Week 40, October 1 - 7, 2017

Old Testament: Jeremiah 1 - 14
When did God say He had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet?

God told Jeremiah, "Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you."  Are you willing to obey the Lord and set aside any feelings of inadequacy?

God says in 2:11, "my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols."  Why would anyone make such an exchange?

In 3:22 God says, "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding."  This command includes a choice that people must make (return) and a miracle that only God can do (cure you).  This is similar to 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  What needs to happen to a person who has turned away from God for them to turn back to God?

In rebuking Israel for their sins, God says in 5:28, "they do not defend the just cause of the poor."  Why does someone who is not poor have a responsibility toward someone who is?

6:14 accuses prophets and priests saying they, "dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious."  What is the danger in treating a serious problem as though it was not serious?

In chapter 7 God had Jeremiah stand at the gate of the temple and call people to repentance.  He said that people thought they were safe because they went to the Lord's temple even while they were doing things they knew were wrong.  What did Jeremiah call the people to repent from?

God told Jeremiah in 7:27, "When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you."  If God knew they wouldn't listen, why did he have Jeremiah speak?

Isaiah compares people to sheep who have gone astray, but Jeremiah says, "Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle." (8:6)  Why would anyone charge down the wrong path?

In 9:24 God says, "let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight."  The Hebrew word halal, is translated "boast."  The KJV translates is as "glory," and it can also be translated "celebrate."  In what way should we celebrate that we know the Lord?

Why does Jeremiah ask for discipline (or correction) in 10:24?

Why did God say He would punish the people of Anathoth?

What did the linen belt in chapter 13 represent?

Chapter 14 shows that there were false prophets in Jeremiah's time who had a more favorable message than Jeremiah did.  God says of them, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them." (14:14)  How can you avoid believing a false prophet?

Psalms 108 - 110
What does David mean in 108:2 saying, "I will awaken the dawn"?

David wrote, "While they curse, may you bless." (109:28)  What is the benefit of turning your attention to God when people have insulted or mistreated you?

Why did Jesus quote Psalm 110:1 in Matthew 22:44?

New Testament: John 13 - 16
Why did Jesus wash His disciples feet?  Why did Peter object?  What do you need to do to follow the example that Jesus gave us?

What do you need to do to fulfill Jesus' command in 13:34, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another"?

In 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  What should our attitude be toward people of other religions that do not recognize Jesus?

Jesus said, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me." (14:21)  Why are love for Jesus and obedience to His commands connected?

In chapter 15 when Jesus refers to us as branches, what is the one command He gives us that assures we will bear much fruit?

Did Jesus teach His followers to expect that everyone will like them?

Jesus said, "My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (16:23)  What does it mean to ask something in Jesus' name?

In 16:33 Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  How can we have peace in the midst of trouble?