Bible Study Questions for 7/23/08

Matthew 6:16-18 (Fasting)

1) In light of Isaiah 58:3-14, what is fasting?

• Sacrifice
• Private
• Breaking down physical defenses to let spiritual defenses break down easier
• Hunger and thirst for God

2) Can you fast from things other than food?

3) What are some good/bad reasons to fast?

Matthew 6:19-24 (Money)

4) Looking at your checkbook, where does most of your money go?  Are you investing in your worldly kingdom or Gods kingdom?

5) What can you gleam from this passage about retirement? Is the American concept of retirement the same or different than God’s ideal?

6) By your actions and choices who are you hating, God or money.  Verse 24 says it is one of them.

Matthew 6:25-34 (Do not Worry)

7) In America we have so much.  Have you ever really had to rely on God to meet a need?  If so, what happened?

8) How much stress in your life would disappear if you really trusted God to meet your needs?

9) What does it mean to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness”?

9) What are you worrying about right now that you don’t need to be?

“This Guy is a Freak!”

Last night at bible study I told you guys some of Josh Hamilton’s amazing testimony.  God has changed his life and he now has a platform to tell the world why he is not dead or in jail.  Here is the whole story from ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2926447

Here is a great interview wherer he tells his story:

Here is a pretty good interview with him telling part of his amazing story.  I love the last thing the reporter says, “This guy is a freak!”

Bible Study Questions for 7/16/08

Matthew 6:1-18

1) Where or how can you give to others, knowing you will not receive anything in return or get any credit?

2) What does it mean to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing?

3) How can you discern between doing something because it makes you feel good and doing it because you love God?

4) Apply 6 types of prayer to the Lords prayer (Praise, Worship, Thanksgiving, Intercession, Repentance, and Supplication). 

5) How can we shine a light in the world without being seen or labeled as self righteous or “Holier than thou?”

6) How can you pray earnestly, passionately (James 5:16) and continually (1 Thes 5:17) without putting on a show?

7) Who are you not forgiving? Referencing v.14-15 does this help you understand the importance of forgiveness?

8) Do you have a harder time forgiving others or yourself?

9) In light of Isaiah 58:3-14, what is fasting?

• Sacrifice
• Private
• Breaking down physical defenses to let spiritual defenses break down easier
• Hunger and thirst for God

10) Can you fast from things other than food?

11) What are some good/bad reasons to fast?

Bible Study Questions for 7/9/08

This week we are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5 – 7).  Last week we made it through Matthew 5:32, so we will begin this week in verse 33. 

Keeping Your Word (v33-37):

1. How were the Jews sticking to the letter of the law and ignoring the spirit?
2. When have you committed to something and not followed through with it?
3. Why you say you are going to do something do others ever wonder if you will actually do it?
4. Do you ever find yourself having to promise people that you will do it this time?

Justice vs. Mercy (v38-42):

1. When was the last time you let a hurt or wrong just go for the benefit of peace? 
2. When you are wronged or hurt do you usually demand justice (what is rightly yours) or do you seek the happiness of others above your own?
3. Is Jesus advocating being a pacifist or letting people beat you up?  Is the issue in v39 a eminent threat of physical violence or an insult to pride?
4. Have you ever gone above and beyond to be nice to someone who was cruel to you?  If so, what was the result?

Love Your Enemies (v43-48):

1. Who are your enemies?  Who, or what group of people are you least likely to love?  Who is your tax collector, prostitute, leper, sinner, or outcast?
2. Who is getting overlooked by everyone around you?
3. How could you be Jesus to them?
4. How often do you pray for them?
5. What happens to you when you choose to forgive a wrong and return good for evil?

Bible Study Questions for 2 July 08 (Matt 5:31-48)

This week we are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5 – 7).  Last week we made it through Matthew 5:30, so we will begin this week in verse 31. 

Marriage and Divorce (v31-32):

1. What do you think the difference is between the “spirit of the law” and the “letter of the law”?  How does Jesus stress the spirit of the old law over keeping just strictly the letter of the old law?
2. What is God’s ideal (purpose, intention, plan) for marriage in light of v31-32 and looking at Ephesians 5:22-33?  Why did God establish marriage?
3. How does Jesus apply the “spirit” (or intention of) the marriage covenant?
4. Do you think it is our human tendancy to focus on the letter of the law?  Does your mind tend to gravitate towards and look for the “escape clause” in this passage instead of understanding and grasping the seriousness and purpose of the mariage covenent?

Keeping Your Word (v33-37):

1. How were the Jews sticking to the letter of the law and ignoring the spirit?
2. When have you committed to something and not followed through with it?
3. Why you say you are going to do something do others ever wonder if you will actually do it?
4. Do you ever find yourself having to promise people that you will do it this time?

Justice vs. Mercy (v38-42):

1. When was the last time you let a hurt or wrong just go for the benefit of peace? 
2. When you are wronged or hurt do you usually demand justice (what is rightly yours) or do you seek the happiness of others above your own?
3. Is Jesus advocating being a pacifist or letting people beat you up?  Is the issue in v39 a eminent threat of physical violence or an insult to pride?
4. Have you ever gone above and beyond to be nice to someone who was cruel to you?  If so, what was the result?

Love Your Enemies (v43-48):

1. Who are your enemies?  Who, or what group of people are you least likely to love?  Who is your tax collector, prostitute, leper, sinner, or outcast?
2. Who is getting overlooked by everyone around you?
3. How could you be Jesus to them?
4. How often do you pray for them?
5. What happens to you when you choose to forgive a wrong and return good for evil?