Supernatural Power for Living

Supernatural Power for Living

 

Theme:Living in the Spirit

 

Objectives:

• Know: The Holy Spirit works in people's lives, both saved and lost, to accomplish God's purposes.


• Think: Live each day with the awareness that the Holy Spirit gives us what we need to live for God in a secular culture.


• Do: Depend on the power and guidance of the Spirit in order to live for God in a secular culture.

 

Scripture:

• John 15:18-27


• John 17:15-19


• 2 Peter 1:3-4

 

Notes and questions

• B1 When the situation in our culture is evil do we stay or leave? Why?


• B2 What help do we have? (The Holy Spirit).


• B3 What is the Holy Spirit?
  
  
  
  • C1 The Holy Spirit is a being, a person of the Holy Trinity.
  
  
  • C2 See R. Daniel Dickey's teaching series on the Holy Spirit.
  
  
  • C3 The word "spirit"
    
    
    
    • D1 Hebrew: (source)
    
    
    • ruach: breath, wind, spirit
    
    
    • Original Word: ר֫וּחַ
    
    
    • Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
    
    
    • Transliteration: ruach
    
    
    • Phonetic Spelling: (roo'-akh)
    
    
    • How it is translated depends on the context. The idea is the same and refers to (in general) to something that isn't seen but has an effect (as in a windy day), causes an effect (our breathing), or is an effect (as a person/personality for example the Holy Spirit, spirits, our spirit, etc.).
    
    
    • D2 Greek--τνεῦμα, which is essentially the same.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C4 Some facts (Source)
    
    
    
    • D1 He is a person--the characteristics of a living being
      
      
      
      • E1 Intellect--1 Corinthians 2:10
      
      
      • E2 Knowledge--1 Corinthians 2:11
      
      
      • E3 Mind--Romans 8:27 and Ephesians 1:17
      
      
      • E4 Emotions--Ephesians 4:30
      
      
      • E5 Will--Acts 16:6
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 He has actions--the characteristics of what living beings do
      
      
      
      • E1 Teaches--John 14:16 and John 14:26
      
      
      • E2 Testifies--John 15:26-27
      
      
      • E3 Guides--John 16:33
      
      
      • E4 Regenerates--Titus 3:5
      
      
      • E5 Convicts--John 16:8
      
      
      • E6 Intercedes--Romans 8:26-28
      
      
      • E7 Commands--Acts 13:2-4, Acts 8:29, and Acts 16:6
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D3 He has emotions and attributes of personality. He can be
      
      
      
      • E1 Grieved--Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 63:10
      
      
      • E2 Blasphemed--Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:29-30
      
      
      • E3 Resisted--Acts 7:51
      
      
      • E4 Lied to--Acts 5:30
      
      
      • E5 Obeyed--Acts 10
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D4 He has the titles of deity as the Spirit of God, etc.
    
    
    • D5 Divine attributes
      
      
      
      • E1 Life--Romans 8:2, etc.
      
      
      • E2 Omniscience--1 Corinthians 2:10-13
      
      
      • E3 Omnipotence--Job 33:4
      
      
      • E4 Omnipresence--Psalms 139:7-10
      
      
      • E5 Eternity--Hebrews 9:14
      
      
      • E6 Holiness--Matthew 12:32
      
      
      • E7 Love--Galatians 5:22
      
      
      • E8 Truth--John 14:17
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B4 How does the Christian lifestyle (as in the New Testament) different from the non-Christian? (See Galatians 5:16-26).


• B5 What is the work of the Holy Spirit in a human?
  
  
  
  • C1 No one seeks God. Romans 3
  
  
  • C2 All people are dead in sins and trespasses. Ephesians 2:1
  
  
  • C3 All people are in darkness. Luke 1:79, John 12:46, Acts 26:18, Ephesians 5:8
  
  
  • C4 The Holy Spirit initiates salvation (prevenient grace). John 6:44 (Father), John 12:32 (Son, Jesus), and John 16:8 (Spirit). No human can initiate salvation. Both Pelagian and semi-pelagian views are heresy. For a discussion of this see here and here.
    
    
    
    • D1 Pelagian teaches that there is some good in humans and that they can seek God on their own free will. God's grace then brings salvation. This is wrong because there is no good in humans (in God's terms), nor do people seek God) Luke 18:19, Romans 3:10-11, and Romans 3:23.
    
    
    • D2 Semi-pelagianism teaches that humans have no good in them and that God looks for some effort or good intention of their own effort for salvation (thus the "seek God, and He will seek you" and "seek God" messages that many use). This is wrong because no one seeks God or salvation. Romans 3:10-11, Romans 3:23.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 God opens the spiritually darkened eyes of humans, so that we can understand our lost, sinful condition and salvation. God initiates salvation, not humans. Acts 26:16-18, Acts 16:14, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, John 1:9, Ephesians 4:18, Ephesians 5:8, etc.
  
  
  
  


• B6

• B7 Do we ever compromise Christian beliefs?


• B8 Who reveals the truth to unbelievers?


• B9 "There are two ways Christians wrongly engage the world: seclusion or secularization." Jacob Riggs author of the Sunday School lesson "Living in the Spirit" as found in the D6 Fusion teacher's book June to August 2016. Do you agree with this statement? The author points out that both are wrong and references John 17:15-19, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, Matthew 5:14-16, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:17-24. The author then points out the correct attitude is that we are sent. John 17:18 and many times in John 17.


• B10 Why are we sent? (To preach and live the Gospel).


• B11 How does Christianity slide into the secular life? (A little at a time. It usually starts with the rejection of the final authority of the plain, normal reading and interpretation of Scripture).


• B12 What is the greatest need for the church today?


• B13 What is the greatest danger that the church faces today?


• B14 What is a Christian life? (Living by the rules that the Lord Jesus and His 12 Apostles taught).


• B15 How can we do this, since we are weak and prone to fail?
  
  
  
  • C1 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV)
  
  
  • C2 Can we apply this verse to our lives? "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)
  
  
  • C3 How does this verse apply to us? "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)
  
  
  • C4 We need God's help. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)
  
  
  • C5 God is the source of our strength. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5 NKJV)
  
  
  
  


• B16 Gifts of the Spirit.
  
  
  
  • C1 Refer to God's help, not some kind of show in a religious meeting.
  
  
  • C2 Refer to furthering the Gospel and ministering to others especially those of our faith--Biblical Christianity.
  
  
  • C3 "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:4-12 NKJV)
  
  
  
  


• B17 What kind of help do we need today to live a Christian life?


• B18 God will help us this week.

Sunday School Lesson--Beyond Comprehension

Beyond Comprehension



Theme: God of Wonders

 

Scripture: Job 38:1-39:30

 

Objectives:

• Know: "God used questions to help Job better understand His greatness.


• Think: "Marvel at the magnitude of God and adjust your view of yourself accordingly.


• Do: "Trust and worship God for His power, knowledge, presence, and design."

 

Summary:

• Job has suffered


• God was blamed


• By Job--"God did this to me for no reason. I trust Him, but I want to talk with Him directly to ask Him why."


• By friends--"God did this to you, because you are a horrible sinner. You have sinned secretly, but God is punishing you openly. Confess and repent."


• By wife--"Curse God and die."


• Now God speaks to Job.


• You think you know why this happened.


• I have a few questions. Can you answer these?


• I have something to teach you. You do not know as much as you think.

 

Outline

• Purpose of God's questions Job 38:1-3


• Questions about the earth Job 38:4-7


• Questions about the sea Job 38:8-11


• Questions about time Job 38:12-15


• Questions about the ocean floor and the gates of death Job 38:16-18


• Questions about light and darkness Job 38:19-21


• Questions about weather Job 38:22-30


• Questions about astronomy Job 38:31-33


• Can you command the weather Job 38:34-38


• Questions about animals Job 38:39-39:30

 

Notes and Questions

• How much do we think we know?


• How much do we really know?


• Who does know everything?


• What are some characteristics of God in these 2 chapters?
  
  
  
  • Omnipotence
    
    
    
    • God has power to do all things that are according to His character.
    
    
    • God cannot lie. 2 Timothy 2:13, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18
    
    
    • God cannot be tempted James 1:3
    
    
    • God can save anyone who meets His conditions Matthew 19:26
    
    
    • In the Old Testament
      
      
      
      • As the Almighty (Ēl Shadday) as in Exodus 6:3
      
      
      • As Lord of Hosts (Armies) (Yahweh ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ). In Old Testament times the power, greatest, authority of a king was related to the size of his kingdom, number of soldiers, and the number of people he ruled over. God is seen as having a kingdom, army, and people a number too large to count, thus, omnipotent. Psalm 24:10, etc.
      
      
      • As the mighty one ('âbı̂yr). The one who has all strength as in Isaiah 49:26
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Omniscience
    
    
    
    • God knows all things--past, present, future, and all things knowable as the position of a planet a million years from, and all things not knowable as in a person's decision and action (an open theist would not believe that God can know future unknowable acts as a person's decision or action). Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 46:10, Acts 15:18, Hebrews 4:13, Ezekiel 8:7-12, Zechariah 9:9 with Matthew 21:1-11
    
    
    • Includes all our thoughts, words, desires, deeds, and motivation. 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 15:11, Hebrews 4:13
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Omnipresent
    
    
    
    • God is located everywhere. Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Amos 9:2, 2 Chronicles 2:6
    
    
    • God is active everywhere. His activity, acts, can be simultaneous is any and every place at once.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Psalm 139 where all 3 characteristics are spoken of.
  
  
  
  


• Why do you trust God?


• Why do you trust God when everything seems to fall apart?


• What would you tell someone whose faith is faltering?


• What is trust?
  
  
  
  • Trust is feeling safe in another's presence whether it be life, money, food, doctrine, driving, etc. Examples might be sitting in a chair, giving money to a friend to buy some food, marrying, physician,
  
  
  • Others put their trust in politicians, money, science, themselves, philosophy, friends, family, leaders, etc.
  
  
  
  


• How does our knowledge of God's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence affect our lives?

Sunday School Lesson--Why Is This Happening?

Why Is This Happening?



 

Theme: When God doesn't make sense.

 

Scripture: Job 19:1-27

 

A1 Outline--Job's reply to Bildad

• B1 Questions why his friends hate him so. Job 19:1-7


• B2 Questions why God has does this to him. Job 19:8-22


• B3 States that someday God will come and help him, even raise him from the dead. Job 19:23-29

 

A2 Notes and Questions

• B1 Job 19 is Job's response to Bildad's words in Job 18 (Summary given below)
  
  
  
  • C1 Why are you so angry with us? Do you think we are stupid?
  
  
  • C2 You are wicked. Wicked people are eventually caught, just like wild animals are.
  
  
  • C3 God punishes these very wicked people with death, and people want to forget about them.
  
  
  
  


• B2 Job 19 summary
  
  
  
  • C1 Why are you insulting me?
  
  
  • C2 You think you are better than me.
  
  
  • C3 Can't you see that God has done this?
  
  
  • C4 God has taken everything from me, even hope.
    
    
    
    • D1 My family hates me.
    
    
    • D2 My friends and relatives have deserted me.
    
    
    • D3 My servants treat me like a stranger.
    
    
    • D4 My wife thinks I stink.
    
    
    • D5 Children despise and laugh at me.
    
    
    • D6 My closest friends have turned against me.
    
    
    • D7 My skin just hangs on my body.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 Why don't you have pity on me? You are my closest friends.
  
  
  • C6 God is in heaven and will come to my defense.
  
  
  • C7 Even if I die, God will raise me up some day.
  
  
  • C8 God is judge, not you miserable people.
  
  
  
  


• B3 Did Job understand why these things were happening?


• B4 Do we understand why everything happens to us?


• B5 What are we to do in times like that?


• B6 Can cheering up someone be wrong?


• B7 What do we say to someone who is going through suffering?
  
  
  
  • C1 Listen to them.
  
  
  • C2 Don't make a rash judgment.
  
  
  • C3 Stay silent.
  
  
  • C4 Try to understand the situation.
  
  
  • C5 If we don't know the cause, don't assume one.
  
  
  • C6 A number of Psalms express the pain of a situation.
  
  
  • C7 Consider this list from Nave's Topical Bible
  
  
  
  


• AFFLICTIONS


• Psalm 3; 4; 5; 7; 11; 13; 16; 17; 22; 26; 27; 28; 31; 35; 41; 42; 43; 44; 54; 55; 56; 57; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 69; 70; 71; 74; 77; 79; 80; 83; 84; 86; 88; 89; 94; 102; 109; 120; 123; 129; 137; 140; 141; 142; 143




• DIDACTIC


• Psalm 1; 5; 7; 9; 10; 11; 12; 14; 15; 17; 24; 25; 32; 34; 36; 37; 39; 49; 50; 52; 53; 58; 73; 75; 82; 84; 90; 91; 92; 94; 101; 112; 119; 121; 125; 127; 128; 131; 133




• HISTORICAL


• Psalm 78; 105; 106




• IMPRECATORY




• Psalm 5:10; Psalm 6:10; Psalm 9:20; Psalm 10:2; Psalm 10:15; Psalm 25:3; Psalm 28:4; Psalm 31:17; Psalm 31:18; Psalm 35:4; Psalm 35:8; Psalm 35:26; Psalm 40:14; Psalm 40:15; Psalm 54:5; Psalm 55:9; Psalm 55:15; Psalm 56:7; Psalm 58:7; Psalm 59:5; Psalm 59:11; Psalm 59:15; Psalm 68:1; Psalm 68:2; Psalm 69:23; Psalm 69:24; Psalm 69:27; Psalm 69:28; Psalm 70:2; Psalm 70:3; Psalm 71:13; Psalm 79:10; Psalm 79:12; Psalm 83:13-17; Psalm 94:2; Psalm 109:7; Psalm 109:9-20; Psalm 109:28; Psalm 109:29; Psalm 119:78; Psalm 119:84; Psalm 129:5; Psalm 140:9; Psalm 140:10; Psalm 143:12; Psalm 144:6

 

• INTERCESSIONAL


• Psalm 20; 67; 122; 132; 144




• MESSIANIC




• Psalm 2:1-12; Psalm 16:7-11; Psalm 67:1-7; Psalm 68:28-35; Psalm 69:1-36; Psalm 72:1-19; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 96:1-13; Psalm 97:1-12; Psalm 98:1-9; Psalm 99:1-9; Psalm 110:1-7; Psalm 118:19-29




• PENITENTIAL


• Psalm 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143




• PRAISE

 

• For God's attributes


• Psalm 8; 19; 24; 29; 33; 47; 50; 65; 66; 76; 77; 93; 95; 96; 97; 99; 104; 111; 113; 114; 115; 134; 139; 147; 148; 150


• PROPHETIC


• Psalm 2; 16; 22; 40; 45; 68; 69; 72; 87; 97; 110; 118


• THANKSGIVING


• Psalm 21; 46; 48; 65; 66; 68; 76; 81; 85; 98; 105; 124; 126; 129; 135; 136; 149


• For God's goodness to good men


• Psalm 23; 34; 36; 91; 100; 103; 107; 117; 121; 145; 146


• For God's Mercies to Individuals


• Psalm 9; 18; 30; 34; 40; 75; 103; 108; 116; 118; 138; 144


• Source: Study Light


• B8 Job 19:1-5
  
  
  
  • C1 What is Job's main complaint against Bildad?
  
  
  • C2 Can words torment?
  
  
  • C3 Is this a form of verbal abuse?
  
  
  • C4 What do we do when we face this?
    
    
    
    • D1 The Lord Jesus--Luke 13:32, Luke 23:6-9, John 19:9-11, 1 Peter 2:23
    
    
    • D2 Counsel from the Apostles--1 Peter 4:9, 1 Peter 4:12-16, 1 Peter 3:17,
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B9 Job 19:6-12
  
  
  
  • C1 Is it wrong to complain to God? See Psalm 73 and Jonah 4
  
  
  • C2 Why are Job's friends in essence falsely accusing Job?
  
  
  
  


• B10 Job 19:13-20
  
  
  
  • C1 How do we help others when everyone has forsaken them? Read Psalm 22 and Mark 15:34 (Matthew 27:46).
  
  
  • C2 Do bad things happen to "good" people?
  
  
  • C3 Why do people blame God when everything becomes tragic?
  
  
  • C4 What is some of the things we can do to help others when this happens?
    
    
    
    • D1 Pray
    
    
    • D2 Listen to that person. Stay quiet. Let them talk.
    
    
    • D3 Do not say harmful things that we often think help but only makes matters worse.
      
      
      
      • E1 "Things could be worse."
      
      
      • E2 "You'll get over it."
      
      
      • E3 "Stop pitying yourself."
      
      
      • E4 "Get over it."
      
      
      • E5 "You already have 3 children."
      
      
      • E6 "You know you could have avoided this."
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D4 Say and do some things that are helpful.
      
      
      
      • E1 "How are you doing. I really mean that." Now stop and listen intently.
      
      
      • E2 "I really don't know what to say, but I can see your grief. Is there something I can do for you?"
      
      
      • E3 Stop by in a few weeks. Bring something nice with you. Stay to chat.
      
      
      • E4 "I sure do appreciate you loved one. I remember how she/he helped me with..."
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D5 What are some other things to say and do and things not to say or do?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B11 Job 19:21-22
  
  
  
  • C1 How did Job's friends fail him?
  
  
  • C2 What is Job asking his friends to do?
  
  
  
  


• B12 Job 19:23-27
  
  
  
  • C1 Was Job's request in verses 23 and 24 answered?
  
  
  • C2 What is Job's hope? (Job 19:25-27)
  
  
  • C3 Our resurrection
    
    
    
    • D1 Here, Daniel 12:2-3, Daniel 12:13, Matthew 22:29-33, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, etc.
    
    
    • D2 The resurrection is important see 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
    
    
    • D3 For explanations of the resurrection's importance see here and here
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B13 Job 19:28-29, what is Job saying to his friends?


• B14 Have you ever struggled with the feeling that God has abandoned you? What did you do? How can you use this experience to help others?

 

Sunday School Lesson--The truth, and nothing but the truth

The truth, and nothing but the truth

Theme: Confronting worldly wisdom.

 

Scripture: Job 13:1-28

 

A1 Outline

• B1 Job tells his friends (?) to shut up Job 13:1-5


• B2 Job tells his friends (?) their speeches are stupid Job 13:6-13


• B3 Job tells God to stop hurting me Job 13:14-28

 

A2 Notes and questions

• B1 Is Job angry?
  
  
  
  • C1 In general how does a person's anger differ from God's anger?
    
    
    
    • D1 Person's anger
      
      
      
      • E1 With passion
      
      
      • E2 Seeks punishment and revenge
      
      
      • E3 Often based on perceptions rather than truth
      
      
      • E4 Based on personal offenses whether right or wrong
      
      
      • E5 we are to set aside our anger (1 Timothy 2:8, Ephesians 4:26)
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 God's anger
      
      
      
      • E1 With passion (Revelation 19:15)
      
      
      • E2 Seeks repentance and reconciliation until repeatedly rejected then seeks punishment and revenge (Romans 1:18, Romans 2:5, Romans 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:9)
      
      
      • E3 Based on truth (Colossians 3:6)
      
      
      • E4 Based on a standard--God's standard (Romans 2:8)
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Would we be angry? Consider all that has happened. Job doesn't know all the background of why these things happened. Job's friends keep assuming that Job has committed horrible, vile sins and needs to repent.
  
  
  
  


• B2 What is truth?
  
  
  
  • C1 Philosophically there are many theories. Consider this chart.
  
  
  • C2 Basically truth is reality.
    
    
    
    • D1 Examples
      
      
      
      • E1 Financial issues. When people deal with money issues whether taxes or buying and selling, they want exactness.
      
      
      • E2 Pain management. When people are in pain as after surgery or in an accident, they are facing reality and want pain control. Reality wins.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 People often put faith in something or someone so strongly that when their chosen does something evil or stupid, they still believe what he/she says. Often they also become defenders and will harangue others, bullying them into correctness (as they see it). Most often this is seen in politics and to a little lesser way in "spiritual" leaders.
    
    
    • D3 Reality. What is reality?
      
      
      
      • E1 Groups and people make presentations promoting their view(s).
      
      
      • E2 They present this as reality.
      
      
      • E3 Often it is selective.
      
      
      • E4 It is usually called fraud.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D4 Everyone should be a little skeptical.
    
    
    • D5 No one should have blind faith.
    
    
    • D6 Christians need to have and practice a reasonable faith. Instead of just believing because someone makes claims, we need to find evidence that is most reasonable. Sources: Cold Case Christianity, Who moved the stone?,
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C3 Give some examples of truth.
  
  
  
  


• B3 What is wisdom?
  
  
  
  • C1 Some definitions
    
    
    
    • D1 Knowledge--knowing facts as in 1+1=2
    
    
    • D2 Understand--knowing why 1+1=2. ☺+☺=☺☺
    
    
    • D3 Wisdom--knowing facts, understanding why, then how to apply it.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Worldly wisdom (wisdom, James 3:15)
    
    
    
    • D1 If we adopt the definition that wisdom is knowledge plus understanding, then using this according to a person's own standard.
    
    
    • D2 Example--Today's politicians
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C3 Godly wisdom (wisdom from above, James 3:17)
    
    
    
    • D1 If we adopt the definition that wisdom is knowledge plus understanding, then using this according to God's standard.
    
    
    • D2 Example--The Lord Jesus (John 7:46, Luke 20:27-40).
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C4 Give some examples of worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
  
  
  
  


• B4 Job's 3 friends gave Job reasons for his calamity. The main idea they had was, "You have sinned. God is punishing you. You need to confess your sin and ask God for forgiveness." Was this an example of worldly or godly wisdom? Support your answer.


• B5 Because of the difficulties with his 3 friends, Job then wishes to take his case to God. Is this wise?


• B6 Job's friends spoke many words. Were these words inspired by God? Does inspiration mean all words in the Bible are the words of God? (No, it does guarantee that the words recorded are 100% accurate).


• B7 What kind of wisdom is best for all? (Godly wisdom).


• B8 How do we apply godly wisdom for...
  
  
  
  • C1 Being falsely accused?
  
  
  • C2 Slandered?
  
  
  • C3 Libeled?
  
  
  • C4 Insulted and reviled?
  
  
  • C5 Screaming in our face?
  
  
  • C6 Threats of violence if we continue to believe, teach, and preach as we do?
  
  
  • C7 Loss of family due to sickness or accident?
  
  
  • C8 Financial loss?
  
  
  • C9 Threats of divorce for ourselves or others?
  
  
  • C10 Church members who drift into doctrinal or lifestyle errors?
  
  
  
  


• B9 Where do we find wisdom? (In prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, godly counsel, and faith in God).


• B10 How do we know God's wisdom in circumstances? We can know God's will by...
  
  
  
  • C1 The Scriptures that tell us we MUST do something.
  
  
  • C2 The Scriptures that tell us we MUST NOT do something.
  
  
  • C3 Principles to do or not to do.
  
  
  • C4 Examples/illustrations of those who did or did not so something and what happened.
  
  
  • C5 What examples might we give on
    
    
    
    • D1 Who should I marry?
    
    
    • D2 Should I buy this house?
    
    
    • D3 Should I take this job?
    
    
    • D4 Should I quit this job?
    
    
    • D5 Should I retire?
    
    
    • D6 Should I go to college or not, and where should I go?
    
    
    • D7 Should I be a pastor, missionary, etc.?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B11 How do we know someone's advice, beliefs, or anything someone tells us is true?


• B12 Was it right for Job to take his complaint and judicial case to God?


• B13 Job 13:1-5, what was Job's main argument against his friends? (He knew as much as they did. He was not stupid).


• B14 Job 13:6-13, what was Job's accusing his friends of? (lying about the reason for his suffering and his character).


• B15 Job 13:14-28
  
  
  
  • C1 Job 13:14-18, what is Job saying? ("I've lost all hope, so I'm going to make my appeal directly to God").
  
  
  • C2 Job 13:19-21, what is Job saying to God? ("Are you going to come and accuse me? Secondly, please stop hurting me).
  
  
  • C3 Job 13:22-23, what is Job saying to God here? ("What have I done wrong? What is my sin)?
  
  
  • C4 Job 13:24-25, what is Job saying to God? ("I'm don't understand why you are treating me like an enemy)?
  
  
  • C5 Job 13:26-28, now what is Job saying? ("I know that I'm a sinner. I sinned in my youth. Now, I am rotting away).
  
  
  
  


• B16 Do we believe that God is the source of truth?


• B17 Why do people turn to worldly wisdom instead of godly wisdom?

 

Sunday School Lesson--When It All Comes Crashing Down

When It All Comes Crashing Down



Theme: When life falls apart

Scripture: Job 1:1-2:3

A1 Outline

• B1 The background--Job, his character, his family Job 1:1-1:5


• B2 The accuser attacks Job--satan, job, Yahweh Job 1:6-12


• B3 The first attack--Job loses family and all belongings Job 1:13-22


• B4 The second attack--Job loses his health Job 2:1-10 (for our study specifically looking at Yahweh's response to satan about Job).

A2 Notes and Questions

• B1 The background
  
  
  
  • C1 Uz--the general area is western Saudi Arabia. It is east of Israel.
  
  
  • C2 Job--husband, father, business, rancher, farmer, etc.
  
  
  
  


• B2 What do the Scriptures say about Job's character?
  
  
  
  • C1 Blameless
    
    
    
    • D1 This is not sinless. Blameless would be one who strives follow God's laws. Blameless would be who asks forgiveness from God, ask for wisdom, strength, and success in doing God's will. See 2 Peter 3:14. For examples see Joshua 2:17 and Matthew 12:5.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Upright--Being an upright person would be someone who strives to do things according to God's way of life. See Psalm 119:128
  
  
  • C3 Fears God--Fear as in afraid. Why fear? God is judge, and someday we have to give an account of ourselves (as Christians. Romans 14:12) or face the wrath of God (as non-Christian, Revelation 20:11-15)
  
  
  • C4 Shuns evil--evil is thinking and/or doing opposite of what God would do and act.
  
  
  
  


• B3 What was Job's concern for his children?


• B4 What is satan doing? (Job 1:6-7)


• B5 What is God's question to satan? What is satan's answer? Why does satan answer this way?


• B6 Was it God's decree and will for Job's children to be murdered and all possessions lost? (No) Why did God allow this?


• B7 Job 1:16, was the witness correct when he stated, "The fire of God...?"


• B8 Job 1:21-22, what was Job's response to his loss? How would we handle this?


• B9 Job 1:21, did God give? Did God take away? Who did the taking away?


• B10 Can satan kill? John 8:44


• B11 Ever have a bad day? How do we respond?


• B12 What are some of the most horrible things that happened in your life?


• B13 How do we handle false witness, bullying, slander, libel, etc.?


• B14 Do we only serve God because things are good, only to have our best life now, only to see our "seed" faith make us rich?


• B15 Why is there evil and bad things in the world? Isn't God a god of love? Isn't He strong enough to prevent it?
  
  
  
  • C1 Considerations
    
    
    
    • D1 Challenges
      
      
      
      • E1 Epicurus:
        
        
        
        • F1 Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
        
        
        • F2 Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent?
        
        
        • F3 Is he both able and willing? Then whence comes evil?
        
        
        • F4 Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
        
        
        
        
      
      
      • E2 Atheist (one version)
        
        
        
        • F1 A good God would destroy evil.
        
        
        • F2 An all-powerful God could destroy evil.
        
        
        • F3 Evil is not destroyed.
        
        
        • F4 Therefore, there cannot possibly be such a good and powerful God.
        
        
        
        
      
      
      
      
    
    
    • D2 What is good?
    
    
    • D3 What is bad/evil?
      
      
      
      • E1 Absence of good? But pain helps medical personnel make a diagnosis.
      
      
      • E2 Frustration of human values (source)?
      
      
      • E3 Breaking God's law?
      
      
      • E4 Punishment for breaking the law?
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 We've covered this before, but the basics are
    
    
    
    • D1 God created everything good. There was no evil on earth.
    
    
    • D2 Adam disobeyed God, that is, Adam sinned.
    
    
    • D3 God punishes sin and curses the world and everything in/on it. This is the evil we face today. It is because of sin. Adam sinned, and so do all of us.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B16 When our world falls apart, does that mean that God is against us? (Maybe, compare Job and King David (2 Samuel 12:1-13 Psalms 51.) Both had "evil" things happen. One was righteous; the other an adulterer and murderer).


• B17 For the believer as Job, what is to be our response to evil?


• B18 For the believer as King David, what is to be our response to evil?


• B19 Why would God allow satan into heaven and accuse Job?


• B20 Why would God allow satan to bring evil on Job?


• B21 Is all evil caused by the devil?


• B22 Who did Job think was his accuser? Was he correct? (He thought it was God, when it reality (truth) it was satan).
  
  
  
  • C1 Jesus was falsely accused, Matthew 27:12
  
  
  • C2 The Apostle Paul, Acts 24.
  
  
  • C3 The end of the accuser, Revelation 12:10.
  
  
  
  


• B23 What do we learn about accusers? How do we handle, respond to, false accusers?
  
  
  
  • C1 Do not blame God, for this is what the false accuser wants.
  
  
  • C2 Do not lose your composure, for this will make the false accuser happy.
  
  
  • C3 Pray.
  
  
  • C4 Tell them, "Have a good day," then leave. Most, if not all, false accusers do not want to discuss or hear the truth.
  
  
  • C5 How did Jesus handle the false accusers in Matthew 27:12?
  
  
  • C6 What did Job do? Job 1:20-22.
  
  
  
  


• B24 According to the lesson, satan often accuses someone of their motives? How do you feel about this?


• B25 Have you ever lost it all? How did you respond? How are we to respond?


• B26 How much power does satan have? Is there a limit to his power?


• B27 What is the ultimate aim of the accuser (satan)?


• B28 Why do people blame God for their problems?


• B29 What and who causes the injustices we see and experience in the world?


• B30 Has God ever experience injustice, suffering, and "evil?" (Jesus died. He was sinless and innocent).


• B31 What attitudes and actions have you and I displayed in trials?


• B32 How do we help each other in these evil things?

 

Sunday School Lesson--The Perfect Father

The Perfect Father



Theme: God is the Father

Scripture: John 17:1-26

A1 Outline

• B1 Jesus's Prayer
  
  
  
  • C1 Jesus prays for Himself John 17:1-5
  
  
  • C2 Jesus prays for His disciples John 17:6-19
  
  
  • C3 Jesus prays for all believers John 17:20-26
  
  
  
  

A2 Notes and questions

• B1 God is Father
  
  
  
  • C1 Who is His only begotten Son? (Jesus)
  
  
  • C2 How is He father to believers? (Adoption. Romans 8:15-23 and Galatians 4:5-6).
  
  
  
  


• B2 What are some of the responsibilities of fathers? (Some things)
  
  
  
  • C1 Compassion, Psalm 103:13
  
  
  • C2 Not to make angry, Colossians 3:21
  
  
  • C3 Instruction and discipline, Proverbs 3:11-12
  
  
  
  


• B3 The Trinity
  
  
  
  • C1 God is one.
  
  
  • C2 God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  
  
  • C3 God is of one essence.
  
  
  • C4 God is 3 persons, not 3 modes.
  
  
  • C5 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been from timeless, eternal past.
  
  
  
  


• B4 In what is called "The Lord's Prayer" we notice a pattern.
  
  
  
  • C1 "Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples." So He said to them, "Whenever you pray, say: Our Father in the heavens, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." " (Luke 11:1-4, EMTV) Cross Reference is Matthew 6:9-13.
  
  
  • C2 The pattern is different in John 17 where Jesus prays for himself then others, though He praises and thanks His Father throughout.
  
  
  • C3 When we pray are we supposed to follow a formula?
  
  
  • C4 Do we use a formula to converse with our spouse or a good friend?
  
  
  
  


• B5 As He prays where does Jesus look? (Up, "...He lifted up His eyes to heaven...").


• B6 John 17:1
  
  
  
  • C1 What hour is Jesus speaking of? (The hour of His trial and crucifixion).
  
  
  • C2 Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him. Did the Father glorify Him? How?
  
  
  • C3 What was Jesus's purpose for God to glorify Him?
  
  
  
  


• B7 John 17:2
  
  
  
  • C1 How much authority does Jesus have?
  
  
  • C2 What is eternal life? How does this differ from eternal death? Which lasts longer? (Both are eternal).
  
  
  • C3 Who can have eternal life?
  
  
  • C4 How is God justified to give eternal life? (1 Corinthians 5:7 also because of His resurrection).
  
  
  
  


• B8 John 17:3
  
  
  
  • C1 Why does Jesus say is eternal life?
  
  
  • C2 What are we to know? (The only true God and Jesus Christ).
  
  
  • C3 The idea of know is to recognize. Compare John 17:23, John 10:38, 1 John 5:20, and 1 John 4:7-8. It is also used in a continual sense that we keep on knowing and know better. Compare Hosea 6:3 and Jeremiah 9:24.
  
  
  
  


• B9 John 17:4, what was God's work for Jesus? (God's plan for salvation, God's plan for belief, God's plan for the Christian life).


• B10 John 17:6-8
  
  
  
  • C1 What were the things that Jesus did?
  
  
  • C2 What were the ways the disciples responded to Jesus's message?
  
  
  • C3 What was absolutely essential? (Received my words, believed, and surely known).
  
  
  
  


• B11 John 17:9
  
  
  
  • C1 Why does Jesus exclude the "world" (the unbelievers)? They are rejecters. Can they become believers? Yes. A note in Handfuls of Purpose on this passage reads, "I pray for them: I pray not for the world" (John 17:9). As soon as we become separated in spirit from the world, we come under a new set of laws in the Kingdom of grace. We are dealt with as children of God, not as the mere offspring of His creative power. Christ loves His own with a love which is peculiar to His own. While He has the love of pity for the world, He has the love of pleasure for His own. Because they are in heart for Him, He in heart and power is for them; so all things work together for good to them that love Him."
  
  
  • C2 Compare Luke 22:32, Luke 23:34, Hebrews 7:25
  
  
  
  


• B12 John 17:11, what does it mean that Jesus prays for them to be one? Does "one" mean a unity regardless of doctrine? There must be a standard of faith to which we agree. See here.


• B13 John 17:12
  
  
  
  • C1 Who is the "son of perdition?"
  
  
  • C2 Why was he not kept? (He never was a believer).
  
  
  • C3 Why is the term "son of perdition" used to describe Judas Iscariot? It is for a certain type of unbelieving rebel who has had great light and understanding but rejected it to follow the evil one. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:3, John 13:2, John 13:27, John 6:70.
  
  
  
  


• B14 John 17:13, what is Jesus's joy? See John 15:11.
  
  
  
  • C1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of our God's vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify Him. " (Isaiah 61:1-3, HCSB)
  
  
  • C2 Jesus prayed for these to have the same joy that Jesus has. Jesus has great joy and wants others to have it as well. We can have Jesus's joy if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). Compare Daniel 9:4, John 14:23, John 15:10, and 1 John 5:2-3.
  
  
  
  


• B15 John 17:15. Jesus prays for us to be keep from the evil one (satan and his deception and lies). See Luke 22:31-32, Zechariah 3:1, and 1 Peter 5:8.


• B16 John 17:16-19
  
  
  
  • C1 Our loyalties and home is heaven. We love that King, His laws, and rules.
  
  
  • C2 Sanctify means a separation for use from what is ordinary. It is to make us holy as He is holy. What does Jesus say sanctifies us? (Truth). Remember that the Bible is the ONLY source of 100% truth.
  
  
  
  


• B17 John 17:20-23
  
  
  
  • C1 Who does Jesus include in His prayer? Us.
  
  
  • C2 There was no unity in the early church or today (3 John 9-12, Luke 22:24-27, Philippians 4:2), but Jesus's prayer will be answered in the future.
  
  
  • C3 True unity is a unity brought about by God. It is not something that humans bring about in rallies, etc.
  
  
  • C4 True unity is a unity centered around truth and Scriptures.
  
  
  • C5 Unity cannot be around false teaching or additions or subtractions concerning the Scriptures.
  
  
  
  


• B18 John 17:24, what are the 2 things that Jesus asks His Father for?


• B19 John 17:25-26, how do these verses show the deep and sincere love of Jesus?

Sunday School Lesson--The Great Shepherd

The Great Shepherd



Theme: God is the Shepherd

 

Text: Ezekiel 34:1-31

 

A1 Outline: The wicked shepherds

• B1 The charge and evidence Ezekiel 34:1-10


• B2 God's sentence of these evil shepherds, and His cure Ezekiel 34:11-31

A2 Notes and questions

• B1 Shepherds
  
  
  
  • C1 Those who guide, protect, and oversee sheep.
  
  
  • C2 Symbolic for those who guide, protect, and oversee people. In this passage shepherd is used for the leaders of the nation of Israel.
  
  
  • C3 Why does God call the leaders shepherds?
  
  
  
  


• B2 How is the verb "prophesy" used here? Is it a telling of a future situation, present situation, or both?


• B3 What is a prophet?
  
  
  
  • C1 Old Testament
    
    
    
    • D1 God gave a message to the prophet/prophetess. This message might be to repent, what to do, what not to do, guidance for someone seeking God's wisdom, a message about the future, or of judgment.
    
    
    • D2 In our passage here, God gives a message to Ezekiel to tell the leaders of Israel of judgment because of their sins.
    
    
    • D3 They are confirmed by encouraging the worship of Yahweh only and their words come true (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 New Testament
    
    
    
    • D1 The same as the Old Testament except there were apostles to certify that they are true.
    
    
    • D2 No prophets are mentioned after the last apostle--John.
    
    
    • D3 The prophets in the New Testament era and dispensation are Agabus and the daughters of Philip.
    
    
    • D4 The so-called prophets of today are either self certified or confirmed by apostles who are self certified.
    
    
    • D5 The Bible is the only source of 100% truth and has all that we need.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B4 Were these shepherds approved by God? Who is the Good Shepherd that is approved?


• B5 Ezekiel 34:2, what was the failure of these shepherds? What can we learn from this?


• B6 What were some of the other failures in these shepherds?


• B7 Ezekiel 34:10, what was God's sentence of these evil shepherds?


• B8 Ezekiel 34:11-16, what are some things that God states a good shepherd should be? Does Messiah Jesus fulfill these?


• B9 Ezekiel 34:17-22, what are some other things that makes God angry in shepherds? How can we avoid doing these things?


• B10 Ezekiel 34:23-24, what does God promise here? Is this to be taken literally?


• B11 Ezekiel 34:25-31, what are some other promises that God WILL do?


• B12 In the New Testament there are three references to the Lord Jesus being the shepherd.
  
  
  
  • C1 Matthew 26:31  Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me during this night, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
    
    
    
    • D1 Who is the "I" that will strike the shepherd? It is God, Himself, Romans 8:32 and Mark 15:34.
    
    
    • D2 Who is this shepherd? It is Jesus. John 10:11-14
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Matthew 14:27  And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, because it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.'
  
  
  • C3 Hebrews 13:20  Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
  
  
  
  


• B13 What is the difference between the Shepherd Jesus and all other shepherds?


• B14 Does Shepherd Jesus still care for His sheep?


• B15 Does Shepherd Jesus give us everything to make us happy or what we need?


• B16 Does Shepherd Jesus give us everything we ask for?


• B17 Psalm 23 speaks of the Good Shepherd
  
  
  
  • C1 Who is the writer of this psalm?
  
  
  • C2 Who does David say is his shepherd?
  
  
  • C3 In Psalm 23:1, what is the first characteristic of this shepherd? ("I shall not want," that is, not lack what I need).
  
  
  • C4 Psalm 23:2
    
    
    
    • D1 "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. " (Psalms 23:2, NKJV)
    
    
    • D2 "He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. " (Psalms 23:2, HCSB)
    
    
    • D3 Note the difference. The Holman Christian Standard Bible is translated lets, while the New King James Verse translates the word as makes. Most English translations I checked used either makes or causes; only a few used lets. The verb is in the imperfect, but I could not find out a reason for the difference in translations. Using the word makes leaves with the impression of using force to get the sheep to lie down, while lets gives the impression of when the sheep decides to lie down. I am going to choose lets, because it fits with the rest of Psalm 23 and reflects the character of Yahweh's style of leadership.
    
    
    • D4 The green pastures would imply that Yahweh as shepherd would not let the sheep stop at inferior pastures but would lead them to the best. Once He has brought them to the best, He would let them do what sheep do--eat.
    
    
    • D5 The still waters are to be compared to raging waters as a rapids. God leads them to the best and cleanest water.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 Psalm 23:3
    
    
    
    • D1 What 2 things does this good shepherd do in this verse?
    
    
    • D2 An emotional abuse and control freak does not want to restore someone's soul. Yahweh does. What is the lesson for us?
    
    
    • D3 See 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Colossians 3:9-10
    
    
    • D4 What path does God lead us on? What is righteousness? (Doing what is right. What is right? See Ephesians 4:22-32 for one example).
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C6 Psalm 23:4-5--what are some of the difficulties we face in this passage, and what is the solution? How can we apply this?
  
  
  • C7 Psalm 23:6
    
    
    
    • D1 Why should God's goodness and mercy be with us always?
    
    
    • D2 Name some things that are of God's goodness and mercy.
    
    
    • D3 Are they still with us when times are difficult?
    
    
    • D4 Why is living in God's house forever important? What is God's house?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

 

 

Sunday School Lesson--Power to Spare

Power to Spare

Theme: God is the Almighty

 

Text: Genesis 17:1-8

 

A1 Outline

• B1 God's covenant with Abraham Genesis 17:1-8

 

A2 Notes and questions

• B1 Who is God talking to? (Abraham).


• B2 Who does God reveal things, give messages to, etc.? (Prophets)


• B3 Is Abraham a prophet? (Yes, Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours. (Genesis 20:7 NKJV).


• B4 What is a prophet? Amos 3:7
  
  
  
  • C1 The Hebrew word is נָבִיא nâbı̂y' naw-bee' It means prophet and spokesman. The first use is in Genesis 20:7.
  
  
  • C2 A spokesperson for God. Some were men, and some were women (Exodus 15:20, Judges 4:4, Luke 2:36, etc.).
  
  
  • C3 Qualifications:
    
    
    
    • D1 A call Amos 7:14-15
    
    
    • D2 A ministry Amos 7:15, Ezekiel 2:3-4
    
    
    • D3 100% accuracy Deuteronomy 13:1-3,
    
    
    • D4 Hatred of sin and love of righteousness
    
    
    • D5 Lover of truth
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C4 Dispensation
    
    
    
    • D1 Old Testament starting with Abraham and continuing to John the Baptist (Matthew 11:9-14) and Anna (Luke 2:36), the widow.
    
    
    • D2 New Testament
      
      
      
      • E1 The Apostles
        
        
        
        • F1 Of Jesus Christ, this is the 12 (Matthew 10:2-4, Acts 1:26)
        
        
        • F2 Of the church, these are those who lived while the Apostles of Jesus Christ still lived. The Apostles of Jesus Christ could verify that these individuals were apostles. After the Apostle John died, there was no one who could verify people who claimed they were apostles. Compare Romans 1:1, 2 Corinthians 8:23, and Philippians 2:25).
        
        
        
        
      
      
      • E2 Agabus (Acts 11:28 and Acts 21:10) and the daughters of Philip (Acts 21:8-9). These lived before any of the Scripture was written.
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 How do we know if there are prophets today?
    
    
    
    • D1 Their message must be compared to the New Testament writings. If different, the message is false. If true, it is not needed, because we already have that message written to us.
    
    
    • D2 False prophets are real. Experiences are real, but is their message true?
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B5 How old is Abraham?


• B6 What name does God give Himself?
  
  
  
  • C1 The name "Almighty God" is the Hebrew Original Word: שַׁדָּי Part of Speech: Noun Masculine Phonetic Spelling: (shad-dah'-ee) H7703 and means almighty, the all powerful, omnipotent.
  
  
  • C2 Why does God use this name to Abraham? (To emphasize to Abraham that His promises and covenant will happen).
  
  
  
  


• B7 The word perfect means blameless. Why does God command this of Abraham? How can we be blameless today?
  
  
  
  • C1 "Jesus said to him, “He that is bathed need only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." (John 13:10, EMTV)
  
  
  • C2 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, EMTV)
  
  
  
  


• B8 Why did God change Abram's name to Abraham?


• B9 Is the covenant that God made with Abraham still in force? (Genesis 17:7 "everlasting").


• B10 What are the promises of this covenant with Abraham? (The land of possession (Israel) forever, a large amount of descendants, and that He will be their God forever).


• B11 God's power
  
  
  
  • C1 The problem of evil. Why is there evil in the world, if God is omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving?
    
    
    
    • D1 It is the curse upon creation because of sin. Genesis 3 especially Genesis 3:13-19
    
    
    • D2 It is the natural consequence of bad decisions. Proverbs 11:15, Proverbs 19:15, Genesis 6:5-7, etc.
    
    
    • D3 It is the chance happening of disasters because of a cursed world. Luke 13:4-5, John 9, 2 Timothy 4:20, etc.
    
    
    • D4 It is because people are sinners (law breakers). Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 17:23, etc.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C2 Extent
    
    
    
    • D1 Calvinists believe that God decrees everything that happens and renders it certain. Every rape, murder, death is decreed by God. Every healing, every blessing, every salvation has also been decreed by God.
    
    
    • D2 Classical/reformed Arminians believe that God is sovereign in that He can do what He wants, when He wants, how He wants, and no one can change it. Decisions that people make are truly free. People can genuinely resist or not resist salvation.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C3 God is the law giver. He is judge. He sentences. These are absolute, and no one can avoid these. God is also redeemer, if one meets His conditions.
  
  
  • C4 How does God help people?
    
    
    
    • D1 He sends rain on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45, Acts 14:17, etc.
    
    
    • D2 He wishes all to be saved, that is, forgiven and reconciled to Himself. 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:16, etc.
    
    
    • D3 He can heal. He can strengthen. He can encourage, etc.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 God's power is seen in
    
    
    
    • D1 Creating
    
    
    • D2 Miracles
    
    
    • D3 Judgment
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• B12 How can our knowledge of God's power, strength, and authority be used to help others?

Sunday School Lesson--God's Name

How excellent is your name

Theme: God is LORD

 

Scripture: Exodus 33:12-34:8

 

A1 Outline

• B1 Setting: after Aaron had made the golden calf and most worshiped it.


• B2 Yahweh's rebuke Exodus 33:1-6


• B3 Yahweh's tent Exodus 33:7-11


• B4 Yahweh's glory Exodus 33:12-23


• B5 Yahweh's law Exodus 34:1-4


• B6 Yahweh's name Exodus 34:5-8

 

A2 Notes and questions

• B1 Meaning of your name. Would you want the name of someone famous or infamous? Why?


• B2 God's name
  
  
  
  • C1 Many titles
  
  
  • C2 Descriptive names
  
  
  • C3 Personal name--Yahweh
  
  
  • D1 Means self-existent. He is the I AM.
  
  
  • D2 This is His proper name as someone might be Mary or John.
  
  
  • D3 See below under Exodus 34:1-8
  
  
  
  


• B3 Yahweh's rebuke Exodus 33:1-6
  
  
  
  • C1 Who is giving the orders in this passage?
  
  
  • C2 What are His orders to Moses and Israel?
  
  
  • C3 Why did God say that He would not go with them? Is there any application for us today?
  
  
  • C4 Does God sound angry?
  
  
  • C4 Who is the "my angel" of Exodus 33:2?
    
    
    
    • D1 Some say that it is Messiah and reference Exodus 23:20-23.
    
    
    • D2 Others say that it is one of the angel host and reference Exodus 32:34
    
    
    • D3 Nonetheless, there seems to be a punishment here because of the people's sin in Exodus 32 concerning the worship of the golden calf.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C5 What is the distressing words of Exodus 33:4?
  
  
  • C5 Why didn't they wear their jewelry that day?
  
  
  • C6 Does sin have consequences?
  
  
  
  


• B4 Yahweh's tent Exodus 33:7-11
  
  
  
  • C1 Why was the tent of meeting outside the camp? (Possible because of God's anger and departure that He would not lead the nation of Israel Himself).
  
  
  • C2 Some believe that the tent of meeting was 2000 cubits (~0.56818181818182 miles or 0.9144 kilometer) away from the camp, which later was named a Sabbath's Day Journey. Compare Joshua 3:4.
  
  
  • C3 Where was the cloudy pillar located that indicated God's presence? (At the entrance, not inside). Why not inside the tent?
  
  
  • C4 Where did the people stand when they worshiped the Lord?
  
  
  • C5 When Moses came back to the camp, where was Joshua?
  
  
  
  


• B5 Yahweh's glory Exodus 33:12-23
  
  
  
  • C1 In Exodus 33:12-13, what 2 things does Moses ask God for?
  
  
  • C2 Does Moses, conversing with God at the tent, enter into The Silence or is his mind active? What is conversing with God called?
  
  
  • C3 In Exodus 33:13, what is Moses pleading with God for? ("I want to know your plans and please you, but I need for you to go with us, so you can teach me.")
  
  
  • C4 What is God's answer in Exodus 33:14?
  
  
  • C5 Does God change His mind? (As seen many times in Scriptures, God has a condition. This condition is repentance. Sometimes this condition is not stated but implied. If this condition is met, then God will not carry out His punishment. See Jonah 3:1-10.)
  
  
  • C6 Why did Moses ask to see God's glory? Is asking questions like this wrong?
  
  
  • C7 Does Exodus 33:19 teach Calvinism? No, God does not arbitrarily choose who goes to heaven and who go to hell. It is God's character of love to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). God has set up conditions to be forgiven and saved. These are repentance and faith. Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb who received God's wrath to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7).
  
  
  • C8 Why can't people see God's face and live? (God is holy; we are not holy, so we would die. When we are in heaven, we will be holy, because all our sin and sinful tendencies will be gone. Compare 1 Timothy 6:16 and Isaiah 6:5-7.
  
  
  
  


• B6 Yahweh's law Exodus 34:1-8
  
  
  
  • C1 In Exodus 34:1-3, God instructs Moses that only Moses can come up the mountain. Why? Is God cruel and evil to do this? Wouldn't this prove that the atheist is wrong when they say, "Why does God hid himself. We will believe, if he shows himself to us?"
  
  
  • C2 When Moses arrives at the mountain top, what does God tell Moses? (His name). What is His name here?
  
  
  • C3 What is the importance of someone's name? What is important about God's name?
  
  
  • C4 What does a name signify about a person? (Often, it signifies his character, who he is, and what he stands for and against).
  
  
  • C5 What does God reveal about His character? (Exodus 34:6-7
    
    
    
    • D1 Yahweh--self existence. God has no beginning and no end. He gives life. He does not receive life; He is life.
    
    
    • D2 God--a class of beings. The highest of any being. There is only one of this class--Yahweh.
    
    
    • D3 Merciful--not punishing when one deserves it. In this case, the mercy comes because a person has met God's conditions
    
    
    • D4 Gracious--not receiving what is deserved.
    
    
    • D5 Slow to anger--doesn't punish us immediately but gives time to repent.
    
    
    • D6 Abounding in kindness--gentle, helpful, and other kind things.
    
    
    • D7 Abounding in truth--facts, reality, unfeigned in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. What is obvious outwardly is also inwardly. His motives are pure.
    
    
    • D8 Keeps His kindness for a thousand generations--He has a good memory. He really enjoys being kind. The word "generations" has been added. Many understand this that God has kindness for future generations that have not yet been born and/or have not heard the Gospel yet.
    
    
    • D9 Forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin--forgiveness because someone has to pay the penalty. Jesus did this at His crucifixion.
    
    
    • D10 Does not clear the guilty, but visits the iniquity of the parents up to the fourth generation--bad choices lead to bad consequences which are then taught by example, etc. to the following generations. This can be stopped by meeting God's conditions of repentance and faith.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • C6 What was Moses' response? What should be our response? What is worship?
  
  
  
  

From Misery to Mission

From misery to mission

Theme: The resurrected Savior

Scripture: John 20:1-31

A1 Outline

B1 Jesus is gone John 20:1-10

B2 Jesus and Mary Magdalene John 20:11-18

B3 Jesus and disciples John 20:19-23

B4 Jesus and Thomas John 20:24-29

B5 Why John wrote John 20:30-31

 

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Jesus is gone John 20:1-10

C1 What day of the week were these actions?

C2 What approximate time did Mary come to the tomb?

C3 What was the first thing that Mary noticed?

C4 Who is the "we" in John 20:2? (Cometh Mary Magdalene.—St. Matthew has, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary;” St. Mark has, “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome;” St. Luke has, “The women which had come with Him from Galilee” (Luke 23:55), and enumerates them in Luke 24:10, as “Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them.” St. John speaks of only one of the group, who was specially prominent). From Ellicott's Commentary on this verse.

C5 Why did Jesus rise from the dead when it was dark?

C6 What is the most important thing about the tomb? (it is empty).

C7 What does this mean for the Christian?

C8 What does this mean for the non-Christian?

C9 Is there any evidence of this resurrection other than eye witness? (Yes, "Who Rolled Away the Stone?" By Frank Morison.

C10 Who was the faster disciple?

C11 Why did they run?

C12 Was there any importance in mentioning the linen strips and Jesus's head cloth?

C13 After John saw, he believed. What did he believe?

B2 Jesus and Mary Magdalene John 20:11-18

C1 What is Mary doing outside the tomb? Why?

C2 What did Mary see when she looked inside the tomb? Did John and Peter see the same?

C3 Why did the angels ask Mary why she was crying?

C4 Mary turns around and sees _______? Was this an hallucination?

C5 Why did Mary hold on to Jesus? (Possibly to examine him, to see if He was real or a spirit).

C6 Why did Jesus reply the way He did?

C7 What does it mean "...not yet ascended...?" (Possibly to go to the heavenly Temple and offer His blood as an atonement for sin).

B3 Jesus and disciples John 20:19-23

C1 What emotion were the disciples experiencing before Jesus showed up? Why?

C2 What was the first thing that Jesus said to the disciples?

C3 Why did Jesus show them His hands and side?

C4 What emotion did the disciples experience now?

C5 What was Jesus asking them to do?

C6 Did they already have the Holy Spirit?

D1 Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit for special work.

D2 They received the baptism later at Pentecost.

D3 Evidently this was a mission to govern the church that will begin soon. This was not a commission for all Christians. This time frame is still the Old Testament dispensation. They had already received the Holy Spirit for sanctification and to do miracles. The full outpouring would be at Pentecost.

C7 What is the meaning of John 20:23?

D1 Does it mean that I can go across the street, tell my neighbor that his sins are forgiven, and assure him that all his sins are forgiven and that he is going to heaven? (No)

D2 Does it mean that if someone robs a bank, that I can go to them and forgiven them, then the government will not prosecute? (No)

D3 Is this only for the Apostles (the 12)? (No, for one, Thomas, was not present).

D4 No Apostle ever was seen exercising this gift, so it cannot mean that they or the community of believers could forgive sins as God forgives sin.

D5 The College Press commentary has "John 20:23 has long been a problem. The Roman Catholic Church has used this verse to teach that the so-called successors of the apostles (the popes and priests) have the authority to forgive men of their sins. Such a doctrine is technically called “absolution.” Not even the apostles themselves had any authority of their own to grant absolution—the forgiveness of sins. One need only to turn to Acts 8:14-24 to find one example of an apostle being asked to grant absolution in the case of a man confessing his sin. The answer of the apostle Peter is, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee.” This passage in John 20:23 does not grant the apostles the power of absolution. The verbs apheontai (they are forgiven) and kekratentai (they are retained) of this verse are in the perfect tense in the Greek. Now the perfect tense means “an action having been completed in past time with a continuing result.” Literally translated John 20:23 would read, “whose soever sins ye forgive, they have already been forgiven them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they have already been retained.” It is very interesting indeed that in the other two instances where Jesus similarly commissioned the disciples (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18) the verbs are also in the perfect tense! There the verbs are dedemena (has already been bound) and lelumena (has already been loosed).
In founding the church, declaring the will of God and preaching the gospel of repentance and remission of sins by the blood of Christ and men’s obedience to the gospel, the apostles merely declared on what terms, and to what people God extended forgiveness of sins. Whatever they preached on earth had already been decided in heaven. Only God can forgive sins. The apostles and all who have preached since are merely heralds of the covenant which has already been ratified, once for all, in heaven.
The apostles were given here by Jesus a symbolic prophecy of the special baptism of the Holy Spirit when He “breathed.” The literal baptism of the Spirit would come upon them on the day of Pentecost and would empower them with miraculous power in order to confirm the already-ratified message which they were to preach afterward. The Holy Spirit did not give them any inherent authority to grant absolution of sin. "

D6 Basically it has to do with preaching the Gospel.

B4 Jesus and Thomas John 20:24-29

C1 Why did Thomas respond this way? Can skepticism be a good thing?

C2 When Jesus came what did He tell Thomas? Why is this important? What about us?

C3 What is the most important part of Jesus's words to Thomas? (Stop doubting and believe).

C4 Is Jesus God?

C5 Is belief hard? What don't most people believe?

C6 Is there a special blessing for belief?

B5 Why John wrote John 20:30-31

C1 What do people have to do to have forgiveness of sins?

C2 What kind of life is the Apostle John speaking of? What is the alternative?

C3 Which comes first the believing or the life (which is forgiveness of sins, regeneration, rebirth, born again, etc.)?

The Ultimate Sacrifice

[docxpresso file="http://lenoson.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TheUltimateSacrifice2.odt" comments=true]

The Humble Savior

 

Theme: The humble Savior

Scriptures: John 13.1-20

A1 Outline

B1 Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet John 13.1-17

B2 Jesus Predicts His Betrayal John 13.18-30 (we will only deal through John 13:20)

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Passover

C1 Link for more information

C2 Jesus celebrated

C3 This was the day before Passover. (so Thursday by most commentators)

B2 John 13.1.

C1 How did Jesus know that His hour (time) had arrived?

C2 Who are those whom He loves? (His own. I take this to mean those who follow and believe in Him who were alive at that time. The principle would be that He loves all His own past, present, and future. This verse does not address the Calvinist view of God loving the elect only).

C3 The word for love here is agape. We shouldn't make a theological point from this word.

B3 John 13.2

C1 How did the devil influence Judas? Did Judas have some weaknesses to sin? (Covetousness and stealing).

C2 How did Simon Iscariot, Judas' dad, feel about his son? (The text doesn't tell us). How would you and I feel about a son like this?

C3 Why, what, would lead Judas to betray a man who only did good? (He loved other things more and was not interested in the truth).

B4 John 13.3. Why does John write about Jesus knowing these things?

B5 John 13.4-5. Why did Jesus humble Himself this way? Does this tell us something about God's character/personality?

B6 John 13.6-7.

C1 Why did Peter ask the obvious question?

C2 Why didn't Jesus say just "yes?"

C3 Jesus told Peter that he would understand this later. When is later?

C4 Is Peter just asking a question or being obstinate?

B7 John 13.8.

C1 Did Peter understand what a king is supposed to be like? Did he understand God's (Jesus's) view?

C2 Why did Peter reply to Jesus that Jesus would never wash his feet?

C3 What did Jesus tell Peter? What is the significance of this?

B8 John 13.9.

C1 Why did Peter answer this way?

C2 What concern did Peter have that he would want the Lord Jesus to wash more than his feet?

B9 John 13.10-11

C1 The word for bathe (first wash with KJV) is to wash the whole body.

C2 The word for wash (second wash with KJV) refers to washing a part of the whole body, rarely the body itself, so, as here, feet, hands, eyes, etc.

C3 What does the word clean mean here? (Clean from sin. See 2 Corinthians 5.21, 1 Peter 1.22, and John 15.3 (Jesus renders a judgment based on their faith. He is The Judge)).

C4 Who is the one who was not clean? (Judas)

C5 At this meal who were the ones who knew that Judas would betray Jesus?

B10 John 13.12-17

C1 Should we take foot washing literally or figuratively? (Literally, if our teacher and Lord did it, so should we. It doesn't seem to be the idea that only these disciples would be doing foot washing to other Christians. Even if one takes it figuratively, it would be good practice to humble ourselves to wash the feet of other believers. Some object to this practice by labeling it a sacrament. Washing feet does not help earn or retain salvation. It is an ordinance of practice just as remembering the Lord's death with communion and obeying the Lord in baptism. I'm not Church of God in any sense, but this article about foot washing covers the topic and objections well).

C2 Is Jesus just teaching humility or helping others? Which would be harder to do—wash someone's feet or help them cross the street or some other good deed?

C3 We will be blessed if we do _____?

C4 Nevertheless, we are to help others. How can you or I help our neighbor, the grouchy person, the person who cut us off in traffic, the one who cheated us, or the one who lied to us?

C5 How did the Lord Jesus treat the betrayer?

B11 John 13.18-20

C1 Why did Judas turn against Jesus?

C2 What would make anyone turn against Jesus?

C3 Is there anything that would make us turn against Jesus? How can we avoid this?

C4 Does Jesus genuinely know the future, guess the future, or decree the future?

C5 Fulfilled prophecy shows what about Jesus?

C6 What is the principle taught in John 13.20?

Sunday School Lesson—The compassionate Savior

The wait was worth it!




Theme. The compassionate Savior


Text. John 11.1-44


A1 Outline

B1 Lazarus dies John 11.1-16

B2 Jesus comforts sisters John 11.17-37

B3 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead John 11.38-44

B4 The Jewish authorities want to kill Jesus John 11.45-57

A2 Notes and questions

B1 Bethany

C1 2 miles east of Jerusalem

C2 East side of the Mt of Olives

C3 Home of Simon the leper

C4 Home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

C5 A favorite place for the Lord Jesus

C6 Today is called al `Azareyeh (the place of Lazarus)

B2 Lazarus (source here).

C1 Brother of Mary and Martha

C2 Died and buried twice

C3 Resurrected once and will be again

C4 Was a tourist attraction (people wanted to see the man who was dead but resurrected). John 12.10

B3 Mary (source here).

C1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus was at dinner with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at Simon the leper's house.

C2 Mary poured very expensive perfume on Jesus's feet and wiped them with her hair.

C3 Judas became outraged at this. John 12.1-3

C4 Sat at the feet of Jesus to learn.

C5 Not the

D1 Mary the mother of Jesus

D2 Mary Magdalene

D3 Mary, the sinful woman of Luke 7.36-50

B4 Martha (source here).

C1 Owned the home where Mary, Lazarus, and her lived in. Luke 10.38

C2 Was burdened in preparing the meal.

C3 Was reminded by the Lord Jesus that other things are more important than physical food. Luke 10.39-42

C4 Some have suggested that Martha was either the wife or widow of Simon the leper.

B5 Lazarus dies John 11.1-16

C1 John 11.3. The word "love" is the Greek word φιλέω phileō. It means to be a friend. Being a friend is another person whom you like to be with, enjoy, due to many common interests.

C2 Why do people get sick? Answer according to the Christian idea. (The universe and world is cursed because of sin).

C3 Why wasn't the message, "Lazarus is sick"?

C4 According to many famous modern day "apostles and prophets," a person is never to be sick. How do we reconcile this? (Modern day apostles and prophets are fake and false. Reality shows us this).

C5 Why wasn't Lazarus chosen to be an apostle? He was loyal, faithful, a man who was raised from death. One would think this is a great qualification.

C6 John 11.4. Jesus says that this sickness does not result in death, but Lazarus died. Is this a contradiction?

C7 John 11.5-6. Why did Jesus wait 2 days before leaving to go to Lazarus? Wouldn't this disappoint the sisters? Why would Jesus increase their sorrow and distress?

C8 John 11.7. Where did Jesus want to go? They are in Perea, on the eastern side of the Jordan.

C9 John 11.8. Why are the disciples worried? Does this show foreknowledge and wisdom?

C10 John 11.9-10. What is the meaning of this verse? What is He referring to when He says "day" and "night"? What light is Jesus speaking of in John 11.10?

C11 John 11.11. Why did Jesus use the word sleep, when He knew the Lazarus was dead? Is this a proof text for soul sleep? (See here for more information).

C12 Are you afraid to die? Consider, for those who trust in Jesus Christ...

D1 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints. (Psalms 116.15 NKJV)

D2 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. (Luke 16.22 NKJV). Most likely we are too.

D3 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1.21 NKJV)

D4 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11.13 NKJV)

D5 The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. (Isaiah 57.1-2 ESV) The righteous (those, whom God made righteous through the death of the Lord Jesus and their trust in Him, never have anything evil, bad, sad, depressing, pain, etc. again).

D6 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. (Proverbs 14.32 ESV)

D7 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me. (Psalms 23.4 NRSV)

D8 but we are confident and prefer rather to be away from home from the body, and to be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5.8 EMTV)

D9 For I am hard pressed by the two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1.23 EMTV)

C13 John 11.15. Why would Jesus say, "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there?"

C14 John 11.16. Was Thomas an optimist?

B6 Jesus comforts sisters John 11.17-37

C1 John 11.17. Why 4 days? If it would have been the same day as Lazarus died, would there be a difference? Jesus and the disciples traveled approximately 40 miles in 2 days.

C2 John 11.18. Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem. So it would have been accessible to people in Jerusalem to come and comfort the sisters.

C3 John 11.20. Why did Martha come to see Jesus, but Mary stayed inside? (It was common for Jews to be in a sitting position when mourning. Mary may still be in shock and not wanting to meet anyone).

C4 John 11.20. Jesus could have healed Lazarus and not allowed all this grief. Does this make Jesus evil? Why did He allow them this emotional pain?

D1 Possibility 1. If Jesus had resurrected Lazarus the same day, many would have said that Lazarus had not really died. To have this resurrection after 4 days of burial, when many people saw it and knew of the death and burial of Lazarus, would definitely show Lazarus to be truly dead.

D2 Possibility 2. Their faith needed to grow. They had enough faith that Jesus could have healed Lazarus but not enough that Jesus could raise Lazarus. We learn that Jesus can heal and also can resurrect from the dead.

C5 Why did Jesus wait? How do we react to waiting?

C6 John 11.23. Would it have been easy for Martha to have missed the meaning of "...your brother will rise again?"

C7 John 11.25. What is Jesus teaching Mary, Martha, and us? Why did Jesus say, "I am the resurrection and the life," instead of saying, "I will raise up Lazarus?" What does "I am the life" mean? (Only Yahweh has life in Himself and can give life. See John 5.21.

D1 The Seven "I Ams" of Jesus

E1 "I am the bread of life" John 6.35, John 6.48

E2 "I am the light of the world" John 8.12

E3 "I am the door" John 1.7-9

E4 "I am the good shepherd" John 10.11, John 10.14

E5 "I am the resurrection and the life" John 11.25

E6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life" John 14.6

E7 "I am the vine" John 15.1 and John 15.5

C8 John 11.25. Why does Jesus say, "Those who believe in me will live, even though they die"? Is belief simple? (Yes, it is just accepting what Jesus says as truth).

C9 John 11.26. People die, so why does Jesus say, "those who live and believe in me will never die"? (He is speaking of spiritual and eternal death. The believers will have a resurrection).

D1 Clarke in his commentary on this verse states,

"Though he die a temporal death. he shall not continue under its power for ever; but shall have a resurrection to life eternal."

D2 Some translate the verse as "and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die forever. Do you believe this?" (John 11.26, LEB). Compare "Truly, truly I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never experience death forever." (John 8.51, LEB).

C10 John 11.27. This is a very strong statement of belief. Jesus accepts it.

C11 John 11.28-31. How long did it take for Mary to get up and go to Jesus?

C12 John 11.32. Is Mary angry at Jesus for not coming sooner? (No, she is simply making a statement).

C13 John 11.33. What did Jesus see Mary doing? (Crying). Does He know these things about us?

C14 John 11.34. The word translated "groan" or "deeply moved" has the idea of snorting with anger. Does Jesus like death? (No! It was in intention of His for people or creation. Death is a punishment for sin. The word for "troubled" conveys "passionately stirred up" in emotions. The calmness of our minds is disturbed. Jesus is not angry at Mary, Martha, or the people, for we see Him weeping, not rebuking).

C15 John 11.36. Are the people angry at Jesus? (Maybe, but they are more likely just venting their feelings in ignorance. They were sincere, not sarcastic. Mary and Martha had the same question).

B7 Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead John 11.38-44

C1 John 11.38-40. Was Martha asking a question of doubt (You can't do this. It is scientifically impossible.) or curiosity (I believe you, but how). Mary the mother of Jesus asked the angel a question from curiosity ("Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" (Luke 1.34, EMTV). Zacharias asked the angel a question from doubt ("And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." (Luke 1.18, EMTV). Mary asks, "Huh, how can this happen? Zacharias asks, "I don't think you know what you're talking about."

C2 John 11.41-42. Why did Jesus pray?

C3 John 11.43. Why did Jesus shout, instead of speaking in a still, small voice like He did to Elijah? (After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. (1 Kings 19.12, HCSB)

C4 John 11.44. What did Jesus do, and what did the people do? (The people moved the stone and unwrapped Lazarus).

B8 What have we learned today?

B9 If Jesus showed care and compassion, so should we.