What If You're NOT the Pilot?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 24 to study Multiply, Chapter 2: The Command to Make Disciples.  Essentially, we're studying Matthew 28:18-20.  So, while this may be familiar to you, spend some more time with it this week (beyond the time you spend in the chapter of Multiply).

The chapter is broken down into sections where we look at this command in the context of church, our lifestyle, and roles within the church.  It ends with getting out there and doing it, looking for someone to disciple.

I want to stress to you again, this is not another discipleship program.  If you look at it as another program, you will miss the point completely.  The purpose to this study to provide a framework in which you will make disciples for the rest of your life.  The framework simply applies principles from Scripture to create boundaries and a perspective through which to approach your discipling activities covering the remainder of your time here on earth.

In order to help you with this 'framework' here's some thoughts on the Great Commission:

• The verb normally translated, 'go' is actually a passive participle.  It is normally translated as a command because it is possible for participles in Greek to 'borrow' their meaning from the various verbs around them.  But what if this one doesn't, and really is a passive participle referring to a verb describing transiting from one point to another?
• How can you be 'acted upon' and result be moving about from point A to B?
• 'Going' is often a euphemism for 'living your daily life' in Greek and Hebrew.  So what does that do to/for your understanding of the passive participle?
• The 'command' verb in these verses is 'disciple' (or 'make disciples').  If the previous participle forms the 'context' of this command, then what does that mean for your obedience to the command?
• In the carrying out of the command to disciple, are the active participles, baptizing and teaching.  How do these elements help inform your understanding of what goes into obeying the command?
• Why do you think Jesus 'brackets' this command with His authority and then with His constant presence with His disciples?

Sorry, I just couldn't get away from poking around in Bible even though we're reading study material.  It's what I do, just indulge me a bit.  But also read this chapter, probably several times, and be sure to answer the questions.  Really think them through.  Some of them we will not share answers, but some we will (or I will at least ask).

It may also be helpful to read ahead.  You won't ruin any surprises if you do.

Saul Can't Catch a Break With the Slippery Shepherd

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 10 to study 1 Samuel 19.  This is a fun chapter.  There are reversals, fun mistakes, deceit, intrigue, mysticism, and Samuel makes a guest appearance.

Read through the chapter several times.  It will be helpful to read ahead, if you can, through the rest of the book (Saul's death).  Read the chapter in as many different versions as you have (a King James Version might be helpful).  As you read, jot down questions and observations.  There are odd cultural quirks, social questions, and just figuring out who is doing what brings up questions.  Read altogether, it's a really entertaining story.  The details are fairly entertaining as well.

After you read through a few times, read through again with the questions below:

• Saul makes known his desire to put David to death (finally).  What does Jonathan's response tell you about how the people around Saul view this desire?
• Jonathan makes a plea for David, and it seems to be effective.  Why do you think it is that while he raves under the influence of the evil spirit from God that he gets angry with David?  Why does that seem odd?
• Now Saul's daughter helps David escape.  Now even those not in the 'king's court' support David.  So what does that tell you about how Saul's attempts to kill David are received or considered?
• Michal puts an idol in the bed to look like David.  Look up the word used in a Strong's Concordance or on "Blue Letter Bible" Website (follow the link at 'idol').  The Hebrew word is 'teraphim', a plural reference, but it's not altogether easy to know to what it refers.  There are articles at this link on the Blue Letter Bible website you can use to read about it.
• After reading the articles and reference, does David worship idols?  Does Saul's daughter?  And therefore does Saul?
• Why do you think that when he learns David is sick, Saul wants him brought to him to kill?
• Why would David go to Samuel when he escapes?
• Why is it so easy for Saul to learn about where David goes?
• How is it that the messengers from Saul all prophesy?  Considering the lessons on the Holy Spirit being given the past Sundays, what do you think this means?
• Finally Saul goes himself, but why send three sets of messengers first?  Why might Saul be hesitant to go himself?
• He prophesies (like before in 1 Samuel 10:10-11), but he goes further.  Why would the prophesying affect Saul so much more intensely?
• Besides keeping Saul occupied, what help does Samuel seem to provide David?  

That should be enough to keep us occupied for an hour.  Be sure to read ahead to gain some sort of context for all these events.  It will help you understand this small piece to fit it into the larger story.  Don't forget to bring your questions and observations.