Joshua - Week 8

Scripture Reading: Joshua 24

Discussion Questions:

Understand the Passage:

1. How does Joshua describe the conquest of the land? Do we learn anything new about the events leading up to the present day?
2. What challenges does he put forth in verses 14 and 15? What do these challenges tell us about the free will of man? The responsibility of leadership in the family?
3. Why did he tell them the could not serve the Lord in verse 19?

Application

1. How have you made it evident in your family that you serve the Lord? What responsibility do we have as fathers in this regard?
2. What qualities of Joshua do you admire the most? How can you be more like Joshua in this way?
3. What insight does the Book of Joshua provide to us about the Lord and the new covenant we live under in Jesus?
4. Give some thought as to what you would like to study next in our Group.
   

Joshua - Week 7

Scripture Reading: Joshua 22-23

Understand the Passage

1. What was Joshua's instruction to the eastern tribes before they left? What did he commend them for?
2. What did the eastern tribes do on the way? Why was the move so controversial to the rest of the Israelites? What warnings did they give?
3. What approach can be learned for disciplining those believers believed to be in the wrong?

Application

1. Share a time where you misjudged the motives of another believer - or perhaps your motives were misjudged. What did you learn from that experience?
2. In what ways do we compromise in our lives with the "gods of the people?" What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world?"
3. What quality of Joshua do you admire the most? How can you be more like Joshua in this way?

Joshua (Week 6)

Scripture Reading: Joshua 9-10,
Deut 20:10-18,
2 Samuel 21:1-9

Understand the Passage:

1. What did the Israelites fail to do again before making the oath to the Gibeonites? Why do you think God does not punish them for this, but encourages them to hold to the oath despite earlier instructions to the contrary?
2. Why do you think they still honored the oath after they found out the truth?
3. How did the oath come in play in the destruction of the next 5 cities? And again later in Israel's history?
   

Applicaton

1. Do you consult with God before making a serious commitment? Why or why not?
2. In what area of your life would you seek clear direction from him on today? Why?
   

Joshua (Week 5)

Scripture Reading: Joshua 7-8

Understand the Passage:

1. Who was Achan and what did he do?

2. What seems different about Joshua's approach in preparing to take the city of Ai?

3. After the defeat in Ai, what complaint did Joshua raise with God?

4. What was the outcome of the second raid on Ai? What had changed to create this outcome?

Application:

1. How can prosperity and overconfidence impact our intimacy with God?

2. When have you found your faith in God to be most "shaken?" What were the circumstances and what resulted from that time of uncertainty?

3. What do you learn about the Lord's character through these events? How might we apply this understanding of him to our lives today?

Joshua (Week 4)

Scripture Reading: Joshua 5-6

Discussion Questions:

1. Why were all the males circumcised when they entered the land? What was the significance?
2. Why might God have waited until this time to do this?
3. What happened when Israel ate the food of the land? What impact would this change have had on the people of Israel?
4. What struck you about the instructions given to Joshua?

Application

1. What areas of obedience does God call us to today that may not "make sense" from a logical perspective? What are your experiences in walking in these ways based on God's commands?
2. What is your personal reaction to observing how the Lord communicated with and guided Joshua? How would you describe your level of "intimacy" with the Lord?
3. What are some lessons we can learn about our salvation from the fall of Jericho?

Joshua (Week 3)

Scripture Reading: Joshua 3-4

Understand the Passage

1. What was remarkable about the Israelite's passage through the Jordan? What struck you about the precision of the instructions given to Joshua and passed on to the people?
2. How would you describe the interaction between Joshua and God throughout this passage?
3. What is the importance of the 12 men chosen (one from each tribe) to the story? What role did they play?
4. According to Joshua (and the Lord), what was the real reason for this miraculous passage for the Israelite nation?

Application

1. Thinking of the three levels to review narratives we discussed, what significance does this "passing through" the Jordan into the promise land have in light of God's greater story of salvation?
2. How is God's Word a guiding factor for us like the Ark was for the Israelites that day, as we venture in life to places we have "never been before."
3. What do you in your family to pass on the legacy of God's provision to your children? What would you like to be doing more faithfully in this regard?

Joshua (Week 2)

Scripture Reading: Joshua 1-2, Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25

Discussion Questions:

Background

1. What was Joshua's task and commission as outlined in Chapter 1? What promises is he given with regard to this commission?
2. What tribes had already inherited east of the Jordan? Why does the Bible record this? What special commands are they given?

Application

1. Name three lessons we can learn from these verses for our own services to God?
2. What fear has kept you from doing God's will? How should we address fear that keeps us from following God?
3. What lessons can we learn from Rahab about our salvation? (see Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25)

Old Testament Study - Joshua (Week 1)

For our first meeting, review the Introduction to the Book of Joshua in your study Bible and search a good Bible dictionary for background on this Old Testament book or equivalent online sources. Think about the who, why, what, how questions - bring 3 or 4 facts to our next meeting to share with the group. Also, I would encourage each of you that still has a copy of the "How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth" book I handed out few months ago to read Chapter 5 - The Old Testament Narratives - Their Proper Use, found on pps. 78-93.

Also, for those of you who read the Bible electronically using the Youversion Bible Reader, I have added a Group to Youversion that you can access below to join. For those of you who have never used Youversion, check it out at Youversion.com. By creating a free account, you can track all your Bible reading on iPad, Droid, iPhone, PC, etc. There are also a ton of reading plans to keep you engaged. By joining the group, you can easily share with others in the group what God has impressed upon you through highlight passages, etc. I thought it would be a neat thing to try as we dive into Joshua together, creating additional accountability as well. Let me know if you have any issues signing up.

NIV Study Bible Intro to Joshua
http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/joshua/

Click below to join the jrcmen group on Youversion

http://youversion.com/groups/jrcmen

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 8

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2

Discussion Questions:

1. In verses 1-6, Paul commands Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”. He then gives three examples for Timothy to follow. What insight are we to take away from each example as we live in today’s world. What is common among these?

2. In verse 16, we are instructed to “avoid godless chatter”. What are the natural consequences of engaging in godless chatter? What different forms can this take? How are you doing in this area of controlling your tongue?

3. Verse 22 commands us to “flee the evil desires of youth”. In the spirit of confession, transparency, and accountability, what youthful desires are still the most challenging for you today? What practical things can we do to flee the evil desires of our youth? What does it mean for us to pursue righteousness?

4. Read verses 23-25. What are we to avoid here? Why does Paul say that the believer is to “gently instruct” those who oppose him?

5. What else did you learn during your time of study?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 7

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1

Discussion Questions:

1. Paul begins the letter with words of encouragement (throughout Chapter 1). What does he remind Timothy of and why? What sources of encouragement do you have in your life? In what ways do you need more encouragement to live the life Christ is calling you to?
2. Verse 6 implores Timothy to "fan into flame" the gift of God - the Holy Spirit. What must we do to keep our "flames" burning brightly. Has there been a time in your life when through neglect, you felt like you were left with only ashes and no flame? What did you learn from those circumstances?
3. Read verses 12-14, what is Paul counting on as a consolation for his suffering? What are we to "guard" with the help of the Holy Spirit?
4. In both letters Paul proclaims his appointment as a herald, an apostle and a teacher. What is your "role" in God's workforce? Have you ever asked God to reveal what talents you can bring to bear to help advance his kingdom?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 6

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6

1. Paul used a number of action words when writing to Timothy. What action words did you detect in reading the passage? Why would Paul use such words as opposed to passive words to encourage Timothy?

2. Overall, Paul’s first letter to Timothy provided a vision for the church. Why was this important to Paul? What did Paul see as the proper workings within a Christian church?

3. In Chapter 6, Paul provides instructions and guidance for some leadership positions, masters (employers), pastors, and those with wealth. How would Paul’s vision for these leaders make for a better church, community, and nation? Was Paul on the right track? If you were in Timothy’s role, how stressed would you feel in having to convey Paul’s message to others? How stressed do you think today's pastors are in having to de?

4. Do you feel that Paul’s tone with Timothy was appropriate? Was his instructions comforting, or challenging, coaching or chastising?

5. The word “contentment” is used in the passage. How do you apply the concept of contentment in your life? Do others see you as content with what you have? How does the concept of contentment conflict with the world concept?

6. Paul spends several verses on personal wealth. Today’s church in America seems to struggle with teaching Paul’s concept. Do we as Christians act in accordance with Paul’s guidance? How do these instructions re-iterate previous messages/teachings in the New Testament?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 5

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 5

1. What did Paul indicate to Timothy as the distinction between the
responsibilities of the church, and the responsibility of individual to
their families? Talk about the correlation Paul makes of the members of the
church, and of family members.

2. He talks quite a bit about "Widows". What is the distinction that he
makes between "real/truly" widows, young woman who become widows, and those
with children and grandchildren?

3. Paul also warns about hastiness (Ver 22) - Laying hands, Sharing other's
sins... What does this say about the expectations and responsibility of the
members to the leaders/elders?

4. Paul makes reference to Deuteronomy "Thou shalt not muzzle the oz while
he treads out the grain" (V18), and "Double Honor". Talk about the rights
and privileges of the elders. How does this and Q3 apply to our thinking
today and in our own church?

Applications:

1. In Ver 8, We are tasked to provide for our relatives. What are some of
the cues and rules that govern our own decision to draw the line when it
comes to responsibility for meeting the needs of family members?

2. Think about some way in which we could do better (or simply do
differently) to provide practical support for a "family" member, or backing
off when more faith is what is needed.

3. Christian teaching and practices are said to be practical. How is 1 Tim 5
compare to other teachings, such as the lessons of Matthew that we studied?

4. How do we in our culture "muzzle the ox"?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 4

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4

1.Though you may be familiar with the names of some cults, do you know what they believe that deviates from Biblical Christianity?

2.What other ideas have you heard, perhaps even in the Christian community, that you feel deviate from Biblical Christianity?

3.What do think attracts people to such false ideas?

4.What motivates the teachers to propagate such false ideas?

5.vs 7 what is an "old wife’s tale" and why is it called such?

6.vs 7,8 How does one "train himself" to be godly?

7.vs 12 a person's physical age is not necessarily an indication of his level of spiritual maturity. Nor should physical age be a factor in submission to a legitimate authority figure, as Timothy. However, it is legitimate to treat people different based on their age as 1Tim 5:1,2 will indicate.

In each of the areas listed in this verse, what may be particular examples of what Paul had in mind?

8.vs 13 Do you feel you are sufficiently devoted to reading, learning and perhaps teaching the Bible?
How might you become more devoted?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 3

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 2

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2

Understanding the Passage: " Instructions on Worship

1. Paul "urges" prayer, intercession, etc. for everyone, including Kings (Presidents, Prime Ministers) and ALL those in authority. Why is it important to include those in authority? What if you don't agree with those in authority? How will these prayers result in us having peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness? We need to understand that God WANTS us to pray for others because he wants all "men" to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
2. What do you think it means in verse 6 when it says "-the testimony, given in its proper time" means? Paul wants men everywhere to "lift up holy hands in prayer". Do you feel comfortable "lifting up your hands"?
3. Does Paul's instruction for Timothy in regards to women "dress" still hold true in today's world? Should it be applied to men as well? What about women teaching and having authority over men? Do you think it had more to do with the way women were perceived in his day? What do you think about verse 15? Does Paul's note about women being saved through childbearing contradict his previous teaching about being saved through faith?

Application

1. As we go throughout the week, in addition to your "normal" prayers, consider offering up prayers for those in authority (at work, locally, nationally, globally).
2. Is there a situation going on in your life right now involving anger towards someone or vice versus? Consider a prayer for that person or situation but don't forget to think about praying for the release of that anger from yourself.
3. Can we be "a herald" in our workplace, in our church, in our family...talking about the true faith, about Jesus Christ giving himself up as a ransom for ALL men?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 1

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1

Understand the Passage

1. In the salutation, Paul had an interesting manner of qualifying himself when referencing both God and Christ Jesus. What do you feel that he was intent on conveying?
2. How does Paul’s initial address to Timothy differ from the manner in which he’d addressed other Church communities?
3. Paul’s letter reiterated several key issues previously discussed with Timothy and he went to great lengths in describing his prior, basic nature and wondrous transformation. What was Timothy facing and why would Paul write these things to one so familiar with his story?
4. Many pointed references were made concerning the law, its utility and disutility. What do you feel was the core point that Paul was making?
   

Application

1. How do you feel about the tone, the reverent formality, structure and firmness of conviction revealed in this letter? How do you think such might be received by a church body of today?
2. Do you find inspiration in, and admiration for, Paul’s and Timothy’s obvious and intimate conviction in serving our Lord? Do you have any relationships within the church which share similar attributes?
3. Are there parallels between what Timothy was urged to address and perhaps some aspects or elements of what you are experiencing as one among a body of believers?

1 and 2 Timothy

Here is the summer schedule....

July 15 - 1 Timothy 1 (Scott)

July 22 - 1 Timothy 2 (Doug)

July 29 - 1 Timothy 3 (Lynn)

Aug 5 - 1 Timothy 4 (Rod)

Aug 12 - 1 Timothy 5 (Joe P)

Aug 19 - 1 Timothy 6 (Holcombe or Mike H)

Aug 26 - 2 Timothy 1 (Paul)

Sept 2 - (Fellowship time/Prayer)

Sept 9 - 2 Timothy 2 (Russell)

Gospel of Matthew - Week 21

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28

Understand the Passage

1. What is the significance of the women being the first to hear the message of Jesus' resurrection?
2. Given the main purpose of Matthew's gospel, why do you think the information about the posting of the guard and subsequent follow-up with the chief priests was included in the text?
3. What commands and assurances are included in the Great Commission passage?

Application

1. Why was the resurrection important to the Gospel message?
2. Why do you believe Matthew chose to end his Gospel the way he did?
3. In what way do you need to better live out the Great Commission?
4. What else did you learn?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 20

Scripture Reading: Matthew 27

Understand the Passage

1. How did the religious leaders act when they heard Judas express second thoughts? How did Judas' actions fulfill scripture?
2. Who warned Pilate about having any involvement with Jesus? How did Pilate attempt to evade any responsibility in his condemnation?
3. What did Jesus' last words mean? What events followed when he 'gave up his spirit'?

Application

1. In what way does evil become easier to justify when many people are doing it?
2. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus underwent horrible abuse on your behalf? In what way can you show gratitude to Jesus?
3. What did Jesus accomplish for you by his death?
4. In what ways are you a secret disciple of Christ, afraid to publicly follow him?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 19

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26

Understand the Passage

1. How did the disciples respond to the anointing of Jesus at Bethany? What was Jesus reaction and why?
2. How are the bread and wine described? What do you think was going through the mind of the disciples during this "last supper"?
3. What happened when it became obvious that Jesus would be arrested?

Application

1. What attitude prompts us to sacrifice our time and goods for God? (e.g. the women at Bethany)?
2. How do you feel when you remember that Jesus shed His blood on the cross for you?
3. What is amazing about Christs' attitude? How can we stand firm when our faith is tested?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 18

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25

Understand the Passage

1. How did the wise bridesmaids respond when asked to help the ones who weren't prepared? How did the bridegroom respond when some bridesmaids wanted to come to the wedding late?
2. How did the master react to the report of the first servant? The second? How did the master respond to the third servant's explanation?
3. How will the "sheep" respond to Jesus' words on that day?

Application

1. What spiritual preparation do you need to make today in order to "keep watch"? What distractions prevent us from being prepared?
   
2. With what talents and resources has God entrusted to you? What level of responsibility do you feel for those talents/resources?
   
3. How would your behavior change if you treated each person in your life as if he or she were Jesus?
4. What else did you learn?
   

Gospel of Matthew - Week 17

Scripture Reading: Matthew 23-24

Understand the Passage:

1. Of what did Jesus accuse the religious leaders? What evidence of twisted priorities did he cite?
2. What important warning about spiritual deception did Jesus issue?
3. To what did Jesus' compare his return? Why?

Application

1. How can a spiritual leader affect his or her followers?
2. What are some of the dangers of having a "checklist" of dos and don't that go beyond God's written Word?
3. How is it helpful that Jesus didn't give us a specific time or date for His return? How is is difficult?
4. How can we use our time each day to honor the Lord's imminent return?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 16

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21-22

Understand the Passage

1. During the Triumphant Entry, what was the significance of the donkey? The cloaks? The shouting by the people?
2. What themes are similar among the parables in Chapters 21 and 22? (Two sons, Tenants, Wedding Banquet)
3. How was Jesus' tested by the religious leaders of the day? What was remarkable about his responses?

Application

1. In what ways do we try to rationalize our way out of submitting to Jesus' authority? In what area of your life have you been putting off full submission to God?
2. When is it too late to do the right thing? How do Jesus' comments in these Chapter help define his meaning of "repentance?"
3. Who do you think Jesus' is calling you to minister to today? How is our ministry approach consistent or inconsistent with Jesus' teaching in these chapters?
4. What else did you learn?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 15

Scripture Reading: Matthew 20

Understand the Passage

1. What strikes you personally about the parable in Chapter 20 (Workers in the Vineyard)? Why did that aspect of the story catch your attention?



2. What was James/John's mother really asking for when she made her request of Jesus?
   


3. How is Jesus' 3rd prediction of his death consistent/different from his earlier disclosures we have read previously in Matthew?

Application

1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your level of generosity? What factors in your life have contributed to how generous/or not so generous a person you are?



2. In our studies of Matthew, we have seen that those who pursue Jesus the hardest (e.g. leper), the loudest (e.g. two blind men here) are most blessed. In what area of your life are you "pursuing" Jesus in this way? In what way does fear prevent you from pursuing him more?
   


3. I am struck how Jesus consistently asks the question "What do you want me to do for you?" - when the answer is both obvious (such as with the blind man) and not so obvious (as with James/John's mother). How would you answer that question if Jesus ask you that question today?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 14

Reading: Matthew 19

Understand the Passage

1. Why do you think the Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce? (Remember what got John the Baptist in trouble with Herod) What was their real objective with the question?


2. Why do you think the disciples tried to keep the children from Jesus?


3. Why were Jesus' comments about rich people entering the kingdom of Heaven so surprising to the disciples?

Application

1. In what ways do we incorrectly weigh people's worth or favor with God based on their wealth or social status? How does it impact our relationships?


2. What "attachments" do we hold on to that keep us from following Jesus?


3. What teachings of Jesus do you find the "hardest" to follow? Why?


4. What does it mean for you to be "last" in your marriage / family? In what areas do you insist on being first?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 13

Scripture Reading: Matthew 17-18

Understand the Passage:

1. Who else appeared and began talking to Jesus on top of the mountain? What was the significance of the event?


2. What memories or insight do you think Peter, James and John took away from this event?


3. Why did Jesus say a person's treatment of children was significant?


4. What quality makes for true greatness in God's kingdom?

Application

1. How might seeing Christ in all his glory prompt us to obey Him more completely? In what ways does he reveal himself today?


2. What prevents us from being more "child-like" in our faith? In what ways can you be more child-like?


3. If God is so willing to forgive us, why are we sometimes unwilling to forgive others?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 12

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16

Understand the Passage:

1. Why did Jesus chastise the Pharisees and Sadducees? Why did he refer to "the sign of Jonah?"


2. In verses 5-12, what did Jesus tell his disciples to avoid? What relevance did yeast have to warning?


3. When asked by Jesus generally about who others are saying he is, what replies did the disciples give? When ask the personal question - "But what about you?" - who replied and in what way?

Application

1. What truths about God do you have a hard time understanding? How can we judge whether the spiritual teaching we receive is healthy or dangerous?


2. What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus? In what way is coming to faith and understanding the Gospel a supernatural event?


3. What does it mean to you to "take up your cross" and follow Jesus?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 11

Scripture Reading: Matthew 15

Understand the Passage:

1. What was wrong with the Pharisees?
2. How did Jesus redefine "unclean?"
3. Why do you think Christ responded to the women as he did?

Application

1. How is it possible for us to be religious and yet be far from God?
2. What are some ways we "go through the motions" of Christian life?
3. How are persistent are you in your prayers to God? What does our level of persistence say about our character?
4. What gift, ability or resource (no matter how insignificant) will you give to God today so that he can bless it and multiply it? How have you seen him use little in the past to have a significant impact?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 10

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13-14 Understand the Passage:

1. Why did Jesus speak in parables to the crowd? How did these stories allow him to teach the masses yet remain faithful to his mission?


2. What are the key lessons of the Parable of the Sower? Weeds? Hidden Treasure/Pearl? Net?


3. As you read the miracles of Chapter 14, did you notice anything you had not recognized before?

Application

1. What one action could you do this week to improve the way you listen to God's Word?


2. How would it alter the way we live if we keep in mind that God will judge us? What is the best way to balance this reality with gratitude for his saving grace?


3. What can you do to allow the Gospel to permeate your family, your friendships, your workplace?


4. What gift, ability or resource (no matter how insignificant) will you give to God today so that he can bless it and multiply it? How have you seen him use little in the past to have a significant impact?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 9

Scripture Reading: Matthew 12

Understand the Passage

1. What biblical precedents did Jesus cite to justify his behavior and the behavior of his disciples? Why were they important?
2. What criteria did Jesus give to determine those who supported him and those who opposed him?
3. How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees request for a sign?

Application

1. Jesus continues to point out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in this passage - if you are honest with yourself, where do you see the greatest hypocrisy in your life?
2. What are some man-made symbols or traditions (like the Pharisees view on the Law, the Temple or the Sabbath) that we value more than people? Why?
3. How should v22-37 make us think twice about how we view and speak about others?
   
4. What can you begin doing today so that your life produces good fruit?
   

Gospel of Matthew - Week 8

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11

Understand the Passage:

1. What was the importance of Jesus' references to John and Elijah? Why do you think Matthew mentions John's question through his disciples - namely "should we expect someone else" or literally "someone of a different kind?"
2. What was unique about John versus other prophets before him? (hint: consider the source of his power or influence)
3. Jesus uses several examples to highlight the unbelief of those before him. What impact would those examples made on those in the crowd?
4. What do we learn about God's approach to judgement in v. 20-24?

Application

1. What about Jesus made him recognizable to you as the Savior and Son of God? How could you explain that to someone doubting his true identity?
2. Why do you think we sometimes become indifferent to God? In what ways are you treating the mercies of God or his blessings in your life as no big deal?
3. Keeping in mind verses 28-30, in what areas of your life are you going in your own direction and fighting the yoke of Christ? How can you work with Christ in those areas instead of going your own way?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 7

Scripture Reading: Matthew 10

Understand the Passage:

1. To whom did Jesus command his disciples to go to? What signficance did this have based on what we know of his mission and the major themes of the Book of Matthew?
2. Do Jesus' instructions seem specific to these circumstances, or do they seem to be preparation for their future ministry (after his death and resurrection)? Why?
3. What encouragement does Jesus offer to his disciples? What warnings does he give?

Application

1. Has there been a time in your life where you had to rely on Christ to provide, even you most basic necessities? Explain?
2. Why is it important for us to take stand for Jesus? What impact does it have on you? On others when you stand up for Him?
3. In what ways have you been putting human relationships before your relationship with Christ? What do you think it means to loose your life for Christ's sake?
4. What are 2 or 3 concrete ways you can be more bold in standing up for Christ this week? Share with the group.

Gospel of Matthew - Week 6

Scripture Reading: Matthew 8-9

Understand the Passage:

1. Chapters 8 & 9 list ten miracles in 9 unique stories - in what way is Jesus' authority established in these miracles?
2. What role do we see "faith" or "belief" playing in these miracles?
3. In Matt 818-22 and the Matt 9:35-38 Jesus discusses what it means to follow him. What specific sacrifices does he refer to in the passage? What strikes you about his statements?
4. Matthew's calling is described in Matt 9:9-12. How does Matthew use this again to contrast Jesus from the religious leaders of the day?

Application

1. Jesus' ministry was full of miracles of healing. If you examine your life, what areas of your life has Jesus brought healing? What areas would you say remain in need of his healing touch?
2. What have you given up to follow Jesus? What has it cost you? What might Jesus be calling you to that may have a price?
3. Jesus quotes from the OT when he challenges the Pharisees to learn the meaning of "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." If you are honest, what is your primary focus in the Christan walk - mercy or sacrifice? What would it mean to re-balance our priorities in this area?
4. What attitudes can we learn from those considered "sinners" in the Bible? How did they "relate" to Jesus versus the religious leaders of the day?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 5

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5-7, Luke 6:17-49

Understand the Passage:

1. Chapters 5-7 of Matthew are referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount." In the context of what we have been studying in Matthew to this point, what is the significance of transitioning to these teachings of Jesus?
2. Read Luke's parallel account in Luke 6:17-49 - sometimes referred to the "Sermon on the Plain." Do you think Matthew's account is a single discourse or a compilation of Jesus' teaching over time? How would you support your position?
3. In the passage, how has Jesus' teaching changed course from his (and John's) earlier message of "Repent..." What do you believe the purpose in this shift in message was?

Application

1. A scholar described the Sermon on the Mount as "neither an impractical ideal nor a fully attainable possibility." What words would you use to describe the principles in the Sermon to a new believer?
2. At the conclusion of the Sermon, the crowds were amazed because Jesus taught with authority. Who would you call an authority in your life? Where do you find yourself turning in difficult times?
3. The Sermon is meant to introduce the key aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven. Which of Jesus' teachings represent a call to action for you today? Why?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 4

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4 (NIV) / See Also Matthew 4 (Message)

Quick Note: I recommend that you occassonal reference one of the various "paraphrase" translations of the Bible to enhance your Bible study. The Message (see second link above) is a really good one, and is available on www.biblegateway.com. I would not rely on this as your primary translation, but as a supplement.

Understand the Passage:

1. What circumstances in the Old Testament would Jesus' time in the wilderness parallel for a Jew of Jesus' day? What is the importance of these connections?
2. Why did Jesus need to be "tested" before initiating his public ministry? (note: Matt 4:1 "Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness..")
3. What type of tests did Jesus encounter in the wilderness? How might we characterize them in modern terms?
4. What strikes you about the calling of Jesus' first disciples and the launch of his public ministry?

Application

1. What is the prevailing attitude in today's church toward testing or tempatation? What temptations are inevitable for most people?
2. The devil offered Jesus the kingdom without the cross - how are we tempted in the same way today?
3. In what specific area of your life is temptation the strongest these days? What steps can you take this week to resist the temptations you are facing?
4. What does it mean for you personally to "follow" Jesus? In what way do you consider yourself a fisher of men?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 3

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3

Understand the Passage

1. What significance does John the Baptist play in the Gospel story? Why do you think he is such a eccentric character?
   
2. What message did John the Baptist communicate? Who does he reserve his harshest words for in Chapter 3? Why?
3. What ideas would the images of the winnowing fork, gathering of wheat, burning of the chaff convey to someone of Jesus' day?
   
4. What do you think Jesus was baptized by John? Why was this important?

Application

1. What warnings would John the Baptist have for our generation? For us?
2. What do we rely on, apart from God, for our salvation?
3. What is the difference between God's discipline and God's judgment?
4. God's voice proclaimed he was "well pleased" with Jesus. What do you think pleases God?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 2

Scripture Reading for Study: Matthew 2

Understand the Passage:

1. Did you learn anything new about the "Magi" (traditionally "Wise Men") that you never knew before your study this week? What was the significance of the Magi in the context of the whole Gospel story?
2. What surprised you about the actions of Herod and the religious leaders of the day in contrast to the actions of the Magi? How would a reader of Matthew's day interpret the message behind these contrasting characters?
3. How did Jesus' escape to Egypt parallel events in the life of Moses? How was Moses viewed within the Jewish religious belief system?

Application

1. How do you worship Jesus? What areas of your life is God calling you to a greater sacrifice and commitment?
2. In what way can Jealousy and Anger prevent us from loving others the way God intends? How should we respond to this sin in our lives?
3. Why is important to respond to God's command immediately? Has there been a time in your life when you did not respond immediately to his call? What was the outcome?

Bible Study Techniques - Gospels

Excerpts from "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Fee & Stuart

Step 1 - Historical Context - have an awareness of the historical context...this means not only to know the historical context in general, but also to form a tentative, but informed, reconstruction of the situation that the author is addressing.

There are two levels to this:
#1 - The Historical Context of Jesus
#2 - The Historical Context of the Evangelist (Author)

Step 2 - Literary Context - understand the place of a given story (in the Gospel) in the context of any one of the Gospels. This helps you understand the nature of the composition of the Gospel as wholes, helping you to interpret any one Gospel itself, not just isolated facts about the life of Jesus

In summary:
#1 - Think Horizontally - studying a story in any one Gospel, one should be aware of the parallels in the other gospels. Remember, don't rely to heavily on this, as none of the authors intended his gospel to be read in parallel with the others. Nonetheless, the fact that God provided four gospels in the canon means that they cannot be legitimately be read in total isolation from each other

#2 - Think Vertically - one should try to be aware of both historical contexts, that of Jesus and that of the evangelist (author)

We will use these techniques as we go through the study of Matthew in the coming weeks.