Not Conformed But Transformed - BSFL - November 9, 2008
07 Nov 2008 01:14 pm
Not Conformed But Transformed - BSFL – November 9, 2008
Background Scripture: Romans 12:1-21
Focal Scripture: Romans 12:1-8, 14-21
In Romans 11:33-36 Paul breaks out in praise to God acknowledging all that God has done for us. He realizes just as Job did in Job 41:11 that God has done everything for us but we have done nothing for God, truly there nothing that God needs from us. God has given us salvation by grace and He has even given us righteousness through the Holy Spirit’s activity in our lives. All of this has been given as a gift of God to us. The wisdom of God, Paul says is far above our ability to comprehend so he takes a few moments to just praise God for his greatness and mercies to us. In chapter 12 he transitions from talking about how God has transformed us to live righteous lives as individuals to how we should live together as the people of God. Those individuals who have received the gift of God are to band together in community. In this community, fresh aspects of God’s goodness and His beauty will be expressed.
In chapters 12-16 Paul describes the attitudes and actions which bond believers together in love and which create a relational climate in which maximum personal spiritual growth can take place. How wonderful these chapters of Romans are! We need to take them to heart, making them our guidelines as we learn how to live together as God’s holy, loving family of faith.
Perhaps the key to living now a joyful Christian life in community with other believers is found in Romans 14. Here Paul speaks of acceptance. Acceptance is the attitude we are to have toward all who are fellow believers, even though they may differ from us in significant ways. They may be vegetarians whereas you may enjoy a good porterhouse. Paul says do not judge yourself as better than the vegetarian but rather accept them. The greek word for accept, proslambano, literally means to “welcome,” to actively draw another into one’s society or circle of friends. So now let’s look at how we are to live in view of God’s mercy.
Open up
1. In groups of four get together and draw a picture of the person who lives the righteous life. Do not draw what you believe the Bible says righteous people are to look life but how the world views righteous people.
2. Why do you think the world views righteous people this way? Look at Galatians 5:22-23 to see how the righteous person should appear. (Bright and colorful)
Move Inside
Consecrate Yourselves
Romans 12:1-2
1. What do you think Paul means by the way he describes our response to God’s
mercy in 12:1:
offer your bodies
as living sacrifices
holy and pleasing to God
2. What do you think he means by “this is your spiritual worship?
3. What does it mean to conform?
4. How about the transformation, is it all at once? Look back at Romans 8:29.
5. According to 12:2, what must happen in order for us to discern and agree with God’s will? Reflect for a moment, Is there any pattern of this world that is currently tempting you to conform to it?
6. How can our minds be renewed? Have volunteers read Romans 8:5,9,12-13; II Cor. 3:18; Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:22-24; 5:1-2; II Tim. 3:16; Luke 11:13; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:11.
Live Humble Yet Significantly
Romans 12:3-8
1. How are we to view our place in the body of Christ?
2. What facts should keep us from feeling superior or inferior to other Christians?
3. In 12:6-8 Paul lists examples of gifts that may be found among Christians in any given Church. The list is not exhaustive, as it is meant to teach principles about how we should use each gift. Identity the gifts and how they should be used.
Differing Gifts – Charismata from charis, “grace”. God gives these gifts by grace to enable Christians to meet needs in the Church.
Prophesying – A communication of the mind of God imparted to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It may be a prediction, an indication of the will of God in a particular situation (Acts 13:1-2; I Cor. 14:29-30), or a word given for “strengthening, encouragement, and comfort (I Cor. 14:3)
Serving – Practical Service to those in need in the name of God.
Teaching – To impart a message of revelation based on the Word of God to tell us what is true and what we should do in light of it.
Encouraging – To motivate a Christian to live the truth they have been taught.
Giving – To help others financially through generosity.
Lead – Guide others to follow with enthusiasm.
Showing mercy – Caring for the sick, the poor and the elderly.
4. Discuss in your groups of four how Paul’s teaching in 12:3-8 should affect your thinking and actions with regard to your function and worth in the Body? Try to name some specific ways in which you want your thinking and will to be renewed.
Do Good To All
Romans 12:9-21
1. Not surprising Paul says the Christian life is to characterized by a genuine love.
What is the source of our love for fellow Christians and non-Christians? (The Holy Spirit – Romans 5:5)
2. In what ways is Christian love more than just sentimentalism? (Romans 5:6-8; 12:7-8; 10-21; 13:8-10; I John 3:17-1
3. List ways this love is to be shown.
Take It Away
How do you need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind? Confess this to God and ask Him to fill you with His love by His Holy Spirit. Ask God to make you a conduit of His love and that those around you will know Him better. Ask Him for harmony in your Christian community and in the Church around the world.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Assessing One's Life's Work - ETB - November 9, 2008
06 Nov 2008 12:43 pm
When Assessing One's Lifework
ETB - November 9, 2008
Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-18(I Chronicles 11:1-9; 13:1-14:16; 15;25-16:3; 17:1-18:17)
Focal Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:9-12; 7:1-7,8-11, 18-21
Open Up
In 1992, I had been serving the Lord faithfully at a local Church for five years. During my ministry there I had served four of those years with a dynamic Pastor and we had seen the Church grow in attendance and membership. In 1991 my Pastor moved on to another pastorate. Over the next year I was given the responsibility of basically being the administrator and pastoral care minister of the Church in addition to my other duties as the Associate Pastor of Education and Youth. The preaching ministry was taken care of by a retired Pastor who was quite liberal in his interpretation of the scripture. In 1992 I was quite proud that our church had not dropped in attendance over the previous year. However, the Church seemed to be changing direction slowly in the search for a new Pastor. Most candidates seemed to be moderate in their theology. I began to feel that the time was drawing near for me to move on in my ministry. An opportunity arose for me to join the staff of the previous pastor whom I had served so well with previously. I interviewed with the prospective Church and departed for home feeling confident that I would be moving to this new Church field. However, the next morning I felt an uneasiness in my spirit during my prayer time. The more I prayed the more I developed the sense that God did not want me to accept this new position. I could not believe it because I really wanted to make the move. I consulted my prayer partners and they too had the same feeling that God was not ready for me to make this move. I remember the day I received a call from the chairman of the search committee extended an offer to me. I respectfully declined and chose to stay in my present ministry position until God led me to do otherwise. I served in this position for another year and four months. The Lord blessed and the Church continued to enjoy good attendance and giving. A new Pastor had arrived and begun his ministry a year before. During this time I began to sense in my prayer time that God was ready for me to move but I had closed the door on the previous opportunity. I consulted my prayer partners and they too discerned that God was ready for me to make a move. A few days later I received a call from my previous Pastor. The position I had declined before was no longer available but a new opportunity had opened up. I prayed, interviewed, and consulted my prayer partners and the message was clear. God was ready for me to embark on a new ministry. This was fifteen years ago this December and I have been amazed at what God has done in the Church I now serve. Blessings of growth that I never really believed I would ever witness personally in my ministry were happening everyday. I attribute this to carefully praying with my prayer partners to make certain that my life and ministry was aligned with God's will and purpose for my life.
David time and time again stops to consult the Lord's will before beginning a new campaign. 1Samuel 30:7-8; 2 Samuel 5:19; 5:22
Has there ever been a time when you acted without consulting God's will, how did that work out for you?
How about a time when you did consult God's will, how did that work out for you?
Move Inside
It's Not About You! (2 Samuel 5:9-12)
General Abner is dead
The rival King Ishbosheth is dead
David is now the unchallenged King of Judah and Israel
David has led three military campaigns to victory, and established a
neutral city as the new capital
King Hiram of Tyre has sent materials and craftsmen and built a palace
for King David
1. All of these blessings having come to a common shepherd boy could understandably make him feel that it was indeed all about him. Did David feel this way?
2. Did David's military successes prove him to be a great military strategist? How does the phrase, "...and the Lord God of Hosts was with him," shed light on the previous question?
3. Have you ever expeirienced success on the job or in a social position and felt that it was all about you?
4. Do you believe seeking God's direction and the advice of other Chritians helps or hinders one in one's spirtitual life?
5. Why do so many Christians fail to acknowledge God's role in their successes?
But What Does God Say? (2 Samuel 7:1-7)
1. What bothered David in verses 1 and 2?
2. In what way do you think church buildings should reflect our humility? our esteem for God?
3. Did David's concern for the house of God sound pious or presumptuous?
4. How did the prophet Nathan initally react to Davids desire to build a house for the ark of God?
5. Have you ever failed to seek God's will first before making a momentous decision?
6. In verse 7 what did God say about building Him a house?
Have You Completed Your Assignment? (2 Samuel 7:8-11)
1. What do you believe was God's purpose for making David powerful and prosperous?
2. What assignment had God given David?
3. What is the most reassuring aspect of God's covenant with the house of David?
Take It Away
Consider this, God just may be intending to bless others by blessing you personally. Identify God's blessings in your life and seek way to bless those around you.
What is the temple that God is most concerned about in your life? How may you offer this temple to God?
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Responding To Loss - ETB - November 2, 2008
30 Oct 2008 11:08 am
When Responding To Loss
Background Passage: 2 Samuel 1:1-4:12 (I Chronicles 3:1-4)
Focal Passage: 2 Samuel 1:17-19, 24-27, 2:1-7
Open Up
How do we respond to the loss of a loved one? How do we respond to the loss of an adversary or rival? Some people respond to the loss of a person they had an intimate relationship with by becoming bitter and questioning God. Others turn to God for comfort through His Holy Spirit and seek ways to discover the good He promises will come out of all things for those who are called according to His purpose. In the case of an adversary or rival people often people are like the sojourning Amalekite of 2 Samuel, they seek personal gain by taking advantage of the loss. Through today's lesson we want to demonstrate how God's people show spiritual strength and help others find stability when they respond to loss with God-honoring actions.
Lifeway this week speaks of the reactions in the ETB Leader Guide for November 2, "Adults respond to significant loss in various ways. Some of those responses are healthy and helpful; others are not. Generally, in times of loss people experience heavy emotional turmoil stemming from grief, loneliness, uncertainty, and fear. They also may raise serious questions about themselves, the future, and spiritual matters. A common lament among adults who suffer significant loss is 'I don't know what to do now.' Christian adults can find comfort and strength in time of loss from their relationship with God. Those Christian adults who come along side others in time of loss and support them through God-honoring actions model spiritual stability."
1. In groups of 4 compose a list of songs that have spoken to you in times
of sadness? Share your list with the group at large.
2. Whose has died in your lifetime that has had the greatest impact on
you? What words would you have used to describe that person?
Move Inside
Find Ways To Express Sorrow
2 Samuel 1:17-19
1. Why do you think David composed the lament for Saul and Jonathan
(the poem The Song Of The Bow)?
2. What order did David give regarding the lament? What is the book of
Jashar?
3. Consider the words of high praise David used to describe the Saul and
Jonathan in verse 19, what do you think he meant by the splendor of
Israel?
4. Make a list on the board of ways the class has found helpful to them in
expressing sorrow.
Acknowledge What Is Lost
2 Samuel 1:24-27
1. Look back at verses 21-24, what do you think David was saying in
these verses? His praises of Jonathan were understandable but why
Saul? Consider Proverbs 24:17.
2. Is it easy to be a Proverbs 24:17 Christian?
3. Why did David say the daughters of Israel should weep for Saul?
4. Do you believe there to be anything unnatural about David's expression
of his personal grief for Jonathan in verse 26?
Look For New Opportunities Of Service
2 Samuel 2:1-4
1. Where did David seek direction for what to do next?
2. Since David already knew that he was going to be anointed King of
Israel, why did he seek the Lord's guidance?
3. Have you ever sought the Lord's guidance? How did it help?
Show Kindness To Others
2 Samuel 2:5-7
1. Why did David ask God to bless the men of Jabesh-Gilead?
2. Were there any political advantages to David's kind treatment of the
men of Jabesh-Gilead?
3. What did David exhort the men of Jabesh-Gilead to do in the face of
of their loss?
Take It Away
Think of a faithful and valiant saint you could share about with your friends
and family this week. Share about them.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
Jesus Is The Only Savior - BSFL - November 2, 2008
29 Oct 2008 07:21 pm
Jesus Is The Only Savior - BSFL - November 2, 2008
Background Passage: Romans 9:30-10:15
Focal Passage: Romans 9:33-10:15
Open Up
In two weeks we have seen the frustration of the Apostle Paul as he comes to grip with his own sinful nature and his inability to overcome it on his own. Then we read Pauls eureka chapter which is Romans 8 where he realizes "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit." We experienced Paul's excitement in discovering that one cannot live a righteous life on one's own but one can be victorious in righteousness if one allows the Holy Spirit control over one's life. We now know that we are spiritually secure and we have eternal salvation. What now? Should we just sit back and bask in this new found revelation? Paul says, no for as children of God we should do more than just rejoice in the joy of our salvation. We should seek out ways to share the good news of Christ with others.
As we know Paul had the distinction of being the apostle to the gentiles and Acts 9:15 makes this pretty clear. "But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel." Once Paul had his own spirtual life secure he was given an overwhelming concern for those who were lost. Paul time and again reveals his humanness to us in that whenever he entered a new region he would get his commission out of order. He would begin with trying to reach the Jews rather than the Gentiles. Understandable considering that they were his kinsmen. But just as often these efforts were met with frustration. So much so that one day Paul and Barnabas had to deal with a crisis in the Synagogue of Anitoch in which they declared, "seeing you put it from you (word of God), and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles" Acts 13:46. Paul had to reach a point where he yeilded to the sovereignty of God in every area of his life including the areas of ministry that tugged at his heartstrings. This led him to share in Romans 9-11 God's place for Israel in His redemptive plan and he encouraged the Gentiles to develop a heart for sharing the gospel with the Jews. He used this opportunity to challenge the Gentile believers to learn a lesson from the tragic mistakes of Israel. Paul's word for us today is that as Christians we should feel a deep compassion for unsaved persons and accept our responsibility to share the gospel with all people.
1. Paul explained that Israel's rejection of Jesus as the promised Messiah
Romans 10:16, opened the way for the Gentiles to be grafted into God's people Romans 11:11-24. Paul still hoped for and praised God
for the day when Israel would acknowledge Jesus as Lord Romans 11:25-36. As a group, review what you remember from the Old
Testament about Israel's repeated rejection of God and disobedience of His commands.
2. A minority of the Jews were the only ones who accepted Jesus as the promised Messiah, Israel as a whole rejected Him. As a result, Israel
has been set aside and scattered among the nations. Discuss how you see God working today for the salvation of Israel?
Move Inside
Stumbling Stone
Read Romans 9:31-33
1. What is a stumbling block and how can someone stumble over the Messiah?
2. The Jews pursuit of righteousness was good, but their method is not. Likewise, their zeal for God is good, but it basis is not. What is wrong
with their attitude behind their zeal to be close to God?
The Deal About Zeal
Romans 10:1-3
1. What was Paul's greatest desire?
2. What positive trait did Paul recognize in the Israelites?
3. Can zeal be misleading? How so?
4. Can you think of any religious groups today in which the people are zealous other than Christianity? Does this sincerity make them right
with God?
The Message of Faith
Romans 10:4-10
1. What has Christ done to the law in regards to a person's pursuit of happiness?
2. What did Moses say a man who seeks righteousness by the Law would live?
3. What happens to a person who seeks righteousness by faith?
4. What were Paul's simple instructions regarding salvation?
5. What promise is given to anyone who puts his our her faith in Christ?
6. What then is the distinction between how a Jew accepts Christ and how a Gentile does so?
The Necessity of Evangelism
Romans 10:14-15
1. Think back--how did you come to hear about Christ and the salvation
he offers? Suppose they had kept silent and never shared with you?
2. Suppose you are the only one through whom someone will ever hear
the gospel, how will they hear if you remain silent?
Take It Away
1. Who in your circle of friends and family needs to hear about God's plan of salvation? When will you share with them?
2. Select a people group to pray for this week which has shown little interest in the gospel.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
The Holy Spirit Is Essential To A Holy Life - BSFL - Oct. 26
22 Oct 2008 11:50 am
The Holy Spirit Is Essential To A Holy Life
Bible Studies For Life - October 26
Background Passage: Romans 8:1-30
Focal Passage: Romans 8:5-17,26-27
Open Up
In Romans 7 we find Paul wrestling with the realization that the Law cannot effect salvation but rather the law energizes the old nature which produces the fruit of death. This led Paul to exclaim in Romans 7:24, "O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?"
Paul had to come to a point that he recognized that through the law he was trying to live the righteous life through his own effort. The result was that he find himself constantly failing. This robbed him of the joy which Jesus said he came to give to all his children in John 10:10, "I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. Too many Christians today are like Paul of Romans 7. They are living defeated lives missing out on the joy of victorious Christian living that Jesus intended all along for them to have.
In Romans 8:1-2 we find a new re-energized Paul. "There is now no condemnation...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." What has made the difference? Paul has discovered that sin within is overcome only through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to transform us and enable us to live in holiness. Simply put Paul found his answer in realizing that even as a believer he could not keep the law by his own effort so he stopped trying! Paul no longer felt an obligation to try! Paul had finally accepted himself as a sinner, with no hope of pleasing God. So, he turned his gaze back to the cross, and found joy in the thought of "no condemnation."
It was only when Paul stopped trying that he made a truly great discovery. When he stopped trying, and instead relied on the Holy Spirit then the righteousness of the law was fulfilled in him. Romans 8:4, "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Paul learned that whenever a Christian concentrates on trusting Jesus, the Holy Spirit energizes his new nature and he finds himself living a righteous life.
1. In baseball we want to get to first base and to do so the batter does
not look at first base. He watches the ball. He focuses all of his
energy in concentrating on hitting the ball as it is pitched. How can
apply this as an analogy for living a holy life?
2. Choose a partner then think of a time when you felt especially close to
God---what was he doing in your life? Think of a time when you felt
distant from God---what caused the distance? Share with one another.
Move Inside
God's Spirit Changes Our Mind-set
Read Romans 8:3-9
1. Looking back to last week, answer the question, What was it like for
Paul when he lived under the taskmasters of the law, sin and death?
2. Look at Romans 8:3, how did God set us free from the condemnation
of the law?
3. How does the Holy Spirit free us from being dominated by our sinful
nature? (Romans 8:4-9)
God's Spirit Empowers Us
Read Romans 8:10-13
1. What would our daily walk be like if there was no life in it?
2. How does allowing the Holy Spirit to live in you bring life to your
daily walk?
God's Spirit Confirms Our Adoption
Read Romans 8:14-17
1. What is the difference in being a slave and being a child of someone?
2. How does it make you feel to know that as a co-heir with Christ you
suffer with Him? This suffering leads to what?
God's Spirit Helps Our Prayers
Read Romans 8:26-27
1. Are there times when you feel the need to pray but you just do not
seem to have the strength to do so or even know what words to use?
2. What are some reasons for your inability to pray at times?
3. Have you ever experienced "groaning inwardly?" If willing share some
examples with your class.
Take It Away
1. What could you use from today's lesson to help someone who going through tough times?
2. Silently pray in your seat thanking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit
and the difference He makes in our lives.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
