July 13, 2025 – A Study of Matthew – Saved from Torment

Saved from Torment

1 Samuel 15:24-26, 16:14-23 – New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. ²⁵ Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

²⁶ But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel!”

 

¹⁴ Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.

¹⁵ Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

¹⁷ So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

¹⁹ Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” ²⁰ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

²¹ David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. ²² Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

²³ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

What had Saul done (verse 24)?

In your opinion, could Samuel forgive Saul’s sin (verse 25)?

What happened to the relationship between Saul and the Lord (verse 26)?

When did “an evil spirit from the Lord” torment Saul (verse 14)?

What did Saul’s attendants think would make him “feel better” (verse 16)?

What did Saul tell his attendants (verse 17)?

Who did “one of the servants” suggest (verse 18)?

What did Jesse do when he got the request from Saul (verses 19 and 20)?

How did Saul feel about David (verse 21)?

What happened when the “spirit from God came on Saul” and David played the lyre (verse 23)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about the influence of demons?

Matthew 8:28-34 - New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ²⁹ “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

³⁰ Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. ³¹ The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

³² He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. ³³ Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

Who met Jesus “in the region of the Gadarenes” (verse 28)?

Why did no one “pass that way” (verse 28)?

What did the men ask Jesus (verse 29)?

Where was the “large herd of pigs” feeding (verse 30)?

What did the demons beg (verse 31)?

What did the pigs do when the demons went into them (verse 32)?

Where did “those tending the pigs” go and what did they do (verse 33)?

What did the “whole town” plead for Jesus to do (verse 34)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about the influence of demons?

In your opinion, how was King Saul in 1 Samuel 16:14-23 like the two men “in the region of the Gadarenes” in Matthew 8:28-34?

1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,
    was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory.

4 ¹The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. ³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Why is Paul writing these instructions to Timothy (verses 14 and 15)?

Where does Paul reveal “true godliness” springs from (verse 16)?

Who and what will people in later times who “abandon the faith” follow (verse 1)?

Who will these teachings “come through” (verse 2)?

What are some of the “teachings” (verse 3)?

Why is “nothing to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (verses 4 and 5)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about the influence of demons?

In your opinion, how is Saul in 1 Samuel 15:24-26 and 16:14-23 an example of what Paul warns will happen “in later times’ in 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5?

In your opinion, how is the destructiveness of demons shown in 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 and in Matthew 5:28-34?

 

 

James 3:13-18 - New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

How are the deeds that show a “good life” done (verse 13)?

What should we not do if we “harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition” in our hearts (verse 14)?

What is  “such wisdom” (verse 15)?

What do you find “where you have envy and selfish ambition” (verse 16)?

Where does the wisdom that is “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” from (verse 17)?

What will “peacemakers who sow in peace” reap (verse 18)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about the influence of demons?

In your opinion, how is the contrast between heavenly and earthly wisdom discussed in James 3:13-18 and illustrated in 1 Samuel 15:24-26, 16:14-23?

In your opinion, how is the difference between heavenly and earthly wisdom in James 3:13-18 exhibited in Matthew 8:28-34?

In your opinion, how does James 3:13-18 help Christians understand how to identify and avoid the “hypocritical liars” that Paul warns of in 1 Timothy 3:14-4:15?

In your opinion, what do these Scriptures from 1 Samuel, Matthew, 1 Timothy, and James teach us about being saved from torment?

In your opinion, how do we display “the wisdom that comes from heaven” in spite of the demonic influences in the world today?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)

June 16, 2019 – Learning from James – Wisdom: Gift or Goal

-                        The

Wisdom: Gift or Goal


Proverbs 2:1-10 - New International Version (NIV)

¹ My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
¹¹ Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.

What will you understand and find if you accept Solomon’s words, turn your ear to wisdom, call for insight and search for it as for hidden treasure (verses 1-5)?

In your opinion, what is “fear of the Lord” (verse 5)?

Who gives wisdom (verse 6)?

What comes from the mouth of the Lord (verse 6)?

Who is the Lord a shield for (verse 7)?

What does the Lord protect (verse 8)?

What will we then understand  (verse 9)?

Where will wisdom enter (verse 10)?

What will understanding do (verse 11)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

Mark 8:27-33 - New International Version (NIV)                

²⁷ Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

²⁸ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

²⁹ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

³⁰ Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

³¹ He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

³³ But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Where were Jesus and his disciples (verse 27)?

Who did the people say that Jesus was (verses 27 and 28)?

How did Peter answer Jesus’ question “who do you say I am” (verse 29)?

In your opinion, why did Jesus warn them not to tell anyone (verse 30)?

Who must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law (verse 31)?

What will happen three days after he is killed (verse 31)?


Who took Jesus aside and “began to rebuke him” (verse 32)?


What kind of concerns did Jesus say Peter had (verse 33)?


In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?


In your opinion, what does Peter’s correct answer about who Jesus is, followed by his rebuke of Jesus, and then Jesus saying “get behind me Satan” in Mark 8:27-33 teach us about the wisdom that is proclaimed in Proverbs 2:1-10?


1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ²² Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

What is “foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (verse 18)?

What will happen to “the wisdom of the wise” (verse 19)?

In your opinion, “where is the wise person” (verse 20)?

Who does the world not know “through its wisdom” (verse 21)?

Who looks for wisdom (verse 22)?

What is “foolishness to Gentiles” (verse 23)?

Who is the “power of God and the wisdom of God” to those who are called by God (verse 24)?

What is “wiser than human wisdom” (verse 25)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, how is the wisdom that Solomon instructs us to search for in Proverbs 2:1-10 revealed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25?

In your opinion, how does Peter in Mark 8:27-33 demonstrate both the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God that Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25? 


James 3:13-18 – New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

How are the “wise and understanding” to show it (verse 13)?

What are we to do with “bitter envy and selfish ambition” (verse 14)?


What are “bitter envy and selfish ambition” (verses 14 and 15)?


Where will you find “disorder and every evil practice” (verse 16)?


What is “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full or mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (verse 17)?


Who will reap a “harvest of righteousness” (verse 18)?


In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?


In your opinion, what do Solomon in Proverbs 2:1-10 and James in James 3:13-18 share in their belief about wisdom?


In your opinion, how do the two different incidents with Peter in Mark 8:27-33 illustrate the two different sources of wisdom explained in James 3:13-18?


In your opinion, why does James 3:13-18 talk about the “wisdom that comes from heaven” while 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 talks about “the foolishness of God”?  Are they the same?


In your opinion, what do these passages from Proverbs, Mark, 1 Corinthians and James help us understand about the difference between wisdom as a goal, and wisdom as a gift from God?


In your opinion, how can we find heavenly wisdom today?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)

September 23, 2018 – Wisdom from Ecclesiastes and the Sermon on the Mount – Salty Wisdom

Salty Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7:4-12 and 29 - New International Version (NIV)         

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
    but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
⁵ It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person
    than to listen to the song of fools.
⁶ Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,
    so is the laughter of fools.
    This too is meaningless.

⁷ Extortion turns a wise person into a fool,
    and a bribe corrupts the heart.

⁸ The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
    and patience is better than pride.
⁹ Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
    for anger resides in the lap of fools.

¹⁰ Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
    For it is not wise to ask such questions.

¹¹ Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing
    and benefits those who see the sun.
¹² Wisdom is a shelter
    as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
    Wisdom preserves those who have it.

²⁹ This only have I found:
    God created mankind upright,
    but they have gone in search of many schemes.

Where does the Teacher say the “heart of the wise” is (verse 4)?

In your opinion, why is it better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the the song of fools (verse 5)?

What is the laughter of fools like (verse 6)?

What turns the wise person into a fool (verse 7)?

What is better than pride (verse 8)?

Where does anger reside (verse 9)?

In your opinion, why is it not wise to ask “why were the old days better than these” (verse 10)?

Who benefits from wisdom (verse 11)?

What are both wisdom and money (verse 12)?

How did God create mankind (verse 29)?

Where has mankind gone (verse 29)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

Matthew 5:13-16 - New International Version (NIV)

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

What does Jesus call his disciples (verse 13)?

In your opinion, how can salt be made salty again (verse 13)?

What are Jesus’s disciples (verse 14)?

In your opinion, why can’t a town built on a hill be hidden (verse 14)?

In your opinion, what would happen if a lighted lamp was placed under a bowl (verse 15)?

Where is the lighted lamp put (verse 15)?

Where is the light of Jesus’s disciples to shine (verse 16)?

Whyy should the light of Jesus’s disciples shine (verse 16)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what happens when you combine the Teacher’s statement that “God created mankind upright” only to have them go “in search of many schemes” from Ecclesiastes 7:29 with Jesus saying in Matthew 5:13-16 that salt that loses it’s saltiness is “no longer good for anything”?

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ²² Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

What is the message of the cross to “us who are being saved” (verse 18)?

Whose wisdom will be destroyed (verse 19)?

In your opinion, has God made foolish the wisdom of the world (verse 20)?

How is God pleased to “save those who believe” (verse 21)?

What do Greeks look for (verse 22)?

What does Paul preach (verse 23)?

In your opinion, how is Christ “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (verse 24)?

What is “wiser than human wisdom” (verse 25)?

Why did God “choose the foolish things of the world” (verse 27)?

For what did God choose the lowly things, the despised things, and the things that are not (verse 28)?

Who has become “wisdom from God” for us (verse 30)?

How should we boast (verse 31)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does the wisdom of God that is revealed in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 do to the wisdom of the Teacher as revealed in Ecclesiastes 7:1-12 and 29?

In your opinion, how can the “message of the cross” that Paul proclaims in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 make salty again those who may have lost their saltiness so that they become the ones that Jesus commands in Matthew 5:13-16 to “let your light shine before others”?

James 3:13-18 – New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

How does James instruct the “wise and understanding” to show it (verse 13)?

What are we not to deny (verse 14)?

What is the wisdom that harbors “bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts” (verses 14 and 15)?

Where will you find “disorder and every evil practice” (verse 16)?

What is “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (verse 17)?

What will “peacemakers who sow in peace” reap (verse 18)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, based on what James says about wisdom in James 3:13-18 how would you define the wisdom of the Teacher from Ecclesiastes 7:1-12 and 29?

In your opinion, how is the light that Jesus commands us to “shine before others” in Matthew 5:13-16 defined by the “wisdom that comes from heaven” that James discusses in James 3:13-18?

In your opinion, what do Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and James in James 3:13-18 help us understand about worldly wisdom?

In your opinion, what do Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and James in James 3:13-18 help us understand about heavenly wisdom?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Ecclesiastes, Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James help us understand about the conflict between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom?

In your opinion, how does knowing that we are to “boast in the Lord” help us understand how to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)