Versailles church of Christ

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 8

2011-01-16T14:31:00.000-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 8 – 1/16/11

Monday – Read Matthew 6:25-34

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you understand to be the meaning of the word “anxious”? The meaning of the word is “worry, anxiety” and from its use in context, it seems to imply “worrying to the point of not paying attention to other things.” We have to give thought to these things, but if the thoughts we are having are distracting us from doing other things, the more important things, it becomes wrong.

2. In the context of these verses, what is the general topic of things that we are told not to be anxious about? Our daily needs, food and clothing.

3. What are the two reasons the author says we should not be anxious? Being anxious does not change anything and God promise to take care of His children.

4. What statement does the author say anxiety makes about you, verse 30? You are not keeping your thoughts on the important things of life.

5. Verse 34 adds something else to the list of things we should not be anxious about. What is verse 34 talking about? The things that are going to happen tomorrow.

6. Thought Question – In context, what does being anxious cause us not to do, verse 33? Seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first.

Prayer: Ask God to help you keep your focus on the things of the kingdom.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 7:1-6

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. What do you understand the admonition “Judge not that you be not judged” to mean? The judgment under consideration seems to be an unrighteous judgment.

8. What does verse 2 teach you about judgment? God is going to look at how you judge others and judge you with that standard. If you are merciful in your judgments of others, God will be merciful in His judgment of you.

9. Does verse 3 say you cannot point out to others things that are wrong in their life until you get everything in your life in order? Why or why not? No, it teaches we should not try to hide our own faults by judging others.

10. What basic principle do these verses teach about the actions of men and judging others? Often men judge others, make judgments about others to avoid looking at their own faults and struggles. They take the attention off of self and try to focus it on others so others will not see their faults.

11. Thought Question – If these verses say you are never to judge anyone, how then do you follow the admonition of verse 6? This verse shows that the intent of these verses is not to tell you not to judge others; rather it speaks of your attitude as you judge others. You have to make some judgment of others to follow the admonition of this verse, but your always need to offer mercy, not judgment to others.

Prayer: Ask God to help you not to try to hide your faults and shortcomings by pointing at the faults of others.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 7:7-10

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

12. What do you understand these verses about asking God for things to be teaching? Verse 11 says if you ask God for “good things,” it will be given to you.

13. How do you know these verses are not teaching you can ask God for anything you want and it will be given to you? Because God only gives the “good” things to His children and sometimes we ask for things that are not really good for us.

14. What is the point of verses 9 thru 11? If man is capable of giving good things to others, how much more is God capable of giving good things since all of His actions are guided by good motives.

15. Thought Question – What is our general problem when we are asking God for things? We often struggle with our thinking, asking for things that appear good for us but won’t help us do the will of God.

Prayer: Thank God for all the good things He has given you.

Thursday – Read Matthew 7:12-20

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

16. What do you think the statement “for this is the Law and the Prophets,” verse 12, means? This was the basic teaching of what was written in the Law and by the Prophets.

17. Why do you think God made the way of righteousness narrow? Even though God wants all men to be saved, He wants them to seek His ways, not just happen into it without it really being the desire of their heart.

18. In the New Testament, who generally were the false prophets? In the time of Jesus, they were Jews, those who proclaimed to be in a relationship with God and after the time of Jesus they were usually brethren, people who had obeyed the Gospel.

19. Why do false prophets disguise themselves with sheep’s clothing? To make themselves attractive to those they are trying to reach. Sheep are not attracted to wolves.

20. What does verses 17-20 teach you about accepting the teaching of others? Take some time and observe the fruit of their life before you accept their teaching.

21. Thought Question – What is the primary reason that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us? Because then we would be acting like God.

Prayer: Ask God to help you always do good unto others.

Friday – Read Matthew 7:21-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

22. What do you think the statement “...says unto Me, “Lord, Lord,” verse 21, means? It is speaking of people who do acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

23. What do verses 22 and 23 teach you is going to happen at judgment? Some people who thought they were right with the Lord because of their actions are going to be disappointed.

24. What does verse 23 teach you about some of the people who are going to be surprised at judgment? They believed they were right with God because they were doing good things.

25. What do verses 24 thru 27 teach you about having a relationship with Christ? The Lord will protect and keep those who truly trust Him.

26. Thought Question – What do you think verse 29, “for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes,” means? The scribes always quoted someone else as their authority. Jesus did not do that.

Prayer: Ask God to help you to always examine your relationship with Him from the status of your heart, not just your actions.

Saturday – Read Matthew 8:1-17

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

27. What do you think the statement of the leper, verse 2, is saying about the leper? He recognized that Jesus was the Messiah and had the power to heal him.

28. Since Jesus healed the leper, why did he need to go show himself to the priest, verse 4? Only the priest had the authority to pronounce anyone clean and reintroduce them into society.

29. What were centurions and why was this man’s approaching Jesus so unusual? They were commanders of a hundred or more men in the Roman army. Since he was a Gentile, it would be unusual to acknowledge that any Jew had the power he believed Jesus had.

30. Why did the centurion not want Jesus to come to his house, verse 8? He did not think he was worthy to have the one who he recognized to have such power, take His time to come to his house.

31. Why does Jesus commend the actions of this centurion? Because of his faith. He asked on the basis of faith in who Jesus was, not because he believed he deserved anything from Jesus.

32. What do you think Jesus meant when He spoke of reclining at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? This was the Jew’s concept of what it would be like in eternity, dining with the patriarchs.

33. Thought Question – What do you think verses 10 thru 12 means? Many Jews who believed they were in a right relationship with God were going to be disappointed at judgment and many who were not Jews, not God’s chosen people, were going to be accepted for eternity.

Prayer: Ask God to help you always remember you are not worthy of His blessings, but He gives them to you because of His mercy.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 6

2011-01-16T14:28:00.000-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 6 – 1/2/11

Monday – Read Matthew 5:21-36

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Jesus was referring to when He said, “You have heard that it was said...” verse 21? What the people would have been taught by the scribes and teachers of the Law concerning the teachings of the Law.

2. In the time of Jesus, where would you find it written “You shall not murder,” and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment,” verse 21? In the Law of Moses, the Ten Commandments.

3. What do you think the statement “...shall be liable to judgment...” was referring to? In the context, it was talking about the punishment prescribed by the Law; the punishment a person would receive for breaking the Law.

4. What do you think Jesus was saying in verse 22? God’s intent in giving the Law that said “You shall not murder” was more than just keeping people from killing one another.

5. In verses 23 thru 25 Jesus gives two reasons you should make peace with your brother. What are those two reasons? To make your offerings acceptable to God and to escape being brought before the courts and charged with wrong actions.

6. Thought Question – What do you think is the primary message of Jesus in verses 21-26? God had a higher purpose in giving the Law than just keeping people from taking wrong actions against one another. He was giving a standard of punishment from wrong actions, but His desire was for people to love other people.

Prayer: Pray for a heart that sees people through the eyes of Jesus so you will always treat them like Jesus.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 5:27-37

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. What does Jesus teach about sin in verses 27-28? It begins in the heart.

8. What do you understand is the message of Jesus in verses 29-30? Sin is terrible and has terrible consequences. You should be willing to do anything to stay away from it.

9. What do you think was the purpose of giving the woman a certificate of divorce when you divorced her, verse 31? It was to protect her since the only reason the Law permitted divorce was for adultery and adultery was an offense punishable by death. You gave the woman the certificate to testify that you did not divorce her for adultery.

10. What do you think is the message of Jesus in verse 32? Your actions can put others in a position where they are likely to sin.

11. Why does Jesus say you should not take an oath? Because there are many things that you cannot control that may affect your actions and cause you to break your oath.

12. What does Jesus say about a child of God and his word, verse 37? His word should be his bond.

13. Thought Question – What do you understand is the primary message of Jesus in verses 27-30? Sin should be avoided at all costs.

Prayer: Ask God to help you understand the seriousness of sin and that it begins in the heart. Ask Him to help you have a pure heart.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 5:38-48

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

14. What do you think was the purpose of the “eye for an eye” statements of the Old Testament, verse 38? They were to keep people from doing more to get even. They restricted what a person could lawfully do to someone who wronged them.

15. Why does Jesus say you should “love your enemies,” verse 47-48? Because those actions are like God and prove that your are a child of God.

16. What do you think is the purpose of Jesus’ statement about God causing the rain to fall on the just and the unjust, verse 45? To help people understand God’s love. He gives and blesses all men, not just the ones that deserve it.

17. What principle do you think Jesus is teaching in verse 46 when He says, “Do not even the tax collectors do the same”? You, as a child of God, are not acting any better than one who is not a child of God, if you love only those who love you. Even evil, wicked people do that.

18. Thought Question – What do you understand Jesus is saying to you when He says “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Is He saying that you should never sin again? Why or why not? He is talking about being perfect in terms of your love for people. The topic is not what is sin, it is how to love like God loves.

Prayer: Ask God to help you love all people just like He loves all people.

Thursday – Read Matthew 6:1-6

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

19. What does it mean to “practice your righteousness before men?” How could you “not practice your actions before men” since you live among men? The Lord is not talking about where you do your actions; He is talking about the motivation behind your actions.

20. Why will you have no reward from your Father in heaven if you practice your righteousness before men? God does not reward people just for doing good deeds; He rewards for those who do good deeds with the right motives.

21. What does verse 1 teach your about your actions as a child of God? They must be guided by a pure heart; a heart that wants to do what is right to be like God, not to look good to men.

22. How would it be possible to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” in giving to the needy or any other action since your actions are controlled by your mind? This was an exaggeration by Jesus to show how pure your motives should be; there can not be any wrong desire in your actions if they are to be right with God.

23. When you pray, do you go into your room and shut the door? Why or why not? Jesus is not teaching you need to go to a specific place to pray; He is teaching about the motive behind your prayers.

24. Thought Question – What do you think it means when it says that the Father “sees in secret,” verse 6? Just because you said something in your closet does not mean it would not be heard by God; He hears, knows all things. God would hear regardless of where you are and reward for right actions even if they were done in secret .

Prayer: Ask God to help you learn to pray.

Friday – Read Matthew 6:7-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

25. Does verse 7 forbid you from repeating anything in your prayers? Why or why not? The Lord is not talking about “what you pray,” but about “your motivation for your prayer.” If you repeat something because it is in your heart that is not what this passage is talking about. It is talking about repeating to show off, to impress men.

26. This model prayer divides prayer into two categories. What are those two categories? Things of God and things of men.

27. Do you think Jesus was teaching people to pray this specific prayer when they prayed? Why or why not? No, this is the model prayer showing the kinds of things people should pray for.

28. Since Jesus ushered in the kingdom when He died and ascended to heaven, should you be praying for the kingdom to come since it is already here? Why or why not? Even though the kingdom has come, there are still many who have not surrendered to the kingdom on earth. We should be praying for the kingdom to come into the hearts of people so they will submit to the King and be saved.

29. What do you think it means when we ask God to give us our daily bread? To ask Him for our needs for today, each day. There is no point in asking God for our needs for tomorrow because tomorrow may not come.

30. What do you think it means when we ask God to forgive us our debts? Forgive our sins which puts us in debt to the law.

31. Why do you think God says He will not forgive us if we do not forgive others? Because God first principle in dealing with others is being willing to forgive; not hold things against them as He holds nothing against us that we have asked forgiveness of.

32. Thought Question - If your Father knows what you need before you ask for it, why do you pray? Prayer is not to inform God; it is to remind you that you are dependent on God and need His acting in your life.

Prayer: Ask God to help you forgive others regardless of the way they have wronged you.

Saturday – Read Matthew 6:16-24

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

33. What does it mean to fast, verse 16? To fast is to abstain from something. In the Bible it is generally speaking of abstaining from food to devote your attention to God.

34. Does verse 19 teach that it wrong for a child of God to accumulate treasures on earth? Why or why not? No, it deals with your heart towards the things you accumulate and teaches that earthly things have no eternal value.

35. What do you think verse 22 means? If you are seeking after the wrong things in life, then your eye, which stands for your heart, is bad and will corrupt all you do.

36. Why does Jesus say you cannot serve two masters? Because you will have a divided loyalty and God will not accept a divided loyalty.

37. Thought Question – Two times in three verses (verses 16 & 17) Jesus says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” Do you think verses 16 thru 18 are teaching that a child of God has to fast? Why or why not? There is no New Testament requirement for a child of God to fast. Jesus assumes that a person who is a child of God will naturally fast, take times when they abstain from things to draw closer to God and says when you do, do them with the right motive.

Prayer: Ask God to help you develop a heart that desires to fast.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 5

2010-12-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 5 – 12/26/10

Monday – Read Matthew 5:21-26

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Jesus was referring to when He said, “You have heard that it was said...” verse 21?

2. In the time of Jesus, where would you find it written “You shall not murder,” and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment,” verse 21?

3. What do you think the statement “...shall be liable to judgment...” was referring to?

4. What do you think Jesus was saying in verse 22?

5. In verses 23 thru 25 Jesus gives two reasons you should make peace with your brother. What are those two reasons?

6. Thought Question – What do you think is the primary message of Jesus in verses 21-26?

Prayer: Ask God to help you always have right relationships with your brothers.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 5:27-37

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. What does Jesus teach about sin in verses 27-28?

8. What do you understand is the message of Jesus in verses 29-30?

9. What do you think was the purpose of giving the woman a certificate of divorce when you divorced her, verse 31?

10. What do you think is the message of Jesus in verse 32?

11. Why does Jesus say you should not take an oath?

12. What does Jesus say about a child of God and his word, verse 37?

13. Thought Question – What do you understand is the primary message of Jesus in verses 27-30?

Prayer: Ask God to help you understand the seriousness of sin and understand that it begins in the heart. Ask Him to help you have a pure heart.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 5:38-48

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

14. What do you think was the purpose of the “eye for an eye” statements of the Old Testament, verse 38?

15. Why does Jesus say you should “love your enemies,” verse 47-48?

16. What do you think is the purpose of Jesus’ statement about God causing the rain to fall on the just and the unjust, verse 45?

17. What principle do you think Jesus is teaching in verse 46 when He says, “Do not even the tax collectors do the same”?

18. Thought Question – What do you understand Jesus is saying to you when He says “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Is He saying that you should never sin again? Why or why not?

Prayer: Ask God to give you the strength to act as Jesus says a child of God should act in today’s study.

Thursday – Read Matthew 6:1-6

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

19. What does it mean to “practice your righteousness before men?” How could you “not practice your actions before men” since you live among men?

20. Why will you have no reward from your Father in heaven if you practice your righteousness before men?

21. What does verse 1 teach your about your actions as a child of God?

22. How would it be possible to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” in giving to the needy or any other action since your actions are controlled by your mind?

23. When you pray, do you go into your room and shut the door? Why or why not?

24. Thought Question – What do you think it means when it says that the Father “sees in secret,” verse 6?

Prayer: Ask God to help you examine your motives for doing the good things you do and to help you always to those things with pure motives, not to be seen by others.

Friday – Read Matthew 6:7-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

25. Does verse 7 forbid you from repeating anything in your prayers? Why or why not?

26. This model prayer divides prayer into two categories. What are those two categories?

27. Do you think Jesus was teaching people to pray this specific prayer when they prayed? Why or why not?

28. Since Jesus ushered in the kingdom when He died and ascended to heaven, should you be praying for the kingdom to come since it is already here? Why or why not?

29. What do you think it means when we ask God to give us our daily bread?

30. What do you think it means when we ask God to forgive us our debts?

31. Why do you think God says He will not forgive us if we do not forgive others?

32. Thought Question - If your Father knows what you need before you ask for it, why do you pray?

Prayer: Ask God to teach you how to pray.

Saturday – Read Matthew 6:16-24

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

33. What does it mean to fast, verse 16?

34. Does verse 19 teach that it wrong for a child of God to accumulate treasures on earth? Why or why not?

35. What do you think verse 22 means?

36. Why does Jesus say you cannot serve two masters?

37. Thought Question – Two times in three verses (verses 16 & 17) Jesus says “when you fast,” not “if you fast.” Do you think verses 16 thru 18 are teaching that a child of God has to fast? Why or why not?

Prayer: Ask God to help you keep your heart focused on the things of heaven and not let your material blessings distract you from your service to Him.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 4

2010-12-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 4 – 12/19/10

Monday – Read Mark 6:14-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

Apparently John is arrested by Herod in the early part of the ministry of Jesus but is not put to death for some period after his arrest. You will read Matthew’s account of John’s death later in this study but today read Mark’s account to help paint a complete picture of John’s life.

Prayer: Thank God for John the Baptizer and his faithfulness to his calling and pray for a heart like John’s.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 4:12-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Matthew’s account of the life of Jesus does not include the events surrounding the arrest of John the Baptizer? Because it adds nothing to his purpose for writing, i.e. proving that Jesus was the messiah promised by the prophets.

2. What is Galilee? Why do you think Jesus withdrew into Galilee, verse 12? During the time of Jesus, Palestine, the land that once belonged to the Jewish nation was divided into three provinces under Roman rule; Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. Galilee contained the whole northern section of the country and was the largest of the provinces. At this time Galilee also contained the largest Jewish population outside of Judea. Most of the ministry of Jesus among the Jews was in Galilee because when He entered Judea and Jerusalem He generally had conflict with the Jewish authorities and teachers of the Law.

3. What was Nazareth to the life of Jesus? Nazareth was the home of Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus and where He was raised once His family returned from Egypt. It was a small city situated among what is now the southern ridges of Lebanon, on the steep slope of a hill, about 14 miles from the Sea of Galilee and about 6 west from Mount Tabor. From the words of Nathanael in John 1:46 the city of Nazareth was held in great disrepute, either because, it is said, the people of Galilee were a rude and less cultivated class, and were largely influenced by the Gentiles who mingled with them, or because of their lower type of moral and religious character. Twice the people of the city rejected Jesus and His teaching which proved the wisdom of the prophet who said a prophet does not have any honor in his own country.

4. Why do you think Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum? Probably because He was rejected in Nazareth, his home town after He began His ministry, and Capernaum was a much larger city right on the Sea of Galilee.

5. What are the similarities between the message of Jesus (4:17) and the message of John (3:2)? Both preached the message of the kingdom.

6. What does it mean to repent? The word means “to turn.” Jesus and John were calling for the people “to turn” to the promised Messiah.

7. Why do you think Jesus went to the Jewish synagogues to teach, verse 23? This would be where He would always find an audience of people who believed in the One true God in heaven and who were looking for the promised Messiah.

8. Thought Question – What do you think Matthew is trying to tell you from verse 25? In terms of location, what is a little unusual about some of the locations listed in verse 25? Decapolis and “beyond the Jordan” would be areas where there were large Gentile populations, not just Jews. It seems Matthew is telling us that the news about Jesus spread all over Palestine and people from all over the area were following Him.

Prayer: Thank God that you heard the call to repentance and turned your life to Him through Jesus.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 5:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

9. Where do you think the mountain Jesus taught from was located, verse 1?Why do you think He went up on the mountain? Chapter 4 indicates that this part of the ministry of Jesus was in Galilee. Tradition says this mountain was part of a ridge of hills northwest of Capernaum, with a magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee. The crowd was probably so large that going up on the side of the mountain was the only way Jesus could address them.

10. Why do you think this section of scripture, Matthew 5:1-12, is called “The Beatitudes”? Because each of Jesus’ points begins with the Greek word for “blessed,” “markarious,” which has a meaning of “blessed” or “happy.” The word “Beatitude” comes from a Latin word meaning “happy” or “blessed” and that designation for this section of Scripture was retained by the different translators even after the Bible was translated in languages other than Latin.

11. What is your understanding of the word “blessed,” verses 1-11? Generally we think of happy or blessed but this word carries a stronger meaning which includes why a person should be happy or blessed; because they are “looked on favorably by God.”

12. What do you think it means to be “poor in spirit,” verse 3? There are at least four ways to understand the Beatitudes. (1) They are a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of conduct for all believers. (2) They contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary). (3) They contrast the superficial "faith" of the Pharisees with the real faith Christ wants. (4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new kingdom. I accept that #1 is probably the better way to view these statements of Jesus, thus “poor in spirit” would be recognizing your spiritually destitute condition because of your sins which separate you from God.

13. What does Jesus say is the reward for those who are poor in spirit? Theirs if the kingdom of heaven because they recognize their spiritually destitute condition and turn to Jesus.

14. Why do you think Jesus pronounces God’s favor on those who mourn, verse 4? Mourning is probably speaking of “mourning over sins, your spiritually destitute condition.” God responds to those who mourn their condition and look outside themselves, look to Him for help.

15. How do you think “those who mourn,” verse 4, will be comforted? God provided a Savior to take care of the sin problem over which they are mourning.

16. What is your definition of meekness? Some translations render this word as “gentle.” Meekness or gentleness is controlled strength, a person who does not assert themselves over others in order to further their own agendas in their own strength.

17. How do you think the meek will inherit the earth? See Psalm 37:11. Because God promises a “new heaven and a new earth” for those who are like His Son.

18. Thought Question – What do you think is the major message that Jesus is teaching in the Beatitudes? Jesus overall message seems to be that kingdom entrance will be gained by people with much different attitudes than what the people were witnessing from the religious leaders of the time. This group of characteristics in the Beatitudes indicates that people seeking God’s kingdom will be people with servant’s hearts, sacrificing themselves to serve others and trusting God will provide.

Prayer: Thank God for His promise of the kingdom through Jesus.

Thursday – Read Matthew 5:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

19. What do you think it means to “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” verse 6? Hunger and thirst are driving passions in a person’s life to obtain what is necessary for continued existence. To hunger and thirst for righteousness means to have that same type of driving passion as a person who is starving or dying of thirst, to be right with God.

20. What does it mean to be merciful? To give to people what they do not deserve; to always do right by others.

21. What does it mean to be pure in heart? Ones who have a “single” heart, seek always to be right with God and have their thoughts controlled by God.

22. Why do you think peacemakers will be called sons of God? Because peacemakers are like God in their actions; God actions are to make peace with man through Jesus.

23. Why do you think Jesus says those who are persecuted for righteousness sake will receive the kingdom of heaven? That shows the degree to which they are pursuing righteousness; to such a degree that others see and persecute them for the way they act.

24. Thought Question – Why do you think a person should rejoice because they are being persecuted for righteousness? Because that would be an indication that their actions, their life, was like Jesus, not following the ways of the world.

Prayer: Ask God to help you to be a peacemaker.

Friday – Read Matthew 5:13-16

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

25. What do you think Jesus calls the disciples “the salt of the earth,” verse 13? God leaves the disciples on earth when they are forgiven of their sins so they can have an impact for the kingdom on earth.

26. What do you think Jesus is teaching with His illustration of salt? If we want to be kingdom people, we must be affecting, changing that which we come in contact with. Salt changes and preserves and that is what the disciples of Jesus are supposed to do.

27. What do you think Jesus is teaching with His illustration of being the “light of the world?” Kingdom people show others the way to the kingdom, the way to God.

28. According to Jesus, how are disciples supposed to let their light shine? Their actions are supposed to be such that those who see them recognize they are following Jesus.

29. What does Jesus say is the purpose of a disciple letting his light shine? To turn, to point others to God so that they will glorify His name by obedience.

30. Thought Question – Why do you think Jesus speaks these two illustrations of a disciples life immediately following His teaching of the beatitudes? Jesus seems to be saying if you possess the characteristics listed in the Beatitudes your life will make a difference. You will be helping others change and turn to glorify God.

Prayer: Ask God to help you in your efforts to let your light shine to His glory.

Saturday – Read Matthew 5:17-20

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

31. Why do you think anyone would think Jesus had come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, verse 17? Because of the continual conflict Jesus had with the religious teachers, who were the representatives of the Law, it would be logical to assume Jesus must be trying to change it since He had such conflict with its leaders.

32. What do you think Jesus means when He said He came to “fulfill the Law and the Prophets,” verse 17? The word “fulfill” means to “make complete.” Jesus came to make the Law and the Prophets complete by providing what the Law and Prophets could not provide through his life, death and resurrection.

33. What do you think Jesus means when He said “... not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished,” verse 18? He was emphasizing that not the smallest stroke of a letter of the Law would be done away with until God accomplishes all He promised through Him.

34. At the time Jesus made this statement, verse 18, what of the Law had not been accomplished? The Law only pointed people to the Savior; it could not provide the Savior.

35. Thought Question – How do you think it would be possible for your righteousness to exceed the scribes and the Pharisees? Jesus is not talking about “doing more” than the scribes and the Pharisees. He is talking about your heart as you do the things of God.

Prayer: Thank God for fulfilling the Law and the Prophets in Jesus.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 3

2010-12-12T17:35:00.002-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 3 – 12/12/10

Monday – Read John 1:1 thru 5:47

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

The events of the first 5 chapters of the Gospel of John take place after the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:11) and before the report of John being arrested (Matthew 4:12). Also read Luke 3:19-20 which contains the report of the arrest of John. These readings will be your study for today.

Prayer: Thank God for John the Baptizer and his faithfulness to his calling and pray for a heart like John’s.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 4:12-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Matthew’s account of the life of Jesus does not include the events surrounding the arrest of John the Baptizer?

2. What is Galilee? Why do you think Jesus withdrew into Galilee, verse 12?

3. What was Nazareth to the life of Jesus?

4. Why do you think Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum?

5. What are the similarities between the message of Jesus (4:17) and the message of John (3:2)?

6. What does it mean to repent?

7. Why do you think Jesus went to the Jewish synagogues to teach, verse 23?

8. Thought Question – What do you think Matthew is trying to tell you from verse 25? In terms of location, what is a little unusual about some of the locations listed in verse 25?

Prayer: Thank God for the ministry of Jesus and the many who were witnesses of His preaching and deeds who could testify of His message and life to others who may not have seen Him.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 5:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

9. Where do you think the mountain Jesus taught from was located, verse 1? Why do you think He went up on the mountain?

10. Why do you think this section of scripture, Matthew 5:1-12, is called “The Beatitudes”?

11. What is your understanding of the word “blessed,” verses 1-11?

12. What do you think it means to be “poor in spirit,” verse 3?

13. What does Jesus say is the reward for those who are poor in spirit?

14. Why do you think Jesus pronounces God’s favor on those who mourn, verse 4?

15. How do you think “those who mourn,” verse 4, will be comforted?

16. What is your definition of meekness?

17. How do you think the meek will inherit the earth?

18. Thought Question – What do you think is the major message that Jesus is teaching in the Beatitudes?

Prayer: Thank God for showing you a different attitude is required for those who enter the kingdom of heaven and pray for help in developing the attitude Jesus is speaking of in the Beatitudes.

Thursday – Read Matthew 5:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

19. What do you think it means to “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” verse 6?

20. What does it mean to be merciful?

21. What does it mean to be pure in heart?

22. Why do you think peacemakers will be called sons of God?

23. Why do you think Jesus says those who are persecuted for righteousness sake will receive the kingdom of heaven?

24. Thought Question – Why do you think a person should rejoice because they are being persecuted for righteousness?

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart to help you really understand the characteristics of a disciple of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus is speaking about in the Beatitudes.

Friday – Read Matthew 5:13-16

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

25. What do you think Jesus calls the disciples “the salt of the earth,” verse 13?

26. What do you think Jesus is teaching with His illustration of salt?

27. What do you think Jesus is teaching with His illustration of being the “light of the world?”

28. According to Jesus, how are disciples supposed to let their light shine?

29. What does Jesus say is the purpose of a disciple letting his light shine?

30. Thought Question – Why do you think Jesus speaks these two illustrations of a disciples life immediately following His teaching of the beatitudes?

Prayer: Ask God to help you truly be salt in our community; to make a difference for Him; to change things.

Saturday – Read Matthew 5:17-20

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

31. Why do you think anyone would think Jesus had come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, verse 17?

32. What do you think Jesus means when He said He came to “fulfill the Law and the Prophets,” verse 17?

33. What do you think Jesus means when He said “...notan iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished,” verse 18?

34. At the time Jesus made this statement, verse 18, what of the Law had not been accomplished?

35. Thought Question – How do you think it would be possible for your righteousness to exceed the scribes and the Pharisees?

Prayer: Ask God to strengthen and help you so that your righteousness might exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisees.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 2

2010-12-05T16:12:00.001-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 2 – 12/5/10

Monday – Read Matthew 1:1-25

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Matthew begins this account of the life of Jesus with a listing of His genealogy? This would be of top importance to his audience, Jews, since their scriptures had prophesied the lineage of the Messiah.

2. Of all the names listed in the genealogy of Jesus, which are the ones that would be important to the Jews? Abraham and David.

3. In the genealogical listing, Jacob and Judah have something in common. What do these two individuals have in common? They are not the firstborn son from their fathers, the ones that normally received the birthright blessings from the father. They are in the lineage of the Messiah even though not the firstborn.

4. Since Jesus was not actually from the seed of Joseph, why is he listed in the genealogy? Seed, or descendants for the Jews, is counted to the man, the father. So since Jesus was born a man, to the Jews, he had to have a physical father.

5. What do you understand “betrothed” to mean? Is it the same as someone in our time being engaged? Why or why not? Betrothed is like our being engaged but it had a much stronger legal meaning as noted that even though Joseph was only betrothed to Mary, he was going to “divorce” her, verse 19.

6. Thought Question – Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to be born of a virgin? That of course was what was prophesied but Jesus was to live as the Son of God, even though He was born a man. He was born of God, not of man.

Prayer: Thank God for Joseph and Mary who lived by faith and followed the commands of God and thus were used to bring the Savior of man into the world.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 2:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. What do you know about Bethlehem of Judea? Bethlehem of Judea was a very insignificant village, even considered one of the least villages in Judah, yet it was there that God chose for the Christ to be born. This was just another one of the things that made the birth of Jesus really insignificant by the ways of man. He was born in one of the least significant places in the country.

8. What made Jesus being born in Bethlehem of Judea significant? There was nothing of significance about the town.

9. Why do you think the person who was king at the time of Jesus was born is mentioned in this account of his birth? To establish that Jesus was born at a specific time, in a specific, real location, on the earth.

10. Where do you think “the east,” verse 1, was? At this time this phrase “the east,” was used to refer to the places to the east of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

11. From what is said about the wise men, verses 1 & 2 & 10-12, what do you assume about them? They must have believed in the God of the Bible because they knew of the Jews and knew Jesus was to be king of the Jews and came to worship Him.

12. Why do you think King Herod troubled when the wise men came and told him about the birth of Jesus? Herod was constantly in fear of losing his position because of the trouble he had with the Jews over whom he was supposed to rule. The actions of the Jews in rising up against him at various times during his reign always keep his position in jeopardy with Rome because he was not able to bring the people under the subjection of his rule and keep the peace.

13. Why would King Herod assemble the “chief priests and scribes of the people,” verse 4, since he was not a Jew? Because he knew they would know what had been prophesied from earlier times since they were the religious leaders of the people.

14. Since the wise men said they saw the star when it rose, and the star led them to the house in Bethlehem where Mary and baby Jesus were, why do you think they stopped in Jerusalem and talked with King Herod? There could have been many reasons, one being it would have been a common courtesy to show you had no evil intentions, to stop in at the local ruler’s house. It could have been that God led them to Jerusalem with the star just to alert Herod because of what had been previously prophesied would happen at the birth of Jesus.

15. Why did the wise men fall down and worship baby Jesus when they saw Him? They knew who He was, the Son of God.

16. Thought Question – About how long after His birth do you think it was when the wise men came to Bethlehem? It seems from the context it was some time after the birth of Jesus since it says “And going into the house,” which seems to indicate they were no longer in the manager. Also, the command of Herod was to kill all the male children who were two years old and under, Mt. 2:16, which would seem to indicate Jesus could have been up to two years old at the time. Logically, if the star did not appear until after Jesus was born, it would have taken months for them to travel from the East to Bethlehem.

Prayer: Thank God for the miracle of the birth of Jesus.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 2:13-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

17. Why did the angel of the Lord tell Joseph to take the child and flee to Egypt? Egypt had always been a place of refuge for the Jews from the time the descendants of Abraham went there but it also was not controlled by the Roman Empire, thus would be a safe place where Herod would have no authority.

18. Why do you think Herod killed all the male children in Bethlehem and its regions, two years old or under? He was probably trying to make sure he killed the baby Jesus by killing the male children in such a broad spread of time.

19. Read verses 19 & 20 again. From reading those two verses, where do you think Joseph intended to live with his family when he returned to Israel? Why do you think he would have chosen to live there? Joseph was probably planning on living in Judea which may have indicated he had some understanding of Jesus’ role, thinking He needed to be raised in the religious center of the Jews.

20. What is the difference between a “Nazarene” and a “Nazarite?” A Nazarene was simply someone who was from a particular place, “Nazareth,” but a Nazarite was someone who took a religious vow according to the Law of Moses, Numbers 6:1-21.

21. Thought Question – Since John the Baptizer was a Nazarite, why do you think Jesus was not a Nazarite? John had a Nazarite vow placed on him from birth and apparently was a “lifelong” vow, not just for a specific time as was the case with most Nazarite vows. This vow not only brought him close to God, but it may have been to keep him away from people, especially the religious leaders. Jesus did not have a Nazarite vow placed on Him from birth because part of His work was to raise the dead and a Nazarite could not touch the dead and His work was “among” all people, not keeping Himself separated from some because of His vow.

Prayer: Thank God for His wisdom in all the events surrounding the birth of Jesus and His power to make all of these things happen.

Thursday – Read Matthew 3:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

22. Why do you think this information about John the Baptizer is contained in this account of the life of Jesus? Because the forerunner of the Messiah had been prophesied and John’s life was the fulfillment of those prophecies.

23. What was significant about John’s message about the kingdom, verse 2? It was the “kingdom of heaven,” not the earthly kingdom the Jews were looking for.

24. What do you think the statement from Isaiah that John was uttering, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” verse 3, means?That probably means “remove the obstacles, that things in the way that might hinder the coming of the Messiah, including straightening out the minds of people about their relationship with God.

25. From the scriptures, what would a person know about baptism when John first preached it, verse 8? Nothing was said about baptism up to this point.

26. Why do you think John was so harsh towards the Pharisees and Sadducees when they came to him in the wilderness, verses 7 & 8?Apparently, even though spending most of his time out in the area around the Jordan River, John knew the character of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

27. What do you think the statement “We have Abraham as our father,” verse 9, means? The statement meant a person was in a right relationship with God because they were born as a descendant of Abraham.

28. What does John’s comparison of himself with Jesus, verse 11, indicate about John? He was a very humble person and knew who Jesus was to be, and that he in no way compared with Him.

29. Thought Question – Why do you think John’s ministry was in the wilderness of Judea instead of in Jerusalem, in and around the Temple, the heart of the Jewish religious system? Probably to keep John out of constant conflict with the Jewish religious leaders since he was teaching contrary to what they were saying.

Prayer: Thank God for John the Baptizer and others like him who were willing to withstand the bad treatment by their own people to proclaim the message of Jesus.

Friday – Read Matthew 3:13-17

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

30. Why did John not want to baptize Jesus, verse 14? Because his was a baptism of repentance and even though he did not know that Jesus was the Messiah until identified as such by God at His baptism, he knew of Jesus and His life and knew He was a much better person than himself.

31. What do you think the statement of Jesus, verse 15, means? Since John’s message was to the Jews and Jesus was a Jew and had not been announced by God as the Messiah at that time, for Jesus to have refused baptism, even though He knew He did not need it for the remission of His sins, would have but Him in conflict with the teaching of John.

32. Why was Jesus baptized? To fulfill all righteous; to obey what John was telling Jews they needed to do.

33. Why did the dove descend on Jesus when He was baptized? To identify Him to John as the promised Messiah.

34. What do you think was the purpose of God’s statement about Jesus at His baptism, verse 17? To publicly identify Jesus as His Son.

35. Thought Question – From Matthew’s Gospel, to this point you have learned that baptism was to be preceded by repentance, verse 2; baptism is in water, verse 6; and after baptism you should bear fruit in keeping with repentance, verse 8. What is the only point Jesus’ baptism, verses 13-17, confirms? That it is in water.

Prayer: Thank God for showing you how to come in contact with the blood of Jesus through baptism so your sins could be forgiven and you could enter a covenant relationship with Him.

Saturday – Read Matthew 4:1-11

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

36. What does the way Jesus went into the wilderness teach you about the way God wants you to live your Christian life, verse 1? God wants you to be lead by the Spirit.

37. Why do you think Jesus was tempted immediately after His baptism? That is the time new converts are at their weakness because they are just starting a new life and is probably the easiest time to “pick them off.”

38. What is the significance of the number “40” in the Bible, verse 2? It stands for a period of trial and testing followed by victory.

39. In what way does the devil attempt to deceive Jesus just as He did Eve in the Garden, verse 3? By getting Him to doubt God, “IF you are the Son of God...”

40. What does Jesus say is the key to overcoming temptation, verses 4, 6 & 10? God and the Word of God.

41. In what way was the temptations of Jesus similar to the temptations of Eve? The areas where He was tempted, like Eve, were in needs of the body, the bread, “good for food,” Gen. 3:6; things that were “pleasing to the eye,” Gen. 3:6; and things that would increase personal standing, having all the kingdoms of the world to rule, “desirable to make one wise,” Gen. 3:6.

42. What does the story of the temptation of Jesus teach you about temptation, verse 11? Through the power of God you can resist it. You don’t have to sin.

43. Thought Question – Do you think the devil could have done, given to Jesus, the things he promised if He would worship him? Why or why not? No. The Bible says the devil is a liar and the father of liars.

Prayer: Thank God for the power to resist temptation.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 1

2010-11-28T20:12:00.001-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew Week 1 – 11/28/10

Monday – Read Matthew 1:1-25

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Matthew begins this account of the life of Jesus with a listing of His genealogy?

2. Of all the names listed in the genealogy of Jesus, which are the ones that would be important to the Jews?

3. In the genealogical listing, Jacob and Judah have something in common. What do these two individuals have in common?

4. Since Jesus was not actually from the seed of Joseph, why is he listed in the genealogy?

5. What do you understand “betrothed” to mean? Is it the same as someone in our time being engaged? Why or why not?

6. Thought Question – Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to be born of a virgin?

Prayer: Thank God for providing a Savior to save you from your sins.

Tuesday – Read Matthew 2:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. What do you know about Bethlehem of Judea?

8. What made Jesus being born in Bethlehem of Judea significant?

9. Why do you think the person who was king at the time of Jesus was born is mentioned in this account of his birth?

10. Where do you think “the east,” verse 1, was?

11. From what is said about the wise men, verses 1 & 2 & 10-12, what do you assume about them?

12. Why do you think King Herod troubled when the wise men came and told him about the birth of Jesus?

13. Why would King Herod assemble the “chief priests and scribes of the people,” verse 4, since he was not a Jew?

15. Why did the wise men fall down and worship baby Jesus when they saw Him?

16. Thought Question – About how long after His birth do you think it was when the wise men came to Bethlehem?

Prayer: Thank God for the miracle of the birth of Jesus and for giving you these details surrounding His birth so you can better understand what people of faith Joseph and Mary were.

Wednesday – Read Matthew 2:13-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

17. Why did the angel of the Lord tell Joseph to take the child and flee to Egypt?

18. Why do you think Herod killed all the male children in Bethlehem and its regions, two years old or under?

20. What is the difference between a “Nazarene” and a “Nazarite?”

21. Thought Question – Since John the Baptizer was a Nazarite, why do you think Jesus was not a Nazarite?

Prayer: Thank God for all the prophecies that He recorded in the Old Testament concerning Jesus that help establish the identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah and strengthen you trust in His promises.

Thursday – Read Matthew 3:1-12

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

22. Why do you think this information about John the Baptizer is contained in this account of the life of Jesus?

23. What was significant about John’s message about the kingdom, verse 2?

24. What do you think the statement from Isaiah that John was uttering, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” verse 3, means?

25. From the scriptures, what would a person know about baptism when John first preached it, verse 8?

26. Why do you think John was so harsh towards the Pharisees and Sadducees when they came to him in the wilderness, verses 7 & 8?

27. What do you think the statement “We have Abraham as our father,” verse 9, means?

28. What does John’s comparison of himself with Jesus, verse 11, indicate about John?

29. Thought Question – Why do you think John’s ministry was in the wilderness of Judea instead of in Jerusalem, in and around the Temple, the heart of the Jewish religious system?

Prayer: Thank God for John the Baptizer and others like him who were willing to withstand the bad treatment by their own people to proclaim the message of Jesus.

Friday – Read Matthew 3:13-17

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

30. Why did John not want to baptize Jesus, verse 14?

31. What do you think the statement of Jesus, verse 15, means?

32. Why was Jesus baptized?

33. Why did the dove descend on Jesus when He was baptized?

34. What do you think was the purpose of God’s statement about Jesus at His baptism, verse 17?

35. Thought Question – From Matthew’s Gospel, to this point you have learned that baptism was to be preceded by repentance, verse 2; baptism is in water, verse 6; and after baptism you should bear fruit in keeping with repentance, verse 8. What is the only point Jesus’ baptism, verses 13-17, confirms?

Prayer: Thank God for showing you how to come in contact with the blood of Jesus through baptism so your sins could be forgiven and you could enter a covenant relationship with Him.

Saturday – Read Matthew 4:1-11

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

36. What does the way Jesus went into the wilderness teach you about the way God wants you to live your Christian life, verse 1?

37. Why do you think Jesus was tempted immediately after His baptism?

38. What is the significance of the number “40” in the Bible, verse 2?

39. In what way does the devil attempt to deceive Jesus just as He did Eve in the Garden, verse 3?

40. What does Jesus say is the key to overcoming temptation, verses 4, 6 & 10?

41. In what way was the temptations of Jesus similar to the temptations of Eve?

42. What does the story of the temptation of Jesus teach you about temptation, verse 11?

43. Thought Question – Do you think the devil could have done, given to Jesus, the things he promised if He would worship him? Why or why not?

Prayer: Thank God for the example of Jesus which teaches you that you can resist the temptations of the devil if you lean on God.

Daily Devotional: Gospel of Matthew - Introduction

2010-11-28T20:10:00.001-05:00

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Introduction

You can call him Levi. His friends did, or better said, his professional associates did, but his given name was Matthew. That was his name in the Jewish society, the society of his heritage, but he did not seem to fit there any more. It was not that he did not want to but when he became an agent for the government, a tax collector, that society ostracized him and considered him worse than a dog. They told him his place was with the publications and other tax collectors and sinners, not among them. He had not intended to turn his back on his people and certainly he had not given up the religious teachings of his childhood or his belief that God was going to send a messiah for Israel, His chosen people. In fact, he was getting kind of excited about the things that he had been hearing about this Jesus from Nazareth. Could he possibly be the One? He had heard that he was back in town and he was thinking about going and listening to him. He was sure he could blend in with the crowd and none of his people would make a big deal about him being there. He really wanted to check this man out. Even though he was a tax. collector, he still had the hope of Israel in his heart.

Just as things were slowing down for the day and it was getting to a point where he could leave his tax collector’s stand, he noticed a great crowd coming towards him. He didn’t have to be told what the crowd was about. He had already seen it a time or two; it was Jesus! Now, everywhere this Jesus went there were huge crowds around him. All the people were reaching out trying to touch him, trying to get him to touch and heal someone. This was really exciting. Maybe he would stop somewhere close by and he would be able to hear what he was teaching. Wait, what was happening? He was walking towards his booth. Jesus stopped right in front of Levi’s booth, looked directly at him and said, ”Follow me.” And he did! He did not even take the time to gather up all his books and papers. As he looked into the eyes of Jesus his heart told him that this was the One, and leaving everything he rose and followed him (Luke 5:28).

Probably, Matthew was not one you or I would have chosen to later be designated as an Apostle of the Messiah, if we had been among the Jews of Jesus’ day. But he was one called by Jesus who left everything, his occupation and his position in the community to follow. Immediately he prepared a luncheon where he could bring his new master to meet his friends, other tax collector’s and sinners. He, of all people, cared about his associates even if they were not popular in the local Jewish community. He wanted them to meet the One who was the hope of Israel. He wanted them to know the One who had come to seek and save the lost.

His name, Matthew, is only mentioned 5 times in New Testament writings and three of those are in the listing of those Jesus picked to be Apostles. We know nothing about his life as a disciple, but this Jew, rejected by his countrymen when he became a tax collector, is the one God chose to write an account of the life of Jesus that was directed to a Jewish audience.

Even though the writers are not named in the written accounts of the life of Jesus, that this Matthew was the author of this account has never been questioned. He was accepted as the author of this Gospel by the early church fathers and this has not been doubted since this Gospel was first delivered. The exact time of its writing is unknown but internal evidence (Matthew 24) establishes that it was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The probability is that it was written between the years A.D. 60 and 65.

The cast of thought and the forms of expression employed by the writer show that this Gospel was written for Jewish Christians of Palestine. The object in this writing is to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, and that in Him the ancient prophecies had their fulfillment. This Gospel is full of allusions to those passages of the Old Testament in which Christ is predicted and foreshadowed. The one aim pervading the whole book is to show that Jesus is He "of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write." This Gospel contains no fewer than sixty-five references to the Old Testament, forty-three of these being direct verbal citations, thus greatly outnumbering those found in the other Gospels. The main feature of this Gospel may be expressed in the motto, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill."

The leading characteristic of this Gospel is that it sets forth the kingly glory of Christ and shows Him to be the true heir to David's throne. It is the Gospel of the kingdom. Matthew uses the expression "kingdom of heaven" (thirty-two times), while Luke uses the expression "kingdom of God" (thirty-three times).

The book is divided into four parts:

Part One - The genealogy, the birth, and the infancy of Jesus – Matthew Chapters 1 & 2.

Part Two - The discourses and actions of John the Baptist preparatory to Christ's public ministry – Matthew Chapter 3 thru Chapter 4, verse 11.

Part Three - The discourses and actions of Christ in Galilee – Matthew Chapter 4, verse 12 thru Chapter 20, verse 16.

Part Four - The sufferings, death and resurrection of our Lord – Matthew Chapter 20, verse 7 thru Chapter 28, verse 20.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 6

2010-11-21T17:20:00.004-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 6 – 11/21/10

Monday – Read Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Paul gives this list of relationships in verses 18-22, telling the Christians the proper way to act in each of these relationships? Because he is reminding them that Christians act different from those in the world in their relationships.

2. Why do you think wives are told to submit to their husbands instead of being told to love them? Women, because they tend to be relationship oriented, generally don’t have problems with love in relationships but may struggle with submission, especially when their husbands are not being the men God calls them to be.

3. What do you think it means for a wife to submit to her husband? She is to follow his lead in the relationship.

4. What do you think it means when fathers are told not to provoke their children? Don’t treat them in such a way that they are provoked to anger, but treat them with love, even in your discipline.

5. Thought Question - In verse 22, salves are told to obey their masters. Do you think that the Bible teaches that slavery is okay? Why or why not? The Bible does not teach against slavery, it teaches against treating slaves wrong just because they are slaves. Becoming a slave of another person because of financial problems was not uncommon to the times and there is nothing wrong with having someone indebted to you and working for you, but the Bible says you must treat them right. Generally, when we hear of slavery we think of mistreatment of people.

Prayer: Pray for those you are in relationships with, spouse, children, etc. Ask God to help you always act right towards them.

Tuesday – Read Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

6. What do you think Paul means in verse 23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”? Regardless of what relationships you are in, who you are working for, Christians should do their work as if the Lord were their boss.

7. Why do you think the Bible does not condemn slavery? Because there is nothing morally wrong with it as long as people are treated right. There are times when a person may have to become a slave of another person to satisfy a debt but the Bible does not approve of people being seized against their will and sold to another person as a slave.

8. Where does Paul say the ultimate reward will come from if you act right in all of your relationships, verse 24? From God

9. Is Paul saying in 4:1 that it is okay for a Christian to have slaves? Why or why not? He must be saying it is okay for Christians to have slaves because his letter is written to Christians.

10. Thought Question – What do you think it would be wrong with a slave just acting right because he did not want others to see him acting wrong towards his master, verse 22? Paul says, regardless of your position in life, you should act right because you represent God.

Prayer: Thank God that you do not have to live as a slave and for your freedom and all the physical blessings you have.

Wednesday – Read Colossians 4:2-6

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

11. What do you think it means to continue steadfastly in prayer, verse 2? To be diligent in your prayers; to be praying all the time.

12. How do you think you can be watchful in prayer, verse 2? Remember Jesus’ admonition to His disciples in the Garden, “Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation.” What Paul says here is probably the same admonition. See Eph. 6:18. We should be watchful for temptation and pray about them.

13. What does Paul say should always be a part of our prayers, verse 2? Thanksgiving.

14. What do you find unusual in Paul’s request for prayers on his behalf, verse 3? He does not ask them to pray for his release from prison.

15. What do you think it means to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders,” verse 5? Outsiders are people who are not Christians. Christians are charged to act in such a way towards them that they may see their good works and glorify God.

16. What does Paul say about our speech, verse 5? It should always be gracious.

17. Thought Question - What do you think is the mystery of Christ, verse 3? When the word mystery is used in Scriptures it is always talking something that man could not find out on his own; it had to be revealed to Him by God. The mystery of Christ is what He did to save man.

Prayer: Ask God to help you always walk in wisdom towards outsiders.

Thursday – Read Colossians 4:7-18

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

18. Why do you think Paul includes his comments about specific individuals in this letter? Those individuals Paul mentions are generally people those Paul was writing to knew, or someone who he was going to send to them.

19. What do you think Paul means in verse 10 when he calls Aristarchus “my fellow prisoner” ? Aristarchus was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 19:29, 20:4, 27:2) who apparently has also been imprisoned for the cause of Christ.

20. What do you think Paul means when he speaks of the “only men of the circumcision” in verse 11? He is probably talking about those Christian workers who were of Jewish heritage.

21. What does Paul say is Epaphras’ desire for the church in Colossae, verse 12? That the church would stand mature and fully assured of God’s will.

22. From what Paul says about the “letter from Laodicea” in verses 15 & 16, what do you assume about the churches in Colossae and Laodicea?They must have been close, location wise, and had a lot of contact with one another.

23. From what Paul says about the “letter from Laodicea,” verse 16, what does that tell you about what is contained in the writings of the New Testament? Not everything those who were Apostles wrote to other churches or Christians is contained in the New Testament.

24. Thought Question – Why do you think Paul includes the remarks about Mark in this letter, verse 10? It is possible that the church there may have heard of Mark’s leaving Paul on an earlier journey and Paul wants them to know that he was now faithfully working for the Lord.

Prayer: Thank God for the areas where He has given you the victory by changing your desire for things that were wrong. Ask Him to help you see all the areas where you need your heart to change and to trust in Him, as you walk by faith, to give you the victories in these areas.

Friday – Read The Entire Book Of Colossians Again

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

Look up Mark in your New Testament and learn what the Scriptures say about Him.

Prayer: Thank God for the mystery of Christ.

Saturday – Read The Entire Book Of Colossians Again

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

Look up Onesimus in your New Testament and learn what the Scriptures say about him.

Prayer: Pray for your church, your body in Christ.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 5

2010-11-15T18:45:00.002-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 5 – 11/14/10

Monday – Read Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Paul gives this list of relationships in verses 18-22, telling the Christians the proper way to act in each of these relationships?

2. Why do you think wives are told to submit to their husbands instead of being told to love them?

3. What do you think it means for a wife to submit to her husband?

4. What do you think it means when fathers are told not to provoke their children?

5. Thought Question - In verse 22, salves are told to obey their masters. Do you think that the Bible teaches that slavery is okay? Why or why not?

Prayer: Pray for your relationships and your actions in all of your relationships. Ask God to help you always act right in all of your relationships.

Tuesday – Read Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

6. What do you think Paul means in verse 23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”?

7. Why do you think the Bible does not condemn slavery?

8. Where does Paul say the ultimate reward will come from if you act right in all of your relationships, verse 24?

9. Is Paul saying in 4:1 that it is okay for a Christian to have slaves? Why or why not?

10. Thought Question – What do you think would be wrong with a slave just acting right because he did not want others to see him acting wrong towards his master, verse 22?

Prayer: Pray for those who have to live and work as a slave. Pray that they may have masters who treat them as God commands.

Wednesday – Read Colossians 4:2-6

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

11. What do you think it means to continue steadfastly in prayer, verse 2?

12. How do you think you can be watchful in prayer, verse 2?

13. What does Paul say should always be a part of our prayers, verse 2?

14. What do you find unusual in Paul’s request for prayers on his behalf, verse 3?

15. What do you think it means to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders,” verse 5?

16. What does Paul say about our speech, verse 5?

17. Thought Question - What do you think is the mystery of Christ, verse 3?

Prayer – Ask God to help you be watchful in your prayers.

Thursday – Read Colossians 4:7-18

18. Why do you think Paul includes his comments about specific individuals in this letter?

19. What do you think Paul means in verse 10 when he calls Aristarchus “my fellow prisoner” ?

20. What do you think Paul means when he speaks of the “only men of the circumcision” in verse 11?

21. What does Paul say is Epaphras’ desire for the church in Colossae, verse 12?

22. From what Paul says about the “letter from Laodicea” in verses 15 & 16, what do you assume about the churches in Colossae and Laodicea?

23. From what Paul says about the “letter from Laodicea,” verse 16, what does that tell you about what is contained in the writings of the New Testament?

24. Thought Question – Why do you think Paul includes the remarks about Mark in this letter, verse 10?

Prayer: Thank God for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are your co-workers in the Gospel.

Friday – Read the Entire Book of Colossians Again

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your reading.

Prayer: Pray about whatever God puts on your heart from this reading today.

Saturday – Read The Entire Book Of Colossians Again

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your reading.

Write down what you gained from your study of this book.

Prayer: Thank God for what He has taught you, reminded you of in your study of this book.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 4

2010-11-07T14:05:00.002-05:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 4 – 11/7/10

Monday – Read Colossians 2:1-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Paul means when he says “...as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him...” ? How do you think they received Christ? From what is said in the following verses Paul seems to be indicating that Christ was “all sufficient, all they needed” when they received Him, obeyed the Gospel.

2. What two things does Paul say we should be as a result of our relationship with Christ, verse 7? We should be rooted in Christ and we should be built up, should be growing in our faith in Him.

3. What does Paul say Christians should abound in, verse 7? Why? Christians should abound in thanksgiving. If you focus on your blessings and live with thanksgiving, it will strengthen your walk with Christ.

4. What do you think Paul means when he says “See to it that no one takes you captive...”, verse 8? It is possible for Christians to be taken captive, to be led away from Christ.

5. What does Paul say about philosophy and empty deceit? They are the ways of men and can be used to lead you away from Christ?

6. What point do you think Paul is making when he says that all the fullness of deity dwells in Christ, verse 9? Christ is God and has everything God has. Thus He is all you need.

7. What does Paul state as Christ’s position, verse 10? What do you think that means? Christ is the head over all rule and authority, anyone who has power in this world. Christ is over all.

8. What do you think Paul means when he says “...and you have been filled in Him..., verse 10? You, a Christian, have everything you need in Christ. You do not need anything else to live your life.

9. Why do you think Paul brings up circumcision, verse 11? Circumcision was the sign of the covenant that God made with His chosen people. Since Christians are the new “chosen people,” they need to be sealed, have the sign of the covenant.

10. Thought Question – Paul speaks of the possibility of Christians being led away from Christ through philosophy and empty deceit, verse 8. What would be some practical examples of philosophy or something deceitful that new Christians might accept to help their life? Anything that someone pitches as being something you need for a fulfilled life would be what Paul is talking about. Things like some particular man’s method of meditation or something like the New Age Movement are things that imply a person does not have all they need to live successfully just being a Christian.

Prayer: Ask God to help you always remember that Christ is all you need to be what He wants you to be.

Tuesday – Read Colossians 2:1-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

11. What do you think is Paul’s point when he speaks of a “circumcision made without hands,” verse 11? This circumcision is not something that man does.

12. What do you think it means to put off the body of flesh, verse 11? You consider your old self with all its evil desires dead.

13. How does Paul say you “put off the body of flesh,” verse 12? In Christ in baptism.

14. What else does Paul say happens to you in baptism, verse 12? You are raised with Christ through faith.

15. Why do you think Paul includes the point that God raised Christ from the dead, verse 12, in this discussion? Christ is the firstfruits of those raised from the dead. If He were not raised, you are not raised.

16. How does Paul say God made you alive, verse 13? By forgiving your trespasses.

17. What do you think is the “record of debt,” verse 14? It was a written note of what was owed, in this case the record of the death we were due because of our sin.

18. What do you think were the legal demands of the record of debt, verse 14? The record of debt is what you owed. You owed your life, were sentenced to death because the penalty of sin is death.

19. What do you think is Paul’s point when he says Christ nailed the record of debt to the cross, verse 14? This is the way a posted bill, record of debt was shown to be paid. A nail was driven into the face of the record or bill that had been posted.

20. Thought Question – Why do you think the “rulers and authorities” are brought into this discussion, verse 15? What did God do to the rulers and authorities? They are the ones who are trying to led people away from Christ. God put them to open shame through Christ.

Prayer: Thank God for paying your debt to sin in Christ Jesus.

Wednesday – Read Colossians 2:16-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

21. Why do you think verse 16 begins with “Therefore”? The action Paul call for Christians to take is based on what has happened to them when they were baptized into Christ. Because they are now in Christ, no one can judge them on any other basis.

22. What do the things Paul list in verse 16 represent? The law of Moses.

23. What does Paul mean when he says these things, verse 16, were a “...shadow of things to come...” verse 17? All of the ceremonies and festivals of the Law of Moses were just a shadow of the real things that were revealed in Christ.

24. What do you think it means when it says “...but the substance belongs to Christ,” verse 17? The actual fulfillment, or purpose of those Old Testament ceremonies and festivals is in Christ.

25. How does Paul say someone could be disqualified from Christ, verses 18-19? By doing other things, like practicing asceticism or worship of angels as a means of salvation.

26. What body do you think Paul is speaking of in verse 19? Christ’s body, the church.

27. Thought Question – Do you think verses 16 through 19 are teaching that a Christian can be lost? Why or why not? Yes. When a Christians turns to anyone or anything other than Christ for salvation, they are cutting their self off from Christ, saying He is not sufficient to save them. Thus they are lost.

Prayer: Ask God to help you remember your salvation is in Christ and that you do not need anything other than Him.

Thursday – Read Colossians 2:16-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

28. What do you think are the “elemental spirits of the world” referred to in verse 20? These were the rules, regulations of the world that they were using to control their behaviors before they came to Christ.

29. What do you think “...with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world...” verse 20, means? You recognized they were only temporary measures and your power to overcome fleshly indulgences is in Christ so you stopped using them.

30. What do you think the “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch” is making references to, verse 21? The regulations of the Law of Moses.

31. Why do you think Paul would say those regulations, verses 20-21, have the appearance of wisdom, verse 22? Because they in fact do give temporary victory over the indulgences of the flesh. However, they are based on your will power, your own self will to do those things and eventually your self will will fail and you will engage in the things you were trying to overcome again.

32. Thought Question – Why do you think Paul says that these regulations, verse 20-22, have no value in stopping the indulgences of the flesh? If in fact you did not handle, taste or touch something, that would control your using it, wouldn’t it? They do give temporary control over the indulgences of the flesh but only Christ can give you the power to change your heart, your desire for those things. God is not into trying to get your to stop wrong behaviors. He is into changing your heart so you no longer will desire to do wrong behaviors.

Friday – Read Colossians 3:1-16

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

33. What do you think “...raised with Christ,” verse 1, means? When you were born again through obedience to the Gospel in baptism, you were raised to a new life and that life is in Christ.

34. What do you think “the things that are above...” verse 1, means? Those are the things of God.

35. What do you think it means to “...set your mind..., verse 2? You have control over your mind; you determine what you want to think about.

36. What do you think it means “...your life is hidden with Christ in God,” verse 3? Not only is your old life, the life of sin hidden, covered by Christ’s blood, you new life is also covered by Christ’s blood.

37. What does Paul say will be the result if you set your mind on the things above, verse 4? You will be glorified with Christ when He returns.

38. What do you think the phrase “put to death...” verse 5, means? This implies that you have the power to control your actions, to stop doing wrong things through Christ.

39. What does Paul say is your relationship with sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, verse 7? These things used to be a part of your life, some of the behaviors you practiced. Now you are putting them to death.

40. What do you think verse 11 means? God regards all men the same in terms of salvation.

41. Thought Question - What do you think is the different between your “old self” and your “new self”? Your “old self” was condemned to die because of your sins which you did not have the power to control. Now, your new self has power in Christ to do the right things and will be glorified with Him when He returns.

Prayer: Thank God for your forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

Saturday – Read Colossians 3:1-17

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

42. What does the phrase “put on then...”, verse 12, imply? This is something that you can, and must do with Christ’s help.

43. In verse 12, Paul begins to give specific instructions about the areas where these new Christians were struggling in their new life in Christ. What was the primary problems they were having? It appears their problems were with relationships within the body, their local congregation.

44. Why does Paul say we must forgive others? Because God has forgiven us.

45. What does Paul say is God’s desire for the body, verse 15? To have perfect harmony.

46. What does Paul say will be the result of the peace of Christ ruling in your heart, verses 15-16? You will teach and admonish others, sing spiritual songs and hymns and give thanks to God for others.

47. What do you think the phrase “...do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...” verse 17, means? By His authority and through His power.

48. Why do we give thanks to God through Jesus? Because He is our intercessor. He appears in the presence of God for us with our requests.

49. Thought Question - What do you think “...love binds everything together in perfect harmony” means? When the motive for everyone’s actions is love, everything will come together just as God planned.

Prayer: Pray for your church, your body in Christ.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 3

2010-10-31T14:01:00.003-04:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 3 – 10/31/10

Monday – Read Colossians 2:1-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Paul means when he says “...as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him...”? How do you think they received Christ?

2. What two things does Paul say we should be as a result of our relationship with Christ, verse 7?

3. What does Paul say Christians should abound in, verse 7? Why?

4. What do you think Paul means when he says “See to it that no one takes you captive...”, verse 8?

5. What does Paul say about philosophy and empty deceit?

6. What point do you think Paul is making when he says that all the fullness of deity dwells in Christ, verse 9?

7. What does Paul state as Christ’s position, verse 10? What do you think that means?

8. What do you think Paul means when he says “...and you have been filled in Him..., verse 10?

9. Why do you think Paul brings up circumcision, verse 11?

10. Thought Question – Paul speaks of the possibility of Christians being led away from Christ through philosophy and empty deceit, verse 8. What would be some practical examples of philosophy or something deceitful that new Christians might accept to help their life?

Prayer: Thank God for providing all you need in Christ.

Tuesday – Read Colossians 2:1-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

11. . What do you think is Paul’s point when he speaks of a “circumcision made without hands,” verse 11?

12. What do you think it means to put off the body of flesh, verse 11?

13. How does Paul say you “put off the body of flesh,” verse 12?

14. What else does Paul say happens to you in baptism, verse 12?

15. Why do you think Paul includes the point that God raised Christ from the dead, verse 12, in this discussion?

16. How does Paul say God made you alive, verse 13?

17. What do you think is the “record of debt,” verse 14?

18. What do you think were the legal demands of the record of debt, verse 14?

19. What do you think is Paul’s point when he says Christ nailed the record of debt to the cross, verse 14?

20. Thought Question – Why do you think the “rulers and authorities” are brought into this discussion, verse 15? What did God do to the rulers and authorities?

Prayer: Thank God for forgiving all your trespasses in Christ.

Wednesday – Read Colossians 2:16-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

21. Why do you think verse 16 begins with “Therefore”?

22. What do the things Paul list in verse 16 represent?

23. What does Paul mean when he says these things ( verse 16), were a “...shadow of things to come...” verse 17?

24. What do you think it means when it says “...but the substance belongs to Christ,” verse 17?

25. How does Paul say someone could be disqualified from Christ, verses 18-19?

26. What body do you think Paul is speaking of in verse 19?

27. Thought Question – Do you think verses 16 through 19 are teaching that a Christian can be lost? Why or why not?

Prayer: Thank God for the Head of the body, Christ. Ask Him to help you always look to the Head for direction for your life and not to the ways of men.

Thursday – Read Colossians 2:16-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

28. What do you think are the “elemental spirits of the world” referred to in verse 20?

29. What do you think “...with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world...” verse 20, means?

30. What do you think the “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch” is making references to, verse 21?

31. Why do you think Paul would say those regulations, verses 20-21, have the appearance of wisdom, verse 22?

32. Thought Question – Why do you think Paul says that these regulations, verse 20-22, have no value in stopping the indulgences of the flesh? If in fact you did not handle, taste or touch something, that would control your using it, wouldn’t it?

Prayer: Thank God for His promise of victory over all fleshly indulgences in Christ. Ask Him to help you learn how to depend on Christ for the victory.

Friday – Read Colossians 3:1-17

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

33. What do you think “...raised with Christ,” verse 1, means?

34. What do you think “the things that are above...” verse 1, means?

35. What do you think it means to “...set your mind..., verse 2?

36. What do you think it means “...your life is hidden with Christ in God,” verse 3?

37. What does Paul say will be the result if you set your mind on the things above, verse 4?

38. What do you think the phrase “put to death...” verse 5, means?

39. What does Paul say is your relationship with sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, verse 7?

40. What do you think verse 11 means?

41. Thought Question - What do you think is the different between your “old self” and your “new self”?

Prayer: Thank God for your new self which was made possible by the sacrifice of Christ and your obedience to the Gospel.

Saturday – Read Colossians 3:1-17

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

42. What does the phrase “put on then... verse 12, imply?

43. In verse 12, Paul begins to give specific instructions about the areas where these new Christians were struggling in their new life in Christ. What was the primary problems they were having?

44. Why does Paul say we must forgive others?

45. What does Paul say is God’s desire for the body, verse 15?

46. What does Paul say will be the result of the peace of Christ ruling in your heart, verses 15-16?

47. What do you think the phrase “...do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...” verse 17, means?

48. Why do we give thanks to God through Jesus?

49. Thought Question – What do you think “...love binds everything together in perfect harmony” means?

Prayer: Thank God for the body, the church you are a part of and ask Him to help you always work to maintain harmony in the body.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 2

2010-10-24T19:58:00.008-04:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Week 2 – 10/24/10

Colossians

Monday – Read the entire book of Colossians in one setting.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. As you read this writing, what jumped out, stuck with you?

2. What questions about this writing and its teaching came to your mind?

Prayer: Thank God for all the men you know who work in teaching and preaching the Word.

Tuesday – Read Colossians 1:1-8

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

3. How does Paul identify himself in this writing? As an apostle.

4. What do you think the way Paul identified himself means? Paul has authority. He has been sent by Jesus to lay the foundation of the church by preaching the Word. He has authority to speak for Jesus. The word “apostle” means “one sent with the authority to act in behalf of another.”

5. Who does Paul say was with him; joined him in this writing? Timothy

6. What do you know about Timothy? Paul call Timothy his “son in the faith.” Timothy was a young man that joined Paul and Barnabas on their preaching journeys as recorded in the Book of Acts. He was trained to be an evangelist, a preacher of the Gospel. Two of the other writings preserved in the New Testament are letters from Paul to him, giving him encouragement and instructing him in the work of the evangelist.

7. Paul identifies those in Christ in Colossae as “saints.” What do you think that word mean? The word means “set apart, sanctified.” Those in Colossae who had obeyed the Gospel had been sanctified through their obedience; they had been set apart to serve Jesus.

8. What do you think Paul means when he writes “Grace to you and peace from God our Father,” Verse 2? This is Paul’s standard greeting in many of his writings. However, this is not just the words of a greeting. The gospel proclaims the grace of God which gives you peace with God when you obey it.

9. What does Paul say to begin this writing as a point of encouragement, verse 3? He has been praying for the church in Colossae since he heard of its founding.

10. What does Paul indicate he knows about the Christians in Colossae, verses 4 & 5? They had received the word of God, that is, they had faith in Christ Jesus and they had a love for all the saints.

11. What does Paul indicate the Christians in Colossae have because of the Gospel, verse 5? A hope laid up in heaven.

12. In verse 6 Paul makes an amazing statement about the Gospel; “...the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit ...” What do you think this statement means? At the time of this writing, it had been just about 30 years since the death and resurrection of Jesus and His commission to His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Here Paul says the gospel has gone into all the world and it is bearing fruit everywhere it has been preached.

13. What do you think is Paul point when he says they “...understood the grace of God in truth,” verse 6? When the Colossians heard the Gospel message they understood it was the truth. They understood it was the story of the grace of God being extended to men.

14. Who does Paul say is responsible for bringing the Gospel to Colossae? Epaphras

15. What do you think Paul means when he speaks of the love of the Colossians in the Sprit, verse 8? Paul is identifying the power that gives the Colossians the ability to love; the Spirit.

16. Thought Question – What do you think Paul is saying about the Gospel in verse 6? How does this relate to your life; to you church family?The Gospel is intended to bear fruit, to grow where it is preached because it contains God power to change the hearts of men. Are you growing, producing fruit in the Gospel? Is your church growing, producing fruit in the Gospel?

Prayer: Thank God for the message of the Gospel and His promise that if we get out and speak it, it will not return to Him void but will bear fruit.

Wednesday – Read Colossians 1:1-14

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

17. Paul said since the day he had heard of the love of the saints in Colossae he had not stopped praying for them, verse 9. What did he say he was praying for? That they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.

18. Why does Paul want the saints in Colossae to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, verse 10? So they can walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. You must know God’s will to walk in it.

19. What does Paul say would be the result of someone walking worthy of the Lord, verse 10? You will bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God.

20. Why does Paul pray they would be strengthened with all power, verse 11? So they could endure what they would have to endure with patience and joy.

21. What does Paul say God has done for the saints in Colossae, verse 12? What do you think that means? God has delivered them from the dominion of darkness. He had taken them out of darkness and into His light when they obeyed the Gospel. They were no longer separated from God.

22. What do you think the phrase “the domain of darkness,” verse 13, means? The realm ruled over by the Devil; the world where men live without light, without the guidance of God in their hearts.

23. Where did God deliver the saints to when He delivered them from the domain of darkness, verse 13? Into the kingdom of His beloved Son.

24. What does Paul say is the significance of being in Christ, verse 14? In Christ is where you have redemption, the forgiveness of your sins.

25. Thought Question: What do you think it means; what is the significance of being transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son? It means you are a subject in a kingdom that is ruled by the Son of God and thus are entitled to all the blessings of being a subject in that kingdom.

Prayer: Thank God for redeeming, buying you back from the penalty of sin and giving you your hope in Jesus.

Thursday – Read Colossians 1:1-23

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

26. In verses 15 through 18, Paul lists eight facts about Christ. List those eight things. (1) Image of God, (2) Firstborn of all creation, (3) creator of all things, (4) Before all things, (5) He holds all things together, (6) Head of the church, (7) The beginning, (8) Firstborn from the dead.

27. What do you think each of those things mean? (1) He is God, (2) He holds the position and rights of firstborn over all creation, thus He is superior to all,(3) He made all things (4) He is eternal, before all things, (5) All things continue to work in creation because of Him, (6) He is the ruler, director, leader of the church, (7) He was before all things; before anything in the created order was, He was. Therefore He is superior, (8) He was the first one to be raised from the dead never to die again.

28. Why do you think Paul listed these things about Christ? To establish that He is preeminent; He is superior to all of the created order; He is Lord.

29. What do you think the phrase “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...” verse 19, means? Jesus was God. He had all the attributes of God, therefore He was God.

30. What do you think the word “reconcile” means? How does it relate to Christ, verse 20? The word means “to bring back completely.” We were away from God because of our sin, not in a relationship with Him, and were brought back to Him because of Christ’s sacrifice.

31. What did Christ use to make peace between men and God? Why did that make peace possible? Christ shed His blood and God said blood makes atonement for sin.

32. What does Paul say was the previous condition of those in the church in Colossae, verse 21? They were alienated, separated from God, living as enemies of God, and against God in their minds and doing evil deeds.

33. What was the purpose for which Christ reconciled men, verse 22? To present men to God holy and blameless and above reproach.

34. Thought Question: What do you think the condition Paul lists in verse 23 for one who has become a Christian means? Even though the sacrifice of Christ forgives sins and makes a person clean, holy, you don’t just remain in that condition. You must continue to follow and obey Christ and not turn away from the hope that was presented in the gospel message.

Prayer: Thank God for the Gospel and the one who cared enough about you to share it with you.

Friday – Read Colossians 1:1-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

35. What do you think Paul means when he says “...in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions..., verse 24? Paul is speaking of the persecution and abuse he has had to endure because he was preaching the message of Christ. He says his persecution is the same as if they were actually persecuting Christ.

36. What is a stewardship, verse 25? A steward is someone who is trusted with the property of another, to manage and take care of it.

37. What was the stewardship God gave Paul? The Word of God.

38. What do you think the word “mystery,” verse 26, means? This word means “something that cannot be discerned or found out through the means of man, something that had to be revealed by God.”

39. What does Paul say is the mystery, verse 27? Christ in you, the hope of glory.

40. What does Paul say is the goal of his teaching, verse 28? Presenting people mature in Christ. His goal was not just to bring people to Christ by preaching the message of salvation, his goal also included helping those brought to Christ to mature in Christ, to become like Christ.

41. How does Paul say he is able to do what he does, verse 29? By Christ’s power working within him, not based on his own strength or power.

42. Thought Question: What do you think Paul means when he says that Christ works powerfully within him? How does that apply to your life or is that something Christ only did for the apostles? Paul acknowledges that he does what he does, not because he has the talents, abilities or strength to do it but because Christ gives him the ability and strength to do it. He does not do what he does because of himself but because Christ works through him.

Prayer: Thank God for His creation and ask Him to help you, as a part of His creation, to always praise Him.

Saturday – Read Colossians 2:1-5

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

43. Why do you think Paul wants the church in Colossae to know his struggles? He is hoping it will encourage them to know he is willing to struggle for them through enduring persecution for preaching, teaching the gospel. Even though they have never personally seen Paul, Paul tells them that all the persecution he has endured was also for them.

44. Why does Paul say he endures these struggles, verse 1? He wants to encourage them by letting them know how much he cares for them.

45. What common hope does Paul hold for himself and the saints in Colossae and Laodicea, verse 2? That they would receive a full understanding and knowledge of all the riches in Christ.

46. What does Paul say is in Christ, verse 3? Treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

47. What does Paul say is his overall goal for the saints in Colossae, verse 4? That they would not be deceived by others who come to them with things that sound logical but are not in accordance with the Gospel.

48. Thought Question – What does Paul say is a real danger for new Christians, verse 4? What does that teach you about your relationship with new Christians? New Christians are easily deceived and lead astray by things that sound reasonable to them because they do not have a strong foundation in the faith to test things by. We need to surround new Christians and protect them by spending time with them and studying with them and help them develop a strong walk with Christ.

Prayer: Pray for the working of the Gospel in the hearts of people around you and ask God to use you to help others come to know Jesus.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 1

2010-10-17T13:45:00.008-04:00

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord
Week 1 – 10/17/10

Colossians

Monday – Read the entire book of Colossians in one setting.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. As you read this writing, what jumped out, stuck with you?

2. What questions about this writing and its teaching came to your mind?

Prayer: Thank God for Christ and His promise of providing for all your needs in Him.

Tuesday – Read Colossians 1:1-8

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

3. How does Paul identify himself in this writing?

4. What do you think the way Paul identified himself means?

5. Who does Paul say was with him; joined him in this writing?

6. What do you know about Timothy?

7. Paul identifies those in Christ in Colossae as “saints.” What do you think that word mean?

8. What do you think Paul means when he writes “Grace to you and peace from God our Father,” Verse 2?

9. What does Paul say to begin this writing as a point of encouragement, verse 3?

10. What does Paul indicate he knows about the Christians in Colossae, verses 4 & 5?

11. What does Paul indicate the Christians in Colossae have because of the Gospel, verse 5?

12. In verse 6 Paul makes an amazing statement about the Gospel; “...the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit ...” What do you think this statement means?

13. What do you think is Paul point when he says they “...understood the grace of God in truth,” verse 6?

14. Who does Paul say is responsible for bringing the Gospel to Colossae?

15. What do you think Paul means when he speaks of the love of the Colossians in the Sprit, verse 8?

16. Thought Question – What do you think Paul is saying about the Gospel in verse 6? How does this relate to your life; to you church family?

Prayer: Thank God for the hope you have laid up in heaven by obedience to the Gospel.

Wednesday – Read Colossians 1:1-14

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

17. Paul said since the day he had heard of the love of the saints in Colossae he had not stopped praying for them, verse 9. What did he say he was praying for?

18. Why does Paul want the saints in Colossae to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, verse 10?

19. What does Paul say would be the result of someone walking worthy of the Lord, verse 10?

20. Why does Paul pray they would be strengthened with all power, verse 11?

21. What does Paul say God has done for the saints in Colossae, verse 12? What do you think that means?

22. What do you think the phrase “the domain of darkness,” verse 13, means?

23. Where did God deliver the saints to when He delivered them from the domain of darkness, verse 13?

24. What does Paul say is the significance of being in Christ, verse 14?

25. Thought Question: What do you think it means; what is the significance of being transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son?

Prayer: Thank God for delivering you into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Thank Him for the sacrifice of His Son which made this possible when you obeyed the Gospel.

Thursday – Read Colossians 1:1-23

Prayer: Ask God to help you always put your trust in Him and not in the actions of men.

26. In verses 15 through 18, Paul lists eight facts about Christ. List those eight things.

27. What do you think each of those things (Question 26) means?

28. Why do you think Paul listed these things about Christ?

29. What do you think the phrase “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...” verse 19, means?

30. What do you think the word “reconcile” means? How does it relate to Christ, verse 20?

31. What did Christ use to make peace between men and God? Why did that make peace possible?

32. What does Paul say was the previous condition of those in the church in Colossae, verse 21?

33. What was the purpose for which Christ reconciled men, verse 22?

34. Thought Question: What do you think the condition Paul lists in verse 23 for one who has become a Christian means?

Prayer: Thank God for the blood of Jesus which made it possible for you, a sinner, to make peace with Him.

Friday – Read Colossians 1:1-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

35. What do you think Paul means when he says “...in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions..., verse 24?

36. What is a stewardship, verse 25?

37. What was the stewardship God gave Paul?

38. What do you think the word “mystery,” verse 26, means?

39. What does Paul say is the mystery, verse 27?

40. What does Paul say is the goal of his teaching, verse 28?

41. How does Paul say he is able to do what he does, verse 29?

42. Thought Question: What do you think Paul means when he says that Christ works powerfully within him? How does that apply to your life or is that something Christ only did for the apostles?

Prayer: Thank God for the power He gives your life through Christ in you.

Saturday – Read Colossians 2:1-5

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

43. Why do you think Paul wants the church in Colossae to know his struggles?

44. Why does Paul say he endures these struggles, verse 1?

45. What common hope does Paul hold for himself and the saints in Colossae and Laodicea, verse 2?

46. What does Paul say is in Christ, verse 3?

47. What does Paul say is his overall goal for the saints in Colossae, verse 4?

48. Thought Question – What does Paul say is a real danger for new Christians, verse 4? What does that teach you about your relationship with new Christians?

Prayer: Thank God for the efforts of all who have struggled for you to bring you the Gospel and to help you stay steadfast in Christ.

Colossians: Introduction

2010-10-17T13:40:00.000-04:00

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in the church in the city of Colossae around 60 A.D. This city was located in the southwest corner of Asia Minor in what was then the Roman province of Asia. The city was situated in the Lycus River Valley on the Lycus River. The city was about 12 miles south of the city of Laodicea and east of the city of Ephesus. It was located on the great road from Ephesus to the Euphrates and at one time was important because of the mercantile trade passing through the city. It was a prominent city during the Greek period but by Paul’s time it had lost much of its importance, perhaps because of the growth of the neighboring cities. Extremely detrimental to all the cities in the Lycus River Valley were the earthquakes that occasionally did severe damage. Shortly after Paul wrote this letter the entire Lycus Valley was devastated by an earthquake (about A.D. 61) and seems to have ended the occupation of this city.

It does not appear that Paul ever visited this city (Col.2:1). However, during Paul’s extended stay in Ephesus during his third preaching journey (54-58A.D.), it is likely that those who were the traveling companions of Paul took the gospel to that city as Paul said “...all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Paul and his companions worked throughout Asia, using Ephesus as a home base for a period of two years. Colossians 1:7 & 4:12 seen to indicate that it was Epaphras who took the Gospel to Colossae even though he was not listed among Paul’s traveling companion on the third preaching journey. Some suggest that he heard the Gospel from Paul, perhaps in Ephesus, and returned to Colossae, his home to teach the good news of Jesus. Since Paul’s third preaching journey took place between 54 and 58 A.D., and the date of this writing in around 60 A.D., this church would have been very young in the faith, only a couple of years in existence at the time of this writing. Colossae, or the church in Colossae is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament except in the beginning of this letter to the church (Col. 1:2) which seems to support the belief that when the city was devastated by an earthquake about 61 A.D. the church no longer existed.

In this writing Paul calls Epaphras “our beloved fellow servant” (Col.1:7) and “one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus” (Col. 4:12). In Paul’s letter to Philemon he calls Epaphras “my fellow prisoner in Christ” (Philemon 1:23). This suggests that not only was Epaphras one of Paul’s co-workers and a faithful servant of the Lord, but was with Paul in prison when he wrote this letter. Some think he brought Paul information from the church and remained in Rome to serve Paul in prison.

This writing seems to paint a vivid picture of the struggle of new, baby Christians. First, they are new to the faith, therefore their knowledge of the faith is lacking so Paul says he is praying that they may “...be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...(1:9-10). How to live this new life is a struggle for new Christians, especially when they do not yet have a full understand of all that God through Christ provides. Paul is concerned that they may be influenced, even taken captive by false teachers and attempt to strengthen their walk in Christ by trying to control the indulgences of the flesh by religious rituals and regulations (2:16-23). Paul informs these new Christians that these methods won’t work and it is only Christ who can strengthen them and give them a victorious Christian life (3:1-17). Paul tells them that love, the love of Christ, is the glue that brings and holds everything together in their new life in Christ. He counsels them about relationships, reminding them how to live in their earthly relationships, family, slave-master and the family of God, reminding them that Christ in their hearts is the secret to proper living in these relationships (3:15). He tells them that he has sent them someone to help them in their struggles, Tychicus and Onesimus (4: 7 & 9), and says he has given them instructions about receiving Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, if he comes their way (4:10). He counsels them to seek further instruction by reading the letter he sent to the church in Laodicea and asks them to let the church in Laodicea read his letter to them.

Christ is all sufficient. You don’t need anything else to live a life to the glory of God is the main point of this letter.

Daily Study Guide: Week 92

2010-10-10T17:13:00.004-04:00

Psalms
Monday – Read Psalm 142 & 143

Psalm 142 – A Cry For Help In The Time Of Trouble

Psalm 143 – A Prayer For Deliverance And Guidance

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say is his present condition, verse 7? He is in some type of prison.

2. What is the psalmist crying out for? For deliverance from his persecutors, verse 6.

3. Why does the psalmist say he cries to God, verse 5? Because God is his refuge.

4. What is the psalmist confident of, verse 7? That God will deliver him and deal bountifully with him.

5. On what basis does the psalmist cry out to God, 143:2? On the basis that all men are sinners therefore God should not let his sin keep Him from responding.

6. What does the psalmist say encourages him to cry out to God, verse 5? Remembering the days of old and the past actions of God.

7. What is the psalmist asking God to do, verse 7? Deliver him quickly.

8. On what basis does the psalmist ask God to deliver him, verse 11? For God’s name sake.

9. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the confidence you can have in His deliverance because of His history of delivering His children in times of trouble.

Tuesday – Read Psalm 144

Prayer And Praise

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

10. After reading this psalm, what is the condition of the psalmist? He is getting ready to go to war or is in a war with his enemies.

11. Why does the psalmist say he is calling out to God? Because God is his stronghold and deliverer.

12. What does the psalmist say about his enemies, verse 8? Their words are full of lies.

13. Why does the psalmist say he will sing a song to God, verses 9-10? Because He gives victory to kings.

14. Along with deliverance from his enemies, what else is the psalmist asking of God, verses 11-14? To make the nation prosperous.

15. Who does the psalmist say God blesses, verse 15? Those whose God is the Lord.

16. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the blessings He has given this nation and pray that America will turn their hearts back to the Lord so He can continue those blessings.

Wednesday – Read Psalm 145

The Goodness And Righteousness Of God

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

17. What does the psalmist say he is going to do, verse 1? Bless God’s name forever and ever.

18. What does the psalmist say each generation should do, verse 4? Tell the next generation of the works of God.

19. What does the psalmist say is the character of God, verses 7-9? He is good, righteous, gracious, merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

20. What does the psalmist say about the kingdom of God, verse 13? It is everlasting.

21. What does the psalmist say about those who call upon the Lord, verse 18? They should call upon Him in truth.

22. What does the psalmist say God will do to the wicked, verse 20? Destroy them.

23. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to help you always call upon Him in truth.

Thursday – Read Psalm 146 & 147

Psalms 146 Through 150 Are Hallelujah Psalms. The author of these psalms is unknown.

Psalm 146 – Song Of The Return From Captivity

Psalm 147 – Praise For God’s Restoration And Prosperity

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

24. What does the psalmist say he will do for God, verse 1? Praise Him and sing praises to Him.

25. Who does the psalmist say you should not put your trust in, verse 3? Princes or men.

26. Why does the psalmist say you should not put your trust in men, verse 4? Because they all die and have no power after their death.

27. What does the psalmist say the Lord does for those who are distressed, verses 7-9? Lifts them up and gives them justice.

28. Why does the psalmist say it is good to sing praises to the Lord, verse 1? Because it is pleasant and fitting.

29. What does the psalmist say about God’s understanding, verse 5? It is beyond measure.

30. Who does the Lord take pleasure in, verse 11? Those who fear Him.

31. What does the psalmist say about the dealings of God with nations other than Jacob, verses 19-20? God has not dealt with any other nation the way He has dealt with Jacob.

32. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the way He has dealt with America and pray for the hearts of the people of this country that they will be turned back to Him.

Friday – Read Psalm 148

Praise For The Creation

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

33. Who does the psalmist say should praise God? Everything that has been created.

34. Why does the psalmist say they should praise God, verse 5? Because God created them.

35. What does the psalmist say about the name of the Lord, verse 13? His name is exalted.

36. What do you think the psalmist is speaking of in verse 14 when he says God has raised up a horn for His people? God has provided a deliverer. This may be a reference to Christ.

37. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His creation and ask Him to help you, as a part of His creation, to always praise Him.

Saturday – Read Psalm 149 & 150

Psalm 149 – Praise For The Mercies Of God

Psalm 150 – Praise The Lord

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

38. Where does the psalmist say you should sing a new song, verse 1? In the assembly of the godly.

39. What does the psalmist say is God’s attitude towards His people, verse 4? He takes pleasure in His people.

40. Where does the psalmist say God should be praised, verse 1? In His sanctuary and in the heavens.

41. Who does the psalmist say should praise God, verse 6? Everything that has breath.

42. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Praise God for His watch and care of you.

Daily Study Guide: Week 91

2010-10-03T14:12:00.003-04:00

Psalms

Monday – Read Psalms 142 & 143

Psalm 142 – A Cry For Help In The Time Of Trouble

Psalm 143 – A Prayer For Deliverance And Guidance

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say is his present condition, verse 7?

2. What is the psalmist crying out for?

3. Why does the psalmist say he cries to God, verse 5?

4. What is the psalmist confident of, verse 7?

5. On what basis does the psalmist cry out to God, 143:2?

6. What does the psalmist say encourages him to cry out to God, verse 5?

7. What is the psalmist asking God to do, verse 7?

8. On what basis does the psalmist ask God to deliver him, verse 11?

9. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for delivering you from sin.

Tuesday – Read Psalms 144

Prayer And Praise

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

10. After reading this psalm, what is the condition of the psalmist?

11. Why does the psalmist say he is calling out to God?

12. What does the psalmist say about his enemies, verse 8?

13. Why does the psalmist say he will sing a song to God, verse 9?

14. Along with deliverance from his enemies, what else is the psalmist asking of God, verses 11-14?

15. Who does the psalmist say God blesses, verse 15?

16. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for blessing your life.

Wednesday – Read Psalms 145

The Goodness And Righteousness Of God

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

17. What does the psalmist say he is going to do, verse 1?

18. What does the psalmist say each generation should do, verse 4?

19. What does the psalmist say is the character of God, verses 7-9?

20. What does the psalmist say about the kingdom of God, verse 13?

21. What does the psalmist say about those who call upon the Lord, verse 18?

22. What does the psalmist say God will do to the wicked, verse 20?

23. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for being slow to anger and abounding in love.

Thursday – Read Psalms 146 & 147

Psalms 146 Through 150 Are Hallelujah Psalms. The author of these psalms is unknown.

Psalm 146 – Song Of The Return From Captivity

Psalm 147 – Praise For God’s Restoration And Prosperity

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

24. What does the psalmist say he will do for God, verse 1?

25. Who does the psalmist say you should not put your trust in, verse 3?

26. Why does the psalmist say you should not put your trust in men, verse 4?

27. What does the psalmist say the Lord does for those who are distressed, verses 7-9?

28. Why does the psalmist say it is good to sing praises to the Lord, verse 1?

29. What does the psalmist say about God’s understanding, verse 5?

30. Who does the Lord take pleasure in, verse 11?

31. What does the psalmist say about the dealings of God with nations other than Jacob, verses 19-20?

32. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to help you always put your trust in Him and not in the actions of men.

Friday – Read Psalms 148

Praise For The Creation

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

33. Who does the psalmist say should praise God?

34. Why does the psalmist say they should praise God, verse 5?

35. What does the psalmist say about the name of the Lord, verse 13?

36. What do you think the psalmist is speaking of in verse 14 when he says God has raised up a horn for His people?

37. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His horn of Salvation, Jesus the Christ.

Saturday – Read Psalm 149 & 150

Psalm 149 – Praise For The Mercies Of God

Psalm 150 – Praise The Lord

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

38. Where does the psalmist say you should sing a new song, verse 1?

39. What does the psalmist say is God’s attitude towards His people, verse 4?

40. Where does the psalmist say God should be praised, verse 1?

41. Who does the psalmist say should praise God, verse 6?

42. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Praise God because He is worthy of all your praise.

Daily Study Guide: Week 90

2010-09-26T15:21:00.001-04:00

Psalms

Monday – Read Psalm 136

Historical Psalm – Covers the period from creation to the entrance into the Promised Land. This psalm is different in format from all other psalms. All verses end with “for His steadfast love endures forever,” suggesting this was a psalm to be read with audience response.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Read through this psalm omitting the ending phrase of each verse to gain the overall picture of the writer’s thoughts.

2. What did you understand was the overall picture the writer was presenting in this psalm? The love of God to the descendant of Abraham, Children of Israel, as shown by His taking care of them and then delivering them from Egypt and His protection in bringing them into the Promised Land, defeating all the kings they needed to defeat to take the land.

3. What are the three major events that the psalmist uses to establish the fact that God’s love endures forever? Creation, verses 1-9; protection and deliverance from the Egyptians, verses 10-16; defeating the kings so the Children of Israel could take the Promised Land.

4. In the first three verses the psalmist gives three different titles to God. What are they and what do you think each one means? Verse 1, “LORD” – this is the Hebrew word for Jehovah, the proper name for the God of Israel; Verse 2, “God of gods”- this is a phrase acknowledging that God is over, greater than all others that people call god; Verse 3, “Lord of lords” – this is a phrase acknowledging that God is actually the ruler over all, even those who claim to be rulers. The overall picture from the psalmist is that the God of Israel is God and Ruler over all, which he will then establish by the statements of His being the Creator of all.

5. How does the palmist describe the God that Israel serves, verse 26? Their God is the God in heaven, the one who made it all.

6. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His creation which shows you He is the God of all.

Tuesday – Read Psalm 137

Psalm Of The Exile Depicting Their Persecution

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. Why does the psalmist say the people sat down and wept by the waters of Babylon, verse 1? Because they remembered Jerusalem and their life in their land before the captivity.

8. What does the psalmist say their captors required them to do, verse 3? Sing the songs of praise and rejoicing that they sang in their own land.

9. Why does the psalmist say they could not sing these songs, verse 4? Because they were songs of praise and rejoicing because of God’s blessing in their land and now they had nothing to praise God for.

10. What does the psalmist say sustained the exiles in captivity, verse 5? Remembering the good days in their own land, Jerusalem.

11. What does the psalmist picture as a danger for the exiles, verses 5 & 6? When things turned good for the exiles, they might forget Jerusalem, their own land.

12. Why does the psalmist ask God to bring judgment against the Edomites, verse 7? Because they had rejoiced and called for the complete destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

13. What does the psalmist say is the destiny of Babylon, verse 8? It is destined for doom.

14. How do you deal with the thought of the psalmist in verse 9, saying the one who takes the babies of Babylon and dashes them against the rocks should be blessed? Even though we are stunned at the thought of dashing babies against the rocks, the picture here is of the destruction of those who oppose the ways of God.

15. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to help you remember the blessings that you have in His house so that they might help you keep your heart thankful and obedient to His ways.

Wednesday – Read Psalm 138

A Psalm Of Thanksgiving For God’s Favor – This is the first of eight psalm in this section ascribed to David.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

16. Where does the psalmist say he sings the praises of God, verse 1? Before all the gods of the world.

17. Why does the psalmist say he bows down and gives thanks to God, verse 2? Because of His steadfast love and faithfulness.

18. What does the psalmist say was the result of God answering his prayers, verse 3? He was strengthened.

19. What does the psalmist say all the kings of the earth will do, verse 4? Why? They will give thanks to God because they have heard His word.

20. What does the psalmist extol about the characteristics of God, verse 6? Because He regards the lowly and holds distain for the haughty.

21. What does the psalmist say God does for him in his life, verse 7? He preserves his life in the midst of trouble.

22. What does the psalmist say he knows God will do with his life, verse 8? Fulfill His purpose for his life.

23. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His love and faithfulness.

Thursday – Read Psalm 139

A Psalm That Extols The Omniscience And Omnipresence Of God.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

24. What is the psalmist writing about in verses 1-6? – God omniscience, He knows everything.

25. What is the psalmist writing about in verses 7-12? God’s omnipresence, He is everywhere.

26. What does the psalmist say about God’s ways, verse 14? They are wonderful.

27. What does the psalmist say God knows about him, verses 15-16? Everything, from before He was made to the end of his days.

28. What is the attitude of the psalmist towards the works of God, verses 17-18? They are precious to him.

29. What is the psalmist asking God to do, verse 19? Slay the wicked because they speak against Him.

30. What is the psalmist asking God to do for him, verses 23-24? Search his heart and show him any unclean thing within him.

31. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to remind you that He knows everything about you and help you always be honest and open before Him, not trying to hide anything from Him.

Friday – Read Psalm 140

A Psalm Of Supplication For Deliverance From Enemies

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

32. What is the psalmist asking God to do for him, verse 1? Deliver him from evil men.

33. What does the psalmist believe is the intent of these evil men, verse 4? To trap him, to destroy him.

34. What do you think the psalmist means in verse 7, “You have covered my head...”? God was his protection; He had covered his most vulnerable spot, his head.

35. What does the psalmist say he knows about God, verse 12? He knows that God will maintain the cause of the afflicted.

36. What does the psalmist say the righteous will do, verse 13? They will give thanks to God for His deliverance.

37. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His watch and protection over your life.

Saturday – Read Psalm 141

An Evening Prayer For Sanctification And Protection

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

38. What is the psalmist’s plea in verses 1-2? For God to hear his prayer and regard it as incense or one lifting up their hands at the evening sacrifice.

39. What is the psalmist asking for in verses 3-4? To keep him from evil by setting a guard over his heart and mouth.

40. What does the psalmist say about the righteous, verse 5? He considers their strikes and rebukes a kindness and oil upon his head.

41. What do you think is the meaning of verse 8? He is looking to God for help and deliverance and asking God to not leave him defenseless.

42. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His watch and protection.

Daily Study Guide: Week 89

2010-09-19T13:36:00.006-04:00

Psalms

Monday – Read Psalms 136

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Read through this psalm omitting the ending phrase of each verse to gain the overall picture of the writer’s thoughts.

2. What did you understand was the overall picture the writer was presenting in this psalm?

3. What are the three major events that the psalmist uses to establish the fact that God’s love endures forever?

4. In the first three verses the psalmist gives three different titles to God. What are they and what do you think each one means?

5. How does the palmist describe the God that Israel serves, verse 26?

6. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His love and the fact that it endures forever.

Tuesday – Read Psalms 137

Psalm Of The Exile Depicting Their Persecution

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

7. Why does the psalmist say the people sat down and wept by the waters of Babylon, verse 1?

8. What does the psalmist say their captors required them to do, verse 3?

9. Why does the psalmist say they could not sing these songs, verse 4?

10. What does the psalmist say sustained the exiles in captivity, verse 5?

11. What does the psalmist picture as a danger for the exiles, verses 5 & 6?

12. Why does the psalmist ask God to bring judgment against the Edomites, verse 7?

13. What does the psalmist say is the destiny of Babylon, verse 8?

14. How do you deal with the thought of the psalmist in verse 9, saying the one who takes the babies of Babylon and dashes them against the rocks should be blessed?

15. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for reminding you that He will punish those who do evil and do not follow His ways, even His children if they turn from Him.

Wednesday – Read Psalms 138

A Psalm Of Thanksgiving For God’s Favor – This is the first of eight psalm in this section ascribed to David.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

16. Where does the psalmist say he sings the praises of God, verse 1?

17. Why does the psalmist say he bows down and gives thanks to God, verse 2?

18. What does the psalmist say was the result of God answering his prayers, verse 3?

19. What does the psalmist say all the kings of the earth will do, verse 4? Why?

20. What does the psalmist extol about the characteristics of God, verse 6?

21. What does the psalmist say God does for him in this life, verse 7?

22. What does the psalmist say he knows God will do with his life, verse 8?

23. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His blessings and favor.

Thursday – Read Psalms 139

A Psalm That Extols The Omniscience And Omnipresence Of God.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

24. What is the psalmist writing about in verses 1-6?

25. What is the psalmist writing about in verses 7-12?

26. What does the psalmist say about God’s ways, verse 14?

27. What does the psalmist say God knows about him, verses 15-16?

28. What is the attitude of the psalmist towards the works of God, verses 17-18?

29. What is the psalmist asking God to do, verse 19?

30. What is the psalmist asking God to do for him, verses 23-24?

31. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to search your heart and show you any uncleanness that you may walk in His paths forever.

Friday – Read Psalms 140

A Psalm Of Supplication For Deliverance From Enemies

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

32. What is the psalmist asking God to do for him, verse 1?

33. What does the psalmist believe is the intent of these evil men, verse 4?

34. What do you think the psalmist means in verse 7, “You have covered my head...”?

35. What does the psalmist say he knows about God, verse 12?

36. What does the psalmist say the righteous will do, verse 13?

37. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to keep you covered so that Satan will not be successful in his efforts to lead you astray.

Saturday – Read Psalm 141

An Evening Prayer For Sanctification And Protection

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

38. What is the psalmist’s plea in verses 1-2?

39. What is the psalmist asking for in verses 3-4?

40. What does the psalmist say about the righteous, verse 5?

41. What do you think is the meaning of verse 8?

42. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for using the righteous to rebuke and help you in your efforts to not sin.

Daily Study Guide: Week 88

2010-09-12T14:34:00.004-04:00

Psalms

Psalms 120 thru 134 have “A Song of Ascents” at the beginning of each psalm. These were songs that were sung by bands of traveling pilgrims, However, there are different ideas in regards to where these pilgrims were traveling to as they sang these psalms. The two most common ideas are they were sung by the Jews returning from captivity or they were sung by the Jews as they went to Jerusalem for the feasts.
Since four of these psalms are ascribed to David and one to Solomon, some suggest they could not be psalms sung on the return from captivity. However, authorship would not limit the time of their use since both David and Solomon lived and wrote before the captivity. However, these being the psalms sung by the Jews as they made their three pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the feasts, seems a better fit. The argument against that position is that both David and Solomon, as kings of Israel, lived in Jerusalem and would not be among the traveling pilgrims. However, from the reading of these 15 psalms I doubt that it makes any difference of the time of their use. Even though the topics of the psalms differ, you will notice there are recurring ideas among them, primarily that God is the protector and deliverer of His people and blesses them; and the thanksgivings of the people for His protection, deliverance and blessings.

Monday – Read Psalm 126 & 127

Psalm 126 - Thanksgiving For Return From Captivity

Psalm 127 – Prosperity Comes From God

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why does the psalmist say the people are rejoicing, verse 1? Because God has restored the fortunes of Zion.

2. What do you think it means, “When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,” verse 1? The psalmist is speaking of God restoring His blessings to His people, Zion, probably referring to their return from captivity.

3. What do you think verse 6 means? The one who continues to work, sow, even in times of sorrow, will come home with shouts of joy because God will reward his labors.

4. What are the two things that the psalmist uses to illustrate the blessings of God in Psalm 127? A house and children.

5. What does the psalmist say about anxious toil, verse 2? It is in vain.

6. What does the psalmist say is the answer for anxious toil? Trust in the Lord.

7. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His watch and care over His people.

Tuesday – Read Psalm 128 & 129

Psalm 128 - Prosperity Of Those That Fear God

Psalm 129 - God Delivers His People

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

8. What does the psalmist say those that fear the LORD do, verse 1? Walk in His ways.

9. What does the psalmist say will happen for those who fear the LORD, verse 2? They will eat the fruit of the labor of their hands.

10. Why does the psalmist ask that the people be blessed by seeing the prosperity of Jerusalem, verse 5? Because Jerusalem was the city of God. If the city of God was blessed, the people of God would be blessed.

11. What does the psalmist say about those who had afflicted him, verse 2? They had not prevailed over him.

12. What does the psalmist say God will do to the wicked? He will cut the cords of the wicked.

13. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to help you always fear Him and walk in His ways.

Wednesday – Read Psalm 130 & 131

Psalm 130 - Forgiveness Through God’s Love

Psalm 131 - Humble Trust In God

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

14. Why does the psalmist say no one could stand if God marked iniquities, verse 3? Because all have sinned and our sins are too numerous.

15. What does the psalmist say one can find with God, verse 4? Forgiveness

16. Why does the psalmist say Israel should hope in the LORD, verse 7? Because there is steadfast love in the LORD.

17. What do you think is the meaning of Psalm 131:1? The psalmist does not concerning himself with high and lofty things, but simply trusts in the LORD.

18. What does the psalmist say is the answer for life, verse 3? Hope in the LORD.

19. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to help you always hope in Him.

Thursday – Read Psalm 132

Messianic – God Blesses The Sanctuary And The Holy City

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

20. What does the psalmist say was the vow David made to God? He would not rest until he found a resting place for the Tabernacle of God.

21. What does the psalmist say God would be doing if He went to the resting place prepared for Him by David? Honoring David.

22. What does the psalmist say God promised David? That He would raise up one of his descendants and seat him on David’s throne. This is a Messianic promise of Christ.

23 What did God promise to the sons of David? He would sit their sons on the throne if they would obey Him.

24. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His promise of sitting the descendant of David, Christ, on his throne to rule His people.

Friday – Read Psalm 133 & 134

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

25. Why does the psalmist say it is good when brother dwell in unity? Because God blesses them.

26. What is the psalmist calling for the night watchers to do? Raise their hands and bless the Lord.

27. Why do you think the psalmist would be calling for the night watchers to take this action? Because they normally would not be present when the daily offerings and sacrifices are offered because they work at night.

28. Why do you think the psalmist is asking the LORD’s blessings on the night watchers? Because they are the ones that keep things secure during the night.

29. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the unity that exists in your church family.

Saturday – Read Psalm 135

Vanity Of Idols

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared from you during your study.

30. How does the psalmist say he knows the LORD is great? Because He does whatever He pleases.

31. What does the psalmist say the LORD has done to show His greatness? He has made the creation.

32. What does the psalmist say God will do for His people? He vindicates His people and has compassion on His servants.

33. Why does the psalmist say the people should bless the LORD? Because He is the one true God, not like the idols.

34. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God that each day you are able to see His greatness in the creation.

The Way, the Truth and the Life

2010-09-12T00:27:00.000-04:00

It is a fundamental principle that if you are looking for something you will not find it unless you look in the right location.

Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the way the truth and the lie no one comes to the father but by me." In saying this he is saying that if you are looking for God there's only one way you will find God if you are seeking for God, there is only one highway that leads to him and that Jesus is that highway. He is the one way to God, and no one will find the God unless they come through him.

People have tried all kinds of ways to find God; many different rituals, many different ascetic practices, pilgrimages to many different places. But Jesus says anything you try, any path you follow, any process you attempt to use, is doomed to failure unless it is Jesus himself. This is an exclusive claim, a claim that is not welcomed by many in our era where nothing is seen as ultimate truth, where multicultural inclusiveness, religious inclusiveness and equal acceptance for all ideas are valued and any claim of exclusivity is rejected.

Despite our misgivings, Jesus makes this exclusive claim. He is the one way to God and if you hope to find God the principle is still true you only find him if you search in the right place. You will only find the path to God if you look where the path is. Looking anywhere else is time-wasting and futile.

Jesus also claims to be the truth. Although science has great value in practical ways, it doesn't lead us to ultimate truth. It can tell us how things are, but not their source. If You're looking for ultimate truth you will not find it in science. All it will tell you is contingent truths truth that is only true because the creator speaks them into being. If you want to know ultimate truth you have to turn to the creator; turn to Jesus Christ. He is the primary truth, the foundation of all other truth.

Finally Jesus says, "I am the life." We talk about people having a green thumb. They seem to have a talent for taking wilted and damaged plants and restoring them back to health. Even these talented people do not give life. They only nourish a life that is already present.

The same is true for doctors and nurses and other medical practitioners. They may have great talent and they certainly can be beneficial to people who are sick, but they do not give life-- they only nourish the life that has already been given by the creator.

In both cases, these people only nourished and protect the life that was already there. But Jesus does far more. When he created the world, he gave life to inanimate matter. That which did not live became living at the touch of his hand. He was the source of all life.

This was only possible because he had life within himself intrinsically. The life overflowing from him produced the life of everything we see today.

If you are looking for the way to God, look to Jesus.
If you're looking to find the truth, look to Jesus.
If you really want to live both in this life and eternally, look to Jesus.

Phil

Daily Study Guide: Week 87

2010-09-05T18:55:00.008-04:00

Psalms

Psalms 120 thru 134 have “A Song ofAscents” at the beginning of each psalm. These were songs that were sung bybands of traveling pilgrims. However, there are different ideas in regards towhere these pilgrims were traveling to as they sang these psalms. The two mostcommon ideas are that they were sung by the Jews returning from captivity orthey were sung by the Jews as they went to Jerusalem for the feasts. Since fourof these psalms are ascribed to David and one to Solomon, some suggest theycould not be psalms sung on the return from captivity. However, authorshipwould not limit the time of their use since both David and Solomon lived andwrote before the captivity. However, these being the psalms sung by the Jews asthey made their three pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year to celebrate thefeasts seems a better fit.

The argument against that position is that bothDavid and Solomon, as kings of Israel, lived in Jerusalem and would not beamong the traveling pilgrims. However, from the reading of these 15 psalms, Idoubt that it makes any difference of the time of their use. Even though the topics of the psalms differ,you will notice there are recurring ideas among them; primarily that God is theprotector and deliverer of His people and blesses them, and the thanksgivingsof the people for His protection, deliverance and blessings.

Monday – Read Psalms 126 & 127

Psalm 126 - Thanksgiving For Return FromCaptivity

Psalm 127 – Prosperity Comes From God

Prayer: Ask God to openyour heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during yourstudy.

1. Why does the psalmist say thepeople are rejoicing, verse 1?

2. What do you think it means, “Whenthe LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,” verse 1?

3. What do you think verse 6means?

4. What are the two things thatthe psalmist uses to illustrate the blessings of God in Psalm 127?

5. What does the psalmist sayabout anxious toil, verse 2?

6. What does the psalmist say isthe answer for anxious toil?

7. What does this psalm say toyou personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about yourrelationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the different areas of prosperity inyour life and ask Him to help you learn how to live without being anxious butalways trusting Him.

Tuesday – Read Psalms 128 & 129

Psalm 128 - Prosperity Of Those ThatFear God

Psalm 129 - God Delivers His People

Prayer: Ask God to openyour heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during yourstudy.

8. What does the psalmist saythose that fear the LORD do, verse 1?

9. What does the psalmist saywill happen for those who fear the LORD, verse 2?

10. Why does the psalmist askthat the people be blessed by seeing the prosperity of Jerusalem, verse 5?

11. What does the psalmist sayabout those who had afflicted him, verse 2?

12. What does the psalmist sayGod will do to the wicked?

13. What does this psalm say to you personally;how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: ThankGod for being your helper and the one who watches over and protects you.

Wednesday – Read Psalms 130 & 131

Psalm 130 - Forgiveness Through God’sLove

Psalm 131 - Humble Trust In God

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn whatHe has prepared for you during your study.

14. Why does the psalmist say noone could stand if God marked iniquities, verse 3?

15. What does the psalmist sayone can find with God, verse 4?

16. Why does the psalmist sayIsrael should hope in the LORD, verse 7?

17. What do you think is themeaning of Psalm 131:1?

18. What does the psalmist say isthe answer for life, verse 3?

19. What does this psalm say toyou personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about yourrelationship with God?

Prayer: Ask Godto help you always keep your hope in Him and not in the material things oflife.

Thursday – Read Psalms 132

Messianic – God Blesses The SanctuaryAnd The Holy City

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn whatHe has prepared for you during your study.

20. What does the psalmist saywas the vow David made to God?

21. What does the psalmist sayGod would be doing if He went to the resting place prepared for Him by David?

22. What does the psalmist sayGod promised David?

23 What did God promise to thesons of David?

24. What does this psalm say to you personally;how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the fulfillment of His promise to Davidin sitting Christ on his throne.

Friday– Read Psalms 133 & 134

Psalm 133 – The Excellence Of BrotherlyUnity

Psalm 134 – Greetings Of The Night Watchers

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn whatHe has prepared for you during your study.

25. Why does the psalmist say itis good when brother dwell in unity?

26. What is the psalmist callingfor the night watchers to do?

27. Why do you think the psalmistwould be calling for the night watchers to take this action?

28. Why do you think the psalmistis asking the LORD’s blessings on the night watchers?

29. What does this psalm say toyou personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about yourrelationship with God?

Prayer: Pray for unityamong the brethren.

Saturday – Read Psalm 135

Vanity Of Idols

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn whatHe has prepared from you during your study.

30. How does the psalmist say heknows the LORD is great?

31. What does the psalmist saythe LORD has done to show His greatness?

32. What does the psalmist sayGod will do for His people?

33. Why does the psalmist say thepeople should bless the LORD?

34. What does this psalm say toyou personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about yourrelationship with God?

Prayer: ThankGod for showing His power and glory through the creation.