Here is a bible study that I developed and facilitated.  I pray that this is fruitful for you.  The link to the outline and key are below:

WhatareyouFightingfor – Handout

Here is a bible study that I developed and facilitated.  I pray that this is fruitful for you.  The link to the outline and key are below:

Confronting Occupational Hazards – Outline

Confronting Occupational Hazards – Outline Key

 

 

Impact Question (IQ): How valuable is Christ to share with those we love?

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,…

Christmas seems to be a lot about showing and telling those we know that we love them.  Commercialization has even been able to put a value on items to tangibilize our worth of others.  My question is how valuable is Christ to share with those we love?  He is a gift that keeps on giving.  Not only in our lives, but actively in the lives of those who follow Him.  His position and posture in life reflects an ordered and submitted sacrifice which proves to gain more than imagined.  Christ offers more than possession but paradise.  We introduce a number of things to each other.  Be sure to introduce people to Jesus.

1.  Examples are better shown than told.
2. Doing requires continual action rather than passive delegation.
3. Discipleship can’t afford time off.  It’s too expensive.
4. Discipleship is an option, but we are commanded to at least give people the choice.

 

Real Love is Complete, Conditional, and Christ.

Psalms 48

1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain.3 God, in her palaces, Has made Himself known as a stronghold. 4 For, lo, the kings assembled themselves, They passed by together. 5 They saw it, then they were amazed; They were terrified, they fled in alarm.  10 As is Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. 13 Consider her ramparts; Go through her palaces, That you may tell it to the next generation. 14 For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death.

 

Observations:

The author informs the reader that the Lord is great. (1a)

The author informs the reader that the Lord is greatly to be praised. (1b)

The author informs the reader that city is God’s. (1c)

The author informs the reader that God is known as a stronghold. (3a)

The author informs the reader that kings were terrified and fled. (5a)

The author informs the reader that God’s name and praise is to the ends of the earth. (10a)

The author informs the reader that God’s ramparts and palaces should be shared with the next   generation. (13a)

The author informs the reader that our God is forever and ever. (14a)

The author informs the reader that God will guide us until death. (14b)

 

Commentary:

In the text, one can see that the we have reason to praise God greatly as He is and will provide protection for his church and His people. God is known as a fortress of protection around those who He loves and loves him.  Our enemies and the attacks of the enemy are no match for our God.  God and His praise will last forever.  Due to the security and protection that God provides, the church has reason to be joyful and continue to spread this for generations to come.  God will not only protect us, but he will guide us.  Now that’s great news!

 

Living Word Op(portunity):

1. How might we become defenseless against the enemy’s attack?  What habits can we engage to be fully armored?
2. How might knowing the reputation of God as a stronghold change our approach to taking battles into our own hands?
3. What are practical ways to include God in the lives of the next generation?
4. Has God guided you in decision-making?  If so, how so?  If not, why not?

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Observations:

Paul informs the church at Corinth to follow his example. (1a)

Paul informs the church at Corinth that he follows an example. (1b)

Paul informs the church at Corinth that he follows the example of Christ. (1c)

 Commentary:

The qualities of Jesus Christ which set an example for believers is as follows:

Self-denial Php 2:4-5, Mt 10:38; Mt 16:24 pp Mk 8:34 ppLk 9:23; Lk 14:27; Heb 12:2

Endurance of suffering 1Pe 2:21-23Mt 10:24-25; Jn 15:20; 1Th 2:14-15; Heb 12:3

Service Mt 20:25-28 pp Mk 10:42-45; Jn 13:13-17

Faithfulness Heb 3:1-2

Love Eph 5:1-2,25; 1Jn 3:16

Patience 1Ti 1:16

Forgiveness of others Eph 4:32; Col 3:13

Gentleness and humility Mt 11:29

Purity 1Jn 3:3

Prayer Lk 11:1

Paul set an example in the way in which he pastorally led the church, but only did so because of the perfect example shown before him through the life and practice of Jesus Christ.

Living Word Op(portunity):

1. Who are you following?
2. Do you believe that in order to lead you must first follow?  Why or why not?
3. Who are you leading, and where are you taking them with your example?
4. What do your choices have to say about your leader?

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NASB)

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

Observations:

Paul informs the church in Corinth that all things are lawful. (12a)

Paul informs the church in Corinth that all things are not profitable. (12b)

Paul informs the church in Corinth again that all things are lawful. (12c)

Paul informs the church in Corinth of a conjunction contrast of but. (12d)

Paul informs the church in Corinth that he will not be mastered. (12e)

Paul informs the church in Corinth that he will not be mastered by anything. (12f)

 

Commentary:

There are a number of things that are technically legal in our society, but it doesn’t mean that my freedom of will to choose is spiritually appropriate and helpful to me or other’s well-being.  We must be careful to avoid becoming a slave to a lack of spiritual discipline.  A lack of spiritual discernment results in our choices controlling us, and being susceptible to any form of practice or doctrine.

 

Living Word OP(portunity):

1. What are the areas in your life where you’ve made earthly instead spiritual investments?
2. In God’s economy have you been making deposits or withdrawals?  What spiritual patterns are necessary to get out of the red?
3. How does your life represent a difference from the world? (a but ideology)
4. What do you have to gain by sacrificing your own desires for God’s will?
5. What patterns are bankrupting our witness and souls?

Luke 4:8 (NASB)

Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

Observations:

Luke informs the reader that Jesus is talking to the Devil. (8a)

Luke informs the reader that Jesus is quoting what is written from the Torah. (8b)

Luke informs the reader that Jesus quotes that one shall worship the Lord. (8c)

Luke informs the reader that Jesus calls the Lord your God. (8d)

Luke informs the reader that Jesus quotes that God is to be served. (8e)

Luke informs the reader that Jesus quotes that God is to be served only. (8f)

Commentary:  Luke reveals to us that Jesus did not entertain the Devil with His own thoughts, but used the written words of the Bible to combat the attacks, schemes, and false promises of the enemy.  The Devil will attack us in our weakest of moments as he tried with Jesus after he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.  When we are confronted with temptation, we can draw strength from the Word of God and use it against our adversary.  We cannot eliminate temptation, but we certainly have a weapon against it.

Living Word OP(portunity):

1. When you face evil, is evil comfortable or confronted?
2. Is your worship coming from what you witness or what is written?
3. How might the memorization of scripture be helpful in any situation?
4. How often do you share personal episodes of your life with God?  If infrequent, why?
5. What has come up that you believe may be taking away from your quality time with God?