Introduction
This week we our reading will be in Deuteronomy 16-34, Joshua 1-2, and Psalm 105.
The Book of Deuteronomy...
After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were on the eve of entering the promised land. Before they did, it was necessary (lest they forget what God had done and who they were) that they be reminded about all that God had done for them and about God’s holy law which was so vital to their ability to remain in the land and function as God’s holy nation and as a kingdom of priests to the nations (Deut. 4:1- 8). Therefore, shortly before his death Moses preaches three sermons urging the people of Israel to live in faithful obedience to the covenant laws given at Mt. Sinai 40 years earlier.
Moses’ three speeches can be divided as follows:
Deuteronomy 1:6-4:43
Through a rehearsal of covenant history, Moses traces Israel’s experience with the Lord from Horeb, to Kedesh-barnea, through their wilderness wandering and up to their taking of the land from Beth-peor so that they will remember the character of the Lord and obey Him as they prepare to enter the Land.
Deuteronomy 4:44-26:19
Through a rehearsal of Israel’s covenant responsibilities with glimpses of national prophetic history, Moses proclaims obedience as the means by which the Lord will bless the nation in the Land.
Deuteronomy 27:1-30:27
Through a covenant renewal with the nation on the plains of Mob, Moses
proclaims the blessing and/or cursing which will come upon the nation depending upon whether they obey or disobey the word of the Lord.
Study the Text...
In his final words, Moses challenges Israel as he foretells a turbulent future. Moses wants the people to know that their failure to keep the covenant will mean troubled times. However, he does not warn them so that they will live in the knowledge of future doom but so that they will heed the warning and amend their ways.
Read Deuteronomy 30.
• What challenge is Moses setting before the nation?
• What is going to happen to Israel in the future?
• What are some of the consequences (positive and negative) of worshipping a God who cares whether you love him or ignore him (vv. 1-2, 8-9, 17-18)?
• How might an Israelite who has yet to enter the land respond to the warnings written here (vv. 11-14)?
• What issues of the heart are woven throughout the passage (vv. 2, 6, 10, 20)?
• How might this chapter be considered a summary of the entire book (vv. 19-20)?
Reflection . . .
• What did Moses mean when he said “he (referring to the Lord your God) is your life? (v. 20)”
• How is the Lord your God “your life?”
• Count how often the word “Lord” is used in the chapter? In light of the primary context of the chapter why do you think this is important? What does it communicate to the people of Israel? What are the practical implications of this for your life?
• What challenges would the people of Israel face in the future that would make it difficult to keep the covenant and obey the Lord? What about you? What daily challenges are you presented with that make it difficult to serve the Lord and easy to forsake Him?
• Throughout this chapter and the final chapter in Deuteronomy, Moses speaks often about blessings and cursings based upon the people’s disobedience or obedience? How is this teaching the same for believers under the New Covenant? How is this teaching different for believers under the New Covenant?
The Book of Joshua...
For centuries, the people of Israel had anticipated possessing the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3). At the close of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses and the people of Israel were camped in the hills of Moab, just across the Jordan River from the promised land of Canaan. So Deuteronomy ends with the expectation that soon, these people would cross the river and begin their lives in Canaan. But Moses would not be the one to lead them into this land, instead Joshua would be the new leader of the people. Therefore, the book of Joshua is the compelling history of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants. After 400 years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites finally are able to enter the Promised Land. The long awaited promise to Abraham becomes a reality! However, unlike most military histories, in the book of Joshua the focus is on the commander’s Commander, the Captain of the Lord’s host (5:15). Repeatedly, as Joshua’s name illustrates (Yahweh saves), the book
demonstrates that Israel’s victories were due to God’s power and intervention.
The story is told in four parts:
• Chapters 1:1-5:12 - Israel’s entrance into the land
• Chapters 5:13-12:24 - Israel’s conquest of the land
• Chapters 13-21 - The distribution of the land
• Chapters 22-24 - Israel’s continued loyalty to Yahweh
Study the Text...
Entrance into the Land
The generation that refused to trust God’s promises is now dead, and the new generation is at Canaan’s doorstep. God is about to fulfill His promises to give Israel the land and make it a great nation. The mantle of leadership has passed from Moses to Joshua. Now, Joshua is responsible to lead the people into the Promised Land.
Read Joshua 1:1-18.
• What does God tell Joshua to do in 1:1-9? List all the commands you can find.
• What does God promise Joshua in these verses?
• What role will God have in the conquest of the land He has promised? (notice a repeated idea in Joshua 1:2-3,5,9,11,13-15.)
• What will be Israel’s responsibilities in obtaining the land (1:2,7-18)?
• How did the people respond to Joshua’s instructions before entering the land (1:16- 18)?
• How is the people’s response different from that of the previous generation (Numbers 14:1-10)?
Reflection. . .
The New Testament uses the story of Israel’s journey and entrance into the Promised Land to instruct believers in Christ. The following questions help us think through how the book of Joshua is applicable to us today.
Read Hebrews 3:12-4:11
• What rest (or inheritance) has God promised those who have trusted in Christ?
• What caused the people of Israel to come short of God’s rest? What does this mean for us today? How can we avoid this?
• According to the passage in Joshua and Hebrews what role does God play in seeing that we inherit His rest and not fall short? Why is this so important to remember?
• According to Hebrews what role does the body of Christ play in seeing that we inherit God’s rest and not fall short? How is this lived out in your small group?
• The author of Hebrews instructs his recipients in chapter 4 verse 11 to “be diligent to enter that rest.” What does this practically look like in your life?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Week 10 (December 5-11) Discussion and Reflection Questions
Introduction
This week our reading will be from Numbers 29-36 and Deuteronomy 1-15.
Study the Text . . .
The Stakes Involved (Deut. 6:1-3)
This chapter contains some of the most foundational verses in all of the Old Testament. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) was a statement of faith in God and a commitment to love Him with all that we have. Devout Jews would repeat this statement at set times during the day as an affirmation of the uniqueness and holiness of their God. In distinction from the pagan nations surrounding them, God called upon Israel to boldly proclaim His existence alone. Jesus quoted the Shema in Mark 12:29, declaring this
text to be the most concise summary of the entire Law. For Israel, attached to the upholding of this affirmation in word and deed was the
blessing of God. In vv. 1-3, we see that God outlines the stakes involved. If they fear God—keeping his statutes, abstaining from idolatry, etc.—they may be assured that things will go well with them in the land. They will enjoy a productive land and long lives in the land. Although unstated in this particular text, the opposite is implied as well. If they do not obey all that God says and go after foreign gods, they may be assured that
the land will not be fruitful and their days will be short in the land.
Reflect
• Fearing the Lord is shown to be what He commands. Furthermore, the blessing of God is expressly connected with the upholding and doing of His Word in thought and deed. Have you done what He commands in word and deed?
• If we are honest, we will recognize that there are thousands of ways that we have failed to uphold God’s commands in word and deed? If this is so, how is it that we enjoy the blessing of God? Doesn’t God bless those who obey His Word?
• In light of the two previous questions, how does this text lead us to Christ? Think about the life of Christ (see Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5). How does His obedience on our behalf relate to the blessing of God upon us?
• Ultimately, we enjoy the blessing of God through the obedience of Another, Jesus Christ. We are blessed “in Him.” Does that mean that we no longer need to obey God?
• Why do we obey God (see, for example, Galatians 5:13-23)?
The Devotion Demanded (Deut. 6:5-6)
The devotion demanded is expressed in two statements, although careful consideration reveals that verses five and six go hand-in-hand. The Israelites are told in clear terms that their God—revealed as Yahweh—is the only God that exists. All other representations and conceptions of deity apart from Yahweh typify the vain imaginations of men. The God of Israel is the God of the universe and He will permit no rivals to His
throne. Indeed, there are none! In light of the foundational theological truth that God alone is God, the Israelites were commanded to love Him with all their heart, soul, and might. Although we might be tempted to compartmentalize these aspects of love for God, the idea communicated is one of wholehearted devotion. They were to worship and adore God with the totality of their being—intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc. If God is indeed the Lord of everything that exists, He is also the Lord of everyone that exists. The truth of absolute Lordship leads quickly and without exception to the command of absolute obedience.
Reflect
• The Israelites were to affirm the uniqueness of God in the midst of a pagan culture. False gods were in great supply. How does their situation intersect with our own?
• What did total devotion look like for the Israelites? What does it look like in your life?
• Is total devotion possible for us?
The Danger Described (Deut. 6:7-25)
Given the stakes involved and the devotion demanded, God commanded the constant reinforcement of vv. 4-5. The Israelites were to teach them diligently to their children in the course of everyday life. Morning and evening, on the way and at home, Israelites were to instruct future generations of God’s holiness and total Lordship in all areas of life. Even the décor of their homes and parts of their bodies were to bear these
instructions. The total saturation of God’s Word was to match the total demands involved in the command. Furthermore, God knew the propensity in every Israelite heart toward forgetfulness and idolatry. They stood on the brink of the Promised Land—milk and honey, olive trees and vineyards, stocked homes and full cisterns. And they stood on the brink of forgetting the God who would make all these things a reality. Moreover, they would be tempted to turn to other gods, disobeying the foundational command of vv. 4-5 and thereby kindling the wrath and anger of Almighty God. The antidote to this inclination was not a redoubling of their effort but a rehearsing of God’s story (vv. 21-25). The Exodus was behind them, but it was to be ever before them. They were to recount generation unto generation the mighty hand of God in their deliverance from slavery. God defeated Pharaoh, God brought them up, and God gave them the land. In consequence of these truths, how could they rightfully turn away to other gods?
Reflect
• How did the instruction of future generations in Israel proceed? Formally or informally? What does this say about discipleship in our context?
• The tendency of the Israelites was forgetfulness that led to idolatry? Do we see that in our own lives? How does this lead us to Christ? How do we avoid this through the power of Christ?
This week our reading will be from Numbers 29-36 and Deuteronomy 1-15.
Study the Text . . .
The Stakes Involved (Deut. 6:1-3)
This chapter contains some of the most foundational verses in all of the Old Testament. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) was a statement of faith in God and a commitment to love Him with all that we have. Devout Jews would repeat this statement at set times during the day as an affirmation of the uniqueness and holiness of their God. In distinction from the pagan nations surrounding them, God called upon Israel to boldly proclaim His existence alone. Jesus quoted the Shema in Mark 12:29, declaring this
text to be the most concise summary of the entire Law. For Israel, attached to the upholding of this affirmation in word and deed was the
blessing of God. In vv. 1-3, we see that God outlines the stakes involved. If they fear God—keeping his statutes, abstaining from idolatry, etc.—they may be assured that things will go well with them in the land. They will enjoy a productive land and long lives in the land. Although unstated in this particular text, the opposite is implied as well. If they do not obey all that God says and go after foreign gods, they may be assured that
the land will not be fruitful and their days will be short in the land.
Reflect
• Fearing the Lord is shown to be what He commands. Furthermore, the blessing of God is expressly connected with the upholding and doing of His Word in thought and deed. Have you done what He commands in word and deed?
• If we are honest, we will recognize that there are thousands of ways that we have failed to uphold God’s commands in word and deed? If this is so, how is it that we enjoy the blessing of God? Doesn’t God bless those who obey His Word?
• In light of the two previous questions, how does this text lead us to Christ? Think about the life of Christ (see Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5). How does His obedience on our behalf relate to the blessing of God upon us?
• Ultimately, we enjoy the blessing of God through the obedience of Another, Jesus Christ. We are blessed “in Him.” Does that mean that we no longer need to obey God?
• Why do we obey God (see, for example, Galatians 5:13-23)?
The Devotion Demanded (Deut. 6:5-6)
The devotion demanded is expressed in two statements, although careful consideration reveals that verses five and six go hand-in-hand. The Israelites are told in clear terms that their God—revealed as Yahweh—is the only God that exists. All other representations and conceptions of deity apart from Yahweh typify the vain imaginations of men. The God of Israel is the God of the universe and He will permit no rivals to His
throne. Indeed, there are none! In light of the foundational theological truth that God alone is God, the Israelites were commanded to love Him with all their heart, soul, and might. Although we might be tempted to compartmentalize these aspects of love for God, the idea communicated is one of wholehearted devotion. They were to worship and adore God with the totality of their being—intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc. If God is indeed the Lord of everything that exists, He is also the Lord of everyone that exists. The truth of absolute Lordship leads quickly and without exception to the command of absolute obedience.
Reflect
• The Israelites were to affirm the uniqueness of God in the midst of a pagan culture. False gods were in great supply. How does their situation intersect with our own?
• What did total devotion look like for the Israelites? What does it look like in your life?
• Is total devotion possible for us?
The Danger Described (Deut. 6:7-25)
Given the stakes involved and the devotion demanded, God commanded the constant reinforcement of vv. 4-5. The Israelites were to teach them diligently to their children in the course of everyday life. Morning and evening, on the way and at home, Israelites were to instruct future generations of God’s holiness and total Lordship in all areas of life. Even the décor of their homes and parts of their bodies were to bear these
instructions. The total saturation of God’s Word was to match the total demands involved in the command. Furthermore, God knew the propensity in every Israelite heart toward forgetfulness and idolatry. They stood on the brink of the Promised Land—milk and honey, olive trees and vineyards, stocked homes and full cisterns. And they stood on the brink of forgetting the God who would make all these things a reality. Moreover, they would be tempted to turn to other gods, disobeying the foundational command of vv. 4-5 and thereby kindling the wrath and anger of Almighty God. The antidote to this inclination was not a redoubling of their effort but a rehearsing of God’s story (vv. 21-25). The Exodus was behind them, but it was to be ever before them. They were to recount generation unto generation the mighty hand of God in their deliverance from slavery. God defeated Pharaoh, God brought them up, and God gave them the land. In consequence of these truths, how could they rightfully turn away to other gods?
Reflect
• How did the instruction of future generations in Israel proceed? Formally or informally? What does this say about discipleship in our context?
• The tendency of the Israelites was forgetfulness that led to idolatry? Do we see that in our own lives? How does this lead us to Christ? How do we avoid this through the power of Christ?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week 9 (November 28-December 4) Discussion and Reflection Questions
Introduction
This week we will be reading from Numbers 6-28 and Psalms 90 and 95.
Spies and Their Report
The land the Spies are sent to see is the land of God’s promise. This is not the first time they have heard of it. The promise has been a part of their History since it was promised to Abraham and the land has been in their future longer than the memory of any who are living. God has been moving them toward it by His sovereign direction, constantly remembering His promise.
Read Genesis 15:18-21 and Exodus 3:7-8 and remember God’s promises as you study the text.
Numbers Chapter 13: 1-33
• The Lord gives instructions to Moses to send out spies. Notice whose name is changed.
• The spies are chosen for a specific task. They go in from the wilderness to witness the whole of the land. Over forty days they journey the land and see all that Moses asked of them.
• They return with a less than objective report for Moses and for the people.
Reflection
• What is the significance of the name change seen in v.16?
• What similarities do you see in the report from spies and the land described in Ex 3:7-8?
• What examples of faith and faithlessness are clear in this passage?
The Response of Israel
Numbers Chapter 14:1-10
• Despite the spark of faith demonstrated by Caleb, the multitudes of Israel are given to faithlessness. They credit the Lord with bringing them so far but dishonor the provision by asserting that he has brought them to die. Their cries resonate with their disbelief when they were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea (Ex 14:11) and when they were hungry in the wilderness (Ex 16:3). What does their longing for Egypt
communicate?
• Israel goes so far as to call for a new leader. They show no trust in God or His appointed leader Moses.
• Moses and Aaron display their response to the sin of Israel in falling on their faces.
• Joshua and Caleb show their faith in God’s plan and plea for Israel to believe in it also. They say to remember the promise of God for a land of milk and honey and that the Lord was with them.
• Because of their faith, they were treated as enemies in v.10 as their own people desired to kill them. However, to show His glory, God protected them.
Reflection
• Is it more common in the Scriptures for men and women to stand against the crowds or to follow the behavior of masses? What kinds of people follow the masses? What kinds of people take the stand against them? Give examples from this story and others.
• Think in your own life. Which kind of person do you more often resemble? What makes you act one way or the other?
• What word do Joshua and Caleb use to describe the behavior of the Israelites in v.9? Is this too strong of a word?
The Response of God
As children we learn that our disobedience and rebellion against our parents brings consequences. As parents we enforce consequences because we better understand the reason for them. Here we will see the Children of Israel face the consequences of their rebellion against God.
Numbers Chapter 14:11-45
• The Lord speaks to Moses using strong words. He says the people “despise” Him. He is ready to “strike” them and “disinherit” them. Why is Moses seemingly exempt from this treatment?
• Then Moses intercedes for God’s people. He gives an argument that honors the Lord and the Lord hears him.
• God gives the pardon from His wrath because of the plea of Moses, but the current generation is excluded from entering the land that will be given as the fulfillment of God’s Promise to Abraham.
• God sends word to the nation through Moses and Aaron of the consequences of their rebellion. The long-term punishment was promised to the nation and the surety of it enforced in the death of the faithless spies.
• When the people saw the seriousness of the punishment to come they changed their tune. Like a child who does not want to be punished, they sought a way to avoid the consequences coming to them.
• Moses conveyed to them that is was no longer the will of God that they take the land, but they still tried.
• Without the Ark of the Covenant and without Moses, they were defeated and driven out of the land.
Reflection
• Moses is revered throughout the history of God’s people as a great prophet.
Deuteronomy 34:10 claims that there was not yet one greater, but one is promised to be like him in Deuteronomy 18:15. Because of the New Testament we know Jesus is this Prophet. Re-read Numbers 14:13-19. In what ways can you see Moses as a precursor for Jesus Christ?
• At what point in the story did Israel change their tune? What does this say about their motives? Were they trying to avoid punishment or honor God?
• Why did God not take Israel into the land when they decided they would go? What does this say about God’s motives? Was His purpose in this story to get them into the land or to be honored in faith?
• When they did not leave the camp, what did the Ark of the Covenant and Moses symbolize?
This week we will be reading from Numbers 6-28 and Psalms 90 and 95.
Spies and Their Report
The land the Spies are sent to see is the land of God’s promise. This is not the first time they have heard of it. The promise has been a part of their History since it was promised to Abraham and the land has been in their future longer than the memory of any who are living. God has been moving them toward it by His sovereign direction, constantly remembering His promise.
Read Genesis 15:18-21 and Exodus 3:7-8 and remember God’s promises as you study the text.
Numbers Chapter 13: 1-33
• The Lord gives instructions to Moses to send out spies. Notice whose name is changed.
• The spies are chosen for a specific task. They go in from the wilderness to witness the whole of the land. Over forty days they journey the land and see all that Moses asked of them.
• They return with a less than objective report for Moses and for the people.
Reflection
• What is the significance of the name change seen in v.16?
• What similarities do you see in the report from spies and the land described in Ex 3:7-8?
• What examples of faith and faithlessness are clear in this passage?
The Response of Israel
Numbers Chapter 14:1-10
• Despite the spark of faith demonstrated by Caleb, the multitudes of Israel are given to faithlessness. They credit the Lord with bringing them so far but dishonor the provision by asserting that he has brought them to die. Their cries resonate with their disbelief when they were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea (Ex 14:11) and when they were hungry in the wilderness (Ex 16:3). What does their longing for Egypt
communicate?
• Israel goes so far as to call for a new leader. They show no trust in God or His appointed leader Moses.
• Moses and Aaron display their response to the sin of Israel in falling on their faces.
• Joshua and Caleb show their faith in God’s plan and plea for Israel to believe in it also. They say to remember the promise of God for a land of milk and honey and that the Lord was with them.
• Because of their faith, they were treated as enemies in v.10 as their own people desired to kill them. However, to show His glory, God protected them.
Reflection
• Is it more common in the Scriptures for men and women to stand against the crowds or to follow the behavior of masses? What kinds of people follow the masses? What kinds of people take the stand against them? Give examples from this story and others.
• Think in your own life. Which kind of person do you more often resemble? What makes you act one way or the other?
• What word do Joshua and Caleb use to describe the behavior of the Israelites in v.9? Is this too strong of a word?
The Response of God
As children we learn that our disobedience and rebellion against our parents brings consequences. As parents we enforce consequences because we better understand the reason for them. Here we will see the Children of Israel face the consequences of their rebellion against God.
Numbers Chapter 14:11-45
• The Lord speaks to Moses using strong words. He says the people “despise” Him. He is ready to “strike” them and “disinherit” them. Why is Moses seemingly exempt from this treatment?
• Then Moses intercedes for God’s people. He gives an argument that honors the Lord and the Lord hears him.
• God gives the pardon from His wrath because of the plea of Moses, but the current generation is excluded from entering the land that will be given as the fulfillment of God’s Promise to Abraham.
• God sends word to the nation through Moses and Aaron of the consequences of their rebellion. The long-term punishment was promised to the nation and the surety of it enforced in the death of the faithless spies.
• When the people saw the seriousness of the punishment to come they changed their tune. Like a child who does not want to be punished, they sought a way to avoid the consequences coming to them.
• Moses conveyed to them that is was no longer the will of God that they take the land, but they still tried.
• Without the Ark of the Covenant and without Moses, they were defeated and driven out of the land.
Reflection
• Moses is revered throughout the history of God’s people as a great prophet.
Deuteronomy 34:10 claims that there was not yet one greater, but one is promised to be like him in Deuteronomy 18:15. Because of the New Testament we know Jesus is this Prophet. Re-read Numbers 14:13-19. In what ways can you see Moses as a precursor for Jesus Christ?
• At what point in the story did Israel change their tune? What does this say about their motives? Were they trying to avoid punishment or honor God?
• Why did God not take Israel into the land when they decided they would go? What does this say about God’s motives? Was His purpose in this story to get them into the land or to be honored in faith?
• When they did not leave the camp, what did the Ark of the Covenant and Moses symbolize?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week 8 (November 21-27) Discussion and Application Questions
Introduction
This week we will be reading from Leviticus 11 - 27 and Numbers 1-5.
On the Day of Atonement the high priest (as the people’s representative) came before the mercy seat of God.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 10:1-3 and Leviticus 16:1-5.
• What was the consequence for entering the presence of God in an inappropriate manner?
• Where did God appear? Is there significance in this location?
• How does God tell Aaron to prepare to enter the Holy Place? What is the emphasis of the preparation? How is purity or holiness represented? (see v. 4)
• In verses 3 and 5, what does Aaron bring with him? (offerings/sacrifices)
Application
• Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. Remember the “you” is plural. Since the church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, how should this affect our approach to corporate worship?
• How do we prepare or not prepare for corporate worship today?
• What should be the emphasis of our preparation (internal or external or both)?
• What sacrifice paves the way for us to have fellowship with God? (see Romans 3:25, which describes Christ in a way that references the Day of Atonement)
• What offerings can we bring to God in worship as a church and as individuals, not to earn forgiveness, but as a response to forgiveness?
Aaron had to sacrifice offerings for himself and for the people.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 16:6-19.
• Who does Aaron sacrifice for first?
• Who does he sacrifice for next? (v. 15)
• What is the scope of the forgiveness offered? (v. 16)
• In verse 13, what is the purpose of the incense? Does Aaron get a full view of the glory of God?
Application
• Read Hebrews 7:27 and Hebrews 9:12. Did Jesus need to sacrifice for Himself? Why not? What did Jesus offer instead of the blood of goats and bulls? What is the scope of Jesus’ sacrifice?
• Can anyone really atone for his or her sins apart from trusting in the work of Jesus Christ?
• How should Jesus’ perfect sacrifice give us perfect assurance of our forgiveness?
• Is any sin beyond the scope of God’s forgiveness? Explain.
• Read Hebrews 1:3. How do we see the glory of God? How is it unveiled? How should this focus our worship?
• Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. Who is being transformed into the image of God (reflecting his glory)? How? To what degree? How should this humble us? Encourage us? Symbolically, the scapegoat took on and then removed the sins of the people, along with the other sacrifices.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 16:20-28.
• How many sins does the live goat representatively take on itself?
• How does v. 22 represent the forgiveness and removal of sins? Read Psalm 103:12.
• Once forgiven, does God remember our sin? Explain. (See Isaiah 43:25.)
Application
• As forgiven saints, how should we view our past sins?
• Read Hebrews 13:11-13. How does the writer of Hebrews connect Jesus to the burning of the bodies outside the camp?
• Since Christ bore our shame is there any reason we should be ashamed of Him? Nevertheless, in what ways or situations are we sometimes ashamed to identify with Him?
• Read Hebrews 13:14-16. How should we now live in response to Christ’s sacrifice? In relation to God? In relation to others?
The Day of Atonement occurred yearly and was marked by rest and repentance. Christ offers something much better; He sacrificed Himself once for all. Our response is to rest in His work and repent of our sins.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 16:29-34.
• How often did the Day of Atonement occur?
• How many people were involved? Who was the one person who could enter the Tabernacle before the mercy seat? How is Jesus our High Priest? How is Jesus our Perfect Sacrifice?
• How were the people supposed to observe the Day of Atonement? (v. 31)
• How are repentance and rest connected? In whom were the Israelites to put their faith?
Application
• Read Hebrews 9:25-26 and 10:11-14. How is Christ’s sacrifice better than all others?
• Is there any way to God except through Christ and His death on our behalf?
• How should we mourn our sin?
• How can we rest in Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf?
This week we will be reading from Leviticus 11 - 27 and Numbers 1-5.
On the Day of Atonement the high priest (as the people’s representative) came before the mercy seat of God.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 10:1-3 and Leviticus 16:1-5.
• What was the consequence for entering the presence of God in an inappropriate manner?
• Where did God appear? Is there significance in this location?
• How does God tell Aaron to prepare to enter the Holy Place? What is the emphasis of the preparation? How is purity or holiness represented? (see v. 4)
• In verses 3 and 5, what does Aaron bring with him? (offerings/sacrifices)
Application
• Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. Remember the “you” is plural. Since the church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, how should this affect our approach to corporate worship?
• How do we prepare or not prepare for corporate worship today?
• What should be the emphasis of our preparation (internal or external or both)?
• What sacrifice paves the way for us to have fellowship with God? (see Romans 3:25, which describes Christ in a way that references the Day of Atonement)
• What offerings can we bring to God in worship as a church and as individuals, not to earn forgiveness, but as a response to forgiveness?
Aaron had to sacrifice offerings for himself and for the people.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 16:6-19.
• Who does Aaron sacrifice for first?
• Who does he sacrifice for next? (v. 15)
• What is the scope of the forgiveness offered? (v. 16)
• In verse 13, what is the purpose of the incense? Does Aaron get a full view of the glory of God?
Application
• Read Hebrews 7:27 and Hebrews 9:12. Did Jesus need to sacrifice for Himself? Why not? What did Jesus offer instead of the blood of goats and bulls? What is the scope of Jesus’ sacrifice?
• Can anyone really atone for his or her sins apart from trusting in the work of Jesus Christ?
• How should Jesus’ perfect sacrifice give us perfect assurance of our forgiveness?
• Is any sin beyond the scope of God’s forgiveness? Explain.
• Read Hebrews 1:3. How do we see the glory of God? How is it unveiled? How should this focus our worship?
• Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. Who is being transformed into the image of God (reflecting his glory)? How? To what degree? How should this humble us? Encourage us? Symbolically, the scapegoat took on and then removed the sins of the people, along with the other sacrifices.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 16:20-28.
• How many sins does the live goat representatively take on itself?
• How does v. 22 represent the forgiveness and removal of sins? Read Psalm 103:12.
• Once forgiven, does God remember our sin? Explain. (See Isaiah 43:25.)
Application
• As forgiven saints, how should we view our past sins?
• Read Hebrews 13:11-13. How does the writer of Hebrews connect Jesus to the burning of the bodies outside the camp?
• Since Christ bore our shame is there any reason we should be ashamed of Him? Nevertheless, in what ways or situations are we sometimes ashamed to identify with Him?
• Read Hebrews 13:14-16. How should we now live in response to Christ’s sacrifice? In relation to God? In relation to others?
The Day of Atonement occurred yearly and was marked by rest and repentance. Christ offers something much better; He sacrificed Himself once for all. Our response is to rest in His work and repent of our sins.
Discussion
• Read Leviticus 16:29-34.
• How often did the Day of Atonement occur?
• How many people were involved? Who was the one person who could enter the Tabernacle before the mercy seat? How is Jesus our High Priest? How is Jesus our Perfect Sacrifice?
• How were the people supposed to observe the Day of Atonement? (v. 31)
• How are repentance and rest connected? In whom were the Israelites to put their faith?
Application
• Read Hebrews 9:25-26 and 10:11-14. How is Christ’s sacrifice better than all others?
• Is there any way to God except through Christ and His death on our behalf?
• How should we mourn our sin?
• How can we rest in Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week 7 (November 14 - 20) Discussion and Application Questions
Introduction
This week we will be reading from Exodus 29-40 and Leviticus 1-10.
God Revealed Himself to Moses
· God is merciful. God is just. God is jealous.
· God’s glory is God’s greatest concern.
· God gave Moses the desires of his heart.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 34:1-14.
· How does God describe Himself in His appearance to Moses? What do those perfections/characteristics mean?
· Why do you think He revealed Himself to Moses this way?
· What are Moses’ three requests of the Lord? Why do you think he made these requests?
· What is the Lord’s response? What does His response tell us about Him?
· From verses 10 and 14, what do we see as the intent of God’s action?
Application
· How do we sometimes misunderstand the mercy of God? How do we sometimes misunderstand the justice of God? Who can we look to in order to properly balance our perspective? (Colossians 1:15)
· How is the awesome work of the Lord shown among the nations today?
· What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? What does it mean for us to be jealous for God’s name? How can we esteem Him more?
· Do you think we really God’s presence with us, like Moses did?
God was with Israel in the Tabernacle
· The Tabernacle was the place where God’s mercy and justice met.
· The Tabernacle was holy because God is holy. His presence was to be honored.
· God’s people were led by His presence
Discussion
· Read Exodus 40.
· How was the Tabernacle the place where God’s mercy and justice met?
· How was the Tabernacle treated as holy (set apart) by the people? Why do you think God wanted the Tabernacle to be treated in such a special manner? Why so much care in the preparations?
· Read Leviticus 10:1-3 and Hebrews 10:19-22. Can we come before the Lord any way we want? What/Who is the only way we can draw near to God?
· Why do you think God’s directing presence was so valued by the Israelites? (40:36-38) Do you think it was comforting? Frightening?
· How is the Tabernacle (God’s presence) part of the answer to Moses’ request in Exodus 34:9 and 33:18?
Application
· How is God present with us today? Do we respect and honor the presence of God as we should? Why or why not?
· Do we rely on God to lead us today like the Israelites did? How so? How can we sometimes reject the leading of God?
· Do we follow God’s commands for worship with the same intensity that the Israelites did? How do we prepare ourselves for worship? Do we worship in spirit and in truth? Do we lift up Christ above all in our worship?
· God equipped His people to provide everything for the Tabernacle. What parallels can be drawn to the Church today? What parallels can be drawn to our individual lives?
· How is the Church, the new tabernacle, the expression of where God’s mercy and justice meet?
The Tabernacle Points to Christ and then to the Holy Spirit Dwelling Within Us
· God in Christ came to dwell among us.
· The Incarnation is worthy of awe.
· The Holy Spirit indwells the children of God.
· The Spirit lives in us, guides us, and applies mercy/assurance and conviction to our hearts. This is an amazing truth!
Discussion
· Read John 1:14. John is intentionally referring back to the concept of the Tabernacle in his word choice (“dwelt among us” ESV). Also read Colossians 1:19.
· How is Christ’s Incarnation similar but superior to the Tabernacle? Read John 1:15-18. What do we see in Jesus that was not as clear before?
· Compare and contrast Luke 2:6-7 with Exodus 40:34-35. What do we see of God’s nature in these two accounts?
· Read Hebrews 9:1-15, 23-28. How did Christ’s death fulfill everything the Tabernacle (and later Temple) represented?
· Now God dwells in His people, how? Read John 3:3-8.
· Read 1 Corinthians 3:16 (note the “you” is plural; the church) and 1 Corinthians 6:19. Who is God’s temple? Where is God’s presence? How is this humbling? How is it also challenging?
· Read John 14:16-17; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 3:16-19; and 1 Thessalonians 1:5. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit within us help and strengthen us? What does He do in our lives?
Application
· Read Philippians 2:5-11. How should the humility of the Incarnation affect our attitudes?
· Christ died once for sin. Contrast that with the incredible number of sacrifices required of the Israelites (daily, yearly). How should a full grasp of Christ’s atoning death affect our view of our sin? How does this increase our gratitude and love for Christ? How does this cut off any possibility of salvation by works? When we are convicted of sin, to whom
should we turn? When we feel guilty for already confessed sin, what should our response
be?
· If the Church is God’s Temple how should we treat each other? If our bodies are God’s Temple, how should we treat ourselves?
· How should the Holy Spirit’s presence comfort us? Convict us?
· Why do you think our lives are not always characterized by the power of the Spirit?
· How does the Holy Spirit‘s presence in us confirm the love of God for us?
· Read Romans 8:26-27 again. How can these verses give us confidence in prayer?
This week we will be reading from Exodus 29-40 and Leviticus 1-10.
God Revealed Himself to Moses
· God is merciful. God is just. God is jealous.
· God’s glory is God’s greatest concern.
· God gave Moses the desires of his heart.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 34:1-14.
· How does God describe Himself in His appearance to Moses? What do those perfections/characteristics mean?
· Why do you think He revealed Himself to Moses this way?
· What are Moses’ three requests of the Lord? Why do you think he made these requests?
· What is the Lord’s response? What does His response tell us about Him?
· From verses 10 and 14, what do we see as the intent of God’s action?
Application
· How do we sometimes misunderstand the mercy of God? How do we sometimes misunderstand the justice of God? Who can we look to in order to properly balance our perspective? (Colossians 1:15)
· How is the awesome work of the Lord shown among the nations today?
· What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? What does it mean for us to be jealous for God’s name? How can we esteem Him more?
· Do you think we really God’s presence with us, like Moses did?
God was with Israel in the Tabernacle
· The Tabernacle was the place where God’s mercy and justice met.
· The Tabernacle was holy because God is holy. His presence was to be honored.
· God’s people were led by His presence
Discussion
· Read Exodus 40.
· How was the Tabernacle the place where God’s mercy and justice met?
· How was the Tabernacle treated as holy (set apart) by the people? Why do you think God wanted the Tabernacle to be treated in such a special manner? Why so much care in the preparations?
· Read Leviticus 10:1-3 and Hebrews 10:19-22. Can we come before the Lord any way we want? What/Who is the only way we can draw near to God?
· Why do you think God’s directing presence was so valued by the Israelites? (40:36-38) Do you think it was comforting? Frightening?
· How is the Tabernacle (God’s presence) part of the answer to Moses’ request in Exodus 34:9 and 33:18?
Application
· How is God present with us today? Do we respect and honor the presence of God as we should? Why or why not?
· Do we rely on God to lead us today like the Israelites did? How so? How can we sometimes reject the leading of God?
· Do we follow God’s commands for worship with the same intensity that the Israelites did? How do we prepare ourselves for worship? Do we worship in spirit and in truth? Do we lift up Christ above all in our worship?
· God equipped His people to provide everything for the Tabernacle. What parallels can be drawn to the Church today? What parallels can be drawn to our individual lives?
· How is the Church, the new tabernacle, the expression of where God’s mercy and justice meet?
The Tabernacle Points to Christ and then to the Holy Spirit Dwelling Within Us
· God in Christ came to dwell among us.
· The Incarnation is worthy of awe.
· The Holy Spirit indwells the children of God.
· The Spirit lives in us, guides us, and applies mercy/assurance and conviction to our hearts. This is an amazing truth!
Discussion
· Read John 1:14. John is intentionally referring back to the concept of the Tabernacle in his word choice (“dwelt among us” ESV). Also read Colossians 1:19.
· How is Christ’s Incarnation similar but superior to the Tabernacle? Read John 1:15-18. What do we see in Jesus that was not as clear before?
· Compare and contrast Luke 2:6-7 with Exodus 40:34-35. What do we see of God’s nature in these two accounts?
· Read Hebrews 9:1-15, 23-28. How did Christ’s death fulfill everything the Tabernacle (and later Temple) represented?
· Now God dwells in His people, how? Read John 3:3-8.
· Read 1 Corinthians 3:16 (note the “you” is plural; the church) and 1 Corinthians 6:19. Who is God’s temple? Where is God’s presence? How is this humbling? How is it also challenging?
· Read John 14:16-17; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 3:16-19; and 1 Thessalonians 1:5. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit within us help and strengthen us? What does He do in our lives?
Application
· Read Philippians 2:5-11. How should the humility of the Incarnation affect our attitudes?
· Christ died once for sin. Contrast that with the incredible number of sacrifices required of the Israelites (daily, yearly). How should a full grasp of Christ’s atoning death affect our view of our sin? How does this increase our gratitude and love for Christ? How does this cut off any possibility of salvation by works? When we are convicted of sin, to whom
should we turn? When we feel guilty for already confessed sin, what should our response
be?
· If the Church is God’s Temple how should we treat each other? If our bodies are God’s Temple, how should we treat ourselves?
· How should the Holy Spirit’s presence comfort us? Convict us?
· Why do you think our lives are not always characterized by the power of the Spirit?
· How does the Holy Spirit‘s presence in us confirm the love of God for us?
· Read Romans 8:26-27 again. How can these verses give us confidence in prayer?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Week 6 (November 7-13) Discussion and Application Questions
Introduction
This week we will be reading from the book of Exodus 5-28.
God is our Deliverer
· God’s redemption cannot be hindered by evil.
· God’s mighty power will always prevail.
· God’s purposes cannot fail.
· God brings freedom from slavery, death and sin.
Discussion
· Summarize the events of Exodus 7-14.
· Do you think the Israelites ever doubted God’s power during the 10 plagues? Why or why not? Did it ever seem like Pharaoh’s will was stronger than God’s?
· Ultimately why do you think God sent 10 plagues? Couldn’t He have shown His superior power in one plague at the very beginning?
· Think of Pharaoh. Why do people rage against God? Why do wicked men continue in wickedness? What is their ultimate end?
· How does God use evil to accomplish His purposes?
· Read 14:31. What is the Israelites’ response to God’s powerful deliverance?
Application
· How can the story of the exodus encourage and comfort His people today?
· How does the story of the exodus relate to Christ’s deliverance of us? How did He save us? What were we enslaved by? What have we been freed from? What are we freed to do?
· Read Exodus 15:1-21 together in response to God’s great deeds.
God provides for and preserves His people
· God delivered His people through the Passover.
· God preserved His people at the Red Sea.
· God supplied His people with manna and quail and water.
· God knows His people’s needs. They must trust Him.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 12:1-30. How did God provide for His people in the Passover? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? What are your reactions to this story?
· Read Exodus 14:10-31. In verse 10, of whom are the Israelites terrified? Whom do they fear in verse 31? Why is this significant? In fear, the Israelites cried out to God. Then what did they do? (verses 11-12) What is Moses’ response? Does he put the attention on himself or someone else?
Who will fight for the people? What do the people need to do?
· Read Exodus 16:11 and 17:6. How did God provide? Did He tire of providing? Why do you think the people kept complaining?
· Read John 6:32, 33, 35, 51; John 7:37-38. How do you see Jesus in Exodus?
Application
· Does God know our needs and our circumstances? Why do we fear in trying times?
· What comfort can we draw from these stories of deliverance? What do we need to confess?
· Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. What does the Holy Spirit, writing through Paul, want us to learn from the Israelites’ experience?
· How is Jesus the answer to all our needs?
· How can we learn to be still and trust God?
God Acts on Behalf of His People for the Sake of His Glory Among the Nations
· God will draw people to Himself.
· God will send His people out to bless the nations.
· God will ensure that all nations see His glory.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 12:26-27. How is God drawing future generations to Himself?
· Is it possible that God drew some Egyptians to Himself through the plagues? (see 9:20 and 12:38).
· Read Exodus 15:14-16. How is God gaining fame among the nations?
· Read Exodus 18:1, 9-12. What is Jethro’s response to the exodus?
Application
· Does God act for His people only for their sakes?
· Is God’s plan of redemption only for some people or for all people?
· How do our testimonies serve as a witness to others?
· How does judgment draw people to God? How does mercy do the same?
· How should God’s desire for the nations affect our hearts?
· Why is God worthy of all worship?
God’s Laws are Good and Just
· God does not desire empty obedience.
· God desires a heart that loves His law.
· God saves His people through Christ.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 20:1-21.
· What strikes you as you read these verses again?
· How do these laws reflect God’s perfect character?
· Read Exodus 22:21-27 and 23:1-9. How do these laws reflect God’s character?
· Are these laws difficult to follow? Why or why not? Is perfect obedience possible? Why or why not?
Application
· Since perfect obedience is not possible, what/Who does the Law drive us to? Who alone has perfectly fulfilled the Law? Who alone can save us and give us His righteousness? (Romans 3:19-26; Philippians 3:8-9)
· How can our hearts be changed to be like Christ’s?
· How do these laws relate to contemporary American society?
· How can God’s Word affect our business, our politics, our family life, etc?
This week we will be reading from the book of Exodus 5-28.
God is our Deliverer
· God’s redemption cannot be hindered by evil.
· God’s mighty power will always prevail.
· God’s purposes cannot fail.
· God brings freedom from slavery, death and sin.
Discussion
· Summarize the events of Exodus 7-14.
· Do you think the Israelites ever doubted God’s power during the 10 plagues? Why or why not? Did it ever seem like Pharaoh’s will was stronger than God’s?
· Ultimately why do you think God sent 10 plagues? Couldn’t He have shown His superior power in one plague at the very beginning?
· Think of Pharaoh. Why do people rage against God? Why do wicked men continue in wickedness? What is their ultimate end?
· How does God use evil to accomplish His purposes?
· Read 14:31. What is the Israelites’ response to God’s powerful deliverance?
Application
· How can the story of the exodus encourage and comfort His people today?
· How does the story of the exodus relate to Christ’s deliverance of us? How did He save us? What were we enslaved by? What have we been freed from? What are we freed to do?
· Read Exodus 15:1-21 together in response to God’s great deeds.
God provides for and preserves His people
· God delivered His people through the Passover.
· God preserved His people at the Red Sea.
· God supplied His people with manna and quail and water.
· God knows His people’s needs. They must trust Him.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 12:1-30. How did God provide for His people in the Passover? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? What are your reactions to this story?
· Read Exodus 14:10-31. In verse 10, of whom are the Israelites terrified? Whom do they fear in verse 31? Why is this significant? In fear, the Israelites cried out to God. Then what did they do? (verses 11-12) What is Moses’ response? Does he put the attention on himself or someone else?
Who will fight for the people? What do the people need to do?
· Read Exodus 16:11 and 17:6. How did God provide? Did He tire of providing? Why do you think the people kept complaining?
· Read John 6:32, 33, 35, 51; John 7:37-38. How do you see Jesus in Exodus?
Application
· Does God know our needs and our circumstances? Why do we fear in trying times?
· What comfort can we draw from these stories of deliverance? What do we need to confess?
· Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. What does the Holy Spirit, writing through Paul, want us to learn from the Israelites’ experience?
· How is Jesus the answer to all our needs?
· How can we learn to be still and trust God?
God Acts on Behalf of His People for the Sake of His Glory Among the Nations
· God will draw people to Himself.
· God will send His people out to bless the nations.
· God will ensure that all nations see His glory.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 12:26-27. How is God drawing future generations to Himself?
· Is it possible that God drew some Egyptians to Himself through the plagues? (see 9:20 and 12:38).
· Read Exodus 15:14-16. How is God gaining fame among the nations?
· Read Exodus 18:1, 9-12. What is Jethro’s response to the exodus?
Application
· Does God act for His people only for their sakes?
· Is God’s plan of redemption only for some people or for all people?
· How do our testimonies serve as a witness to others?
· How does judgment draw people to God? How does mercy do the same?
· How should God’s desire for the nations affect our hearts?
· Why is God worthy of all worship?
God’s Laws are Good and Just
· God does not desire empty obedience.
· God desires a heart that loves His law.
· God saves His people through Christ.
Discussion
· Read Exodus 20:1-21.
· What strikes you as you read these verses again?
· How do these laws reflect God’s perfect character?
· Read Exodus 22:21-27 and 23:1-9. How do these laws reflect God’s character?
· Are these laws difficult to follow? Why or why not? Is perfect obedience possible? Why or why not?
Application
· Since perfect obedience is not possible, what/Who does the Law drive us to? Who alone has perfectly fulfilled the Law? Who alone can save us and give us His righteousness? (Romans 3:19-26; Philippians 3:8-9)
· How can our hearts be changed to be like Christ’s?
· How do these laws relate to contemporary American society?
· How can God’s Word affect our business, our politics, our family life, etc?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 5 (October 31 -November 6) Discussion and Application Questions
Introduction
This week we will be completing our reading in Job (Ch. 25-42), explore a bit of Psalms and start in Exodus 1-4.
God is Always at Work and is Always in Control
• Sometimes God seems silent. He is not defined by our schedule.
• But God is always working out His story of redemption in the world.
• God’s people can be confident that He remains active on their behalf for their good and for the sake of His own glory.
Discussion
• Read Exodus 1.
• Reread 1:1-7, 12, 20. How is God’s promise to Abraham being fulfilled?
• Read Exodus 12:40. 430 years is a long time for us. But God was building a nation the entire time. God’s plans were on schedule. Read Genesis 15:13-14.
• How do fulfilled promises and prophecies glorify God and His Word?
Application
• How can God’s trustworthiness give us hope in the midst of difficult circumstances?
• How can God’s faithfulness inspire our patience and trust?
• How can this story teach us to pray in the midst of suffering?
• How can these Scriptures encourage us as we pray, give, and go for the lost of Salem and the world, even those who seem unreachable? (i.e., they’ve been followers of another religion for so many years; they’ve personally rejected God for so long, etc.). See Revelation 7:9-10.
God can use Radical Obedience to Create Radical Change
• The midwives and Moses’ mother took big risks. God blessed it.
• God uses behind-the-scenes people to accomplish His purposes.
• God orchestrated everything according to His will.
Discussion
• Read Exodus 2:1-10. Review 1:15-22.
• Why did the midwives risk disobeying the king? (1:17)
• Why do you think Moses’ mother decided to hide Moses?
• Describe all the factors that had to come together for baby Moses to be protected and ultimately saved?
• Who is in control here, God or the pharaoh?
• What role did God use Moses’ mother to play in the deliverance of Israel?
Application
• What is the root of radical obedience?
• What are the results of radical obedience in this passage of Scripture and beyond?
• Did God bless this type of obedience? Will God bless radical obedience today? Can this obedience take many forms, “big” or “small”? Does radical obedience always have a happy ending (from an earthly perspective)? Why or why not?
• How can radical obedience create radical change in the world? What kind of radical change do you/does God want to see in the world? What kind of radical obedience will it take?
• How can this Scripture encourage those who work behind-the-scenes?
• How can God’s sovereignty give confidence to our lives?
• What are some ways God has protected you?
God Hears the Cries of His People
• God always hears our prayers.
• He sees our suffering and cares for us.
• God sent a deliverer for Israel. God sent His Son to deliver us.
Discussion
• Read Exodus 2:11 through Exodus 4 (end).
• Review 2:23-25. Did God hear the people when they cried out earlier (assuming they did)? Why or why not? Why did God not act earlier?
• Does God care about our sufferings?
• Review Exodus 3:7-9. Was God unaware of their sufferings earlier? Did prayer tell God something He didn’t know? Who is ultimately the Deliverer of Israel? (verse 8) How does this passage reinforce Job’s statements in Job 19:25-27?
• Who is our Deliverer? What has He delivered us from? How is Moses a foreshadowing of Christ?
Application
• Why should we keep on praying in the midst of suffering?
• How can God’s intimate knowledge of our problems and His care for us give us comfort?
• What has Jesus delivered you from? What is He delivering you from today?
• Give thanks to God for delivering you.
God is Faithful
• God does not give up on His plans.
• God does not give up on His people. (See also 2 Timothy 2:13)
• God is merciful to us. Our response is worship and obedience.
Discussion
• More than 400 years passed. But God did not forget His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How does God introduce Himself to Moses? (3:6)
• How does the name “I AM” give us insight into God’s view of time? Insight into his greatness?
• Did God give up on Moses after he killed an Egyptian? Did God give up on Moses when he was tending sheep in the wilderness? Did God give up on Moses when he made excuses? Why not? What does this tell us about God?
• What is the proper response to God’s Deliverer? (Read 4:31)
Application
• Do you believe God has plans for you, to use you? Why or why not? What do you think are some of those plans? What are some of the plans God has revealed in His Word?
• Does God give up on His people when they fail, when they sin? Is God patient with us? What are the results of our disobedience? What are the results of our obedience?
• How does God’s faithfulness convict us? How does it encourage us after we sin?
• God mercifully sent His Son to redeem us. What is our response to be?
• Spend some time praising God for His mercies.
This week we will be completing our reading in Job (Ch. 25-42), explore a bit of Psalms and start in Exodus 1-4.
God is Always at Work and is Always in Control
• Sometimes God seems silent. He is not defined by our schedule.
• But God is always working out His story of redemption in the world.
• God’s people can be confident that He remains active on their behalf for their good and for the sake of His own glory.
Discussion
• Read Exodus 1.
• Reread 1:1-7, 12, 20. How is God’s promise to Abraham being fulfilled?
• Read Exodus 12:40. 430 years is a long time for us. But God was building a nation the entire time. God’s plans were on schedule. Read Genesis 15:13-14.
• How do fulfilled promises and prophecies glorify God and His Word?
Application
• How can God’s trustworthiness give us hope in the midst of difficult circumstances?
• How can God’s faithfulness inspire our patience and trust?
• How can this story teach us to pray in the midst of suffering?
• How can these Scriptures encourage us as we pray, give, and go for the lost of Salem and the world, even those who seem unreachable? (i.e., they’ve been followers of another religion for so many years; they’ve personally rejected God for so long, etc.). See Revelation 7:9-10.
God can use Radical Obedience to Create Radical Change
• The midwives and Moses’ mother took big risks. God blessed it.
• God uses behind-the-scenes people to accomplish His purposes.
• God orchestrated everything according to His will.
Discussion
• Read Exodus 2:1-10. Review 1:15-22.
• Why did the midwives risk disobeying the king? (1:17)
• Why do you think Moses’ mother decided to hide Moses?
• Describe all the factors that had to come together for baby Moses to be protected and ultimately saved?
• Who is in control here, God or the pharaoh?
• What role did God use Moses’ mother to play in the deliverance of Israel?
Application
• What is the root of radical obedience?
• What are the results of radical obedience in this passage of Scripture and beyond?
• Did God bless this type of obedience? Will God bless radical obedience today? Can this obedience take many forms, “big” or “small”? Does radical obedience always have a happy ending (from an earthly perspective)? Why or why not?
• How can radical obedience create radical change in the world? What kind of radical change do you/does God want to see in the world? What kind of radical obedience will it take?
• How can this Scripture encourage those who work behind-the-scenes?
• How can God’s sovereignty give confidence to our lives?
• What are some ways God has protected you?
God Hears the Cries of His People
• God always hears our prayers.
• He sees our suffering and cares for us.
• God sent a deliverer for Israel. God sent His Son to deliver us.
Discussion
• Read Exodus 2:11 through Exodus 4 (end).
• Review 2:23-25. Did God hear the people when they cried out earlier (assuming they did)? Why or why not? Why did God not act earlier?
• Does God care about our sufferings?
• Review Exodus 3:7-9. Was God unaware of their sufferings earlier? Did prayer tell God something He didn’t know? Who is ultimately the Deliverer of Israel? (verse 8) How does this passage reinforce Job’s statements in Job 19:25-27?
• Who is our Deliverer? What has He delivered us from? How is Moses a foreshadowing of Christ?
Application
• Why should we keep on praying in the midst of suffering?
• How can God’s intimate knowledge of our problems and His care for us give us comfort?
• What has Jesus delivered you from? What is He delivering you from today?
• Give thanks to God for delivering you.
God is Faithful
• God does not give up on His plans.
• God does not give up on His people. (See also 2 Timothy 2:13)
• God is merciful to us. Our response is worship and obedience.
Discussion
• More than 400 years passed. But God did not forget His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. How does God introduce Himself to Moses? (3:6)
• How does the name “I AM” give us insight into God’s view of time? Insight into his greatness?
• Did God give up on Moses after he killed an Egyptian? Did God give up on Moses when he was tending sheep in the wilderness? Did God give up on Moses when he made excuses? Why not? What does this tell us about God?
• What is the proper response to God’s Deliverer? (Read 4:31)
Application
• Do you believe God has plans for you, to use you? Why or why not? What do you think are some of those plans? What are some of the plans God has revealed in His Word?
• Does God give up on His people when they fail, when they sin? Is God patient with us? What are the results of our disobedience? What are the results of our obedience?
• How does God’s faithfulness convict us? How does it encourage us after we sin?
• God mercifully sent His Son to redeem us. What is our response to be?
• Spend some time praising God for His mercies.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Week 4 (October 24-30) Discussion and Application Questions
Introduction
In week four we will be reading through Job chapters 1-24.
Suffering is Often Unexplainable
• Job followed God’s commands faithfully.
• Job’s attention came from his integrity.
• Job was unaware of spiritual conflict.
Discussion
• Read Job 1:1-12.
• Describe Job’s service to God. How did God describe Job?
• Why did Satan notice Job? Why was God pointing him out to Satan?
• Was Job ever made aware of the spiritual conflict that arose in heaven?
Application
• What is our first reaction to seeing that God pointed Job out to Satan? What does our answer indicate about our belief in God’s sovereignty and goodness?
• Why does our culture often feel that believers who are faithful do not deserve to suffer? Is that a biblical perspective?
• What is the point in serving God faithfully if we may encounter the same, if not greater, hardships as everyone else?
• Would suffering actually be easier if we understood the reason? Why does it matter?
God is Always Worthy of Worship
• God remains in control of all situations.
• God’s worth is not dependent on circumstances.
Discussion
• Read Job 1:13-2:13.
• List the categories of loss that Job experienced.
• Looking at Job 2:3, 5-6, who was actually in control of Job’s suffering?
• In Job 2:3 God asserts responsibility for Job’s first round of sufferings. What does this indicate about God’s supreme control in the world?
• In Job 1:12 and 2:5-6, Satan basically asks God for permission to cause harm to Job. What does this indicate about God’s control over Satan?
• How did Job respond to these disasters?
• Why did Job praise God?
Application
• Why can it make us feel uneasy to know that God gave permission to harm Job?
• What kind of God would He be if He were not in control? Would we rather He be helpless to Satan’s desires or in control of His plan? Why?
• How is there comfort in knowing that He is control in the midst of our suffering?
• Why is it often difficult to praise God in our suffering?
• What are we saying about God if we believe that His worth is determined by our circumstances? Would He truly be God if He were dependent upon our lives?
Suffering is Not Partial
• Job’s suffering was not a product of discipline, sin, or disbelief.
• Followers of God are not immune to suffering.
Discussion
• Read Job 5:17-18. What did Job’s friends assert about Job?
• What did their assertion assume about God?
• Read Job 42:7. Why did God rebuke Job’s friends? What did God’s rebuke of the friends indicate about their beliefs?
Application
• How can we be true friends to those who are suffering?
• Why do we often say things contrary to God’s word in an effort to comfort or give advice? Why is this so dangerous?
• Why does it scare us to think that believers should be immune from suffering?
• How can suffering in the life of a believer bring glory to God? God Often Reveals Himself during Suffering
• God remains supreme at all times.
• True understanding of God demands submission.
Discussion
• Read Job 38-39.
• How did God respond to Job’s request for vindication from God?
• Describe the picture that God painted of Himself to Job.
• Read Job 42:1-6.
• How did Job respond to God’s conversation?
• What does Job admit about his knowledge of God’s ways?
• How did Job indicate that he had grown in his knowledge of God?
• What role did Job’s suffering play in revealing God more deeply to Job more than prosperity could have?
Application
• How can it be comforting to rest in the truth that we do not understand God’s ways? How can it be scary or unsettling? Why?
• Why should we trust and take comfort in the God who is supreme in all matters?
• Why does suffering often help us to know God more deeply than during times of no suffering?
• What are questions that we often ask during times of suffering? What are questions that we should ask during times of suffering?
In week four we will be reading through Job chapters 1-24.
Suffering is Often Unexplainable
• Job followed God’s commands faithfully.
• Job’s attention came from his integrity.
• Job was unaware of spiritual conflict.
Discussion
• Read Job 1:1-12.
• Describe Job’s service to God. How did God describe Job?
• Why did Satan notice Job? Why was God pointing him out to Satan?
• Was Job ever made aware of the spiritual conflict that arose in heaven?
Application
• What is our first reaction to seeing that God pointed Job out to Satan? What does our answer indicate about our belief in God’s sovereignty and goodness?
• Why does our culture often feel that believers who are faithful do not deserve to suffer? Is that a biblical perspective?
• What is the point in serving God faithfully if we may encounter the same, if not greater, hardships as everyone else?
• Would suffering actually be easier if we understood the reason? Why does it matter?
God is Always Worthy of Worship
• God remains in control of all situations.
• God’s worth is not dependent on circumstances.
Discussion
• Read Job 1:13-2:13.
• List the categories of loss that Job experienced.
• Looking at Job 2:3, 5-6, who was actually in control of Job’s suffering?
• In Job 2:3 God asserts responsibility for Job’s first round of sufferings. What does this indicate about God’s supreme control in the world?
• In Job 1:12 and 2:5-6, Satan basically asks God for permission to cause harm to Job. What does this indicate about God’s control over Satan?
• How did Job respond to these disasters?
• Why did Job praise God?
Application
• Why can it make us feel uneasy to know that God gave permission to harm Job?
• What kind of God would He be if He were not in control? Would we rather He be helpless to Satan’s desires or in control of His plan? Why?
• How is there comfort in knowing that He is control in the midst of our suffering?
• Why is it often difficult to praise God in our suffering?
• What are we saying about God if we believe that His worth is determined by our circumstances? Would He truly be God if He were dependent upon our lives?
Suffering is Not Partial
• Job’s suffering was not a product of discipline, sin, or disbelief.
• Followers of God are not immune to suffering.
Discussion
• Read Job 5:17-18. What did Job’s friends assert about Job?
• What did their assertion assume about God?
• Read Job 42:7. Why did God rebuke Job’s friends? What did God’s rebuke of the friends indicate about their beliefs?
Application
• How can we be true friends to those who are suffering?
• Why do we often say things contrary to God’s word in an effort to comfort or give advice? Why is this so dangerous?
• Why does it scare us to think that believers should be immune from suffering?
• How can suffering in the life of a believer bring glory to God? God Often Reveals Himself during Suffering
• God remains supreme at all times.
• True understanding of God demands submission.
Discussion
• Read Job 38-39.
• How did God respond to Job’s request for vindication from God?
• Describe the picture that God painted of Himself to Job.
• Read Job 42:1-6.
• How did Job respond to God’s conversation?
• What does Job admit about his knowledge of God’s ways?
• How did Job indicate that he had grown in his knowledge of God?
• What role did Job’s suffering play in revealing God more deeply to Job more than prosperity could have?
Application
• How can it be comforting to rest in the truth that we do not understand God’s ways? How can it be scary or unsettling? Why?
• Why should we trust and take comfort in the God who is supreme in all matters?
• Why does suffering often help us to know God more deeply than during times of no suffering?
• What are questions that we often ask during times of suffering? What are questions that we should ask during times of suffering?
Welcome to Week 3 (October 17-23) Discussion and Application Questions
Introduction
Each week, starting with "Week Three" reading, we will post Discussion and Applications questions that will help guide you through the assigned reading from your "Read Through the Bible" schedule. Please use these questions to help further your understanding and reflection on what you have read.
Story Review
This week you will be reading from Genesis chapters 37-50. The first group of questions will focus on chapters 37-39.
Discussion
• Describe Joseph’s actions throughout all of these events?
• Did Joseph do anything to deserve or cause His circumstances—good or bad?
• Describe God’s role in Joseph’s life. How is God’s character revealed through these
events?
Application
• Why do we desire to place blame on someone for our circumstances?
• Why are we quick to believe we can work for and deserve good situations but do not
deserve unfavorable circumstances?
• How and why do we tend to believe that our obedience to God should result in our safety
and comfort?
• Why is our attitude toward God often negative when bad things happen? How should the
story of Joseph change our attitude toward God about bad things that happen to us?
God is Sovereign Over . . .
• People
- His purpose was not dependent on people.
- His purpose was not deterred by people.
Discussion
• Read Genesis 39:2-6 and 21-23. Looking at Joseph’s time in Potiphar’s house and in
prison, did God rely on these men or Joseph’s abilities to make him successful in those
places?
• How does Joseph’s complete lack of control over his life reflect God’s ultimate control?
• How did Joseph’s faithfulness allow him to be usable by God?
• How did the cupbearer’s forgetfulness in Gen. 40:23 affect Joseph’s chances to get out of
prison? Why is God’s independence of him important?
• Think about the decisions of Joseph’s brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and Potiphar. How do
their actions seem to contradict God’s plans?
• How does God’s independence of people illustrate His sovereignty?
Application
• How does it make you feel to know that God is not dependent on you for His purposes?
• How does it make you feel to know that you or anyone else cannot keep God’s purposes
from being accomplished?
• How can we allow Him to change our hearts so that we become a godly vessel for His
purpose?
• How does our belief in these truths affect how we view the world around us, and our own
life at this very moment?
Circumstances
- God guided the details to sustain Joseph through His protection and through His presence.
- God used and caused events to accomplish His purpose.
Discussion
• Read Genesis 37:26-27 and 39:20. How did God protect Joseph’s
life in these situations?
• How was the outcome seemingly horrible and unfair to Joseph even though his life was
spared? How did God sustain Joseph in these circumstances?
• Read Genesis 37:36, 39:20, and 41:15-16. How did God direct
what appears to be coincidence in these situations?
• How did Joseph’s locations put him in the right places at the right times for God to work
through him?
Application
• In what ways is it easy to miss God’s work in our circumstances?
• What is most often our attitude toward God when our plans are “messed up”?
• How does this illustrate our desire to control our lives and tendency to forget God in our
plans and dreams?
• How do our attitudes toward our own plans often interfere with our praise of God for His
work in our lives?
• What is our responsibility in being active toward what we believe to be God’s plan for our
lives?
• How should we view our circumstances when our plans don’t turn out like we expected?
• Outcome
- God directed the final outcome.
- God directed all the details for His purpose.
Discussion
• Read Genesis 45:9-11. What was God’s purpose in Joseph’s life?
• Remind learners that Joseph’s family was part of God’s chosen people and the
beginnings of the nation of Israel.
• Name all of the minute details that God controlled to get Joseph to the place of
preserving his family.
• How did God use the sin of Joseph’s brothers to bring about their ultimate redemption?
• How is God’s love for His people evident through His actions?
Application
• Why is it easier to see God’s hand in our lives as we look to the past?
• Knowing God has His hand in our lives at all times, why is it difficult to trust His
sovereignty in our present situations?
• How is our trust in Him reflected in our faithfulness at all points in our lives?
• How did God use the sin of wicked people to bring about your ultimate redemption?
• How does God’s direction of our lives for His purposes give us hope?
Each week, starting with "Week Three" reading, we will post Discussion and Applications questions that will help guide you through the assigned reading from your "Read Through the Bible" schedule. Please use these questions to help further your understanding and reflection on what you have read.
Story Review
This week you will be reading from Genesis chapters 37-50. The first group of questions will focus on chapters 37-39.
Discussion
• Describe Joseph’s actions throughout all of these events?
• Did Joseph do anything to deserve or cause His circumstances—good or bad?
• Describe God’s role in Joseph’s life. How is God’s character revealed through these
events?
Application
• Why do we desire to place blame on someone for our circumstances?
• Why are we quick to believe we can work for and deserve good situations but do not
deserve unfavorable circumstances?
• How and why do we tend to believe that our obedience to God should result in our safety
and comfort?
• Why is our attitude toward God often negative when bad things happen? How should the
story of Joseph change our attitude toward God about bad things that happen to us?
God is Sovereign Over . . .
• People
- His purpose was not dependent on people.
- His purpose was not deterred by people.
Discussion
• Read Genesis 39:2-6 and 21-23. Looking at Joseph’s time in Potiphar’s house and in
prison, did God rely on these men or Joseph’s abilities to make him successful in those
places?
• How does Joseph’s complete lack of control over his life reflect God’s ultimate control?
• How did Joseph’s faithfulness allow him to be usable by God?
• How did the cupbearer’s forgetfulness in Gen. 40:23 affect Joseph’s chances to get out of
prison? Why is God’s independence of him important?
• Think about the decisions of Joseph’s brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and Potiphar. How do
their actions seem to contradict God’s plans?
• How does God’s independence of people illustrate His sovereignty?
Application
• How does it make you feel to know that God is not dependent on you for His purposes?
• How does it make you feel to know that you or anyone else cannot keep God’s purposes
from being accomplished?
• How can we allow Him to change our hearts so that we become a godly vessel for His
purpose?
• How does our belief in these truths affect how we view the world around us, and our own
life at this very moment?
Circumstances
- God guided the details to sustain Joseph through His protection and through His presence.
- God used and caused events to accomplish His purpose.
Discussion
• Read Genesis 37:26-27 and 39:20. How did God protect Joseph’s
life in these situations?
• How was the outcome seemingly horrible and unfair to Joseph even though his life was
spared? How did God sustain Joseph in these circumstances?
• Read Genesis 37:36, 39:20, and 41:15-16. How did God direct
what appears to be coincidence in these situations?
• How did Joseph’s locations put him in the right places at the right times for God to work
through him?
Application
• In what ways is it easy to miss God’s work in our circumstances?
• What is most often our attitude toward God when our plans are “messed up”?
• How does this illustrate our desire to control our lives and tendency to forget God in our
plans and dreams?
• How do our attitudes toward our own plans often interfere with our praise of God for His
work in our lives?
• What is our responsibility in being active toward what we believe to be God’s plan for our
lives?
• How should we view our circumstances when our plans don’t turn out like we expected?
• Outcome
- God directed the final outcome.
- God directed all the details for His purpose.
Discussion
• Read Genesis 45:9-11. What was God’s purpose in Joseph’s life?
• Remind learners that Joseph’s family was part of God’s chosen people and the
beginnings of the nation of Israel.
• Name all of the minute details that God controlled to get Joseph to the place of
preserving his family.
• How did God use the sin of Joseph’s brothers to bring about their ultimate redemption?
• How is God’s love for His people evident through His actions?
Application
• Why is it easier to see God’s hand in our lives as we look to the past?
• Knowing God has His hand in our lives at all times, why is it difficult to trust His
sovereignty in our present situations?
• How is our trust in Him reflected in our faithfulness at all points in our lives?
• How did God use the sin of wicked people to bring about your ultimate redemption?
• How does God’s direction of our lives for His purposes give us hope?
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