Poetic Encouragement

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting January 9 to study Isaiah 40.  This is probably one of my favorite passages in Scripture.  It forms the opening of the second section of Isaiah, directed toward the Israelites in exile in Babylon/Persia. 

Some believe this section of Isaiah was written late, during the time of Daniel, others that it was written early, foreshadowing their eventual return.  I think it was written by a remnant of a 'school' of prophets first started/run by Isaiah during the exile.  I'm not sure if they would have been located in Jerusalem or in exile, but the romantic in me likes the thought of Jerusalem (the least likely option).  That would mean the writers wrote from the rubble of Jerusalem words of hope to the exiles in a pagan land. 

Anyway, read the chapter through several times.  This is poetry, not the usual narrative texts we have studied so far, so you can expect to find a LOT more peculiarities and variety in translations.  Translating poetry from one language to another is the most difficult sort of translation (that and humor probably tie).  The problem is the poetic 'license' and 'imagery' used are not to be understood literally.  This is usually handled well in most translations; but read it in several translations, and consider the differences and what they might mean.

After reading it through a few times, go back over it considering these questions:

• Consider the audience in the opening lines.  'Comfort' is an imperative (command), and it's plural.  Consider who is to be comforted.  What is the goal, at the outset, of the writer, and of God through the writer?
• In verse 3 through 5, do you think the audience has remained the exiles?
• Who winds up being the 'voice' referred to in verse 3?
• Who is the highway for?  So, 'who's coming to dinner' so to speak?  So, why do you think it would be difficult for modern Jews to deny so vehemently that the Messiah could be deity?
• Verses 6 through 8 (possibly through 11) there is a dialogue.  The content of the 'crying out' is two fold (if the dialog extends through verse 11), so how do you think the two pieces relate?  Why do you think they were combined here?
• There are at least two elements of God's character described between verse 12 and 17.  His holiness and his glory seem to be the main things in these verses.  Why do you think the audience needs to hear that?  How do these elements of God's character affect you hearing/reading them like this?
• In verses 18 through 26, the worship involving idols is really addressed well.  Why do you think this needs to be addressed, either with the exiles or with the people left in Judah?
• What do you see as the major contrast between idol worship and worship of God?
• Considering the 'resume' of God in verses 21 through 26, what problem do you think this addressing with the audience?  What are they supposed to have known 'from the foundations of the earth', and why do you think they might have forgotten it?
• Verses 27 through 31 are the most famous of this chapter, especially 31.  It begins with a 'quote' either from the exiles or the people in Jerusalem/Judah.  Considering that the way the poetry is structured the focus of the quote is on the 'justice' and 'pathway' of the one speaking, what is the danger of such a focus on our justice and our way of life?
• How do you think knowing that God is never tired and His understanding is unsearchable helps people in bad circumstances?
• The things the audience wants, power and strength, find their source somewhere other than youth.  Why do you think the people needed to know this?  Why might you?
• What does it mean to you or what would it look like for you to 'wait expectantly' for God?  Why would do that renew your strength?  How do you think that 'works' or is that even the right question to ask?

That should keep us busy for quite some time.  Be sure to bring notes and questions of your own. 

Trying The Patience of God

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 5 to study Multiply by Francis Chan.  I'm going to assume you've read Part III, Chapter 1 (or Chapter 7 for consistency).  If you haven't, go back and do that first.  In fact, read it a few times to get a sense of some of Chan's details on who, what, why, and so on.

Next, we're going to study a passage he didn't bring up.  I tried to come up with an example of of the dangers of not doing what he suggests.  Since in these cultures, literacy is not common, specific references in Scripture are difficult.  Instead, I keyed off of what reading the Bible should be to us, hearing from God.  Now that I have plenty of examples of in Scripture.

We're going to look at Exodus 3 and 4 (or parts of each anyway).  This is the conversation at the burning bush.  I think Moses pretty well covers most of our excuses, and finally exhausts God's patience.

Read through Exodus 3:1-17, then 4:1-14.  As a footnote, read 4:24-26.  Read these through several times.  You're looking for peculiarities, but also look at the flow of the conversation.  Consider what is going on with Moses, why he's using the excuses he is.  He's got a lot of issues going on here, but one main one.  Jot down notes and questions as you go through.

After going over the passages a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• If a bush on fire is enough entertainment to divert Moses, does you think that indicates he's bored with his current life, or something like this is truly amazing enough to divert a contented man, or something else?
• What do you think made the ground holy?
• At what point do you think Moses recognizes God and connects Him with his heritage?
• God lays out a lot of detail in His initial description of what He's doing with Moses (v.7-10).  This is pretty much repeated throughout His discussion with Moses.  Moses' first issue is his 'suitability' to go to Pharaoh.  He was raised in Pharaoh's household, so what do you think Moses is questioning here?
•  When Moses asks about his 'suitability', God starts out with, "I will be with you" and gives Moses a sign.  How helpful do you think that particular sign would be in motivating Moses?  When would the sign be confirmed?
• Why do you think God's name would be the second problem Moses points out? What do you think is the assumption in Moses' mind if he wants to know God's name? (it might be helpful to consider his background and current family situation)
• God's answer to Moses' question about His name is not the ordinary deific name.  Consider that God's answer in verse 14 is a little different than in 15.  While there is a possible connection, they are not exactly the same (I'll show you at the group meeting).  What sort of effect do you think this name would have on the elders of Israel?  Is it how they would recognize God?  And if not, how does this solve the problem Moses brought up?
• Moses' third complaint is about his validity before the Israelites.  God answers that with three 'signs'.  So, who are these signs for?  Yet, one is one of the plagues against Egypt.  Why do you think the bloody Nile would be a sign to the Israelites?
• Next Moses' complains that he is not eloquent.  Consider God's answer here.  It isn't like the rest.  What do you think Moses is doing, and what do you think God is doing with His answer?  What I mean by that is why would Moses bring up this particular issue, and why would God answer this particular way?  Assume God knows what's going on in Moses' head even if we don't, so His answer is really the clue to what Moses is getting at.
• Moses literally says, "Excuse me Lord, please send in the hand of you will send."  Imagine some person from another country using broken English were to say this to you.  What do you think they might mean by it?
• God's response to Moses' final question or request is to get angry.  Why?  Considering all that has been involved in this discussion, why do you think now God is angry with Moses?  Also, if you don't think God is all that angry, remember the 'footnote' verses (v. 24-26) I mentioned earlier.
• Now, if God speaks to us primarily through Scripture what do we risk by not being diligent in seeking familiarity with these words?  It's one thing to not do what God has asked us to do well, but to not do it at all, how risky is that for us?
• Go back through the list of complaints of Moses.  How many of these, in some form and/or at some time, have you used to excuse yourself from studying Scripture?

That should keep us busy for an hour.  Remember that this really reinforces the chapter in Multiply, so please read that first.  The main point I'm trying to make will make much more sense if you do.

How can Jerusalem (or my church) Affect "The Whole World"?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 21 to study Chapter 5 of Multiply by Francis Chan.  This chapter is on the 'Global Church', and it challenges small local perspectives of ministry.  In this chapter, Chan specifically references Isaiah 52, and that's where we're going to focus for a bit.

First read the chapter in Multiply a time or two, then read Isaiah 52 through several times.  Hopefully you will be struck with the dissimilarities right off.  On pages 80 and 81 of Multiply, Chan cites Paul's references to this chapter in two places in Romans.  So Paul has used this chapter to support his mission to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus.  Therefore Chan isn't the one responsible for the apparent dissimilarities.  That's what I want us to look at.  So read through Isaiah 52 again a few times.  Then finally with the questions below:

• To whom does the prophet Isaiah address this entry, at least to begin with?
• What is going to happen, what is Isaiah prophesying about?
• This event will fix a problem cited a few times in this chapter.  It's a problem suffered by God Himself.  What is it?
• One of the effects of this event is referred to in verse 15, which is the verse used by Paul (Romans 15:20-21).  Taken in its entirety, what does this verse mean (consider the context of the chapter)?  Is that what Paul means?
• Consider that this text of Isaiah forms part of the only Scripture available to the early church anywhere.  What overall meaning is Paul deriving from this chapter?  How close is that meaning to the one Isaiah had as he wrote?
• How does the event to which Isaiah refers fix the problem suffered by God?
• What will be the effect of this solution on Israel and on the 'nations'/'kingdoms'?
• How does this solution and the effects of it support Paul's use of the passage?

That should give you plenty to work through.  You may also gain an appreciation for the failures of Israel to think globally.  They were somewhat preoccupied with survival much of the time, but you will hopefully see that the mandate was always there.  If it was there for them then, it's there here for us today.

Discipling in Context

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 7 to study the fourth chapter of Multiply by Francis Chan.  This chapter is the first of the second section: Living As The Church.  The chapter focuses on the church as the context in which we disciple others.  While it notes that this isn't easy, Chan points to a passage of Scripture that describes how our Master intended for it to work; God's design for church-life in a sense.

In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul describes how the people of a church are supposed to interrelate and for what purpose.  We're going to spend most of our time in this passage, as it encapsulates well why and how we disciple others within the context of church.

Read the Ephesians 4:1-16 a few times.  Go back and read chapter 4 of Multiply again a few times.  Notice the points of connection with these verses, but also any disconnections.  The chapter uses other verses as well, but no other chunk this big.  Read the Ephesians passage again, critically this time.  Really pick it apart.  Jot down questions and observations.  As you read it a final time, use the questions below to see if any additional light can be shown (perhaps not after reading it for yourself so many times).

• Paul describes the 'manner' of walking (or living) that is worthy of our calling, but what do you think we are called to/from? (you may need to read more than these 16 verses, just saying)
• What does 'bearing with one another in love' mean to you?  See if you can find it worded differently in another translation.
• In verses 4 through 6 Paul lists a series of 'ones'.  What surprises or questions do you discover in the list?
• After the list of 'ones', what contrasting 'many' do you infer in the following verses?
• What differences are there to you in the list of church 'roles' listed in verse 11?
• The job-descriptions of these church positions are 'equipping' and 'building', but consider the goal Paul gives in stages.  Where in this progression of goals do you fit?  And where do you see these goals in our church?
• Right out of the gate, Paul says the purpose to the work of church leaders should result in 'unity of faith' (v. 13).  How do you think of this as the same or different from 'unity of the Spirit' in verse 3 (and consider all of verse three when you compare/contrast the two verses)?
• If the church leaders do their jobs, and if the people are unified in faith, knowledgeable about Jesus, and mature in Christ; what 'no longer' happens?  What would this look like in our church?
• The image of 'building' is used in verse 12 and verse 16.  What do you think connects these ideas (beyond the imagery of construction)?  How might this help you understand the work of church leaders?

There's lots more in this passage that we probably pull out, so feel free to jump in and mix it up; pulling out what you see.  Be sure to then go back and re-read the Multiply chapter.  This passage should illuminate some things in the chapter for you.

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.

Enemy Son-In-Law of the King

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting October 3 to study 1 Samuel 18.  We covered the documentary issues with the last chapter.  This chapter has similar issues, but far fewer.  This is simply a study of the odd character of King Saul.  I almost titled the study page, "Paranoid Much?" but thought we could best examine him without the easy improperly applied labels.

Read through the chapter a few times to get a feel for the people and events.  Read ahead a chapter or so to get a better sense of how this chapter helps the development along.  Jot down questions and observations.  You should have quite a few with this chapter.  Some of Saul's behavior is almost inexplicable.  Feel free to theorize about some things, but also focus on the things we do know.  We may not know why he does some of these things, but what does he actually do?  Break it down.

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

• Why might Jonathan not be mentioned in previous accounts of David and Saul?
• What traits of both David and Jonathan might make them prone to be knit together at the heart?
• What might it mean that Jonathan gives David his robe, armor, and kit?
• Verse 5 contains elements repeated several times throughout the chapter.  Why do you think this is this important?
• The song of verse 7 troubles Saul.  Look up "thousands" and "ten thousands" in a Strong's or online (at the links for each).  What could be some alternatives for Saul's interpretation?
• Why do you think Saul would treat David as he does in verses 12-15?  If he doesn't trust him why set him over the army?
• Why would marrying Saul's daughter endanger David with the Philistines?  What do you think is the connection Saul sees?
• Eventually David's reason for hesitating to be Saul's son-in-law becomes clear (he's too poor for the dowry - v.23), but what might be some other reasons in David's mind/heart?
• Why do you think Saul's request of a dowry of foreskins is more agreeable to David?  Why do you think he doubles the number?
• From verse 30, who esteems David highly? 

There are a lot of other issues and covering the repetition will also take our time, so the short list of questions may not be a good indicator of how long this chapter may take us.

Please remember to bring any notes you make to the study.

Blessings upon you all!