Sarcastic Servants of The King?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 26 to study 1 Corinthians 4 (actually 3 and 4).  In this chapter, Paul wraps up his initial argument with the Corinthian church about their treatment of each other and how they regard him.  These first four chapters set up a context in which we can better understand the rest of the issues Paul addresses.  Everything else with which they struggle comes out of this initial discussion.

Read through this chapter several times.  It may be very helpful to start with chapter 1 again, and read through these four chapters together.  The repetition of themes, illustrations, and problems is best seen by reading all four together.  As we launch into the more familiar issues Paul covers you will see direct and indirect ties back to these issues.

As you read through this and the preceding chapters, what doesn't make sense to you?  Where are the things that Paul leaves unexplained or assumed?  Jot down questions and observations you have as you read through.  Be sure to bring those observations and questions to the group.

After you've read through several times, found some questions and observations, read through again with the questions below:

• From verse 1, look up the word Paul uses we translate as 'ministers' at this link.  Look through the various places listed at the bottom where this word is used in the New Testament.  How is this different from 'slave' or 'bond servant', words common with Paul?  There are some 'synonyms' listed in Greek, like doulos (slave) and diakonos (deacon/minister).  Paul wants the church to consider him with this word rather than as a slave or 'deacon'.  Why do you think that might be?
• In verse 1, the other word for how the church should consider Paul is as a 'steward' or 'head butler' of a house.  What sort of image does this bring to mind as you consider church leaders?
• In verse 2 Paul says that 'stewards' are supposed to be 'trustworthy' as if that were the primary quality sought in such people.  What does that mean for Paul?  What do you think that would look like?  Trustworthy to whom?
• Verse 3 is a common verse used to prevent 'judgmental' attitudes in church.  To what do you think Paul is referring here?  It may be helpful to review verse 5:3 before you come to some sort of conclusion.
•  Why do you think Paul wouldn't 'examine' himself?  Read ahead in 11:28.  Obviously Paul has something different in mind here than there.  Look up the word for 'examine' from 1 Corinthians 4:3, and the word, 'examine' from 11:28.  When you compare them, what do you think is the essential difference?
• The root of the word used in verse 4 turns up in verse 5 ('krino'), but also 5:3.  What do you think the difference is between 'judging' here (don't do it, but wait for God), and verse 5:3 (where Paul does it without even being there)?
• If Paul is referring to 'Scripture' when he refers to 'what has been written', then what Scripture are they not to exceed?
• Considering verses 6 and 7, what is the obvious problem the Corinthians have, and how do you think this relates to the previous statements about 'judging'?
• Take your best guess, do you think Paul is serious in his assessment of the believers in verse 8?  If not why is he writing this way?  If so, what does he end the verse that way?
• Can you sense the continuation of the tone from verse 8 throughout 9 through 13?  What do you think Paul is doing here in this part of his argument?  Consider, how do you think Paul feels as he writes this? What emotion do you sense in these words?
• In verse 14, Paul states his purpose in writing as he has, what do you think of as the difference between 'shame' and 'warn' or 'admonish' (the English words)?
• Look up the two words, 'shame' and 'admonish'.  What difference do you see between these?  Is it the same as the English words used?
• Paul connects himself to them as 'father' to them as 'children'.  Having made that claim, what is his challenge to them?  Do you think that's proper or right?
• In that light (fathers and sons), he sends Timothy.  What sort of reception do you imagine Timothy receiving when he arrives?
• Paul wraps up this chapter (part of the letter) stating that he intends to come.  What do you see as the criteria he will use in comparing the 'arrogant' people there in Corinth and himself?  What do you think verse 20 means, in practical terms?  What does that look like?

That should carry us through an hour (or more).  As I said, there are great things in this chapter.  Bring your own questions and observations to the group.

What Is The Church? What Are Her Leaders?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting June 5 to study 1 Corinthians 3.  This chapter continues the discussion Paul has been having with the church in Corinth about their behavior.  In some ways, this concludes the discussion for Paul (or his side), but not entirely.  He returns to themes he started in chapter 1, refers to elements he brought up in chapter 2, and wraps them up under his essential problem with what he hears about the Corinthian believers.

Read through the chapter several times.  It may be helpful in this case to also re-read from chapter 1 through 3 to get sense of how this particular piece holds together (which it does nicely).  That way you can better see what elements he revisits here, and how he uses prior comments and positions.  In this chapter, focus on the 'imagery' Paul uses.  Look for what he considers to be of utmost importance the problems among the Corinthian believers. Jot down questions and observations as you go through the chapter several times.

After going through the chapter a few times making notes and questions, go back through using the questions below:

• If Paul's accusation against the Corinthian believers is that they are 'infants' and 'fleshly', then what problem do you think he's trying to correct?
• What 'clues' does Paul point to with the Corinthians to substantiate his assessment of them?
• Verse 4 pulls back the argument elements from Chapter 1.  So, what do you think that means for our understanding of this and previous chapters?
• Read Mark 4:26-29.  Now read verses 5 through 7 in 1 Corinthians 3.  What do you think might be similarities here?  What might be some differences?
• In Paul's use of the field and workers as imagery how much do you think he 'borrowed' from words of Jesus?  Where would he have 'heard' these words?
• What do you think Paul means by 'reward' in verse 8?  And who gets whatever the reward might be?
• Who is the 'field' and 'building? And who do they belong to?
• Why do you think Paul means by 'foundation'? How is Jesus the 'foundation' of the Corinthian church?
• So, what do you think it means to 'build' on Jesus Christ?  And what do you think it means to build with various materials?
• How will fire 'test' the quality, and what do you think Paul means by 'fire'?  What fire will test the quality?
• Paul again returns to 'reward' in verse 14.  How do you think this is or isn't similar to 'reward' in verse 8?
• In verse 15, 'loss' and 'saved' are both used, but what do you think they are referring to?
• In verses 10 through 15, who is being addressed?  Who is this for?
• Paul again returns to 'wisdom' and 'foolishness' to wrap up his argument.  How do you think he is tying 'wisdom versus foolishness' to 'building'/'planting' and various factions?  What's his point?
• How do you think 'all things' belong to the Corinthian church?  What does that mean for us?

That should keep us busy for a while.  I'm not sure we will be able to answer all these questions, some really may not be answerable.  Be sure to bring your own questions as well.

Wisdom Versus Foolishness, Spiritual Versus Natural: Building New Paradigms

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 29 to study 1 Corinthians 2.  This is a short chapter, and much like a continuation of the previous one.  There are lots of elements chapters 1 and 2 have in common, like where Paul 'leaves off' in chapter 1 is continued in chapter 2, and what ends chapter 2 continues into chapter 3, and so on.  In fact, through 4 at least is the same topic.  Chapter 5 seems to start something new, and 6 seems to change the subject again, but is clearly connected to where 5 ends.  It's interesting.

In any case, we'll be looking at the 16 verses of chapter 2.  Perhaps we'll take 3 and 4 together, but that's for another week.  Focus on the elements in this chapter and read through them several times.  You may find it helpful to read 3 and 4, perhaps re-read 1, for context.  Look for elements that are different from 1 or build on things Paul said in 1.  If you read ahead, see what he does with the things in 2.  Jot down questions and observations about what he has in these 16 verses.

After going through this chapter several times, read back through with the questions below:

• Paul clearly builds of his contrast of the wisdom of God versus the world here.  Considering how involved these chapters are, what do you think of Paul's claim that he 'did not come with superiority of speech or wisdom'?
• Considering that in the previous chapter Paul says that God uses the foolish things of this cosmos to destroy the wise, what do you think of the content of Paul's message (verse 2)?  Why do you think the 'Crucified Messiah' would fit that description?
• The 'fear and much trembling' sounds weak.  What do you think it truly meant in Paul's message, why do you think he would tremble and be afraid?
• What sort of things do you think made up Paul's 'demonstration of the Spirit of power'?  You can find another reference like this in chapter 5 (verses 3-5).  How does that affect your understanding of what Paul means in chapter 2?
• In verses 6 through 9, who do you think are the 'rulers of this age'?  
• To whom did Paul speak of 'wisdom' and what what do you think he told them?
• In verses 10 through 16, Paul talks about the 'role' of the Holy Spirit. Consider where he starts, and the last statement in verse 16.  What do you think that means for us?
• These final verses contrast natural man and spiritual man.  Considering their view that the spiritual has nothing to do with the natural man (hence they can be immoral and not affect their spirit), what do you think about Paul's contrast?  How do you think the church accepted or understood this?

That should be plenty to discuss Thursday.  Remember to bring your questions and observations.

How Similar Can We Be?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 15 to study 1 Corinthians chapter 1.  This chapter introduces some critical themes which form the basis for the rest of the letter.  It also introduces the first of the problems that the Apostle Paul addresses with this church in this letter.

Read through this chapter several times.  In letters, it is sometimes helpful to consider the 'topical arrangement' of what is written.  So, think in terms of where what Paul writes 'breaks', what constitutes a 'section', and what topics seems to form the core of those sections.  In other words, where does Paul seem to 'change the subject', even slightly?

Jot down questions and observations you have of the text as you read through several times.  Some of these will be answered on subsequent readings, and more will crop up.  Revise your 'arrangement' of this chapter, perhaps read chapter two to see if there is an 'artificial' break between chapters.  Keep working through it, especially using several versions (you pick, just different ones).

After you have some idea of your questions and arrangement, go back through using the questions below:

• Where was Sosthenes mentioned in Acts? Who was he? 
• What do you think is important about including this church along with 'all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'?
• Through verse 9, Paul is still in the 'Introduction'.  In these verses, Paul seems to tie down some important concepts.  List how many you can find (it's subjective, there's not a 'right' answer).
• Look up the word, 'blameless' in the Strong's on the Blue Letter Bible website. The word is a legal term used in court cases, and had to do with bringing someone before the judge.  This word seems to mean that the object can't even be brought before the judge; the case is thrown out before it begins.  What does that mean in this place as Paul uses it?
• The word for divisions is the Greek word from which we get 'schisms'.  Look this word up at Dictionary.com; where does it come from?  What does it mean as Paul uses it here?
• In verse 10, Paul uses the Greek word for 'same' three times.  Can you spot all three in English?
• The final two 'same mind', 'same judgement' are Greek words for thinking.  One refers to the 'location' of thinking (i.e. the head/brain), and the other to the 'directing of ones faculties on an object'; so one is the 'tool' and the other the 'thing fixed' in terms of thought.  Big deal, why so precise here?  What do you think Paul is getting at?
• The 'schisms' stem from 'personalities'.  Which 'group' does Paul seem to favor? Which group(s) does he seem to be against?  Why one over the other?
• What seems to define who is in what group?
• In verse 18, Paul seems to begin a discussion of the Cross of Christ, but what is he contrasting it to?  What problem do you think Paul is addressing in this way?  How are we guilty of this today?
• In verse 20, Paul lists some 'types' of people (3 types).  To which people groups do these types belong?  Why do you think he is referring to them this way?
• What forms (or 'about Whom is') the core of Paul's 'preaching' or proclamation of the good news?  How is that different from 'wisdom'?
• Considering the 'solution' Paul is pushing in chapter 1, what do you think is the problem the church in Corinth is having?

That should keep us going for one night.  I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday!

The 'Where', and the 'Who' of First Corinthians

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study group meeting May 8, to study the first of Paul's letters to the church in Corinth.  On this night, we'll be studying the city itself, and a bit about the history of the region (Achaia, Peloponnesus, and Attica).  There is a map below to help with some of the places mentioned.

First, please review any introductions to the letter in a 'study Bible' or commentary you may have.  Second, please read these three articles (they're short) on Corinth on the Blue Letter Bible site.  Third, Google the city of Corinth.  Browse through what you can find, and make notes and jot down questions.

I have some questions I'd like you to consider.  The answers may be different depending on what you read, so read more than one thing.

• How many cities of Corinth were there?
• What people founded the original city?
• What was the principal quality every historian mentions about Corinth?
• The city had a 'citadel' on top of the 'Acrocorinth', a tall rocky hill behind it.  What, besides a fort, was up there? (try this article also check out the live video feed on that page)
• The Romans destroyed the city in 144 B.C. and it remained a ruin until 44 B.C. what Roman emperor had it rebuilt?
• What socioeconomic people-group did the Romans use to populate the second Corinth?
• See if you can find Ancient Corinth on 'Google Maps'.  Is it where you thought it would be in relation to the narrow isthmus?  Why where it is rather than right on the narrow part?
• How many ports did Corinth have?  One is right down on the shore from the ancient city.  Where are the other(s)?

That, these pictures, and websites should not only give us a good idea of the place Paul wrote to, but also the people.  See you all Thursday!

The Tragedy of Saul

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 27 to study 1 Samuel 31.  This is a short sad chapter.  Notice that this story ends without a 'silver lining'.  It's not the actual end to the overall story, but for Saul, it's the bitter end.  Let's keep our focus on Saul; hard as that will be.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Go ahead and read into 2 Samuel to get some sense of the scope of where this piece fits in the overall story, but we'll be focusing on chapter 31.  Jot down observations and questions and bring them with you Thursday.

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

• Why do you think the people fled so early on in the fight?
• The sons of Saul die and yet the Philistines take their time finding Saul.  How do you imagine this fight looking?
• The archers find Saul, but still the 'army' hasn't.  Why might that be?
• Saul tells his 'armor-bearer' to kill him, why doesn't he want to die fighting the Philistines?
• Saul kills himself, and then so does his armor-bearer.  How do you imagine this scene?  Why don't the Philistines find him before the next day?
• Where are the rest of the 'men of Israel'?  Look for Gilboa on a map, so why do those on the other side of the Jordan see Saul fall?
• The people fee the cities, and Philistines take them to live in.  What seems strange to you about this?
• Why treat the body of Saul like they did?  
• Why do the Philistines celebrate in their temples?
• Where is the city of Beth-Shan?  Why would the men of Jabesh Gilead risk so much to take Saul and his sons to bury them? (1 Samuel 11)  Why burn them first?
• Why do you think the 'Tamarisk Tree' is a significant place to bury Saul?
• What do you think Saul might have done differently to change the outcome of the battle?  At what point could he have recovered his relationship with God?

That should keep us busy for a bit.  We will also discuss what we'll do next.  See you Thursday!

Not A Happy Homecoming

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 20 to study 1 Samuel 29 and 30.  These chapters actually go together very well.  There are little details that actually give some insight into David, the region, and what it was like to live in that day which may help us fill in some 'blanks'.  You've had some questions about what David and his 'merry men' were doing, and why it was 'good', so this may help shed some light on the cultural and societal details surrounding that issue.

Read through both chapters together (just ignore the break) several times.  Look for things that provide details about what happened, and see if some clues as to why might be found.  Jot down questions and insights as well, and bring them to group.  Also, look for things about David's character.  What is he like through these chapters?

After you've read through a few times, and jotted down questions and insights, go back through with these questions:

Chapter 29

• In verse 2, the technical title of the Philistine lords is 'Seren'; like 'Pharaoh' for the leader of Egypt.  The Philistine language is gone, without example for us.  So, if you look at the times this term is used, this is the only time it's used where Saul is involved (although it may be assumed another would be in in 13:5).  So, what does this mean for this particular battle?
• In verse three, the Philistine princes refer to David and his band as "Hebrews".  Look back at 1 Samuel 13:21.  Why might this reference be important here to explain their concern? 
• What is Achish's assessment of David?  Remember back to chapter 27, so how accurate is his assessment?
• The princes of the Philistines tell Achish to send David back home.  What is their reasoning?  What are they afraid David will do?  What have they heard of David?  This is one popular song.
• Achish goes to David, to tell him to return.  Consider how he starts his 'speech'.  Why do you think he arranges his speech that way?
• What is David's first response?  What does that mean for Achish's manner of starting?  What do you think is going on in this dialogue?  Is it formalized negotiation, covenant dialogue, cultural, or just emotional heated dialogue?
• What do you think it means that Achish refers to the God of Israel in verse 6?
• Read verse 9 in as many translations as you can.  The word used is "Elohim" which can be translated God, gods, supernatural being, or something of the like.  How do you think Achish meant it, considering he's pagan, but also used God's name in verse 6?
• How much of a 'fight' do you think David puts up here?  So do you think David is 'relieved', 'concerned', 'disappointed', or something else?

Chapter 30

•  David returns home after three days.  The Amalekites have raided them.  What is different about their treatment of Ziklag?  Why might that be?
• What evidence of God's blessing can you find in what happened?
• Why do you think the initial response is weeping when the men return to Ziklag?
• Why do you think their second response is to kill David?
• Who do you think used the ephod?
• What does it actually say about the 200 left at Besor?  Why do you think they were so weary?
• They find a clue to where the enemies are, how do they treat this guy?  Why do you think they are so kind to him?
• Consider the slave's description of what the Amalekites did.  What do you think is interesting about their treatment of Ziklag?  Why do you think it may have been different (or was it)?
• The Amalekites are having a 'victory party' before reaching home, or so it seems.  But consider how many there probably are of them, and then consider how many David now has.  What do you think would be David's biggest concern?
• How long do David's men fight the Amalekites?  If the other 200 were too tired to cross a ravine, what sort of condition do you think the remaining 400 would be in?  What do you think of David's men at this point?  Were the Philistines right to fear having them in and among their leaders?
• Considering only 400 hundred (only?) escape fleeing on camels, and factoring in it took them all night and all the next day to defeat the rest, how many Amalekites do you think there were?
• Where did the Amalekite plunder come from?  What areas?
• Verse 20 isn't easy to translate, but it's not that hard to understand.  Everyone seems to get what they lost, and the rest of the plunder goes to David.  Again, considering the regions attacked by the Amalekites, and how large the raiding band was, how much plunder do you think this is?
• When they reach the 200 hundred left behind, what sort of men aren't happy with them (be sure to read verse 22 in several translations, including the KJV)?  What do you think it means for David and his men that they have such men with them?
• Consider David's response to them.  How does he refer to them?  And yet what does he say about their 'idea'?  What do you think this says about David's character, that he has these sorts of people around him, and how he responds to them?
• Why do you think David did what he did with his huge share of the plunder?  If you can (and it won't be easy) find these places on a map of Southern Israel.  Why these places?

That should take us at least an hour, and it will leave only one short chapter remaining.  I look forward to studying with you Thursday!