view of the Ark of the Covenant be different? (This is a challenging question we will cover in class.) What will the difference be in the way people live? Do you think this time has already come, or is yet to come?

4) Jeremiah 4:1-4

Where is the hope in this passage? Where is the responsibility? What did the Lord require of them in order for them to return to relationship with Him? What would happen if they didn’t do this? What did the Lord mean when He said to “circumcise yourselves…your heart” in verse 4? Is there any other words to describe this? Are there any areas of your life that are like hard, fallow ground before God?

For Sunday, June 5, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, June 5, 2011.
1) Jeremiah 1:1-3

What do you know about Jeremiah? When did his ministry begin? When did it end? Jeremiah’s priestly ancestors may be connected to the story in 1Kings 2:26-27.

Jeremiah 1:4-6

According to verse 4, what was unique about Jeremiah? What did God call him to do? How did Jeremiah respond?

2) Jeremiah 1:7-10

What did God promise Jeremiah as he obeyed God’s calling? How did God respond to Jeremiah’s expressed weakness? What would be the characteristics of Jeremiah’s message, according to verse 10? What was the bad news? What was the good news? How would you feel about being given this kind of job in God’s kingdom?

3) Jeremiah 1:11-16

What did God show Jeremiah first? What do you think this sign meant? What did God show Jeremiah next? What did it represent? Was this good news or bad news? God said why this judgment would come. What did God say was the reason?

4) Jeremiah 1:17-19

What were Jeremiah’s next instructions? What would happen to him if he didn’t obey boldly? How did God prepare Jeremiah for this mission? What was God’s promise to Jeremiah? What does it mean for God to deliver someone? How or when has God delivered you?

For Sunday, May 29, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, May 29, 2011.
1) Philemon 1-25
After reading this letter, what do you know about Philemon? Onesimus? What was their relationship? What was the problem? What did Paul suggesting for the solution? What other choices in handling the situation did he mention? What questions do you still have about the story?

2) Philemon 1-25
Onesimus means useful. How was Onesimus useful before “the situation?” How did Paul describe Onesimus’s usefulness at the time of the letter writing? What had changed? How are you useful to God’s kingdom?

3) Philemon 1-25

What does this story teach us about forgiveness? What was the responsibility of the one needing forgiveness? What was the responsibility of the one asked to forgive? How did Paul describe God’s view of forgiveness?

What does this story demonstrate about Paul’s view of slavery? About God’s view of slavery?

4) Philemon 1-25

How did Paul identify Onesimus in Colossians 4:9? How did Paul identify himself in Colossians 4:18? How did Paul describe his relationship with Philemon? What did Paul say about Onesimus’s debt? In what way was this an example of Christ? Who are you willing to sacrifice for, to pay their debt? How is this attitude related to witnessing?

For Sunday, May 22, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, May 22, 2011.

1) Colossians 3:18-4:1
What do all of the instructions Paul gives in this passage have in common? What kinds of work can be done “heartily as for the Lord?” Does your work match this standard? How can your personal work be done for the Lord? How does remembering our Master in Heaven change how we treat each other?

2) Colossians 4:2-6
What does it mean to be devoted to prayer? What does that look like in a person’s life? Why is thanksgiving such an important part of prayer? What was Paul’s request for himself? What outsiders was Paul talking about in verse 5? How does Paul describe the way a Christian’s speech should be? Why might he have chosen this example comparison?

3) Colossians 4:7-18

How did Paul describe his ministry partners? What kind of encouraging words did he use? How did his descriptions show what he valued? What different kinds of roles did these mentioned people play in Paul’s ministry?

4) Colossians 4:2-6

What requests did Paul make for himself? Read the following passages to see how their prayers were answered: Philippians 1:12-14; Acts 28:30-31. How will this example of God’s faithfulness, even through difficult circumstances, affect your faith?

For Sunday, May 15, 2011

1) Colossians 3:1-4
What did Paul mean by "seeking the things above?" (See Matthew 6:19-21; 33) What reason did Paul give that we, as Christians, should have a different mindset? How is a Christian's life "hidden with Christ in God?" Take a moment to imagine: What will it be like when Jesus returns, and we are revealed with Him in glory? Verse 4 says, "Christ, who is our life...." Is Christ your life? As a whole, or only as a part? What does it look like in a person's life when Christ truly is their life? What is the evidence?

2) Colossians 3:5-11
Paul uses this section to begin a contrast of the "earthly" life and life focused on things above. What is on the list Paul makes in verse 5? How are these things like idolatry? What does it mean to consider yourself dead to them? How could verses 6-7 help a Christian be a better witness? What is on Paul's second list in verse 8? Which of these is hardest for you to put aside? According to Paul, how is becoming a Christian like changing clothes? Who is included in this opportunity?

3) Colossians 3:12-17
How does it feel to know you were chosen by God for relationship? How does that feeling motivate you to act? In the list of traits or attitudes to "put on" in verses 12-13, which is hardest for you? Which is easiest? What do they all have in common? How has God shown each of these traits to you personally? What does Paul identify as the top most important quality in verse 14? Why?

4) Colossians 3:12-17
What does Paul mean in verse 15 by "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts?" How is this accomplished? Where does God's peace come from (how do we experience it)? From verse 15-16, Paul mentions things that should be in you. What are they? What activities does Paul command? How do these activities contribute to the goals Paul is describing? Think of some examples of activities that can't fit into verse 17. What do the things that don't fit this standard have in common? Which is bigger: the do list or the do not list? Is there anything in your life right now that you can't do in the name of the Lord Jesus? What will do you do about it?

For Sunday, May 8, 2011

1) Colossians 2:8

What kinds of things did Paul list that can take a person captive from the truth? What are some modern examples of these things? In what ways do these take people captive?

Colossians 2:9-15

How many times is the phrase “in Him” or “with Him” used in this passage? Why? What is Paul saying about circumcision in this passage? How does Paul describe baptism in this passage? How does Paul describe our sin debt in this passage?

2) Colossians 2:9-15

What does this passage teach about Jesus? What things are included in His job description? What does this passage say about Jesus’ relationship within the Trinity? What does this passage say about Jesus’ life on earth? In Heaven?

For more information, read Hebrews 1 and 1 Peter 3:18-22

3) Colossians 2:16-19

In this passage, Paul alludes to a lot of issues that were causing disunity within the church in Colossae. Make a list of these issues. What are some modern day things that could be added to this list? As Paul mentions in verse 18, how do these “extras” beyond Scripture defraud you of your prize? For more information about verses 18-19, see 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.

4) Colossians 2:20-28

What kinds of “extra” practices or activities do people today do to try to add to their spirituality? How did Paul describe these matters? Why are these activities of no value against fleshly indulgence? What was Paul’s main concern for the church in Colossae?

For Sunday, May 1, 2011

Bible Study preparation for May 1, 2011.
1) Colossians 1:21-23
How did Paul describe a person’s life before redemption? After redemption? What about your story? How is your life different after Christ’s work in your life? How does describe the way Jesus presents you to God? What are the conditions for experiencing this?

2) Colossians 1:24-29
How was Paul suffering for their sake? What did Paul mean by saying “what was lacking in Christ’s afflictions?” Why was Paul pointing out His calling to the Colossians? What did Paul say was the purpose of His calling?

3) Colossians 1:24-29
What does Paul indicate is “the mystery?” In what way had it been hidden in ages past? What does Paul mean by “Christ in you, the hope of glory?” What is the hope of glory? Compare what Paul is saying in verse 29 with Philippians 4:13.

4) Colossians 2:1-7
According to Paul, how can people who have never met feel “knit together in love?” Why was unity so crucial to the church at that time? What was Paul concerned about for them? In verses 6-7, Paul describes steps in spiritual growth. Which step are you at right now?

For Sunday, April 24, 2011

Bible Study preparation for April 24, 2011.

1) Acts 19:1-22

Name some events of Paul’s time in Ephesus. What happened to those who were trying to copy Paul’s acts without relying on a personal faith in God? How did God bring good out of this situation? Where was Paul planning to travel next?

2) Acts 19:23-20:1

Before Paul left, who started the riot? What was his motivation? How was peace re-established? If you were living in Ephesus at this time, how would these events affect your faith?

3) Colossians 1:1-12

How did Paul start the letter? What was Paul’s “missions” report (see v. 6)? List what Paul prayed for them. Which of these do you need most right now? Is your life bearing fruit? What kind of fruit? See Galatians 5:22-23. If you have made a personal commitment to God, confessing your sins, trusting Jesus’ sacrifice as the only answer, and making Him Lord (the Boss) of your life, thank God for qualifying you to share in His kingdom’s inheritance. What is that inheritance?

4) Colossians 1:13-20

Consider memorizing verses 13-14. How well do these verses summarize the entire basis for a Biblical worldview? Can you think of anything left out of these verses? What important truths does Paul teach about Jesus in this passage? What is the significance of each truth about Jesus that Paul lists?