October 14, 2018 – Wisdom from Ecclesiastes and the Sermon on the Mount – Leaving a Meaningless World Through the Narrow Gate

Leaving a Meaningless World Through the Narrow Gate

Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 - New International Version (NIV)        

¹ So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. ² All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.

As it is with the good,
    so with the sinful;
as it is with those who take oaths,
    so with those who are afraid to take them.

³ This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. ⁴ Anyone who is among the living has hope even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

⁵ For the living know that they will die,
    but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
    and even their name is forgotten.
⁶ Their love, their hate
    and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
    in anything that happens under the sun.

⁷ Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. ⁸ Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. ⁹ Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. ¹⁰ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

In whose hands are “the righteous and the wise” (verse 1)?

What do “the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not” share (verse 2)?

In your opinion, why does the Teacher think the fact that the “same destiny overtakes all” is “the evil in everything that happens under the sun” (verse 3)?

Who “has hope” (verse 4)?

What do the living know (verse 5)?

Who does the Teacher say “never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun” (verses 5 and 6)?

Why does the Teacher say to “eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart” (verse 7)?

In your opinion, what does the Teacher mean by “always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil” (verse 8)?

How does the Teacher say we should live “all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun” (verse 9)?

What should we “do with all your might” (verse 10)?

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

Matthew 7:13-14 - New International Version (NIV)

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

What are we to do “through the narrow gate” (verse 13)?

How does Jesus describe the gate that “leads to destruction” (verse 13)?

What do “many” do (verse 13)?

What “leads to life” (verse 14)?

How many find “life” (verse 14)?

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

In your opinion, which part of the choice Jesus presents in Matthew 7:13-14 does the Teacher describe in Ecclesiastes 9:1-10?

Acts 4:8-14 – New International Version (NIV)

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

What filled Peter (verse 8)?

How does Peter describe the act that they are “being called to account today for” (verse 9)?

How does the man stand “before you healed” (verse 10)?

In your opinion, what does Peter mean by “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone” (verse 11)?

What is found in no one other than Jesus (verse 12)?

Why were the rulers and elders of the people astonished (verse 13)?

Why was there nothing the rulers and elders of the people could say (verse 14)?

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

In your opinion, what did Peter and John, as unschooled, ordinary men, know in Acts 4:8-14 that the Teacher of Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 did not know?

In your opinion, how is Matthew 7:13-14 explained by Peter in Acts 4:8-14?

1 Timothy 2:1-6 – New International Version (NIV)

¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Who does Paul urge Timothy to make “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” for (verse 1)?

Why does Paul urge Timothy topray for “kings and all those in authority” (verse 2)?

What does “God our Savior” want (verses 3 and 4)?

In your opinion, what does it mean to “come to a knowledge of the truth” (verse 4)?

Who is the “mediator between God and mankind” (verse 5)?

What did the “mediator” do (verse 6)?

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

In your opinion, how does Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 add hope to the despair the Teacher had in Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 when he said “the hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead”?

In your opinion, how does Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 lead us to the “narrow gate” that Jesus talked about in Matthew 7:13-14?

In your opinion, how do we reconcile the fact that Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit” confronted the rulers and elders in Acts 4:8-14 and Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 urges “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” be made to “all those in authority”?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Ecclesiastes, Matthew, Acts and 1 Timothy help us understand about the difference “meaningless days” and “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”?

In your opinion, what can we do to continue the witness to “Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” and lead others to through the narrow gate?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)

October 7, 2018 – Wisdom from Ecclesiastes and the Sermon on the Mount – Living as God’s Children

 Living as God’s Children

Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 - New International Version (NIV)        

⁹ All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. ¹⁰ Then too, I saw the wicked buried—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.

¹¹ When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. ¹² Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. ¹³ Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

¹⁴ There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. ¹⁵ So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

¹⁶ When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— ¹⁷ then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

What did the Teacher apply his mind to (verse 9)?

How did the Teacher define the wicked (verse 10)?

In your opinion, why does the Teacher think that “people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong” when a “sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out” (verse 11)?

Who will it go better for than a “wicked person who commits a hundred crimes” and lives a long time (verse 12)?

Why will it not go well with the wicked (verse 13)?

In your opinion, what does the Teacher mean by the righteous getting what the wicked deserve and the wicked getting what the righteous deserve (verse 14)?

When will joy accompany people in their “toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun” (verse 15)?

What did the Teacher see when he applied his “mind to know wisdom and to abserve the labor that is done on earth” (verses 16 and 17)?

What can the wise claim to know but not comprehend (verse 18)?

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

Matthew 5:38-42 - New International Version (NIV)

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

What does Jesus say had been heard (verse 38)?

How should we respond if someone slaps the right cheek (verse 39)?

What should we give someone who sues for our shirt (verse 40)?

How far should we go if forced to go one mile (verse 41)?

Who should we give to (verse 42)?

Who should we not turn away from (verse 42)?

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

In your opinion, what is the basic change that would take place in the world the Teacher portrays in Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 where “the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve” if we followed the instructions Jesus gives in Matthew 5:38-42?

Romans 8:9-17 – New International Version (NIV)

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

What realm are you in if the Spirit of God lives in you (verse 9)?

Who does not “belong to Christ” (verse 9)?

What does the Spirit give if Christ is in us (verse 10)?

Who will give life to our mortal bodies if the “Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in” us (verse 11)?

What do we not have an obligation to (verse 12)?

In your opinion, what does Paul mean when he says “by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body” (verse 13)?

Who are the “children of God” (verse 14)?

What does receiving the Spirit not make us (verse 15)?

What did receiving the Spirit bring us (verse 15)?

Who testifies that “we are God’s children” (verse 16)?

If we are God’s children then what are we heirs of (verse 17)?

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

In your opinion, how does Paul’s statement in Romans 8:9-17 that “if you live according to the flesh, you will die” challenge the Teacher’s statement in Ecclesiastes 8:9-17, “there is nothing better for a person under the sun that to eat and drink and be glad”?

In your opinion, how does Paul’s statement “we have an obligation – but it is not to the flesh , to live according to it” in Romans 8:9-17 help us begin to understand the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-42?

James 4:1-10 – New International Version (NIV)

¹ What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ² You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

⁴ You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? ⁶ But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Where do the “fights and quarrels” come from (verse 1)?

Why do we not have (verse 2)?

Why do we not receive even when we ask (verse 3)?

In your opinion, why does “friendship with the world” mean “enmity against God” (verse 4)?

What does the Scripture say that God “jealously longs for” (verse 5)?

Who does God show favor to (verse 6)?

Who should we submit ourselves to (verse 7)?

What happens when we “resist the devil” (verse 7)?

What happens when we “come near to God” (verse 8)?

In your opinion, why does James tell us to “grieve, mourn and wail” (verse 9)?

When will the Lord lift us up (verse 10)?

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

In your opinion, how does James’s discussion about desires and motives in James 4:1-10 reveal what the Teacher sees going “on under the sun” in Ecclesiates 8:9-17?

In your opinion, how does what we learn from James 4:1-10 that might help us understand how to implement what Jesus tells us to do in Matthew 5:38-42?

In your opinion, what do we learn when we combine the command of James to “submit yourselves, then, to God” in James 4:1-10 and Paul’s statement that “the Spirit you received does not make you slaves” in Romans 8:9-17?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Ecclesiastes, Matthew, Romans and James help us understand about the differences between the things that are “under the sun” and those in the “realm of the Spirit”?

In your opinion, how do we move from the “desires that battle within you” to living as “God’s children” and heirs?

(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)

September 9, 2018 – Wisdom from Ecclesiastes and the Sermon on the Mount – From Foolish Statements to Gratitude

-            The

From Foolish Statements to Gratitude

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 - New International Version (NIV)          

¹ Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.

² Do not be quick with your mouth,
    do not be hasty in your heart
    to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
    and you are on earth,
    so let your words be few.
³ A dream comes when there are many cares,
    and many words mark the speech of a fool.

⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. ⁵ It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. ⁶ Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? ⁷ Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

What did the Teacher say to go near to the house of God to do (verse 1)?

In your opinion, what is the “sacrifice of fools” (verse 1)?

What should we “not be quick with” our mouths to do (verse 2)?

How is the “speech of a fool” marked (verse 3)?

What should we not delay in fulfuilling (verse 4)?

What is better than making a vow and not fulfilling it (verse 5)?

In your opinion, what does it mean to “not let your mouth lead you into sin” (verse 6)?

What is meaningless (verse 7)?

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

Matthew 5:33-37 - New International Version (NIV)

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

What does Jesus say that His hearers have heard was said long ago (verse 33)?

Why should we not swear an oath by heaven (verse 34)?

Why should we not swear an oath by earth (verse 35)?

Why should we not swear an oath by Jerusalem (verse 35)?

Why should we not swear an oath by our head (verse 36)?

What do we need to say (verse 37)?

What comes from the evil one (verse 37)?

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

In your opinion, how is the reason the Teacher gives in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 about not making a vow different from the reason that Jesus gives in Matthew 5:33-37 for not swearing an oath?

Colossians 3:15-17 – New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

What should “rule in your hearts” (verse 15)?

How should the message of Christ dwell among us (verse 16)?

What should we do “through psalms, hymns, and songs of the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (verse 16)?

In your opinion, what does it mean to “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (verse 17)?

How should we give “thanks to God the Father” (verse 17)?

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

In your opinion, what is the difference between the “sacrifice of fools” that the Teacher warns about in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 and the “psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” that Paul instructs us to use to teach and admonish each other with in Colossians 3:15-17?

In your opinion, how is the focus of Jesus telling us in Matthew 5:33-37 not to swear an oath have something in common with the focus of Paul telling us in Colossians 3:15-17 to “be thankful”?

James 5:7-12 – New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ⁹ Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

¹⁰ Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

¹² Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

How long are we to be patient (verse 7)?

What does the farmer wait for (verse 7)?

Why do we need to “be patient and stand firm” (verse 8)?

Who is “standing at the door” (verse 9)?

In your opinion, why does James give us the “prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord” as an example of patience in the face of suffering (verse 10)?

Who do “we count as blessed” (verse 11)?

Who is “full of compassion and mercy” (verse 12)?

What should Christians not do (verse 12)?

What is needed (verse 12)?

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

In your opinion, how does Ecclestiastes 5:1-7 which talks about the dangers of vows to God help us understand why James would counsel us to have patience and to use a simple yes or no in James 5:7-12?

In your opinion, how does Jesus telling us not to swear an oath by our head because we can not change the color of a single hair in Matthew 5:33-37 help us begin to understand why James commands us to be patient in James 5:7-12?

In your opinion, what does Paul’s instruction to “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” in Colossians 3:15-17 help us understand about the patience that James instructs us to have in James 5:7-12?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Ecclesiastes, Matthew, Colossians and James teach us about foolish statements?

In your opinion, how do we move from the “sacrifice of fools” to doing and saying everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)

September 2, 2018 – Wisdom from Ecclesiastes and the Sermon on the Mount – Meaningless Toil to Life Changing Love

Meaningless Toil to Life Changing Love

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 - New International Version (NIV)        

¹ Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun:

I saw the tears of the oppressed—
    and they have no comforter;
power was on the side of their oppressors—
    and they have no comforter.
² And I declared that the dead,
    who had already died,
are happier than the living,
    who are still alive.
³ But better than both
    is the one who has never been born,
who has not seen the evil
    that is done under the sun.

⁴ And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

⁵ Fools fold their hands
    and ruin themselves.
⁶ Better one handful with tranquillity
    than two handfuls with toil
    and chasing after the wind.

⁷ Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:

⁸ There was a man all alone;
    he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
    yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For whom am I toiling,” he asked,
    “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”
This too is meaningless—
    a miserable business!

⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

¹³ Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning. ¹⁴ The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. ¹⁵ I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor. ¹⁶ There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

What did the Teacher see “taking place under the sun” (verse 1)?

Who did the Teacher declare was “happier than the living” (verse 2)?

Who has not “seen the evil that is done under the sun” (verse 3)?

What does the Teacher say that “all toil and all achievement” spring from (verse 4)?

In your opinion, what does the Teacher mean by “fools fold their hands and ruin themselves” (verse 5)?

What is better than “two handfuls with toil” (verse 6)?

In your opinion, why does the Teacher say that it is meaningless to endlessly toil alone (verse 8)?

Why are two better than one (verses 9 and 10)?

What do two lying down together do (verse 11)?

What is “not quickly broken” (verse 12)?

Who is better than a “foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning” (verse 13)?

Who followed “the youth, the king’s successor” (verse 15)?

Who was “not pleased with the successor” (verse 16)?

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

Matthew 5:43-47 - New International Version (NIV)

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

What does Jesus say that His hearers have heard was said (verse 43)?

Who does Jesus tell us to love (verse 44)?

Who does Jesus tell us to pray for (verse 44)?

Who does our Father in Heaven cause His sun to rise on (verse 45)?

What do even tax collectors do (verse 46)?

What do even pagans do (verse 47)?

How are we to be (verse 48)?

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

In your opinion, what causes the difference between the attitude of the Teacher who says that, due to oppression, the dead are better off than the living in Ecclesiastes 4:1-16, and Jesus, who commands in Matthew 5:43-47 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”?

Romans 12:9-21 – New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

What must be sincere (verse 9)?

In your opinion, what does it mean to “be devoted to one another in love” (verse 10)?

What are we supposed to keep (verse 11)?

How are we to respond to affliction (verse 12)?

Who are we to share with (verse 13)?

Who are we to bless (verse 14)?

In your opinion, why should we “rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn” (verse 15)?

Who should we be willing to associate with (verse 16)?

How should we not repay evil (verse 17)?

How should we live with others, if it is possible (verse 18)?

What should we leave room for (verse 19)?

How do we heap burning coals on our enemies heads (verse 20)?

How should we overcome evil (verse 21)?

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

In your opinion, what do the oppressed people that the Teacher talked about in Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 need to become the people that Paul instructed to “bless those who persecute you” and to “overcome evil with good” in Romans 12:9-21?

In your opinion, how can we who find it easy to be zealous in hating our enemies listen to the command of Jesus from Matthew 5:43-47 to “love your enemy” and still be able to follow Paul’s instruction from Romans 12:9-21 that we “never be lacking in zeal” even while we are overcoming “evil with good”?

1 Peter 4:4-11 – New International Version (NIV)

⁴ They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. ⁵ But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

How will non-Christians be surprised by the Christians (verse 4)?

Who will the non-Christians have to give account to (verse 5)?

In your opinion, what does Peter mean when he says the gospel was preached “even to those who are now dead” (verse 6)?

Why should Christians be “alert and of sober mind so that you may pray” (verse 7)?

In your opinion, whose multitude of sins does love cover over (verse 8)?

How should hospitality be offered to others (verse 9)?

What should each one use the gift they received to do (verse 10)?

How should the Christian speak (verse 11)?

How should the Christian serve (verse 11)?

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

In your opinion, how are the dead that the Teacher said in Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 were “happier than the living, who are still alive” and the dead that the gospel had been preached to that Peter refers to in 1 Peter 4:4-11 similar?  And what is their biggest difference?

In your opinion, how does Peter’s instruction in 1 Peter 4:4-11 to “love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” help us move toward obedience to the instruction of Jesus from Matthew 5:43-47 to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”?

In your opinion, what do we learn from 1 Peter 4:4-11 that helps us in attempting to obey Paul’s instruction from Romans 12:9-21 “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Ecclesiastes, Matthew, Romans and 1 Peter teach us about living oppressed versus serving “with the strength God provides”?

In your opinion, how do we move from a life of meaningless toil to life changing love?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)