The Fall of Man

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

• In what way did the serpent want to deceive Eve?
• How could Eve have defended herself against the serpent’s deception?

Compare: Revelation 12: 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

• What attracted Eve to the fruit?
• If the fruit looked good, why didn’t God want Adam and Eve to eat it?

Compare: 1 John 2:16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." 11 And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"

• How did Adam and Eve’s disobedience change their relationship with God?

Compare: Isaiah 59: 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

• Who was at fault, the man, the woman, or the serpent?

14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

• What consequences were there for the serpent? (Some people consider the statement, “he will crush your head,” as a prophecy of Jesus’ ultimate triumph over Satan.)

16 To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."

• What consequences were there for the woman?

17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

• What consequences were there for the man?

20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. 21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

• We usually think of knowledge as a good thing. What did God want Adam and Eve to have instead of the knowledge of good and evil?

Compare: Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Healing the Sick

Isaiah 53: 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

• What do Jesus’ wounds have to do with our healing?

The word “healed” in Isaiah 53: 5 is translated from the Hebrew work “rapha.” It is used many times in the Old Testament, usually referring to healing from a physical illness, but sometimes the healing of the soul, the cleansing of toxic water or the repair of something broken. The word is also sometimes translated as “physician.” God calls Himself Jehovah-Rapha in Exodus 15:26, which in English reads, “the LORD, who heals you.”


Exodus 15:26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."

• What conditions did God place on His promise to Israel to keep them healthy?
• Since "rapha" can be translated physician, Jehovah-Rapha could also be translated “Doctor God.” How would it change your life to think of God as your doctor?

Matthew 8: 16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

• When sick people came to Jesus, who got healed?

Matthew 14: 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

• What motivated Jesus to heal people?
• Do you think He is still motivated to heal?

James 5: 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

• What does James say we should do if someone is sick?
• If you are prayed for and don’t experience healing, what should you do?
  

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23: 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

• What is the job of a shepherd?
• If the Lord is your shepherd, what do you expect that He will do for you?

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

• Verse 2 says that God will lead us beside quiet waters. What do quiet waters represent for you?
• What do you need to do to follow the Lord’s leading?
• What are paths of righteousness? Are you walking in the paths the Lord meant for you to walk in? Why or why not?

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

• Under what circumstances do you need to be sure of God’s protection?
• Are you free from fear? Why or why not?

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

• Why would God prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies?
• What does the anointing on your head represent?

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

• Do you expect for goodness and love to follow you? Why?
• If God has promised you an eternal home, how does this change the way you look at life?
  

God’s Never Broke

The book of Mark records two times when Jesus miraculously fed a crowd. In chapter 6, He fed 5000. In chapter 8, He fed 4000. The circumstances of the two were not quite the same. In chapter 6, the disciples wanted to send the crowd away so they could get food. In chapter 8, the crowd had already been there too long and Jesus said that some of them would faint on the way if they weren’t fed there. Here is the story from Mark 8.

Mark 8: 1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance."

• Why did the crowd of people put themselves in a position where they had neither food nor enough strength to get home?
• What would cause you to put yourself in circumstances that only a miracle would get you out of?
• What did Jesus say motivated Him to do something about the people’s need for food?
• Can you count on God’s compassion in your time of need?

4 His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"

• Why did the disciples ask this question when they had seen the feeding of the 5000 recorded in chapter 6? Had they forgotten what Jesus did, or did they assume He wouldn’t do it again?

5 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied.

• Why did Jesus begin by asking them what they had? Is this a pattern in the way God deals with people? Can you think of other examples of God using what a person already had, but making a miracle of it?

6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them.

• What action was required of the crowd to participate in this miracle?
• In what situation do you need to “sit down” and let God do the work?

8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

• How much did the people eat?
• If Jesus could do such miracles, what was the point of picking up the left over pieces?

9 About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

Annie Flint lived a tough life, but recognized God’s ability to provide. This is the second verse of her famous song, “He Giveth More Grace.”

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun. (Annie J. Flint, copyright – Public Domain)

You Can Trust the Bible

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

• What does it mean for Scripture to be “God-breathed” (the King James Version says, “inspired by God”)?
• If all of Scripture is useful, what should we do with it?
  
• What does it mean to be “thoroughly equipped”?
  
  
• How equipped do you believe you are? What have you been equipped to do?
  
  
• If God’s Word has been given to us to equip us, what will happen if we neglect it?
  
  

2 Peter 1: 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

• How did those who wrote the Bible know what to write?

Isaiah 40:7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

• Why does this passage say that people are grass?
• Why will God’s Word stand forever?
• What should your attitude be if you encounter people who don’t accept God’s Word as true?

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

• What is the purpose of a lamp?
• What must you do to get the benefit of God’s Word being a lamp?

Matthew 7: 24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

• Will the person who obeys God’s Word face storms? What will happen when they do?
• What kind of experience do you think Jesus is talking about when he describes a person’s house collapsing?
  

Loving and Serving Others

John 13: 34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

• Why is love the mark of a disciple?

1 John 3: 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

• In what ways does the Lord want us to lay down our lives?

1 John 4: 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

• Verse 7 says, “let us love one another.” What must you do to obey this command?

Philippians 2: 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

• How can you obey this command?

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

• What gift has God given you? Are you using it to serve others?

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

• How can you build others up? Are you doing it?

Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• How can you spur others on to love and good deeds?
• What is the importance of meeting together?

The Vine and the Branches

John 15: 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

• What does Jesus command us to do in this passage?
• Why would God cut off branches that are not fruitful? What does this mean?

5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

• By calling us branches, what kind of relationship does Jesus show us He wants to have with us?
• What is the one thing we have to do to bear much fruit?
• What does it mean to remain in Jesus? What do you have to do to obey this command?
• What happens to people who don’t remain in Jesus?
• Under what conditions does Jesus say we will see answered prayer?
• Who is glorified when we bear much fruit?

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

• What does it mean to remain in Jesus’ love?
• What do we have to do to have Jesus’ joy?

What is the Purpose of Water Baptism?

Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

• Where does Jesus want His followers to go make more disciples?
• What is a disciple?
• Who did Jesus say to baptize?
• Should babies be baptized? Why or why not?

• The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word, baptizo, which means to immerse or submerge. Based on this passage, what would you say is the main reason that followers of Jesus should be baptized?

Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

• This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, but he didn’t understand the Scriptures and didn’t know Jesus. How do you think God looks at a man like that?

32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

• Would you be able to do what Philip did? Would you be able to tell someone the good news about Jesus, beginning from the passage in Isaiah 53 that this man was reading?

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

• Does a person need to be baptized in a church?
• Does water baptism have to be done by a pastor?
• What changes need to take place in a person’s life before they are baptized in water?
• What is the purpose of water baptism?

God’s Grace

The Greek word “charis” is usually translated “grace,” but it is sometimes translated “favor” or “credit”. In each of the Scriptures below, the word that is in bold type is translated from the Greek word “charis.”

Ephesians 2: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

• What part did God’s grace play in our being saved?

Romans 11: 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

• Why can’t we be saved by grace and works?

Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

• If grace (or favor) is a free gift that you can’t work for, how can Jesus grow in God’s favor?

2 Peter 3: 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

• What do we need to do to grow in grace?

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

• If grace (or favor) is a free gift that you can’t work for, why do we need to come to the throne of grace to find it?

1 Peter 5: 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

• Will we receive more grace if we are humble? What will happen if we are proud?

2 Corinthians 9: 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

• According to this passage, what does God’s grace allow us to do?

1 Peter 4: 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

• What does it mean to administer God’s grace? Are you doing it?

Biblical Attitudes Toward Money

Honor God
Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.

• What do you have to do to honor God with your wealth?

Share
Ephesians 4: 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

• Why would God want you to share with those in need?

Give Thanks and Praise
Deuteronomy 8: 10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

• Verse 11 warns against forgetting God when you are satisfied. How can you avoid forgetting God?
  
• Why is essential that we remember that God gives us the ability to produce wealth, rather than thinking we did it with our own hands?

Investing in Heaven
Matthew 6: 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• How do you lay up treasure in heaven?
  
• Are you doing it?

Trust
Matthew 6: 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

• What does it mean to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?
  
• Is there anything you need to change to put God first?

Contentment
Hebrews 13: 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

• What must you do to keep your life free of the love of money?
  
• What basis does this passage give us for being content?

Who Do You Trust?

Jeremiah 17: 5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

• What is wrong with trusting in man?
• If you trust in yourself, what will the result be?

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

• What will happen if you trust in the Lord?
• What does it mean to trust in the Lord?
• Who or what is your trust in?
• What does it mean to not fear when heat comes? How do you react to changes such as a layoff, price increases, or trouble in the world?

9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

• If our heart is deceitful, how can we avoid deceiving ourselves?

10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

• Why is God interested in our heart and mind?

Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

• What will God do if you trust in Him?
• What does it mean to lean on your own understanding?

Being Persistent in Prayer

Romans 12: 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

• What does it mean to be faithful in prayer? Are you?

Ephesians 6: 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

• When should we pray?
• What should we be alert for?
• Who should we pray for?

Colossians 4: 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

• What does it mean to be devoted to something?
• Why is it important to be watchful in prayer?
• Why is it important to be thankful in prayer?

1 Thessalonians 5: 17 pray continually;

• What does it mean to pray continually?

Luke 11: 5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

• What would cause someone to persist in their request even when they knew they were being a nuisance to their neighbor?
• Why did Jesus tell us this story?

Luke 18: 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " 6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

• What brought the widow success in asking the judge for justice? What is Jesus teaching us to do?
• Jesus teaches us here that when we cry out to God, He will give us justice quickly. Why then does He need to teach us to be persistent in prayer?
• Why would we need to keep asking if God heard us the first time?
  
• The purpose of this story was to teach us to pray and not give up. Is there anything you should keep praying for that you have been tempted to give up?
  
  

When Did Jesus Say He Would Come Back?

Matthew 24: 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
· How will Jesus return?
· Who will see Him?
32 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
· How will we know when Jesus’ return is near? (read the first part of this chapter to see some of the things Jesus said would be happening)
36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
· Who knows when Jesus will return?

· If someone tells you the date that Jesus will return, what should you think?

42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
· Why did Jesus tell us that we needed to keep watch and to be ready?
· What does it mean to be ready for the Lord’s return?
· Are you ready?
2 Peter 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
· Why is it taking so long for the Lord to return?

What the Bible Says About Anger

Ephesians 4: 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

• Is it a sin to be angry?
• Are you more likely to sin when you are angry? What can you do to avoid sinning while angry?
• Why shouldn’t the sun go down on our anger? What does this show you about the purpose of anger?

Ephesians 4: 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

• If it isn’t a sin to be angry, why does Paul tell us to get rid of all anger?

James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

• Why does God want us to be slow to anger?
• What beliefs would make you easily angered?
• What beliefs would make you slow to anger?

Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

• Why does Jesus treat our anger (and things we may say while angry) as such a serious issue?

1 Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

• Why is love not easily angered?

The Old Testament says that God is slow to anger. Some people think that the Old Testament presents a God of anger. The Old Testament has four major parts:

Pentateuch – (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)

Historical Books – (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First Samuel, Second Samuel, First Kings, Second Kings, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther)

Poetic books- (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon)

Prophetic books- (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)

All four parts describe God as slow to anger (Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2, Nahum 1:3). Here is an example:
Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

How to Handle Conflict With Another Person

Matthew 5: 23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Why is it urgent to be reconciled with your brother?

Why is it your responsibility to go if someone has something against you?

Is there anyone you need to be reconciled with? What should you do about it?

Matthew 5: 25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Why is it wise to settle matters quickly?

What would stand in the way of settling matters quickly?

Matthew 18: 15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

If your brother sins against you, what is your responsibility?

If you go to your brother, what is your goal?

Matthew 5 teaches you to go if your brother has something against you. Matthew 18 teaches you to go if your brother sins against you. How can it be your responsibility to go if you were the one who did wrong and if you were the one someone did wrong to?

1 Corinthians 6: 1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

What two alternatives are better than going to court against a brother?

Colossians 3: 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

How do clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?

What does it mean to bear with someone?

What example of forgiveness does this passage give us?

Discussion Questions:

Why does God care about our relationships with others? Why does He place a high priority on forgiveness and reconciliation?

Why do some people seem to find it easier to resolve differences than others?

When a person gives their life to Jesus, what changes should take place that will make it easier for them to deal with conflict?

Jesus is Coming Again

for small group study the week of May 28 through June 3, 2006

God's Word (New International Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society)
2 Peter 3:3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

What Does the Bible Say?

Why will people scoff at the idea that the Lord is coming?

What do people “deliberately forget”?

How does the Lord look at the passage of time?

Why is the Lord patient about His return?

What will happen to the earth?

What Are We Going to do About it?

Peter warns us that in the last day scoffers will come, who will not believe the promise that Jesus is coming back. What should your attitude be toward someone who scoffs at your belief that Jesus is coming?

The reason Jesus hasn’t returned is that God doesn’t want anyone to perish. What is your attitude toward those who are lost? What are you doing about it?

As Peter explains how the world will end, he asks the questions, “What kind of people ought you to be?” How do you answer this question? Are you living for eternity?

Group Application:

Discuss ways that we can help and encourage missionaries that are on the “front line” reaching people who God doesn’t want to perish.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for each other that the reality of Jesus’ soon return will be clear to us and that our lives will reflect it.

Strong in the Face of Trial

for small group study the week of May 21 through 27, 2006

God's Word (New International Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society)
1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

What Does the Bible Say?

Where is our inheritance kept?

What is the purpose of trials?

What fills us with joy?

What are we to set our hope on?

Why does God say we should be holy?

What Are We Going to do About it?

Verse 3 says, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth.” Do you recognize that being born again is a gift that God gave you because of His mercy, and that you have not earned it? How does this change the way you live?

Verse 5 says that we are kept by God’s power, but verse 6 says we may have to suffer trials. What does it mean to be kept by God’s power? What should your attitude be toward trials?

Peter tells us to prepare our minds for action and to be self-controlled. What do we need to do this? What disrupts our minds and makes us unprepared for action?

Group Application:

This passage shows us that our faith in and love for Jesus fills us with joy. Share with the group your joy in the Lord. Encourage one another and pray for God’s joy for each other.

Prayer Focus:

Pray for each other to be strong in the face of trials.