Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 1 - 12, Song of Solomon 1 - 8
Why does the book of Ecclesiastes start by declaring everything meaningless?
Ecclesiastes 2:17 says, "So I hated life." What would cause a person to come to this conclusion?
What benefit do you gain from understanding the principle in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity"?
What is the meaning of the statement in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has also set eternity in the human heart"?
Ecclesiastes 4 says that two are better than one. Verse 10 says, "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." What opportunities do you have to help one who has fallen?
Why does Ecclesiastes 5:2 say, "God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few"?
Ecclesiastes 7:21 warns us not to take too seriously things that are spoken against us. How can you practice this?
Ecclesiastes 8:12 says, "Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him." What is this statement based on?
Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed." What can you do that would be like sharpening your ax, making you more effective in what you have to do?
Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." This suggests that someone who is waiting for the perfect time to do something will never find the perfect time. Is there anything you have put off that you need to be doing?
What is the conclusion of the book of Ecclesiastes?
The first verse of Song of Solomon says, "Solomon’s Song of Songs." So the book is called Song of Solomon or Song of Songs. The book is a love poem. Because the Bible often uses marriage as an image of our relationship with the Lord, there are some verses in Song of Solomon that remind us of our love for God and His love for us. The book also presents the healthy relationship between a man and woman that God intended when He said, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Song of Solomon 1:3 says, "your name is like perfume poured out." What causes a person to take that much delight in another? What does it take for us to take that kind of delight in God?
What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 2:7, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"?
God is everywhere and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. However, the Bible often urges us to seek Him. He hasn't gone anywhere, but we need to set our hearts on Him to experience His presence in a real and personal way. Song of Solomon 3:2 says, "I will search for the one my heart loves." How and when do you seek God's presence?
Song of Solomon 4:9 says, "You have stolen my heart." The King James Version says, "Thou hast ravished my heart." How much devotion did God intend for a husband and wife to have for each other?
What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Solomon 5:2, "I slept but my heart was awake"?
7:10 says, "I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me." Movies often feature unstable romantic relationships to keep you guessing what will happen and to keep you interested. What is the value of a stable relationship between a man and a woman where they have given each other confidence in their love for each other?
8:7 says, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned." How does one develop that kind of love for God? for a spouse? for family members?
Psalms 98 - 101
98:1 says, "Sing to the Lord a new song." What is the benefit of a new song?
99:1 says, "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble." Who should be trembling and why?
100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving." Why is important to give thanks when we come to God in prayer?
David wrote, "I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart." (101:2) What do you have to do to maintain a "blameless heart"?
New Testament: Philippians 1 - 4
In 1:6 Paul says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." What do you expect God to carry on to completion in you?
What benefit did Paul say there was to him being imprisoned?
We are commanded, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (2:3-4) Who has God put in your life whose interests you need to be looking out for?
Paul was already a Christian and actively serving the Lord. What does he mean when he says, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (3:12)?
What does 4:6 say we should do instead of being anxious or worrying? What are we promised in verse 7 if we obey verse 6?
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Week 34, August 20 - 26, 2017
Old Testament: Proverbs 17 - 31
17:14 says, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." What opportunities do you have to apply this in your relationships with others?
18:2 says, "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Why would someone be eager to state their opinion while being disinterested in gaining understanding?
19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." How can you give more attention to the Lord's purpose than to your own plans?
How can 20:13, "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare," and Psalm 127:2, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves," both be true?
21:30 says, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." How, then, should you make decisions about what you will do in life?
"The generous will themselves be blessed." (22:9) In what ways would God have you be generous?
23:29-35 warns us about wine. How should you respond to this warning?
Why does 24:27 put first priority on one's fields over one's house? How does this apply to you?
What reasons are given in 25:21-22 for feeding your enemy?
In chapter 26, verses 4 and 5 seem to say the opposite of each other. Why?
27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Who in your life is sharpening you? Who are you sharpening?
28:1 says, "the righteous are as bold as a lion." Where does this boldness come from?
29:23 says, "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." How can you lead a life of humility?
What is the reason for the statement in 30:8, "give me neither poverty nor riches"?
In 31:4-7, who is wine and beer not for? Who is it for?
Psalms 94 - 97
94:17 says, "Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death." Do you view your life as a gift from God?
Psalm 95 is a call to worship, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." What is the purpose of praising God with others?
How does 96:5 distinguish the Lord from idols?
97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil." How do you hate evil without hating people who are guilty of evil?
New Testament: Ephesians 1 - 6
According to 1:13, when were you "included" in Christ?
What is the importance of the phrase "not by works" in 2:9?
Paul wrote in 3:12, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Are you using this freedom?
We are taught to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3) Are you willing to make effort to improve a strained relationship or do you tend to turn your back and move on?
What does 4:28 teach a person to do instead of stealing?
What does 5:18 say to do instead of getting drunk?
How are husbands to treat their wives?
6:11 commands us to put on the full armor of God. How is this done? Are you doing it?
17:14 says, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." What opportunities do you have to apply this in your relationships with others?
18:2 says, "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Why would someone be eager to state their opinion while being disinterested in gaining understanding?
19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." How can you give more attention to the Lord's purpose than to your own plans?
How can 20:13, "Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare," and Psalm 127:2, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves," both be true?
21:30 says, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." How, then, should you make decisions about what you will do in life?
"The generous will themselves be blessed." (22:9) In what ways would God have you be generous?
23:29-35 warns us about wine. How should you respond to this warning?
Why does 24:27 put first priority on one's fields over one's house? How does this apply to you?
What reasons are given in 25:21-22 for feeding your enemy?
In chapter 26, verses 4 and 5 seem to say the opposite of each other. Why?
27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Who in your life is sharpening you? Who are you sharpening?
28:1 says, "the righteous are as bold as a lion." Where does this boldness come from?
29:23 says, "Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." How can you lead a life of humility?
What is the reason for the statement in 30:8, "give me neither poverty nor riches"?
In 31:4-7, who is wine and beer not for? Who is it for?
Psalms 94 - 97
94:17 says, "Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death." Do you view your life as a gift from God?
Psalm 95 is a call to worship, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." What is the purpose of praising God with others?
How does 96:5 distinguish the Lord from idols?
97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil." How do you hate evil without hating people who are guilty of evil?
New Testament: Ephesians 1 - 6
According to 1:13, when were you "included" in Christ?
What is the importance of the phrase "not by works" in 2:9?
Paul wrote in 3:12, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Are you using this freedom?
We are taught to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3) Are you willing to make effort to improve a strained relationship or do you tend to turn your back and move on?
What does 4:28 teach a person to do instead of stealing?
What does 5:18 say to do instead of getting drunk?
How are husbands to treat their wives?
6:11 commands us to put on the full armor of God. How is this done? Are you doing it?
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Week 33, August 13 - 19, 2017
Old Testament: Proverbs 1 - 16
What does 1:19 say happens to those who go after ill-gotten gain?
1:20-23 pictures wisdom in plain view calling out to everyone and then describes what will happen to those who ignore wisdom. Why do people choose to ignore wisdom?
2:12 says, "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men." What do you need to do to live based on God's wisdom?
3:3 says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." What do you have to do to obey this command?
3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Whose responsibility is it to direct your path? What is your responsibility?
4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." How do you guard your heart?
Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery and advises on how to avoid it. 5:8 says, "Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house." Avoiding potential temptation protects a person from sinful choices. To what other situations does this principle apply?
What does 6:6-8 say was can learn from the ant?
Why does 7:22 compare a man committing adultery to an ox going to the slaughter?
8:11 says that wisdom is more precious than rubies. How should you live if you place a high value on wisdom?
Chapter 9 pictures wisdom and folly both crying out from the highest point in the city. In what ways does folly try to compete with wisdom? Why are people sometimes drawn to folly?
11:24 says, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." Why does this happen? (Note the next verse, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.")
12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense." For you personally, what would it mean to work your land? What fantasies are you tempted to chase?
12:16 says, "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." What makes a person easily annoyed and quick to feel insulted?
13:3 says, "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives." What do you need to do to guard you lips?
14:1 says that a foolish woman tears down her house with her own hands. How does this happen? Why does it?
15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Are you able to give a gentle answer to someone who is speaking to you in anger?
15:10 says, "Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path." How do you know when you are on the path and when you are leaving it?
16:7 says, "When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them." Is there anyone who you would like to make peace with? What can you do to cause this to happen?
Psalms 91 - 93
91:1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." What do you need to do to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
92:4 says, " I sing for joy at what your hands have done." When and why do you sing for joy?
93:1 says that God is robed in majesty. What does this mean?
New Testament: Galatians 1 - 6
Why does Paul warn the Galatians in chapter 1 about anyone preaching a different gospel? How can you be assured that you have believed the truth?
What does Paul mean in 2:20 when he says he has been crucified with Christ?
According to chapter 3 how did Jesus redeem us from the curse of the Law?
What does 3:28 mean saying, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female"?
What is the point Paul makes in chapter 4 using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration?
What do you need to do to obey the command in 5:1, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"?
5:22 - 23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." What do you need to do to see the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
6:7 says, "A man reaps what he sows." What are you sowing?
What does 1:19 say happens to those who go after ill-gotten gain?
1:20-23 pictures wisdom in plain view calling out to everyone and then describes what will happen to those who ignore wisdom. Why do people choose to ignore wisdom?
2:12 says, "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men." What do you need to do to live based on God's wisdom?
3:3 says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." What do you have to do to obey this command?
3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Whose responsibility is it to direct your path? What is your responsibility?
4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." How do you guard your heart?
Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery and advises on how to avoid it. 5:8 says, "Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house." Avoiding potential temptation protects a person from sinful choices. To what other situations does this principle apply?
What does 6:6-8 say was can learn from the ant?
Why does 7:22 compare a man committing adultery to an ox going to the slaughter?
8:11 says that wisdom is more precious than rubies. How should you live if you place a high value on wisdom?
Chapter 9 pictures wisdom and folly both crying out from the highest point in the city. In what ways does folly try to compete with wisdom? Why are people sometimes drawn to folly?
11:24 says, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." Why does this happen? (Note the next verse, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.")
12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense." For you personally, what would it mean to work your land? What fantasies are you tempted to chase?
12:16 says, "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." What makes a person easily annoyed and quick to feel insulted?
13:3 says, "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives." What do you need to do to guard you lips?
14:1 says that a foolish woman tears down her house with her own hands. How does this happen? Why does it?
15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Are you able to give a gentle answer to someone who is speaking to you in anger?
15:10 says, "Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path." How do you know when you are on the path and when you are leaving it?
16:7 says, "When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them." Is there anyone who you would like to make peace with? What can you do to cause this to happen?
Psalms 91 - 93
91:1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." What do you need to do to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
92:4 says, " I sing for joy at what your hands have done." When and why do you sing for joy?
93:1 says that God is robed in majesty. What does this mean?
New Testament: Galatians 1 - 6
Why does Paul warn the Galatians in chapter 1 about anyone preaching a different gospel? How can you be assured that you have believed the truth?
What does Paul mean in 2:20 when he says he has been crucified with Christ?
According to chapter 3 how did Jesus redeem us from the curse of the Law?
What does 3:28 mean saying, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female"?
What is the point Paul makes in chapter 4 using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration?
What do you need to do to obey the command in 5:1, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"?
5:22 - 23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." What do you need to do to see the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
6:7 says, "A man reaps what he sows." What are you sowing?
Sunday, August 06, 2017
Week 32, August 6 - 12, 2017
Old Testament: Job 22 - 42
Job's friends went from visiting him in silence to telling him he needed to pray more to telling him his troubles were caused by his sin. In 22:5 Eliphaz says, "Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?" He goes on in chapter 22 to accuse Job of specific sins. He then says, "If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored." (22:23) What caused Job's friends to go from comforters to accusers?
In chapter 23 Job complains of his inability to take his case to God and says in verse 3, "If only I knew where to find him." Why did Job speak this way when God says in Jeremiah, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13)?
In 25:4 Bildad asks, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?" How would you answer this question?
Job's friends had concluded that Job's problems were a result of his sin. In 27:5 Job says, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." Was Job claiming to be a perfect man with no sin?
In chapter 28 Job says that only God knows true wisdom. He concludes the chapter saying in verse 28, "And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”" Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How do respect for God and obedience to Him bring wisdom to your life?
In chapter 29 Job is longing for former days when times were good. In verse 4 he says, "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime." What should your attitude be toward the past if it seems like things used to be better than they are now?
In 30:20 Job says, "I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer." What should you do if you pray but don't see the answer?
Job says in 31:1, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman." Why does he call this a covenant?
Why did Elihu wait until everyone else was done speaking before he spoke?
Elihu said that Job "keeps company with evildoers." (34:8) and that God "repays everyone for what they have done." (34:11) His reasoning was that very bad things could only happen to Job if he had done very bad things. What did Elihu not understand?
Elihu also believed that good things happen to good people. He said, "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity." (36:11) Why wasn't Job enjoying prosperity?
What did Elihu say in chapter 37 that was true?
God begins speaking to Job in chapter 38. He shows that Job couldn't possibly understand all that God has done. What benefit is there to you in knowing that God's knowledge and wisdom are infinite and yours are not?
In 40:4-5 Job has nothing to say in response to God. Why was this a good answer?
Job says in 42:3, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand." Are you able to recognize that there are things you don't understand and that you need to trust God even when you don't know why things are the way they are?
Why did the Lord say he was angry with Eliphaz and his two friends?
Psalms 89 - 90
Psalm 89 reminds God of His promise to David, "I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure." (verse 29) But verse 38 says, "you have been very angry with your anointed one." Verse 46 then asks, "How long, Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?" How will God's promise to David be fulfilled?
90:2 says, "from everlasting to everlasting you are God." What does this mean?
New Testament: Acts 25 - 28
Why did Paul appeal to Caesar in chapter 25?
In 26:9 Paul says, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth." How is it possible to be sincere and be wrong?
What did Agrippa think of Paul and the charges made against him?
In chapter 27, why do you think the centurion ignored Paul's advice and followed the advice of the pilot and ship owner? What were the consequences of his decision?
How long did Paul spend on the island of Malta?
How did the Jews in Rome respond to Paul?
Job's friends went from visiting him in silence to telling him he needed to pray more to telling him his troubles were caused by his sin. In 22:5 Eliphaz says, "Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?" He goes on in chapter 22 to accuse Job of specific sins. He then says, "If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored." (22:23) What caused Job's friends to go from comforters to accusers?
In chapter 23 Job complains of his inability to take his case to God and says in verse 3, "If only I knew where to find him." Why did Job speak this way when God says in Jeremiah, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13)?
In 25:4 Bildad asks, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?" How would you answer this question?
Job's friends had concluded that Job's problems were a result of his sin. In 27:5 Job says, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." Was Job claiming to be a perfect man with no sin?
In chapter 28 Job says that only God knows true wisdom. He concludes the chapter saying in verse 28, "And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”" Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How do respect for God and obedience to Him bring wisdom to your life?
In chapter 29 Job is longing for former days when times were good. In verse 4 he says, "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime." What should your attitude be toward the past if it seems like things used to be better than they are now?
In 30:20 Job says, "I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer." What should you do if you pray but don't see the answer?
Job says in 31:1, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman." Why does he call this a covenant?
Why did Elihu wait until everyone else was done speaking before he spoke?
Elihu said that Job "keeps company with evildoers." (34:8) and that God "repays everyone for what they have done." (34:11) His reasoning was that very bad things could only happen to Job if he had done very bad things. What did Elihu not understand?
Elihu also believed that good things happen to good people. He said, "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity." (36:11) Why wasn't Job enjoying prosperity?
What did Elihu say in chapter 37 that was true?
God begins speaking to Job in chapter 38. He shows that Job couldn't possibly understand all that God has done. What benefit is there to you in knowing that God's knowledge and wisdom are infinite and yours are not?
In 40:4-5 Job has nothing to say in response to God. Why was this a good answer?
Job says in 42:3, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand." Are you able to recognize that there are things you don't understand and that you need to trust God even when you don't know why things are the way they are?
Why did the Lord say he was angry with Eliphaz and his two friends?
Psalms 89 - 90
Psalm 89 reminds God of His promise to David, "I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure." (verse 29) But verse 38 says, "you have been very angry with your anointed one." Verse 46 then asks, "How long, Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?" How will God's promise to David be fulfilled?
90:2 says, "from everlasting to everlasting you are God." What does this mean?
New Testament: Acts 25 - 28
Why did Paul appeal to Caesar in chapter 25?
In 26:9 Paul says, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth." How is it possible to be sincere and be wrong?
What did Agrippa think of Paul and the charges made against him?
In chapter 27, why do you think the centurion ignored Paul's advice and followed the advice of the pilot and ship owner? What were the consequences of his decision?
How long did Paul spend on the island of Malta?
How did the Jews in Rome respond to Paul?
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