Old Testament: 2 Samuel 1 - 12
Why did the Amalekite claim to have killed Saul, when 1 Samuel, chapter 31 shows that Saul killed himself?
Why were Ish-Bosheth and David kings at the same time?
Why did Abner change his loyalty from Ish-Bosheth to David?
Why did Rekab and Baanah think David would be happy with them for murdering Ish-Bosheth? Why wasn't he?
5:10 says that David "became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him." What does it mean for God to be with you? Do you believe He is?
In 6:8 David becomes angry at God because Uzzah had been struck down, and verse 9 says David was afraid of the Lord. What should have David have done to prevent Uzzah's death?
Why did Nathan give David an answer in 7:3 and then change it after he heard from God?
How did God fulfill His promise to David in 7:16, "your throne will be established forever"?
8:15 says, " David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people." What would a king have to do to have justice for everyone in the nation?
In chapter 10, David's attempt to show kindness to the new king of the Ammonites led to war. If your kindness is rejected or misunderstood, what would the Lord have you do?
When we get off track, God speaks to us to get back on track. In chapter 11 David sinned with Bathsheba, but in an attempt to cover his sin, went further and further off track. Why do you think David took so long to repent of his sin? How can you avoid stubbornly refusing to repent?
In chapter 12, why was David's reaction to learning that his child had died different from what his attendants expected?
Psalms 50 - 52
The statement in 50:5, "Gather to me this consecrated people," shows God's desire to have a relationship with people who are fully committed to Him. What can you do to help gather consecrated people, including yourself, to God?
David wrote Psalm 51 after his sin with Bathsheba. In verse 17 he says, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit." What does this mean and why should David bring God a broken spirit in these circumstances?
In 52:8 David says, "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God." What must you do to develop a relationship with God such that you would be described as a flourishing olive tree?
New Testament: 2 Corinthians 1 - 7
1:4 says that God "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." To comfort others with God's comfort we must be willing both to receive His comfort and give it to others. Have you done this? (Note: the Greek word that is translated comfort is "parakaleo" which can also be translated "encourage" or "exhort".)
In 2:15 Paul refers to believers as the "pleasing aroma of Christ." What do you need to do to be this pleasing aroma?
Who or what did Paul say was his letter of recommendation?
In 4:8 Paul says we are "struck down, but not destroyed." When have you felt struck down. Where did you find hope to go forward?
In 4:18 Paul says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." How do you fix your eyes on what is unseen?
In chapter 5, why does Paul refer to our body as a tent?
Why would Paul refer to himself as "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing"? (6:10)
7:6 says that God comforts the downcast. How does someone who is downcast receive God's comfort?
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Week 17, April 23 - 29, 2017
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 14 - 31
Do you think Jonathan was being courageous or reckless when he and his armor bearer attacked the Philistines in chapter 14?
What is the meaning of the statement in 15:22, "To obey is better than sacrifice"?
In 16:33 God said, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." How can you become more like God in the way you look at yourself and at others?
Why did Israel go out each day shouting a war cry (17:20) if they were only going to run away in fear (17:24)?
Why did Saul throw a spear at David in chapter 18?
In chapter 19 Saul told Jonathan he would not kill David. Then he tried to kill him. Why did he change his mind and fail to keep his word?
What was the covenant that Jonathan and David made in chapter 20?
Why did David act like a madman in chapter 21?
Why did Saul have 85 priests killed in chapter 22?
In chapter 23, why did David ask God a second time whether he should attack the Philistines and save Keilah?
Why did David pass up an opportunity to kill Saul in chapter 24?
In chapter 25 Abigail said to David that he fought the Lord's battles, but that what he planned to do to Nabal would result in the "staggering burden of needless bloodshed." (vs. 31) Did Abigail stop David from doing something that would have been wrong in God's sight?
In chapter 26 David said, "I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed," passing up another opportunity to kill Saul. Even though Saul had tried to kill David, David respected the fact that God had made him king. How does your respect for God change the way you treat people you may have trouble getting along with?
In chapter 28, David inquired of a medium because he couldn't get an answer from the Lord. What should he have done?
Whose side do you think David would have taken if he had been allowed to go into battle in chapter 29?
Chapter 30 was one of the lowest points in David's life, but verse 6 says, "But David found strength in the Lord his God." How did he do this? How would you find strength in God in a distressing situation?
Who killed Saul?
Psalms 47 - 49
Psalm 47 has commands to clap, shout, and sing. What is the reason for praising God in a joyful way?
48:12-13 says, "Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation." What should you be taking note of to tell the next generation?
Psalm 49 warns against living for wealth and trusting in wealth. In summary it says, "People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish." How can you avoid the trap of placing too much importance on material things?
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 11 - 16
In 11:28 Paul teaches us to examine ourselves before we eat of the bread and drink from the cup. How should you examine yourself?
In chapter 12 Paul says that Christians form a body and says in verse 27 that "each one of you is a part of it." How do you fulfill your part in the body of Christ?
In 13:5 Paul says that love is not easily angered. Why would love make you slow to anger?
According to chapter 14, what should be the purpose of everything that is said and done when Christians are assembled?
According to chapter 15, is the resurrection of Jesus an important part of the Christian faith?
What was the purpose of the collection that Paul talks about in chapter 16?
Do you think Jonathan was being courageous or reckless when he and his armor bearer attacked the Philistines in chapter 14?
What is the meaning of the statement in 15:22, "To obey is better than sacrifice"?
In 16:33 God said, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." How can you become more like God in the way you look at yourself and at others?
Why did Israel go out each day shouting a war cry (17:20) if they were only going to run away in fear (17:24)?
Why did Saul throw a spear at David in chapter 18?
In chapter 19 Saul told Jonathan he would not kill David. Then he tried to kill him. Why did he change his mind and fail to keep his word?
What was the covenant that Jonathan and David made in chapter 20?
Why did David act like a madman in chapter 21?
Why did Saul have 85 priests killed in chapter 22?
In chapter 23, why did David ask God a second time whether he should attack the Philistines and save Keilah?
Why did David pass up an opportunity to kill Saul in chapter 24?
In chapter 25 Abigail said to David that he fought the Lord's battles, but that what he planned to do to Nabal would result in the "staggering burden of needless bloodshed." (vs. 31) Did Abigail stop David from doing something that would have been wrong in God's sight?
In chapter 26 David said, "I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed," passing up another opportunity to kill Saul. Even though Saul had tried to kill David, David respected the fact that God had made him king. How does your respect for God change the way you treat people you may have trouble getting along with?
In chapter 28, David inquired of a medium because he couldn't get an answer from the Lord. What should he have done?
Whose side do you think David would have taken if he had been allowed to go into battle in chapter 29?
Chapter 30 was one of the lowest points in David's life, but verse 6 says, "But David found strength in the Lord his God." How did he do this? How would you find strength in God in a distressing situation?
Who killed Saul?
Psalms 47 - 49
Psalm 47 has commands to clap, shout, and sing. What is the reason for praising God in a joyful way?
48:12-13 says, "Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation." What should you be taking note of to tell the next generation?
Psalm 49 warns against living for wealth and trusting in wealth. In summary it says, "People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish." How can you avoid the trap of placing too much importance on material things?
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 11 - 16
In 11:28 Paul teaches us to examine ourselves before we eat of the bread and drink from the cup. How should you examine yourself?
In chapter 12 Paul says that Christians form a body and says in verse 27 that "each one of you is a part of it." How do you fulfill your part in the body of Christ?
In 13:5 Paul says that love is not easily angered. Why would love make you slow to anger?
According to chapter 14, what should be the purpose of everything that is said and done when Christians are assembled?
According to chapter 15, is the resurrection of Jesus an important part of the Christian faith?
What was the purpose of the collection that Paul talks about in chapter 16?
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Week 16, April 16 - 22, 2017
Old Testament: Ruth 1 - 4 and 1 Samuel 1 - 13
Why do you think Ruth clung to Naomi and said, "Where you go I will go"?
Look at Naomi's responses to a bad decade (1:20), a good day (2:19-20), and a blessed life (4:14-15). How can you rejoice in the Lord in both good times and bad times?
Why would Naomi put Ruth in the vulnerable position she did when she had Ruth go to the threshing floor in chapter 3?
What do you think of Elkanah's attempt to comfort Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 by saying, "Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?"
Samuel received instruction from Eli the priest (2:11). But Eli's sons were "scoundrels" (2:12). Why was Samuel able to grow strong under Eli's instruction while his sons were not?
God held Eli partly responsible for his sons wickedness, because "he failed to restrain them."(3:13) When is it a parent's responsibility to restrain their children?
In chapter 4 why did Israel think taking the ark of the covenant into battle with them would help? Why didn't it?
Chapter 5 describes God's hand being "heavy" on the cities where the Philistines took the ark of God. Why do you think this happened?
What was the significance of the two cows in chapter 6?
What does "Ebenezer" mean and what was its significance?
In chapter 8 Israel asked for a king. Why was this considered a rejection of God?
In chapter 9 Saul went to the prophet Samuel because he was trying to find his Dad's donkeys. God had already spoken to Samuel about Saul's destiny. Samuel spoke to Saul about his destiny and told him he could quit worrying about the donkeys. How can you turn your attention to what God wants to speak to you about rather than focusing on smaller issues you are worried about?
In 10:16 Saul told his uncle only half of what Samuel had told him. Why didn't he tell him the rest?
What important change took place in 11:6 when the Spirit of God came upon Saul?
Why would Samuel say in 12:23 that it would be sin for him to fail to pray for the people?
Why did Samuel tell Saul in 13:13 that he had done a foolish thing?
Psalms 44 - 46
44:3 says, "It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them." How can you stay dependent on God's strength, not relying on your own?
46:2 says, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." Are you able to trust God and not fear when there is trouble?
46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." What does being still have to do with knowing God?
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 6 - 10
Why does Paul teach Christians not to have a lawsuit against a fellow believer before a secular judge?
Why does Paul teach us to flee sexual immorality?
How should Paul's statement in 7:31, "For this world in its present form is passing away," affect the way we live?
According to chapter 8, is a Christian permitted to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols?
In 9:24 Paul says to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." What does this mean to you and what do you have to do to obey it?
What promises does God make in 10:13 concerning temptation?
Why do you think Ruth clung to Naomi and said, "Where you go I will go"?
Look at Naomi's responses to a bad decade (1:20), a good day (2:19-20), and a blessed life (4:14-15). How can you rejoice in the Lord in both good times and bad times?
Why would Naomi put Ruth in the vulnerable position she did when she had Ruth go to the threshing floor in chapter 3?
What do you think of Elkanah's attempt to comfort Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 by saying, "Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?"
Samuel received instruction from Eli the priest (2:11). But Eli's sons were "scoundrels" (2:12). Why was Samuel able to grow strong under Eli's instruction while his sons were not?
God held Eli partly responsible for his sons wickedness, because "he failed to restrain them."(3:13) When is it a parent's responsibility to restrain their children?
In chapter 4 why did Israel think taking the ark of the covenant into battle with them would help? Why didn't it?
Chapter 5 describes God's hand being "heavy" on the cities where the Philistines took the ark of God. Why do you think this happened?
What was the significance of the two cows in chapter 6?
What does "Ebenezer" mean and what was its significance?
In chapter 8 Israel asked for a king. Why was this considered a rejection of God?
In chapter 9 Saul went to the prophet Samuel because he was trying to find his Dad's donkeys. God had already spoken to Samuel about Saul's destiny. Samuel spoke to Saul about his destiny and told him he could quit worrying about the donkeys. How can you turn your attention to what God wants to speak to you about rather than focusing on smaller issues you are worried about?
In 10:16 Saul told his uncle only half of what Samuel had told him. Why didn't he tell him the rest?
What important change took place in 11:6 when the Spirit of God came upon Saul?
Why would Samuel say in 12:23 that it would be sin for him to fail to pray for the people?
Why did Samuel tell Saul in 13:13 that he had done a foolish thing?
Psalms 44 - 46
44:3 says, "It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them." How can you stay dependent on God's strength, not relying on your own?
46:2 says, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." Are you able to trust God and not fear when there is trouble?
46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." What does being still have to do with knowing God?
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 6 - 10
Why does Paul teach Christians not to have a lawsuit against a fellow believer before a secular judge?
Why does Paul teach us to flee sexual immorality?
How should Paul's statement in 7:31, "For this world in its present form is passing away," affect the way we live?
According to chapter 8, is a Christian permitted to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols?
In 9:24 Paul says to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." What does this mean to you and what do you have to do to obey it?
What promises does God make in 10:13 concerning temptation?
Sunday, April 09, 2017
Week 15, April 9 - 15, 2017
Old Testament: Judges 1 - 21
By the time of Joshua's death, had Israel driven out all the previous inhabitants of the Promised Land?
2:10 says that after Joshua's generation died, "another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel." What should have been done to avoid raising a generation who didn't know the Lord?
What is meant in 3:10, "The Spirit of the Lord came on him."?
Why did Deborah tell Barak that the honor of defeating Sisera would not be his?
In chapter 6, why did Gideon question the angel's statement, "The Lord is with you."?
In chapter 7, why was it important for Israel NOT to say, "My own strength has saved me."? What is a healthy attitude for you to take toward the good things God does in your life?
After God clearly gave Israel victory over the Midianites, why did they so quickly get off track by worshiping the golden ephod that Gideon made? Why did they begin to worship Baal-Berith after Gideon died?
What is the point of Jotham's parable in 9:7-15? How does it relate to what Jesus taught about leadership in Matthew 20:25-28?
How did Abimelek go from being made king by the people of Shechem to attacking and destroying them?
What does the statement in 10:16, "And He could bear Israel’s misery no longer," show you about the character of God?
What should Jephthah have done differently concerning the vow he made in chapter 11?
According to 13:5, Samson was to be "dedicated to God from the womb." Do you think Samson fulfilled God's purpose for his life?
In 15:11 the men of Judah told Samson, "Don’t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us?" Why did these men accept the rule of the Philistines rather than opposing it?
16:20 says, "But he did not know that the Lord had left him." Why would the Lord leave Samson when his hair was cut?
Micah had a shrine at his house and hired his own priest. In 17:13 he said, "Now I know that the Lord will be good to me." Why did he think his actions would bring God's blessing when they were not what God commanded?
Why did the Danites in chapter 18 think it would be a good idea to steal an idol and a priest?
Why was it so difficult for Israel to defeat Benjamin in chapter 20?
The last phrase in the book of Judges is "everyone did as they saw fit." What were the results of the nation living in this way?
Psalms 41 - 43
In 41:1 David says, "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak." Why is it important to have regard for the weak? What opportunities do you have to help the weak?
In Psalm 42, in verses 5 and 11, the psalmist is speaking to his own soul not to be downcast. Are you able to stir up and encourage yourself? How?
What is the psalmist asking for in 43:1 when he says, "Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause"?
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1 - 5
Why does Paul say that "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise"?
Why did Paul not want to speak to the Corinthians with "wise and persuasive words"?
In chapter 3, Paul corrects the attitude of those who wanted to claim to be followers of Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter). What attitude did he want them to have instead?
In chapter 4 Paul said he didn't care how he was judged by humans because God is his judge. How would adopting this attitude affect your life?
In chapter 5 what does Paul say to do with someone who claims to be a fellow Christian but is sexually immoral?
By the time of Joshua's death, had Israel driven out all the previous inhabitants of the Promised Land?
2:10 says that after Joshua's generation died, "another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel." What should have been done to avoid raising a generation who didn't know the Lord?
What is meant in 3:10, "The Spirit of the Lord came on him."?
Why did Deborah tell Barak that the honor of defeating Sisera would not be his?
In chapter 6, why did Gideon question the angel's statement, "The Lord is with you."?
In chapter 7, why was it important for Israel NOT to say, "My own strength has saved me."? What is a healthy attitude for you to take toward the good things God does in your life?
After God clearly gave Israel victory over the Midianites, why did they so quickly get off track by worshiping the golden ephod that Gideon made? Why did they begin to worship Baal-Berith after Gideon died?
What is the point of Jotham's parable in 9:7-15? How does it relate to what Jesus taught about leadership in Matthew 20:25-28?
How did Abimelek go from being made king by the people of Shechem to attacking and destroying them?
What does the statement in 10:16, "And He could bear Israel’s misery no longer," show you about the character of God?
What should Jephthah have done differently concerning the vow he made in chapter 11?
According to 13:5, Samson was to be "dedicated to God from the womb." Do you think Samson fulfilled God's purpose for his life?
In 15:11 the men of Judah told Samson, "Don’t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us?" Why did these men accept the rule of the Philistines rather than opposing it?
16:20 says, "But he did not know that the Lord had left him." Why would the Lord leave Samson when his hair was cut?
Micah had a shrine at his house and hired his own priest. In 17:13 he said, "Now I know that the Lord will be good to me." Why did he think his actions would bring God's blessing when they were not what God commanded?
Why did the Danites in chapter 18 think it would be a good idea to steal an idol and a priest?
Why was it so difficult for Israel to defeat Benjamin in chapter 20?
The last phrase in the book of Judges is "everyone did as they saw fit." What were the results of the nation living in this way?
Psalms 41 - 43
In 41:1 David says, "Blessed are those who have regard for the weak." Why is it important to have regard for the weak? What opportunities do you have to help the weak?
In Psalm 42, in verses 5 and 11, the psalmist is speaking to his own soul not to be downcast. Are you able to stir up and encourage yourself? How?
What is the psalmist asking for in 43:1 when he says, "Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause"?
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1 - 5
Why does Paul say that "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise"?
Why did Paul not want to speak to the Corinthians with "wise and persuasive words"?
In chapter 3, Paul corrects the attitude of those who wanted to claim to be followers of Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter). What attitude did he want them to have instead?
In chapter 4 Paul said he didn't care how he was judged by humans because God is his judge. How would adopting this attitude affect your life?
In chapter 5 what does Paul say to do with someone who claims to be a fellow Christian but is sexually immoral?
Sunday, April 02, 2017
Week 14, April 2 - 8, 2017
Old Testament: Joshua 13 - 24
According to 13:33, why was the tribe of Levi given no inheritance?
In chapter 14 Caleb was 85 years old and still thought of himself as a warrior because God had promised him things he hadn't yet seen fulfilled. What promises has God put in your heart that you are still looking forward to seeing Him fulfill?
How did it happen that Othniel married Aksah, daughter of Caleb?
What did Joshua tell the descendants of Joseph in chapter 17 when they asked for more land?
Why were there only seven tribes that drew lots for their inheritance in chapter 18?
Why was the inheritance of the Simeonites taken from the share of Judah?
In chapter 20 six cities were designated as cities of refuge. In chapter 21, 48 cities were given to the Levites. All six of the cities of refuge were included in the cities given to the Levites. Why do you think all of these were given to the Levites?
Why did Israel gather to go to war with Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh in chapter 22?
In 23:11 Joshua said, "So be very careful to love the Lord your God." Why would he say this?
In 24:15 Joshua said, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Have you made this choice? What does it mean for you to choose to serve the Lord?
Psalms 38 - 40
David speak about many troubles in Psalm 38. What does he ask God for in this psalm?
In 39:4 David prays, "let me know how fleeting my life is." What benefit is there in knowing your life is fleeting?
In 40:3 David says, "He put a new song in my mouth." When and how has God done this for you?
New Testament: Mark 13 - 16
In 13:13 Jesus said, "the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." What do you need to do to stand firm?
Why did the action of the woman who broke the alabaster jar of perfume seem wrong to some and right to others? What was the difference in their thinking?
In 14:38 Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." What should the disciples have been praying about?
What caused the centurion in chapter 15 to say, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"?
In 16:15-16, Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." What are the essential truths of the gospel message that a person must believe for them to be saved?
According to 13:33, why was the tribe of Levi given no inheritance?
In chapter 14 Caleb was 85 years old and still thought of himself as a warrior because God had promised him things he hadn't yet seen fulfilled. What promises has God put in your heart that you are still looking forward to seeing Him fulfill?
How did it happen that Othniel married Aksah, daughter of Caleb?
What did Joshua tell the descendants of Joseph in chapter 17 when they asked for more land?
Why were there only seven tribes that drew lots for their inheritance in chapter 18?
Why was the inheritance of the Simeonites taken from the share of Judah?
In chapter 20 six cities were designated as cities of refuge. In chapter 21, 48 cities were given to the Levites. All six of the cities of refuge were included in the cities given to the Levites. Why do you think all of these were given to the Levites?
Why did Israel gather to go to war with Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh in chapter 22?
In 23:11 Joshua said, "So be very careful to love the Lord your God." Why would he say this?
In 24:15 Joshua said, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Have you made this choice? What does it mean for you to choose to serve the Lord?
Psalms 38 - 40
David speak about many troubles in Psalm 38. What does he ask God for in this psalm?
In 39:4 David prays, "let me know how fleeting my life is." What benefit is there in knowing your life is fleeting?
In 40:3 David says, "He put a new song in my mouth." When and how has God done this for you?
New Testament: Mark 13 - 16
In 13:13 Jesus said, "the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." What do you need to do to stand firm?
Why did the action of the woman who broke the alabaster jar of perfume seem wrong to some and right to others? What was the difference in their thinking?
In 14:38 Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." What should the disciples have been praying about?
What caused the centurion in chapter 15 to say, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"?
In 16:15-16, Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." What are the essential truths of the gospel message that a person must believe for them to be saved?
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