I love my pastor. Not only is he a nice person, but he is a Godly man. He "walks the walk" and teaches us how to do so.
Does your pastor challenge you each week as he speaks from the pulpit? Do you come away from his messages thinking about what he has to say, and changing some aspect of you life? My pastor does challenge us, he teaches us what Scripture says about Godly living, and I go home thinking (and praying) about how to live a life that is more Christ-centered. I come away wanting to be more obedient to the things of Christ.
I have heard the Word of God. I think that is a big part of why Scripture tells us to "gather together. ' We hear Gods word. "Hearing" is the key word here. Over and over in Scripture we are reminded that the world must 'hear' the word. The "world" includes you and me. If we hear, there must be a reason...we are not just to be entertained, but the hearing must lead to some application to our lives, to help us live more as Jesus would have us live here on earth.
Why hear the word? To learn what God has to say to us, and to learn how to live in the ungodly world around us. Our actions, our activities, our works do not draw us closer to God; because we love God we should want to be different, live differently from the world.
Now, if you do not feel challenged - if you do not come away from his messages thinking about how to apply what you have heard to you own life...two things may be the reason:
1) His message is faulty. He may not preach in such a way to challenge you. I have moved around the country several times in the past six years. I have had several different pastors. Not all are powerful, 'pound the pulpit' preacers, but they have told the truth, and have told us how to live Godly lives. Powerful or puney in delivery, these men have challenged us and told us what the Word of God says about living in this sinful world.
Many pastors today do not want to upset the congregation - they only want to 'tickle the ears' of the hearers. They may believe they must be politically correct in everything they say, and not offend any one. If you ave a pastor like that you might seriously consider looking for another Bible believing church that preaches the truth - not just 'feel good', messages. Yes, our leaders are to encourage us to live in this world, and to get us through the next seven days until we come together again, but he is also to reprove and correct us....so... if you are not being challenged...it might be his fault.
2) Not challenged? It might not be the fault of the pastor - it might be your fault. Why you go to church? For most of us it is our weekly routine - we forget that the reason that we go to worship service is just that - to worship our LORD. We actually go into the presence of God. He wants us to gather together for some reason...to speak to us.
Do you come away from the service thinking about what was said. Many times we walk away thinking, "He isn't talking about me," or " I don't agree with what he was saying."
Maybe the fault is ours. If we love our leader and believe that he is a man of God - then we really ought to pay attention to what he is saying.
What do you do while he is preaching? Have you ever thought about taking notes? If you were sitting in a class to learn a new skill you would probably take notes...for two reasons - not to forget what was said, and, to study those notes for the test that would be given. Taking notes helps to keep you focused.
Maybe paying attention in worship service, even taking notes, would help us understand, and be able to remember what was said that day.
What about the attitude of our hearts? Do we come to service with the expectation of learning how to live a more Godly life? Do we come wanting to change our actions so that we are more like Jesus every day?
If you are not challenged each week by your Pastor's message - either get a new pastor, or get a new attitude. Pray Pray Pray.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Gods Words to Women
Instructions from God’s Word for Women
A Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study
Lets see how the SLL technique can be used to study a ‘theme.’ What does Scripture says to women about attitude and actions?
Titus Chapter 2; 1 Tim.2:8-15; 1 Tim.5:3-16.
These verses are directions for two young church pastors….Timothy and Titus. Timothy was the pastor at Ephesis, Titus at Cyprus. Paul is telling them how to organize and run a church…..what do we see?
DAY 1
STOP!
Stop to pray. These are verses specifically giving directions to women – telling women how to live the Christian life….in the early church….and today.
Read all the verses. Mark all words that you would like to research in detail. God gives many specific action words for women…do you really know what “slander”,” “reverent,” “discreet” mean. What about others?
Look for all the ‘because,’ ‘ for,’ (when it means because” and ‘but’ verses.
What other words will you ‘word search?’ For this study I will also word search___________________ and___________________________________.
“Look right, look left”. To get the general context, general discussion, you might read the verses directly before and after each of these sections of Scripture.
Day 2
LOOK!
Read the verses again. Research the words listed above in the STOP section.
Most of these verses are commands. We are commanded to live a certain way. Ask where these actions are to take place? Are these actions only to take place in church? Only at home?
Titus 2 What is ‘sound doctrine’ ? What about the verse that says ‘homemakers” and “love” their families?____________________________________________________________.
Day 3
I notice many “lists” of actions. Write them out.
Look for verses that explain “why” these actions are important, and what are the results of these actions will be. (Yes there are specific verses for these – Titus 2:5)
1 Tim 2:8-15 - why is attire mentioned?
Write out 1 Tim 2:10_______________________________________.
(For a side study, read the instructions for men and compare the lists. How are they similar? Different?)
DAY 4
Read the verses again. These verses are directions for two young church pastors….Timothy and Titus. Paul is telling them how to organize and run a church…..what do we see?
1. The secular, and church, world today is stressing that there is no equality for women in service to the church…..that men lord it over women and are more capable for service. The world says the Paul, the writer, did not like women and was always putting women in a subservient role. Do we see this in Scripture?______________________________________________________
2. WHY should women act in this manner in the home, or church….or in the work place?
3. Are these verses in any way indicating that women are weaker than men? Less able to serve God than men? That men are more important? Where does it say that men are the only ones capable for ministry? For service? ________________________________________________
We will NOT look at the “4 P’s” This is all “precept” (commands).
DAY 5
LISTEN!
What can we learn from these verses and apply to our lives.
1. How does 2 Tim 3:16-17 apply ______________________________________________
2. Why did God give us these verses_____________________________________________
3. What if we did not have these verses?__________________________________________
4. Are these verses for younger women only? Older women only? How does it apply to you TODAY?
5. What changes might you make in your life today from studying these verses.
One of the things that stands out for me is...older women teaching younger women. In many of our churches, cell groups, home groups, Sunday School classes (whatever you call them), are divided up by age. This is important for many reasons, but I have always thought that we need to bring women together of all ages to fellowship and study. Many younger women might need the touch from a godly older woman who has gone through many of the same life and spiritual struggles.
At the age of 42, when I was born again, I really needed some help. Right away my life changed at work, home, etc.... there was no one to help. I was at an overseas location and was one of the 'older' women around. I now know that God did bring one older women, Lois Calhoun, into my life in a passing way, some of the things she said to me, some action she taught me, are evident in my life every day. (For those who know me...I go out to study each day at a place away from home because Lois Calhoun told me that was how she studied) Thank you God from bringing me an 'older women' when I needed it most. Let me be an 'older woman' to some other young lady.
WOW!!!! How can I live up to all of this. Help me Jesus to be faithful to You, and grow to be more like you want me….every moment of every day.
A Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study
Lets see how the SLL technique can be used to study a ‘theme.’ What does Scripture says to women about attitude and actions?
Titus Chapter 2; 1 Tim.2:8-15; 1 Tim.5:3-16.
These verses are directions for two young church pastors….Timothy and Titus. Timothy was the pastor at Ephesis, Titus at Cyprus. Paul is telling them how to organize and run a church…..what do we see?
DAY 1
STOP!
Stop to pray. These are verses specifically giving directions to women – telling women how to live the Christian life….in the early church….and today.
Read all the verses. Mark all words that you would like to research in detail. God gives many specific action words for women…do you really know what “slander”,” “reverent,” “discreet” mean. What about others?
Look for all the ‘because,’ ‘ for,’ (when it means because” and ‘but’ verses.
What other words will you ‘word search?’ For this study I will also word search___________________ and___________________________________.
“Look right, look left”. To get the general context, general discussion, you might read the verses directly before and after each of these sections of Scripture.
Day 2
LOOK!
Read the verses again. Research the words listed above in the STOP section.
Most of these verses are commands. We are commanded to live a certain way. Ask where these actions are to take place? Are these actions only to take place in church? Only at home?
Titus 2 What is ‘sound doctrine’ ? What about the verse that says ‘homemakers” and “love” their families?____________________________________________________________.
Day 3
I notice many “lists” of actions. Write them out.
Look for verses that explain “why” these actions are important, and what are the results of these actions will be. (Yes there are specific verses for these – Titus 2:5)
1 Tim 2:8-15 - why is attire mentioned?
Write out 1 Tim 2:10_______________________________________.
(For a side study, read the instructions for men and compare the lists. How are they similar? Different?)
DAY 4
Read the verses again. These verses are directions for two young church pastors….Timothy and Titus. Paul is telling them how to organize and run a church…..what do we see?
1. The secular, and church, world today is stressing that there is no equality for women in service to the church…..that men lord it over women and are more capable for service. The world says the Paul, the writer, did not like women and was always putting women in a subservient role. Do we see this in Scripture?______________________________________________________
2. WHY should women act in this manner in the home, or church….or in the work place?
3. Are these verses in any way indicating that women are weaker than men? Less able to serve God than men? That men are more important? Where does it say that men are the only ones capable for ministry? For service? ________________________________________________
We will NOT look at the “4 P’s” This is all “precept” (commands).
DAY 5
LISTEN!
What can we learn from these verses and apply to our lives.
1. How does 2 Tim 3:16-17 apply ______________________________________________
2. Why did God give us these verses_____________________________________________
3. What if we did not have these verses?__________________________________________
4. Are these verses for younger women only? Older women only? How does it apply to you TODAY?
5. What changes might you make in your life today from studying these verses.
One of the things that stands out for me is...older women teaching younger women. In many of our churches, cell groups, home groups, Sunday School classes (whatever you call them), are divided up by age. This is important for many reasons, but I have always thought that we need to bring women together of all ages to fellowship and study. Many younger women might need the touch from a godly older woman who has gone through many of the same life and spiritual struggles.
At the age of 42, when I was born again, I really needed some help. Right away my life changed at work, home, etc.... there was no one to help. I was at an overseas location and was one of the 'older' women around. I now know that God did bring one older women, Lois Calhoun, into my life in a passing way, some of the things she said to me, some action she taught me, are evident in my life every day. (For those who know me...I go out to study each day at a place away from home because Lois Calhoun told me that was how she studied) Thank you God from bringing me an 'older women' when I needed it most. Let me be an 'older woman' to some other young lady.
WOW!!!! How can I live up to all of this. Help me Jesus to be faithful to You, and grow to be more like you want me….every moment of every day.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Michal - First Wife of King David
1 Sam. 14:49; 18: 20-28; 19:11-17; 25:44; 2 Sam. 3:13-14; 6:16-23; 21:8
1 Chron. 15:29.
Michal was the first wife of King David – and she helped ‘save the seed.’
DAY 1
STOP!
Pray, asking God to guide your study.
Read all the verses marking your ‘special words.’ Mark “because” “for” when it means because, and ‘but.’ Also mark at least two of your favorite words. (If you do not have any idea what to look for, go back to the two previous studies, and use something from those lists.) (Go to the post for 5/21/10 to see information on word searches...Bible Reading Can Be Fun!)
For this study I also choose to word search __________________________ and ___________. Did you learn anything interesting?
Note any words or phrases that you do not fully understand, or would like to research. (You will research these tomorrow.)
DAY 2
LOOK!
Research the words that you noted above. Note the genealogy:
1 Sam 14:49. What might her relationship with her sister have been? Her brothers? Who were some of her brothers?
Her father? (Her life was like a modern-day soap opera!!)
DAY 3 The Marriage
David was given Michal for his wife as a reward for service. (Some say that Saul wanted to "keep his friends close, and his enemies closer.)
1 Sam.18:17-28 Scripture never indicates that David loved her in any way. This was common in ancient days – marriage made for political importance. I wonder how the women/men felt about this. Today our views of marriage are all about “love”.
David had many wives. Name two women(other wives) that Michal might have known in the palace. What might she have thought of them/their stories?
Here is another woman who was very much a part of Gods plan for Israel.Think of
all the things that Michal saw/heard/experienced, starting from the slaying of the giant. List a few:
DAY 4 Michal saves David
Here Michal “saved the seed.” How? What does this mean? I personally think this was the most important thing Michal did. Remember another wife, Abigail, who also ‘saved the seed?’ These two women showed themselves strong in times of great pressure and danger.)Abigail kept David from making the mistake of murdering her husband which would have gone against God. God may have taken David off of the throne for his actions. Michal saved Davids life - and the descendants of David (seed).
Note 1 Sam. 19:11-18: What was an idol/image doing in the house of the King of Israel?
Who was her father the King? Was he a positive role model to his family?
Poor Michal. She was in the middle between her father, the king, and her husband, the soon to be king. Scripture twice says that she loved David, she saved his life, yet when he danced before the Lord(2 Sam 6:16: 1 Chron. 15:29), she ‘despised’ him. Michal loathed, detested, David at this point. Do we have any idea why?
Does she seem spiritual in any way? Do we see her praying? How did her spirituality possibly affect her life decisions? Did she share the religious zeal of her husband?
2 Samuel 21:8 says Michal was the mother to some children. Perhaps she raised the children that her sister had. Michal is often called “the woman who never celebrated a mothers day.” Perhaps because of her distain for David.
We see the sad side of Michal. She was sent back and forth between men, (1 Sam 25:44)and twice it says “she loved David.” David wanted her back, but there is no indication that he loved her, perhaps it was just his pride that wanted her back. After all she had been given to him by King Saul, and now when he was king he wanted his possession back? How might she have felt?
Is there anything we can learn from her about “love and marriage and a baby in a carriage” from this story? Many say that the story of Ruth and Boaz is a love story. Is the story of Michal and David a love story?
DAY 5 LISTEN
Why study Michal? Have we learned anything about her that is worth spending time over? Is this story just the story of the two kings? Is she just a side story or can we learn something important from her.
Always answer our questions
1. How does 2 Tim. 3:16-17 apply to these verses?
2. What if these stories about Michal had been left out of Scripture.
3. What is God trying to teach us through these stories
4. What can we take from the story of Michal to use in 2010?
My own personal opinion is that this story was given to us to show the sovereignty of God. God had promised that the line of David would always be on the throne. Michael saved the very seed. Michael saved the life of David when she let him escape as her father sent men to kill him. She 'saved the seed.' Again, God uses a women, behind the scene, to fulfill His plan. Esther 'saved the seed.' Abigail 'saved the seed'. The midwives in Egypt 'saved the seed.'. The wife of the priest in the story of Athaliah 'saved the seed.'
The point? God uses women, behind the scene, for His plan and purpose.
1 Chron. 15:29.
Michal was the first wife of King David – and she helped ‘save the seed.’
DAY 1
STOP!
Pray, asking God to guide your study.
Read all the verses marking your ‘special words.’ Mark “because” “for” when it means because, and ‘but.’ Also mark at least two of your favorite words. (If you do not have any idea what to look for, go back to the two previous studies, and use something from those lists.) (Go to the post for 5/21/10 to see information on word searches...Bible Reading Can Be Fun!)
For this study I also choose to word search __________________________ and ___________. Did you learn anything interesting?
Note any words or phrases that you do not fully understand, or would like to research. (You will research these tomorrow.)
DAY 2
LOOK!
Research the words that you noted above. Note the genealogy:
1 Sam 14:49. What might her relationship with her sister have been? Her brothers? Who were some of her brothers?
Her father? (Her life was like a modern-day soap opera!!)
DAY 3 The Marriage
David was given Michal for his wife as a reward for service. (Some say that Saul wanted to "keep his friends close, and his enemies closer.)
1 Sam.18:17-28 Scripture never indicates that David loved her in any way. This was common in ancient days – marriage made for political importance. I wonder how the women/men felt about this. Today our views of marriage are all about “love”.
David had many wives. Name two women(other wives) that Michal might have known in the palace. What might she have thought of them/their stories?
Here is another woman who was very much a part of Gods plan for Israel.Think of
all the things that Michal saw/heard/experienced, starting from the slaying of the giant. List a few:
DAY 4 Michal saves David
Here Michal “saved the seed.” How? What does this mean? I personally think this was the most important thing Michal did. Remember another wife, Abigail, who also ‘saved the seed?’ These two women showed themselves strong in times of great pressure and danger.)Abigail kept David from making the mistake of murdering her husband which would have gone against God. God may have taken David off of the throne for his actions. Michal saved Davids life - and the descendants of David (seed).
Note 1 Sam. 19:11-18: What was an idol/image doing in the house of the King of Israel?
Who was her father the King? Was he a positive role model to his family?
Poor Michal. She was in the middle between her father, the king, and her husband, the soon to be king. Scripture twice says that she loved David, she saved his life, yet when he danced before the Lord(2 Sam 6:16: 1 Chron. 15:29), she ‘despised’ him. Michal loathed, detested, David at this point. Do we have any idea why?
Does she seem spiritual in any way? Do we see her praying? How did her spirituality possibly affect her life decisions? Did she share the religious zeal of her husband?
2 Samuel 21:8 says Michal was the mother to some children. Perhaps she raised the children that her sister had. Michal is often called “the woman who never celebrated a mothers day.” Perhaps because of her distain for David.
We see the sad side of Michal. She was sent back and forth between men, (1 Sam 25:44)and twice it says “she loved David.” David wanted her back, but there is no indication that he loved her, perhaps it was just his pride that wanted her back. After all she had been given to him by King Saul, and now when he was king he wanted his possession back? How might she have felt?
Is there anything we can learn from her about “love and marriage and a baby in a carriage” from this story? Many say that the story of Ruth and Boaz is a love story. Is the story of Michal and David a love story?
DAY 5 LISTEN
Why study Michal? Have we learned anything about her that is worth spending time over? Is this story just the story of the two kings? Is she just a side story or can we learn something important from her.
Always answer our questions
1. How does 2 Tim. 3:16-17 apply to these verses?
2. What if these stories about Michal had been left out of Scripture.
3. What is God trying to teach us through these stories
4. What can we take from the story of Michal to use in 2010?
My own personal opinion is that this story was given to us to show the sovereignty of God. God had promised that the line of David would always be on the throne. Michael saved the very seed. Michael saved the life of David when she let him escape as her father sent men to kill him. She 'saved the seed.' Again, God uses a women, behind the scene, to fulfill His plan. Esther 'saved the seed.' Abigail 'saved the seed'. The midwives in Egypt 'saved the seed.'. The wife of the priest in the story of Athaliah 'saved the seed.'
The point? God uses women, behind the scene, for His plan and purpose.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Miriam
Women’s Study Hall: Miriam
Exodus 2: 4-9; Exodus 15:20-21; Numbers 12:1-16, Numbers 20:1; Micah 6:4
DAY 1 – General Overview
STOP!
1. Pray and ask God to bless your reading and time of study. What translation of the Bible are you reading? And Why?
2. Before you begin reading, what do you remember about Miriam?
Miriam is a fascinating woman who is often only remembered because of her sin of challenging the role of her brother as leader. There is much more. A study of Miriam can lead us into a deeper understanding of leadership, roles , and the amazing “Team Moses.”
Teaching point - one key to hermeneutics is understanding sequence or lists. This is important as we study the life of Miriam. God seems to say , or lists, what is the most important things first. Just think of the Ten Commandments…love God comes first….last are the commands of interacting and loving people. This holds true with names. The oldest child is named first, the youngest last. Each time the ‘team Moses’ is mentioned note the sequence. The names change order with each incident. Pay attention to this.
The story of Miriam is in three segments. 1) As a child she assisted in saving the life of Moses. (Her name is never given here.) 2) The crossing of the Red Sea – and the song of Victory. 3) Her rebellion and punishment. Yet there is so much more.
3. Read the verses slowly (listed in the title of this study). I used the NKJ version to prepare this study. If you use the KJV your wording will be a bit different. I suggest that you use NKJ, NAS, Amplified, REV or something similar. Never use a ‘paraphrase’ Bible…such as The Message, New Living Translation, etc… these are wonderful translations for recreational reading, I have them in my library also, but they are not for serious study.
As you read:
a. Make a list of words/concepts/ locations that you would like to understand better in this passage.( Just make the list.) This list will be different for everyone.
b. Mark the words for your ‘Word Search.” (Refer to the handout given earlier that explains why we do this.) (Go to the post for 5/21/10 to see information on word searches...Bible Reading Can Be Fun!)
For this study:
Always mark sentences that contain “but”, “because” and “for” when it means because. These words explain, compare, or show an outcome.
DAY 2- Miriam as Leader
LOOK!
Research the words/concepts that you listed in STOP # 3 (a). Write down what you find.
Lets look at Miriam’s role and leadership style.
1. Exodus 2:4-9 (for detailed information read 1-10) Do you see any leadership traits? Give a brief summary of Miriam’s attitude and actions. Note-she is not even named here.
2. Exodus 15:20-21 (for detailed information read Chapter 14 and 15:1-21). Give a brief summary of her attitude and actions. Who did she lead? Who followed? What was the focus of her actions?
3.What was the title given to her? What is a prophetess? Do we ever read/hear of any of her prophecies?
4.Who is another prophetess we have studied? Do you see any similarities in their roles or actions?
DAY 3 – Miriam in Sin
(LOOK continued)
1. Numbers 12 is the story of the rebellion against Moses. Who was part of the rebellion? What was it all about?
Where in these verses do we see proof that Miriam was a leader?
Where do we see proof that she was a prophetess?
Who was punished? Why only Miriam? (we really do not know.)
Miriam was loved. Where do we see this?
2. Lets see Moses part in this. What is his action/attitude toward Miriam?
3. Lets see Aaron’s part in this. What is his action/attitude toward Miriam?
What did Aaron say/do? Who did he speak to?
Notice the sequence of names each time they are given. Sequence gives order of importance
4.Lets see Gods part in this:
To whom did God speak?
Who spoke to God?
Miriam’s problem seemed to be that she was not happy with her role on the “Moses Team.” She was a prophetess, leader of women, close family confident of both Moses and Aaron, but that was not enough her. She had seen the power of God and his dealings with sin, yet, for some reason, perhaps jealousy over a new wife of ‘Gods Servant,’ Miriam tried to usurp the power and position of Moses. We don’t really know why, but many scholars think that the new wife might have had the ear and attention of Moses, and took the position of favor from Miriam.
DAY 4 – Miriam a Person of Importance
(LOOK Continued)
At the end of this study we will ask….Why did God give us so much information about Miriam?
I think it gets down to…Miriam was important to God and should be important to us. Lets think about some other aspects of her life.
A study of the life of Miriam is a study of decades of history and major events in the life of the Hebrew nation. Think of all she witnessed and was part of: she helped her mother save Moses from death, she saw his rise to power in the family of the pharaoh, and then lost him for years as he ran into the wilderness to meet God. Miriam was present when Moses returned to Egypt and was witness to the plagues, the first Passover. She walked through the parted waters of the sea, then danced with the women in joy and praise of God. She was assigned the position of leader by God.
Miriam was witness to the giving of the Ten Commandments, the sin of the golden calf, the march through the wilderness, the manna and quail, the sending of the spies into the land, the budding of Aaron’s rod, etc… Being a part of the family she not only knew about these incidents, but was intimately involved with the decision making, hearing the discussions and personally feeling the results on the leadership. She was there at the giving of the Law and the instructions for the building of the tabernacle. In fact, after her sin, when the laws of daily life were given, Miriam was used, by name, to explain something….Deut. 24:8-9 (For a more thorough understanding, read the entire chapter.)
We often overlook the amazing fact that Miriam was highly regarded by God. This may seem a strange comment because all we remember is her sin and fall, but on closer study we see that Miriam was part of the “Moses Team” of Moses, Aaron and Miriam. Not only was she part of the family, she helped save the baby, and she was gifted by God as a prophetess, one chosen by God to speak His message. What other facts might indicate how important she was to God and the entire wilderness wanderings?
We have been studying women in the Genealogy of Jesus. Lets look at three genealogies that mention Moses and see about Miriam.
1. Write out 1 Chron. 6:2-5( read vs 1-30 for more information.) Were there other women named? If so who, and why/why not
2.Write out Numb. 26:58-60 (read vs 57-62 for more information). Were there other women mentioned? If so who and why/why not?
3. Only select women are mentioned in the genealogies. Miriam is always mentioned with her brothers. Imagine – she had both Moses, and Aaron as brothers - the leader and the first High Priest– what a blessed family. If she was simply a sister, along-for-the-ride, she would not have been mentioned in such detail. She was an important part of that amazing family. She is so important, that hundreds of years later she is mentioned by name in Micah 6:4. This is an important verse in determining Miriam’s importance and place in history. Write out this verse.
This verse does seem to indicate that Miriam was an important part of the leadership team for the Hebrew people. Miriam, a woman, was chosen by God to be a part of HIS important plan to make a nation of the Hebrews, and to get them into the Promised Land….. the Holy Land.
DAY 5
LISTEN!
Always ask our four questions:
The first prophetess named in Scripture.
1.How does 2 Tim. 3:16-17 apply to the story of Miriam. “All Scripture…doctrine, reproof, correction, training and righteousness…..so that the woman of God may be complete…all good works”…..why all this information about Miriam? Is it just part of the story of Aaron and Moses, or is it special unto itself?
2. What if the detailed story of Miriam was left out of Scripture?
3.What is God trying to teach us (women) through this story?
4.How can we/you apply what you have learned about Miriam be applied to your life today ?
(I think we can learn and apply principles of leadership, the role of women, and the love of God as He forgives us)….what else?
Exodus 2: 4-9; Exodus 15:20-21; Numbers 12:1-16, Numbers 20:1; Micah 6:4
DAY 1 – General Overview
STOP!
1. Pray and ask God to bless your reading and time of study. What translation of the Bible are you reading? And Why?
2. Before you begin reading, what do you remember about Miriam?
Miriam is a fascinating woman who is often only remembered because of her sin of challenging the role of her brother as leader. There is much more. A study of Miriam can lead us into a deeper understanding of leadership, roles , and the amazing “Team Moses.”
Teaching point - one key to hermeneutics is understanding sequence or lists. This is important as we study the life of Miriam. God seems to say , or lists, what is the most important things first. Just think of the Ten Commandments…love God comes first….last are the commands of interacting and loving people. This holds true with names. The oldest child is named first, the youngest last. Each time the ‘team Moses’ is mentioned note the sequence. The names change order with each incident. Pay attention to this.
The story of Miriam is in three segments. 1) As a child she assisted in saving the life of Moses. (Her name is never given here.) 2) The crossing of the Red Sea – and the song of Victory. 3) Her rebellion and punishment. Yet there is so much more.
3. Read the verses slowly (listed in the title of this study). I used the NKJ version to prepare this study. If you use the KJV your wording will be a bit different. I suggest that you use NKJ, NAS, Amplified, REV or something similar. Never use a ‘paraphrase’ Bible…such as The Message, New Living Translation, etc… these are wonderful translations for recreational reading, I have them in my library also, but they are not for serious study.
As you read:
a. Make a list of words/concepts/ locations that you would like to understand better in this passage.( Just make the list.) This list will be different for everyone.
b. Mark the words for your ‘Word Search.” (Refer to the handout given earlier that explains why we do this.) (Go to the post for 5/21/10 to see information on word searches...Bible Reading Can Be Fun!)
For this study:
Always mark sentences that contain “but”, “because” and “for” when it means because. These words explain, compare, or show an outcome.
DAY 2- Miriam as Leader
LOOK!
Research the words/concepts that you listed in STOP # 3 (a). Write down what you find.
Lets look at Miriam’s role and leadership style.
1. Exodus 2:4-9 (for detailed information read 1-10) Do you see any leadership traits? Give a brief summary of Miriam’s attitude and actions. Note-she is not even named here.
2. Exodus 15:20-21 (for detailed information read Chapter 14 and 15:1-21). Give a brief summary of her attitude and actions. Who did she lead? Who followed? What was the focus of her actions?
3.What was the title given to her? What is a prophetess? Do we ever read/hear of any of her prophecies?
4.Who is another prophetess we have studied? Do you see any similarities in their roles or actions?
DAY 3 – Miriam in Sin
(LOOK continued)
1. Numbers 12 is the story of the rebellion against Moses. Who was part of the rebellion? What was it all about?
Where in these verses do we see proof that Miriam was a leader?
Where do we see proof that she was a prophetess?
Who was punished? Why only Miriam? (we really do not know.)
Miriam was loved. Where do we see this?
2. Lets see Moses part in this. What is his action/attitude toward Miriam?
3. Lets see Aaron’s part in this. What is his action/attitude toward Miriam?
What did Aaron say/do? Who did he speak to?
Notice the sequence of names each time they are given. Sequence gives order of importance
4.Lets see Gods part in this:
To whom did God speak?
Who spoke to God?
Miriam’s problem seemed to be that she was not happy with her role on the “Moses Team.” She was a prophetess, leader of women, close family confident of both Moses and Aaron, but that was not enough her. She had seen the power of God and his dealings with sin, yet, for some reason, perhaps jealousy over a new wife of ‘Gods Servant,’ Miriam tried to usurp the power and position of Moses. We don’t really know why, but many scholars think that the new wife might have had the ear and attention of Moses, and took the position of favor from Miriam.
DAY 4 – Miriam a Person of Importance
(LOOK Continued)
At the end of this study we will ask….Why did God give us so much information about Miriam?
I think it gets down to…Miriam was important to God and should be important to us. Lets think about some other aspects of her life.
A study of the life of Miriam is a study of decades of history and major events in the life of the Hebrew nation. Think of all she witnessed and was part of: she helped her mother save Moses from death, she saw his rise to power in the family of the pharaoh, and then lost him for years as he ran into the wilderness to meet God. Miriam was present when Moses returned to Egypt and was witness to the plagues, the first Passover. She walked through the parted waters of the sea, then danced with the women in joy and praise of God. She was assigned the position of leader by God.
Miriam was witness to the giving of the Ten Commandments, the sin of the golden calf, the march through the wilderness, the manna and quail, the sending of the spies into the land, the budding of Aaron’s rod, etc… Being a part of the family she not only knew about these incidents, but was intimately involved with the decision making, hearing the discussions and personally feeling the results on the leadership. She was there at the giving of the Law and the instructions for the building of the tabernacle. In fact, after her sin, when the laws of daily life were given, Miriam was used, by name, to explain something….Deut. 24:8-9 (For a more thorough understanding, read the entire chapter.)
We often overlook the amazing fact that Miriam was highly regarded by God. This may seem a strange comment because all we remember is her sin and fall, but on closer study we see that Miriam was part of the “Moses Team” of Moses, Aaron and Miriam. Not only was she part of the family, she helped save the baby, and she was gifted by God as a prophetess, one chosen by God to speak His message. What other facts might indicate how important she was to God and the entire wilderness wanderings?
We have been studying women in the Genealogy of Jesus. Lets look at three genealogies that mention Moses and see about Miriam.
1. Write out 1 Chron. 6:2-5( read vs 1-30 for more information.) Were there other women named? If so who, and why/why not
2.Write out Numb. 26:58-60 (read vs 57-62 for more information). Were there other women mentioned? If so who and why/why not?
3. Only select women are mentioned in the genealogies. Miriam is always mentioned with her brothers. Imagine – she had both Moses, and Aaron as brothers - the leader and the first High Priest– what a blessed family. If she was simply a sister, along-for-the-ride, she would not have been mentioned in such detail. She was an important part of that amazing family. She is so important, that hundreds of years later she is mentioned by name in Micah 6:4. This is an important verse in determining Miriam’s importance and place in history. Write out this verse.
This verse does seem to indicate that Miriam was an important part of the leadership team for the Hebrew people. Miriam, a woman, was chosen by God to be a part of HIS important plan to make a nation of the Hebrews, and to get them into the Promised Land….. the Holy Land.
DAY 5
LISTEN!
Always ask our four questions:
The first prophetess named in Scripture.
1.How does 2 Tim. 3:16-17 apply to the story of Miriam. “All Scripture…doctrine, reproof, correction, training and righteousness…..so that the woman of God may be complete…all good works”…..why all this information about Miriam? Is it just part of the story of Aaron and Moses, or is it special unto itself?
2. What if the detailed story of Miriam was left out of Scripture?
3.What is God trying to teach us (women) through this story?
4.How can we/you apply what you have learned about Miriam be applied to your life today ?
(I think we can learn and apply principles of leadership, the role of women, and the love of God as He forgives us)….what else?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Beginning Notes on Deborah-the Prophetess
We often forget about the women who were prophetesses when we consider leadership. Prophetesses were gifted by God to speak His message to the people, just as the male prophets. Their mode of operation was very different from that of the firey, active, very vocal male prophets such as Jeremiah and Isaiah, yet they were leaders of the nation. The women prophetess usually worked behind the scenes, not on the "front lines." Examples of prophetesses are Miriam, Deborah, Hulda, the daughters of Philip, and even Anna of Luke 2.
Read Judges 4 and 5. Look for action words that describe the actions of Deborah.
Deborah was a judge and a prophetess. As a judge she led the country in the civil, or governmental issues that came into question. As a prophetess she spoke the word of God to the people. During her time we have no mention of any male judge or prophet. Deborah led the people, men and women.
Without a question Deborah was a leader. Respecting her as a wise woman who heard from God and knew His Law, the people of Israel came to her for guidance. What comes into question is whether she was a military leader or not. Many people call her the first woman Army General. A closer examination of her actions may call this into question. Deborah used her communion with God, her gift of prophecy, to guide Barak, the Army leader. When the word of the Lord came to Deborah, she summoned Barak and directed him to obey God by forming an army against the oppressor. Deborah was a prophetess, not an Army General.
In the book of Hebrews, Barak is mentioned as a champion of faith, not Deborah.Perhaps because she was a prophetess her faith "came naturally" and the faith of Barak did not. Barak needed to have strong faith to believe in the prophetess Deborah. Barak had to stretch his belief that the true, living God could deliver Israel from the onslaught of the enemy, and listen to the word of Deborah. Deborah was a leader as a prophetess, Barak was a leader as the Army General.
Chapter 5 of Judges is a song about the battle. It was common in biblical times to record major events in the form of song that the people could sing, understand and remember. Deborah the prophetess, not the Army General, heard the word of the Lord and was obedient to God's call. She came forward to lead her nation, inspiring others to believe her message from God and follow in faith.
Read one of the prophets such as Amos or Zephaniah (I chose these two because they are very short. As a challenge read Isiah or Jeremiah!!) and compare their lives and actions to that of Deborah, Miriam, Hulda (We will study these last two in detail later.) How was the God-ordained role of the prophetess the same, or different from the role of the male prophet?
Some women were instrumental in 'saving the seed,' such as Esther and Rahab....I think Deborah was used by God to save the people of Israel from a terrible slaughter...saving the seed..
The complete outline Stop! Look! Listen! for Deborah will be added in a few days.
Read Judges 4 and 5. Look for action words that describe the actions of Deborah.
Deborah was a judge and a prophetess. As a judge she led the country in the civil, or governmental issues that came into question. As a prophetess she spoke the word of God to the people. During her time we have no mention of any male judge or prophet. Deborah led the people, men and women.
Without a question Deborah was a leader. Respecting her as a wise woman who heard from God and knew His Law, the people of Israel came to her for guidance. What comes into question is whether she was a military leader or not. Many people call her the first woman Army General. A closer examination of her actions may call this into question. Deborah used her communion with God, her gift of prophecy, to guide Barak, the Army leader. When the word of the Lord came to Deborah, she summoned Barak and directed him to obey God by forming an army against the oppressor. Deborah was a prophetess, not an Army General.
In the book of Hebrews, Barak is mentioned as a champion of faith, not Deborah.Perhaps because she was a prophetess her faith "came naturally" and the faith of Barak did not. Barak needed to have strong faith to believe in the prophetess Deborah. Barak had to stretch his belief that the true, living God could deliver Israel from the onslaught of the enemy, and listen to the word of Deborah. Deborah was a leader as a prophetess, Barak was a leader as the Army General.
Chapter 5 of Judges is a song about the battle. It was common in biblical times to record major events in the form of song that the people could sing, understand and remember. Deborah the prophetess, not the Army General, heard the word of the Lord and was obedient to God's call. She came forward to lead her nation, inspiring others to believe her message from God and follow in faith.
Read one of the prophets such as Amos or Zephaniah (I chose these two because they are very short. As a challenge read Isiah or Jeremiah!!) and compare their lives and actions to that of Deborah, Miriam, Hulda (We will study these last two in detail later.) How was the God-ordained role of the prophetess the same, or different from the role of the male prophet?
Some women were instrumental in 'saving the seed,' such as Esther and Rahab....I think Deborah was used by God to save the people of Israel from a terrible slaughter...saving the seed..
The complete outline Stop! Look! Listen! for Deborah will be added in a few days.
Athaliah - Only Female Monarch of Israel
2 Kings 11; 2 Chron. 22:1-4, 10-12; 2 Chron. 23; 2 Kings 8:26
STOP!
1.Ask yourself, “Why am I studying Athaliah? She was an evil queen.” Most of us cannot recount ever hearing a sermon about this woman. We may have heard the story of baby King Joash, but the focus was on him, not necessarily on what we might learn from Queen Athaliah. Why do you think a study of Athaliah is important? (If you don’t know, write that down.)
2 Gather information. Read the Scripture related to Queen Athaliah. Slow down and look at each word.
3. Start a list of key words, repeated words or concepts you might not understand in these verses. (In the “Look” phase you will research these)
For the study of Queen Athaliah you might list these plus a few more:
a. Who is Jehoiada
b. Who Jehosheba
c. The people ‘rejoiced’ at the report of her death – why?
d. Baal worship
e. Why was the child hidden in the temple?
5. Stop and “Scan the horizon” for geography. Where does this story take place? The city. The exact place.
LOOK!!
1. Read the verses about Athaliah again. Spend time in this phase to research and study what the verses are saying.
2. Go to the list that you wrote in the “Stop” section, and research the words and concepts that you would like to know more about. You are “looking’ to see detail and gain information. Did you find out anything that surprised you?
3. Look right and look left!! See what has gone before and comes after the story of Athaliah. Read 2 Kings 10, all that is in 2 Chronicles 22, and 2 Chronicles 24. How do these chapters impact the story of Athaliah?
4. Begin to ask questions.
a. Who was The Queen Athaliah? Give a brief description.
b. Athaliah was the first, and only Queen that ruled Israel. Why?
c. Scripture says that the people rejoiced when Athaliah overthrew the throne. Why didn’t the people rebel in the beginning? What must life have been like with the leader of the country forcing Baal worship on the country?
d. How did she come to the throne, and what happened to Judah after Joash took over the throne?
e. Why would God have allowed this to happen? What was the spiritual climate in Judah during this time? Had any prophets warned of this?
f. Why did she kill her grandsons? Her own husband had his brothers killed to secure the throne for himself. Athaliah had much evil around her.
g.To think about….What happened to the mothers of those murdered? What happened to the mother of baby Joash?
h. Why was the temple a good place to hide Joash?
i. What are the only words are recorded that she spoke? Are they important? (It is interesting that she should cry out “Treason” when she was the queen of treason and bloodshed.)
j. Why didn’t the people rise up against her…they ‘rejoiced’ when she was over thrown. What does this teach us about today? God let things go along for six years…..let the people have their way until His time had come to stop the evil.
k. Think about: The priest and people seemed to rather have a six year old on the throne than Athaliah.
l. What does it mean “she tore her clothes?”
m. Athaliah the first and only female ruler of Israel? Was she appointed by God or by human choice? What is the plan or pattern that we see in both the Old and New Testament regarding women and leadership?
n. Think about: Why did things get so bad. Why did the people stray? Was there warnings? Many previous rulers had been followers of YHWY…yet things had changed…how? Why?
o. Most important of all….why bother spending all this time studying such an evil woman?
LISTEN
Lessons learned. God is in control. He promised that a seed would reign on the throne of David. Despite the plans of this evil, pagan woman the seed (Joash) did survive.
What if this detailed account of the reign of Queen Athaliah was left out of Scripture. We would have missed seeing the story of the only woman who ruled Judah. We would have missed the details of how God kept His promise to Israel to always have a descendant of David on the throne.
What can we take from the story of Athaliah to apply to our lives today?
The key to this story is how God is faithful to his promises. He promised Davidic line to sit on the throne of Israel. Mans schemes cannot usurp the plans of God. Evil reared its ugly head and almost ‘destroyed the seed.’
God let the people have their way until it was His time to make the correction. Sometimes God lets a nation have what it wants (or thinks it wants) for a period of time, before He acts.
The nation follows their leader. God controls the ‘throne’ of any country.
Families do have a major influence over the lives and beliefs of their children… good or bad. If you are a mom or a grandmom how does your life affect the next generation (s)? Do you need to make any changes? (BUT REMEMBER…each person makes their own decision and choices in life. No matter how Godly a home a child comes from they can still stray from the ways of God. This is not your fault.)
For Deeper Study
Dig deeper: Write out the genealogy of Athaliah to see who “her people” were, and how her life was shaped. (List the verses)
Grandfather
Father
Mother
Husband
Son
Athaliah is in the bloodline of Joseph, husband of Mary, but not the bloodline of Mary. The evil ‘genealogy’ of Athaliah does not reach Jesus. The bloodline of Jesus goes through Nathan son of David, not Solomon (the line of Athaliah).
STOP!
1.Ask yourself, “Why am I studying Athaliah? She was an evil queen.” Most of us cannot recount ever hearing a sermon about this woman. We may have heard the story of baby King Joash, but the focus was on him, not necessarily on what we might learn from Queen Athaliah. Why do you think a study of Athaliah is important? (If you don’t know, write that down.)
2 Gather information. Read the Scripture related to Queen Athaliah. Slow down and look at each word.
3. Start a list of key words, repeated words or concepts you might not understand in these verses. (In the “Look” phase you will research these)
For the study of Queen Athaliah you might list these plus a few more:
a. Who is Jehoiada
b. Who Jehosheba
c. The people ‘rejoiced’ at the report of her death – why?
d. Baal worship
e. Why was the child hidden in the temple?
5. Stop and “Scan the horizon” for geography. Where does this story take place? The city. The exact place.
LOOK!!
1. Read the verses about Athaliah again. Spend time in this phase to research and study what the verses are saying.
2. Go to the list that you wrote in the “Stop” section, and research the words and concepts that you would like to know more about. You are “looking’ to see detail and gain information. Did you find out anything that surprised you?
3. Look right and look left!! See what has gone before and comes after the story of Athaliah. Read 2 Kings 10, all that is in 2 Chronicles 22, and 2 Chronicles 24. How do these chapters impact the story of Athaliah?
4. Begin to ask questions.
a. Who was The Queen Athaliah? Give a brief description.
b. Athaliah was the first, and only Queen that ruled Israel. Why?
c. Scripture says that the people rejoiced when Athaliah overthrew the throne. Why didn’t the people rebel in the beginning? What must life have been like with the leader of the country forcing Baal worship on the country?
d. How did she come to the throne, and what happened to Judah after Joash took over the throne?
e. Why would God have allowed this to happen? What was the spiritual climate in Judah during this time? Had any prophets warned of this?
f. Why did she kill her grandsons? Her own husband had his brothers killed to secure the throne for himself. Athaliah had much evil around her.
g.To think about….What happened to the mothers of those murdered? What happened to the mother of baby Joash?
h. Why was the temple a good place to hide Joash?
i. What are the only words are recorded that she spoke? Are they important? (It is interesting that she should cry out “Treason” when she was the queen of treason and bloodshed.)
j. Why didn’t the people rise up against her…they ‘rejoiced’ when she was over thrown. What does this teach us about today? God let things go along for six years…..let the people have their way until His time had come to stop the evil.
k. Think about: The priest and people seemed to rather have a six year old on the throne than Athaliah.
l. What does it mean “she tore her clothes?”
m. Athaliah the first and only female ruler of Israel? Was she appointed by God or by human choice? What is the plan or pattern that we see in both the Old and New Testament regarding women and leadership?
n. Think about: Why did things get so bad. Why did the people stray? Was there warnings? Many previous rulers had been followers of YHWY…yet things had changed…how? Why?
o. Most important of all….why bother spending all this time studying such an evil woman?
LISTEN
Lessons learned. God is in control. He promised that a seed would reign on the throne of David. Despite the plans of this evil, pagan woman the seed (Joash) did survive.
What if this detailed account of the reign of Queen Athaliah was left out of Scripture. We would have missed seeing the story of the only woman who ruled Judah. We would have missed the details of how God kept His promise to Israel to always have a descendant of David on the throne.
What can we take from the story of Athaliah to apply to our lives today?
The key to this story is how God is faithful to his promises. He promised Davidic line to sit on the throne of Israel. Mans schemes cannot usurp the plans of God. Evil reared its ugly head and almost ‘destroyed the seed.’
God let the people have their way until it was His time to make the correction. Sometimes God lets a nation have what it wants (or thinks it wants) for a period of time, before He acts.
The nation follows their leader. God controls the ‘throne’ of any country.
Families do have a major influence over the lives and beliefs of their children… good or bad. If you are a mom or a grandmom how does your life affect the next generation (s)? Do you need to make any changes? (BUT REMEMBER…each person makes their own decision and choices in life. No matter how Godly a home a child comes from they can still stray from the ways of God. This is not your fault.)
For Deeper Study
Dig deeper: Write out the genealogy of Athaliah to see who “her people” were, and how her life was shaped. (List the verses)
Grandfather
Father
Mother
Husband
Son
Athaliah is in the bloodline of Joseph, husband of Mary, but not the bloodline of Mary. The evil ‘genealogy’ of Athaliah does not reach Jesus. The bloodline of Jesus goes through Nathan son of David, not Solomon (the line of Athaliah).
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The wife of Job....comments
From my friend Kathy in California...guess we need to study the wife of Job......
"She's so renouned for her suggesting Job curse God and die. Nobody ever seems to remember that she, too!!!!!, lost 10 children, friends, servants, and her entire life/lifestyle! Why is that? Granted, she's not the focus of the life of Job but to relegate her to in passing comments and some mean-spirited character isn't exactly an honest portrayal...in my thinking.
She must have been reeling...devastated...wounded to her very spirit. Her children! Gone! She carried them in her body, she raised them, she loved them and they were her blessing. Back in those times many children were considered a blessing. She certainly did her part. (Not once, but then again a whole new family. She was no longer young then, either!) She too, had faithful servants and friends and she enjoyed the wealth her husband brought to the family. Suddenly, that's all gone and now even her husband is decaying before her very eyes. Gosh! Perhaps she had "An Elijah Moment".... utter dispair and depression. Maybe she'd had a total over-flow of 'enough'.
I have a thought about her. If she was such a mean, doubting woman, surely God would not have blessed her with many more children. If she had disrespected Job in the literal sense, she would not have been blessed by God. She must have had some guts, is all I can say.
I know that as Christians we don't tend to tell our slowly dying loved ones to 'curse God and die'.
It would be the exact wrong thing to say. The comment seems so out of place, so far away from who Job was. God obviously didn't strike her dead where she stood. Since He knows our very hearts He must have understood her immeasurable grief and He also mightily blessed her once again. I cannot imagine what they went through. I have two deceased brothers....other family members. Just the loss of two brothers is a crushing weight. I cannot imagine having 10 children and all of them being dead long before they reached old age.
I'm hard-pressed to think poorly of Job's wife or relegate her to some 'bitchy wife' category.
We simply do not know enough about her to describe her character. I'd prefer to give her the benefit of the doubt.
But then....that's just me!
SO....what are your thoughts?"
Kathie...my thoughts are that we do need to study her more!!
.
.
"She's so renouned for her suggesting Job curse God and die. Nobody ever seems to remember that she, too!!!!!, lost 10 children, friends, servants, and her entire life/lifestyle! Why is that? Granted, she's not the focus of the life of Job but to relegate her to in passing comments and some mean-spirited character isn't exactly an honest portrayal...in my thinking.
She must have been reeling...devastated...wounded to her very spirit. Her children! Gone! She carried them in her body, she raised them, she loved them and they were her blessing. Back in those times many children were considered a blessing. She certainly did her part. (Not once, but then again a whole new family. She was no longer young then, either!) She too, had faithful servants and friends and she enjoyed the wealth her husband brought to the family. Suddenly, that's all gone and now even her husband is decaying before her very eyes. Gosh! Perhaps she had "An Elijah Moment".... utter dispair and depression. Maybe she'd had a total over-flow of 'enough'.
I have a thought about her. If she was such a mean, doubting woman, surely God would not have blessed her with many more children. If she had disrespected Job in the literal sense, she would not have been blessed by God. She must have had some guts, is all I can say.
I know that as Christians we don't tend to tell our slowly dying loved ones to 'curse God and die'.
It would be the exact wrong thing to say. The comment seems so out of place, so far away from who Job was. God obviously didn't strike her dead where she stood. Since He knows our very hearts He must have understood her immeasurable grief and He also mightily blessed her once again. I cannot imagine what they went through. I have two deceased brothers....other family members. Just the loss of two brothers is a crushing weight. I cannot imagine having 10 children and all of them being dead long before they reached old age.
I'm hard-pressed to think poorly of Job's wife or relegate her to some 'bitchy wife' category.
We simply do not know enough about her to describe her character. I'd prefer to give her the benefit of the doubt.
But then....that's just me!
SO....what are your thoughts?"
Kathie...my thoughts are that we do need to study her more!!
.
.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bible Reading Can Be Fun ????
Bible reading can be fun. Did I just say that!! Lets be honest, it is not in me, not in most of us, to really sit down and want to read Scripture. I don’t believe it is natural to want to read Scripture. Our flesh, our ‘natural man’ (or woman), will do anything to keep us from God’s message to us. But the only way to know God and the direction for our lives is to read the words He has given to us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that all Scripture is beneficial for our learning, our correction, and to teach us doctrine, yet for most of us we neglect making Scripture reading a priority in our lives. We say we don’t have the time, we forgot, or that we don’t understand what we are reading. I have a saying…. “Bible study/reading is not for sissies.” It takes work. That’s why we call it ‘study.’
Years ago I was struggling with reading the Bible. I wanted to read it, I really did, but the world and circumstances always got in the way. So I prayed. I asked God to not only put the love of reading Scripture into my heart, but to help me carve out a time and a place to study each day. My prayers were answered, and here I am years later having read through the Bible many times…and understanding it so much that I now have with several letters after my name that indicate that I have studied and gained some professional understanding of Gods Word.
Now, I love to read Scripture. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I go to the Word every day, but having said that, I have found out several keys to ‘getting to it.’ First is prayer. If your heart is sincere and you pray for God to control your love of Scripture, you will have a desire to get into the Book.
Now the ‘fun’ part. As humans we like fun. So why not use that need to our spiritual advantage? We focus on fun as we reach out to youth – why not use fun for the rest of us too? Many people complete the daily cross word puzzle, or word search puzzle in the newspaper every day – for fun! Go to a book store or news stand and you will see a variety of puzzle books, even with a Bible emphasis. Puzzle books sell!!! Someone is reading them....so there is an interest in puzzles and word games.
Puzzles are great for learning and for comprehension because they stretch the brain and expand how your mind solves problems, while having fun. You have to slow down to work a puzzle or crossword game. While you're solving a puzzle, you're really teaching your brain to work in new ways.
I never liked crossword puzzles or word search games. It is just not part of my personality….but over the past few years God has shown me how to use this ‘puzzle stuff’ to increase my own time in the Word. I want to share it with you.
But why “Word Search” Scripture? First to get us reading Scripture!! Secondly, to give us a sense of expectation and fun (yes, Bible reading can be fun!). And thirdly, to slow us down as we read, so we increase our comprehension. As we are in the Word…the Word will get into us. I ‘word search’ as I read,and have found the most amazing things! You can too. Let me share it with you. Lets look at some words.
Always look for the words “because,’ ‘for’ (when it means because), and ‘but.’ Small words can hold the key to a sentence or entire paragraph. These three small words tend to explains something.
Words of Faith: Salvation, repent/return, grace, mercy, God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, commands, prayer, miracles, angels, eternal life, altar, worship, peace, love, giving/tithing, obey, disobedience, sin, and so many more. What about references to prophecy, heaven or hell? What are you interested in?
Words for Fun: What are you interests? What are your hobbies? What is your field of employment? Look for topics such as gardening (flowers/plants), nature/agriculture, farming, money/finance, cloth/clothing/sewing, jewelry/precious stones, family, children, women, geography, music, singing, instruments, building, military, construction, house, food, dieting, cooking.…. Are you interested in genealogy, quilting or even scrap booking? What might you look for? (What are men interested in reading about? I don’t know.)
Grammar: Basic grammar is so very important. You might look for “all, every none, not, forever, all numbers, because, for, but,, etc..” Just begin to study the word ‘but.” I was amazed I began to look at sentences that explain things with the word “but.” What about the word “if?” You might mark every question that is asked in Scripture. Is there a difference between ‘the’ and ‘a’ when it comes to ‘the angel of the Lord’ or ‘an angel of the Lord?’ Little, short words many times are very important in overall understanding. Always do look for some grammar.
As an example: I always look for references to women because I am studying their lives and the role that God has for women. (I write a “W” in the margin.) I mark any reference to God’s love of Israel with an “I.” I am a retired nurse and always mark any reference to anatomy, illness, anything medical with a “M.” I mark any reference to the land of Israel with a “L” in the margin. (You do not have to mark as many as these, but as you begin to look for words of interest to you, your list might expand as mine has.)
One year as I read through the Bible I marked any reference to war, soldiers, and military battles. I gave the marked Bible to my nephew for a Christmas present.
A teacher might look for words having to do with understanding, learning, knowledge and teaching. (There are many of these)
A mother might mark all references in Scripture about God’s role for women, women as role models, commands about godly living for women, etc… The Bible might be given to her daughter ‘manual,’ , or to her son as a guideline for finding a godly wife.
You will not find your word (s) in every section of Scripture, but keep looking, remember that this is a word search! Some interests might now translate over to word study in Scripture. What about sports, t.v. or computers…won’t find much! For the best results, and to keep your interest (after all, keeping your interest is what this is all about), choose words that will be found, and found frequently, in Scripture. )
Your search results may be longer in the Old Testament, or New Testament, due to the specific topic you choose. “God” will be found in the OT and the NT, what about “Jesus”? What about “Holy Spirit?” If you are interested in spiritual gifts, you won’t find much in the Old Testament.
Try it…you might just get hooked!!!! Just think – looking forward to reading Scripture every day…what a concept.
WORD SEARCH EXERCISES
The “Word Search Puzzle” starting point is to pick four words that you will search, one word from each of the previous given lists, or select words that are of interest to you:
1. Faith:______________
2. Fun:________________
3. Grammar:___________________
4. Always mark ‘because, for and but”. God explains things and we don’t want to miss them!
Puzzle #1 . I suggest you try this technique with your current Sunday School or Bible Study lesson. The goal is to keep our interest as we read Scripture. This works on short sections of Scripture, topical studies, as well as reading longer passages.
Puzzle #2: Try this puzzle exercise on Scripture that you have found difficult or boring in the past. (Sorry Mr. Job – that is your book for me. I just read the 5-7 chapters of Hosea with interest and new understanding.)
Notice how you have to slow down and look at each word! In my life I realized that one reason that I was not understanding Scripture was that I was ‘speed reading.’ For years high school taught speed reading, yet did not teach “speed comprehension.” When I forced myself to slow down and look at each word I was amazed at what I read, and what I remembered.
This morning I read for an hour and marked words such as because, but, for, covenant, land of Israel, and any reference to Gods love for Israel. That was my list.
Try it and let me know what you think. jpsant@netzero.net.
Addendum....here is an article that I wrote last year about Bible Study (reading)/. It sure applies here....
Bible Study: Who Do We Think We are Fooling?
We attend a Sunday School Class or Bible Study on Sunday; maybe a Wednesday night Bible Study; and maybe even a midweek Bible Study. My question is – who do we think we are fooling? Do we really study, or just show up and expect someone to give us a lecture?
If we do open up the study book to prepare, (not even opening the Bible), we spend a few minutes and call that study. If we do open up Scripture during the week we read it over quickly, and then think we have studied.
Who do we think we are fooling? Only ourselves.
After teaching Bible Study for almost every Sunday for 20 years, in eight different churches, I know that for the average attendee there is no preparation – no study.
At the beginning of each meeting I usually ask, “Who had time to study and prepare this week.” The result is usually pretty dismal.
Who do we think we are fooling?
Churches are beginning to change the of Bible Studies to be more ‘seeker friendly.” We now have “fellowship meetings or “care groups.” The emphasis is off the Bible and on to relationships to attract the ‘seeker.’ We have little accountability, and less expectation for the attendees.
Who do we think we are fooling? Bible Study is just that-study.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that all Scripture is beneficial for our learning, our correction, and to teach us doctrine, yet for most of us we neglect making Scripture reading a priority in our lives. We say we don’t have the time, we forgot, or that we don’t understand what we are reading. I have a saying…. “Bible study/reading is not for sissies.” It takes work. That’s why we call it ‘study.’
Years ago I was struggling with reading the Bible. I wanted to read it, I really did, but the world and circumstances always got in the way. So I prayed. I asked God to not only put the love of reading Scripture into my heart, but to help me carve out a time and a place to study each day. My prayers were answered, and here I am years later having read through the Bible many times…and understanding it so much that I now have with several letters after my name that indicate that I have studied and gained some professional understanding of Gods Word.
Now, I love to read Scripture. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I go to the Word every day, but having said that, I have found out several keys to ‘getting to it.’ First is prayer. If your heart is sincere and you pray for God to control your love of Scripture, you will have a desire to get into the Book.
Now the ‘fun’ part. As humans we like fun. So why not use that need to our spiritual advantage? We focus on fun as we reach out to youth – why not use fun for the rest of us too? Many people complete the daily cross word puzzle, or word search puzzle in the newspaper every day – for fun! Go to a book store or news stand and you will see a variety of puzzle books, even with a Bible emphasis. Puzzle books sell!!! Someone is reading them....so there is an interest in puzzles and word games.
Puzzles are great for learning and for comprehension because they stretch the brain and expand how your mind solves problems, while having fun. You have to slow down to work a puzzle or crossword game. While you're solving a puzzle, you're really teaching your brain to work in new ways.
I never liked crossword puzzles or word search games. It is just not part of my personality….but over the past few years God has shown me how to use this ‘puzzle stuff’ to increase my own time in the Word. I want to share it with you.
But why “Word Search” Scripture? First to get us reading Scripture!! Secondly, to give us a sense of expectation and fun (yes, Bible reading can be fun!). And thirdly, to slow us down as we read, so we increase our comprehension. As we are in the Word…the Word will get into us. I ‘word search’ as I read,and have found the most amazing things! You can too. Let me share it with you. Lets look at some words.
Always look for the words “because,’ ‘for’ (when it means because), and ‘but.’ Small words can hold the key to a sentence or entire paragraph. These three small words tend to explains something.
Words of Faith: Salvation, repent/return, grace, mercy, God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, commands, prayer, miracles, angels, eternal life, altar, worship, peace, love, giving/tithing, obey, disobedience, sin, and so many more. What about references to prophecy, heaven or hell? What are you interested in?
Words for Fun: What are you interests? What are your hobbies? What is your field of employment? Look for topics such as gardening (flowers/plants), nature/agriculture, farming, money/finance, cloth/clothing/sewing, jewelry/precious stones, family, children, women, geography, music, singing, instruments, building, military, construction, house, food, dieting, cooking.…. Are you interested in genealogy, quilting or even scrap booking? What might you look for? (What are men interested in reading about? I don’t know.)
Grammar: Basic grammar is so very important. You might look for “all, every none, not, forever, all numbers, because, for, but,, etc..” Just begin to study the word ‘but.” I was amazed I began to look at sentences that explain things with the word “but.” What about the word “if?” You might mark every question that is asked in Scripture. Is there a difference between ‘the’ and ‘a’ when it comes to ‘the angel of the Lord’ or ‘an angel of the Lord?’ Little, short words many times are very important in overall understanding. Always do look for some grammar.
As an example: I always look for references to women because I am studying their lives and the role that God has for women. (I write a “W” in the margin.) I mark any reference to God’s love of Israel with an “I.” I am a retired nurse and always mark any reference to anatomy, illness, anything medical with a “M.” I mark any reference to the land of Israel with a “L” in the margin. (You do not have to mark as many as these, but as you begin to look for words of interest to you, your list might expand as mine has.)
One year as I read through the Bible I marked any reference to war, soldiers, and military battles. I gave the marked Bible to my nephew for a Christmas present.
A teacher might look for words having to do with understanding, learning, knowledge and teaching. (There are many of these)
A mother might mark all references in Scripture about God’s role for women, women as role models, commands about godly living for women, etc… The Bible might be given to her daughter ‘manual,’ , or to her son as a guideline for finding a godly wife.
You will not find your word (s) in every section of Scripture, but keep looking, remember that this is a word search! Some interests might now translate over to word study in Scripture. What about sports, t.v. or computers…won’t find much! For the best results, and to keep your interest (after all, keeping your interest is what this is all about), choose words that will be found, and found frequently, in Scripture. )
Your search results may be longer in the Old Testament, or New Testament, due to the specific topic you choose. “God” will be found in the OT and the NT, what about “Jesus”? What about “Holy Spirit?” If you are interested in spiritual gifts, you won’t find much in the Old Testament.
Try it…you might just get hooked!!!! Just think – looking forward to reading Scripture every day…what a concept.
WORD SEARCH EXERCISES
The “Word Search Puzzle” starting point is to pick four words that you will search, one word from each of the previous given lists, or select words that are of interest to you:
1. Faith:______________
2. Fun:________________
3. Grammar:___________________
4. Always mark ‘because, for and but”. God explains things and we don’t want to miss them!
Puzzle #1 . I suggest you try this technique with your current Sunday School or Bible Study lesson. The goal is to keep our interest as we read Scripture. This works on short sections of Scripture, topical studies, as well as reading longer passages.
Puzzle #2: Try this puzzle exercise on Scripture that you have found difficult or boring in the past. (Sorry Mr. Job – that is your book for me. I just read the 5-7 chapters of Hosea with interest and new understanding.)
Notice how you have to slow down and look at each word! In my life I realized that one reason that I was not understanding Scripture was that I was ‘speed reading.’ For years high school taught speed reading, yet did not teach “speed comprehension.” When I forced myself to slow down and look at each word I was amazed at what I read, and what I remembered.
This morning I read for an hour and marked words such as because, but, for, covenant, land of Israel, and any reference to Gods love for Israel. That was my list.
Try it and let me know what you think. jpsant@netzero.net.
Addendum....here is an article that I wrote last year about Bible Study (reading)/. It sure applies here....
Bible Study: Who Do We Think We are Fooling?
We attend a Sunday School Class or Bible Study on Sunday; maybe a Wednesday night Bible Study; and maybe even a midweek Bible Study. My question is – who do we think we are fooling? Do we really study, or just show up and expect someone to give us a lecture?
If we do open up the study book to prepare, (not even opening the Bible), we spend a few minutes and call that study. If we do open up Scripture during the week we read it over quickly, and then think we have studied.
Who do we think we are fooling? Only ourselves.
After teaching Bible Study for almost every Sunday for 20 years, in eight different churches, I know that for the average attendee there is no preparation – no study.
At the beginning of each meeting I usually ask, “Who had time to study and prepare this week.” The result is usually pretty dismal.
Who do we think we are fooling?
Churches are beginning to change the of Bible Studies to be more ‘seeker friendly.” We now have “fellowship meetings or “care groups.” The emphasis is off the Bible and on to relationships to attract the ‘seeker.’ We have little accountability, and less expectation for the attendees.
Who do we think we are fooling? Bible Study is just that-study.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11:1 to 12:25; 1 Kings 1: 1 to 2:25; 1 Chron. 3:5; Matthew 1:6
She has been called 'an immodest temptress"....is she? Was she a sinner, or a victim? Where does it show her planning and cunning? Tamar planned. Rahab planned....did Bathsheba plan anything, or was she just caught up in the palace politics. Lets look at the Scripture and not just what we 'think' we know about this story.
Day 1
STOP!
Only five women are named in the genealogy of Jesus. To have any woman mentioned by name is unusual in Jewish genealogies….so to have five women mentioned must indicate that these women were special in some way, or that God is trying to tell us something. Bathsheba is not really even named, she is called “by the wife of Uriah.”
1. Who is Bathsheba? What do you already know about her? Why is it about her life that is important to study?
2. Read the story of Bathsheba several times.
3. Always stop for the word ‘because” or “for” (when it means because) – it will explain something.
4. Start a list of key words, repeated words or concepts you might not understand in these verses. (Just write the list. In the “Look” phase you will research these). What is of interest to you? What are you noticing for the first time?
5. Make a list of all the men in her life, including her son. Look at their interactions. Who is assertive? Who is giving the suggestions, or commands? Stop and mark phrases such as 'went to,' and 'came to.'
6. Stop! Scan the horizon and look at geography. Where did this take place, and in what time period?
Day 2
Look!
1. Read these verses again. Slow down and notice each word. HEY GIRLS ARE YOU REALLY READING THESE VERSES MORE THAN ONCE ?
2. Go to the list of key or repeated words that you wrote in “STOP” section. Using a Bible Dictionary, Bible Encyclopedia, Commentaries, etc… research your list. You are “looking’ to see detail and gain information.
3. Look Left! Look Right! See what has gone before and comes after. The story of Bathsheba scans quite a time period. Much was happening. Bathsheba saw and was part of many interesting things. She saw new wives added and children born to other women. She probably knew Abigail and Michal. Her life was impacted by the war, and sins of the men around her. She had a child die because of sin. She was counseled by Nathan, and involved with palace politics by Adonijah.
4.Begin to ask questions.
a. Notice her personality. Was she assertive and scheming? Was she flexible in the hands of the men around her? Some scholars seem to think that she was cunning and sinful, and caused the adultery with David. What do you see? Can we tell?
b. Why did Nathan and Adonijah come to her? How did she respond. Remember she was the queen mother. Does Bsthsheba seem to use her political power?
c. Solomon was not the oldest son. He was the fourth son of Bathsheba. Technically the throne should have been given to another son. Why was the throne given to Solomon. It changed history.
d. She was married to a Hittite. We do not know her background. Do we see any suggestion that she was a follower of YWHW? Do we see her pray or seek the face of God.
e. What was her interaction with her son, and David?
f. We probably never consider the sorrow she had in life. She lost a husband. She lost a child. She was driven by her home when David left Jerusalem in flight. She shared Davids time of conquest and times of running.
g. She gave birth to one of the greatest kings in the history of the Bible. He was said to have been the wisest man on earth. I wonder if she was alive to see him as a man. To see the things he accomplished? To see the building of the Temple? Might she have been present in court when the two women came and claimed the one baby?
Day 3
Scripture gives no indication that she was a believer in the God of the Hebrews. Yet, Bathsheba experienced the grace of God. Thought she was probably a pagan, and involved with adultery, she was in the lineage of Jesus, and God wrote her name for all eternity in Scripture.
Begin to learn the lineage of Jesus. Bathsheba and David begat Solomon….Solomon begat……who????
How does 2 Tim. 3:16 apply to this story?
How do our four P’s apply to this story? Practice. Principle. Precept and Progressive Revelation.
Of other women we have said, “she was determined to get what was due her.” Can we say this about Bathsheba? She as been called everything from “sinner” to “victim.” Look at her actions. Was she assertive? David comes to her. Nathan comes to her. Adonijah comes to her. She seems less assertive than Queen Esther, and definitely less assertive than Queen Athaliah. She did have some power as the Queen Mother...how does she use that power?
God reprimands David, through the prophet Nathan, for his sin. God never says Bathsheba is a sinner, in fact, Nathan likens her to a “little lamb.” So….was she a sinner, or a poor woman caught up in a man’s sin. She had the sorrow of losing a husband and a child. We never see her scheming or planning.
Bathsheba had four sons by David. Did you know that one of the sons, Nathan, is in the genealogy of Jesus…in the line of Mary (!!) The line through Solomon goes through the house of Joseph. Amazing…she has two boys that are in the genealogy of Jesus.
Day 4
LISTEN!
Notice that there are many men in the genealogy of Jesus that are “just names.” We know nothing about them. Yet for each woman in the genealogy, Scripture gives us information about her. What are some reasons that you think that God gave us this story of Bathsheba. Yes the focus on these verses about Bathsheba relate to the life and reign of David. This is what we usually study....but Bathsheba was very much part of the life of David.
Complete your chart comparing the five women. Are you getting any real idea about why these five women might be listed in the genealogy, and not others such as Sarah and Rebekah?
Now that we have studied Bathsheba in detail…have any of your previous ideas about her changed? Was she a ‘good girl’ or a ‘bad girl?’ Yes, one of our lessons from her is that women should be more modest and not an instrument of temptation to a man. We sure could and should teach that today....even in our churches!
A personal question…..How many times did you read these verses? It is very important to read them more than once.
Now our three questions:
1. What if this story had never been told?
2. What is God trying to tell us in this story? Is it all about David or Uriah or even Nathan, and their actions?
3. How can I apply what I have learned from this lesson to my life today? This is the most important part of our study! Write out your answer:
She has been called 'an immodest temptress"....is she? Was she a sinner, or a victim? Where does it show her planning and cunning? Tamar planned. Rahab planned....did Bathsheba plan anything, or was she just caught up in the palace politics. Lets look at the Scripture and not just what we 'think' we know about this story.
Day 1
STOP!
Only five women are named in the genealogy of Jesus. To have any woman mentioned by name is unusual in Jewish genealogies….so to have five women mentioned must indicate that these women were special in some way, or that God is trying to tell us something. Bathsheba is not really even named, she is called “by the wife of Uriah.”
1. Who is Bathsheba? What do you already know about her? Why is it about her life that is important to study?
2. Read the story of Bathsheba several times.
3. Always stop for the word ‘because” or “for” (when it means because) – it will explain something.
4. Start a list of key words, repeated words or concepts you might not understand in these verses. (Just write the list. In the “Look” phase you will research these). What is of interest to you? What are you noticing for the first time?
5. Make a list of all the men in her life, including her son. Look at their interactions. Who is assertive? Who is giving the suggestions, or commands? Stop and mark phrases such as 'went to,' and 'came to.'
6. Stop! Scan the horizon and look at geography. Where did this take place, and in what time period?
Day 2
Look!
1. Read these verses again. Slow down and notice each word. HEY GIRLS ARE YOU REALLY READING THESE VERSES MORE THAN ONCE ?
2. Go to the list of key or repeated words that you wrote in “STOP” section. Using a Bible Dictionary, Bible Encyclopedia, Commentaries, etc… research your list. You are “looking’ to see detail and gain information.
3. Look Left! Look Right! See what has gone before and comes after. The story of Bathsheba scans quite a time period. Much was happening. Bathsheba saw and was part of many interesting things. She saw new wives added and children born to other women. She probably knew Abigail and Michal. Her life was impacted by the war, and sins of the men around her. She had a child die because of sin. She was counseled by Nathan, and involved with palace politics by Adonijah.
4.Begin to ask questions.
a. Notice her personality. Was she assertive and scheming? Was she flexible in the hands of the men around her? Some scholars seem to think that she was cunning and sinful, and caused the adultery with David. What do you see? Can we tell?
b. Why did Nathan and Adonijah come to her? How did she respond. Remember she was the queen mother. Does Bsthsheba seem to use her political power?
c. Solomon was not the oldest son. He was the fourth son of Bathsheba. Technically the throne should have been given to another son. Why was the throne given to Solomon. It changed history.
d. She was married to a Hittite. We do not know her background. Do we see any suggestion that she was a follower of YWHW? Do we see her pray or seek the face of God.
e. What was her interaction with her son, and David?
f. We probably never consider the sorrow she had in life. She lost a husband. She lost a child. She was driven by her home when David left Jerusalem in flight. She shared Davids time of conquest and times of running.
g. She gave birth to one of the greatest kings in the history of the Bible. He was said to have been the wisest man on earth. I wonder if she was alive to see him as a man. To see the things he accomplished? To see the building of the Temple? Might she have been present in court when the two women came and claimed the one baby?
Day 3
Scripture gives no indication that she was a believer in the God of the Hebrews. Yet, Bathsheba experienced the grace of God. Thought she was probably a pagan, and involved with adultery, she was in the lineage of Jesus, and God wrote her name for all eternity in Scripture.
Begin to learn the lineage of Jesus. Bathsheba and David begat Solomon….Solomon begat……who????
How does 2 Tim. 3:16 apply to this story?
How do our four P’s apply to this story? Practice. Principle. Precept and Progressive Revelation.
Of other women we have said, “she was determined to get what was due her.” Can we say this about Bathsheba? She as been called everything from “sinner” to “victim.” Look at her actions. Was she assertive? David comes to her. Nathan comes to her. Adonijah comes to her. She seems less assertive than Queen Esther, and definitely less assertive than Queen Athaliah. She did have some power as the Queen Mother...how does she use that power?
God reprimands David, through the prophet Nathan, for his sin. God never says Bathsheba is a sinner, in fact, Nathan likens her to a “little lamb.” So….was she a sinner, or a poor woman caught up in a man’s sin. She had the sorrow of losing a husband and a child. We never see her scheming or planning.
Bathsheba had four sons by David. Did you know that one of the sons, Nathan, is in the genealogy of Jesus…in the line of Mary (!!) The line through Solomon goes through the house of Joseph. Amazing…she has two boys that are in the genealogy of Jesus.
Day 4
LISTEN!
Notice that there are many men in the genealogy of Jesus that are “just names.” We know nothing about them. Yet for each woman in the genealogy, Scripture gives us information about her. What are some reasons that you think that God gave us this story of Bathsheba. Yes the focus on these verses about Bathsheba relate to the life and reign of David. This is what we usually study....but Bathsheba was very much part of the life of David.
Complete your chart comparing the five women. Are you getting any real idea about why these five women might be listed in the genealogy, and not others such as Sarah and Rebekah?
Now that we have studied Bathsheba in detail…have any of your previous ideas about her changed? Was she a ‘good girl’ or a ‘bad girl?’ Yes, one of our lessons from her is that women should be more modest and not an instrument of temptation to a man. We sure could and should teach that today....even in our churches!
A personal question…..How many times did you read these verses? It is very important to read them more than once.
Now our three questions:
1. What if this story had never been told?
2. What is God trying to tell us in this story? Is it all about David or Uriah or even Nathan, and their actions?
3. How can I apply what I have learned from this lesson to my life today? This is the most important part of our study! Write out your answer:
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Rahab
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! Bible Study Technique
Rahab – Joshua 2:1-21; 6:17-25; Matt 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25
Day 1
We continue our study of the women in the genealogy of Jesus. Why were just these five women mentioned by name? What is so special about them, that they should stand out, even above Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, etc… In fact, we know of seventeen women in the line of Jesus. The majority are just names on the page, with no further information about them. Most of us have never studied Tamar, Rahab or Bathsheba. What is God trying to say to us through their lives, and what is so special about them that they are mentioned by name in the Matthew 1?
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions.
Read all the verses. Note that Rahab is mentioned twice in the New Testament. This is very unusual. She is mentioned in James, and she is listed in the “Hall of Faith” in the book of Hebrews. Who is this women and what do we know about her?
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language).
b. Mark any words that are of interest to you.
Day 2 LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
Research the words from the STOP! section that you noted that you do not fully understand. Where did this story take place? What period of time/history does this involve?
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding events affect this story? How does this story affect the events that follow? Also….”scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Find it on a map. Geography is important.
The remain of Jericho can be visited today – it is considered one of the oldest cities in the world.
List the men associated with her life, and her family - and note how they interact with her. Why did the king of Jericho come to her and ask about seeing the men? Also think about what history/miracles that she witnessed or was part of during her life that might not be mentioned specifically in these verses, What might have happened to Rahab after this episode?
How old was she? Was she really a harlot? Was she a believer in YWHW? Did God use a liar to save the men?
God tells Joshua to kill all the people. Many people say that this is not the merciful God that we worship, but lets think about it. Rahab said that for forty years the people of the Holy Land had seen the miracles that God/YWHW did for the Hebrews. Only Rahab had enough belief in that God to act on that faith. How long is God suppose to wait for someone to repent and turn from pagan ways and faith in Him? So as we study about the conquest of Canaan let us remember that the pagan people had been warned, and that they had seen the miracles of God - yet had not turned to Him. God saved Rahab because of her faith.
She is mentioned in James and in the “Hall of Faith,” What lessons can we learn by these verses?
Of all the events in the Old Testament, James uses Rahab as an example of active faith. What you learned from
James 2:25:_______________
Of all the people in the Old Testament only a few are named in Hebrews 11 – called the Hall of Faith. Only two women are mentioned, Rahab is one. What you learned from Hebrews 11? _______________________________________
Rahab had a strong sense of family. She saved her family in the 'escape plan' that would save her life. Perhaps this is one aspect that we might investigate more closely. As we look at the five women in the genealogy of Jesus perhaps it is this sense of family that draws them together for special recognition....Bathsheba? We will study her soon.
Speaking about Bathsheba....Rahab showed a strong sense of action and courage. She dealt with the men in an assertive manner.......do we see this in Bathsheba?
Was she the only one in Jericho that believed all the stories about the Israelites and their God. Perhaps. She believed and she acted in that belief. The city knew that the Israelites were coming, yet we only see Rahab acting to help them. God’s timing. God’s divine appointment. God’s love and mercy.
We do not see her praying.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for…” What application are the verses…. ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for….
a. doctrine(teaching),
b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction),
c. for correction(correction of error),
d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings),
e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete (having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands) ,
f. thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ ”
How do these fit in with out study of Rahab?
I wonder what happened to her after the city fell. She and her family were taken to the camp of the Israelites (thought it seems that they had to live away from the people). We know that she married a man named Salmon, perhaps one of the two spies, and had a son named Boaz….I wonder if she was still alive when Boaz met Ruth?
What other things might she have experienced. The conquest of the other cities. The death of the family that kept back treasures from Jericho.
Day 3
Now look at our “Four P’s”
Practice: Ask what is the ongoing custom or tradition that is repeated? What can we learn from this that will influence our understanding of the story?
Precepts: Look for specific rules, commands, or instructions. Are any given? “Thou shalt not kill.” Wives and husbands are told to love each other and to be submissive to each other….
Principle: A belief, a standard. A general truth. A fundamental assumption. A generally acceptable rule of action or behavior, i.e. moral principles. General biblical principles might include the Trinity (the word “trinity” never appears in Scripture”, the sovereignty of God (as seen in the story of Esther – thought never called “the sovereignty of God.” Principles often overlap with practice
Progressive Revelation: This is information that is unveiled a little at a time. Genesis through Malachi slowly unveils teachings of the Messiah to come.
Day 4 LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses? Why is she mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus?
What would we have missed if this story had not been written?
What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!
Rahab – Joshua 2:1-21; 6:17-25; Matt 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25
Day 1
We continue our study of the women in the genealogy of Jesus. Why were just these five women mentioned by name? What is so special about them, that they should stand out, even above Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, etc… In fact, we know of seventeen women in the line of Jesus. The majority are just names on the page, with no further information about them. Most of us have never studied Tamar, Rahab or Bathsheba. What is God trying to say to us through their lives, and what is so special about them that they are mentioned by name in the Matthew 1?
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions.
Read all the verses. Note that Rahab is mentioned twice in the New Testament. This is very unusual. She is mentioned in James, and she is listed in the “Hall of Faith” in the book of Hebrews. Who is this women and what do we know about her?
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language).
b. Mark any words that are of interest to you.
Day 2 LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
Research the words from the STOP! section that you noted that you do not fully understand. Where did this story take place? What period of time/history does this involve?
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding events affect this story? How does this story affect the events that follow? Also….”scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Find it on a map. Geography is important.
The remain of Jericho can be visited today – it is considered one of the oldest cities in the world.
List the men associated with her life, and her family - and note how they interact with her. Why did the king of Jericho come to her and ask about seeing the men? Also think about what history/miracles that she witnessed or was part of during her life that might not be mentioned specifically in these verses, What might have happened to Rahab after this episode?
How old was she? Was she really a harlot? Was she a believer in YWHW? Did God use a liar to save the men?
God tells Joshua to kill all the people. Many people say that this is not the merciful God that we worship, but lets think about it. Rahab said that for forty years the people of the Holy Land had seen the miracles that God/YWHW did for the Hebrews. Only Rahab had enough belief in that God to act on that faith. How long is God suppose to wait for someone to repent and turn from pagan ways and faith in Him? So as we study about the conquest of Canaan let us remember that the pagan people had been warned, and that they had seen the miracles of God - yet had not turned to Him. God saved Rahab because of her faith.
She is mentioned in James and in the “Hall of Faith,” What lessons can we learn by these verses?
Of all the events in the Old Testament, James uses Rahab as an example of active faith. What you learned from
James 2:25:_______________
Of all the people in the Old Testament only a few are named in Hebrews 11 – called the Hall of Faith. Only two women are mentioned, Rahab is one. What you learned from Hebrews 11? _______________________________________
Rahab had a strong sense of family. She saved her family in the 'escape plan' that would save her life. Perhaps this is one aspect that we might investigate more closely. As we look at the five women in the genealogy of Jesus perhaps it is this sense of family that draws them together for special recognition....Bathsheba? We will study her soon.
Speaking about Bathsheba....Rahab showed a strong sense of action and courage. She dealt with the men in an assertive manner.......do we see this in Bathsheba?
Was she the only one in Jericho that believed all the stories about the Israelites and their God. Perhaps. She believed and she acted in that belief. The city knew that the Israelites were coming, yet we only see Rahab acting to help them. God’s timing. God’s divine appointment. God’s love and mercy.
We do not see her praying.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for…” What application are the verses…. ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for….
a. doctrine(teaching),
b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction),
c. for correction(correction of error),
d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings),
e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete (having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands) ,
f. thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ ”
How do these fit in with out study of Rahab?
I wonder what happened to her after the city fell. She and her family were taken to the camp of the Israelites (thought it seems that they had to live away from the people). We know that she married a man named Salmon, perhaps one of the two spies, and had a son named Boaz….I wonder if she was still alive when Boaz met Ruth?
What other things might she have experienced. The conquest of the other cities. The death of the family that kept back treasures from Jericho.
Day 3
Now look at our “Four P’s”
Practice: Ask what is the ongoing custom or tradition that is repeated? What can we learn from this that will influence our understanding of the story?
Precepts: Look for specific rules, commands, or instructions. Are any given? “Thou shalt not kill.” Wives and husbands are told to love each other and to be submissive to each other….
Principle: A belief, a standard. A general truth. A fundamental assumption. A generally acceptable rule of action or behavior, i.e. moral principles. General biblical principles might include the Trinity (the word “trinity” never appears in Scripture”, the sovereignty of God (as seen in the story of Esther – thought never called “the sovereignty of God.” Principles often overlap with practice
Progressive Revelation: This is information that is unveiled a little at a time. Genesis through Malachi slowly unveils teachings of the Messiah to come.
Day 4 LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses? Why is she mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus?
What would we have missed if this story had not been written?
What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Anna - Prophetess...and witness
Hi Ladies. Here are a few preliminary notes on our study of Anna.
Anna and the Tribe of Asher
In chapter 2 of Luke, God tells us of Baby Jesus and his first appearance at the Temple. Three short verses, packed with information are given about Anna, the prophetess, and her sighting of the Messiah. Why would God give us so much information about the background of Anna, when usually this type of desctiption is not given to us about the women of Scripture? One thing that has always interested me is the mention ofher tribe. Why mention her father or her tribe? I am in the middle of an extensive study of the 12 tribes - so this led me into further study of the tribe of Asher - and Anna.
See www.biblestudywomen.blogspot.com for the study about the Tribes.
Asher was one of the smaller tribes, located along the Mediterranian coast in the north. Those who believe that oil will be found in Israel base their intitial interest in the verses about Asher that mention "riches" and "oil." (Deut 33) Were the "riches" olive oil, or perhaps oil not yet found? Asher is said to be "blessed above the other brothers"...we have not seen that yet...perhaps oil will be found in Israel one day....an interesting thought. Will Asher dip his foot in petroleum oil one day?
Also after the tribes in the north had been been conquered by the Assyrians, there was a remnant of the tribes left behind. King Hezekiah sent messages to those left in the north to come to Judah to celebrate the Passover. Only three tribes went to Jerusalem in humbleness and to worship God. Asher was one of the three. This showed their loyalty to the God of the Hebrews (or that they were so very desperate they would try anything?).
Another intersting thing about the tribe of Asher is that in the New Testament, very few tribes are mentioned (do a word search/Strongs search) - Outside of Revelation 7 only Judah, Benjamin and Asher are mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps because the tribal identity had been lost during the 70 years of captivity. (An interesting side study is Rev 7. Two tribes are left out of the listing - Dan and Simeon - why?)....thats a great study.
This is just a small focus as we study Anna. What about her age? Her widowhood? The fact that she lived at the temple? Her service of fasting and praying? Why would God tell us these three verses about this simple woman...what if these verses had been left out of Scripture, and is there anything in these verses that we can apply to our lives today?
Lets go gals...whatfun!
Anna and the Tribe of Asher
In chapter 2 of Luke, God tells us of Baby Jesus and his first appearance at the Temple. Three short verses, packed with information are given about Anna, the prophetess, and her sighting of the Messiah. Why would God give us so much information about the background of Anna, when usually this type of desctiption is not given to us about the women of Scripture? One thing that has always interested me is the mention ofher tribe. Why mention her father or her tribe? I am in the middle of an extensive study of the 12 tribes - so this led me into further study of the tribe of Asher - and Anna.
See www.biblestudywomen.blogspot.com for the study about the Tribes.
Asher was one of the smaller tribes, located along the Mediterranian coast in the north. Those who believe that oil will be found in Israel base their intitial interest in the verses about Asher that mention "riches" and "oil." (Deut 33) Were the "riches" olive oil, or perhaps oil not yet found? Asher is said to be "blessed above the other brothers"...we have not seen that yet...perhaps oil will be found in Israel one day....an interesting thought. Will Asher dip his foot in petroleum oil one day?
Also after the tribes in the north had been been conquered by the Assyrians, there was a remnant of the tribes left behind. King Hezekiah sent messages to those left in the north to come to Judah to celebrate the Passover. Only three tribes went to Jerusalem in humbleness and to worship God. Asher was one of the three. This showed their loyalty to the God of the Hebrews (or that they were so very desperate they would try anything?).
Another intersting thing about the tribe of Asher is that in the New Testament, very few tribes are mentioned (do a word search/Strongs search) - Outside of Revelation 7 only Judah, Benjamin and Asher are mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps because the tribal identity had been lost during the 70 years of captivity. (An interesting side study is Rev 7. Two tribes are left out of the listing - Dan and Simeon - why?)....thats a great study.
This is just a small focus as we study Anna. What about her age? Her widowhood? The fact that she lived at the temple? Her service of fasting and praying? Why would God tell us these three verses about this simple woman...what if these verses had been left out of Scripture, and is there anything in these verses that we can apply to our lives today?
Lets go gals...whatfun!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Proverbs 31 Woman
Proverbs 31:10-31
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! Bible Study
Twenty one verses. Not very lengthy, but this still requires time and dedication. “Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work. We do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. With help of the Holy Spirit, some time, a few study techniques, and diligence, even a layperson can understand Scripture.
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word
What do you already know about this these verses/this story? Who was this woman? Was her story based on an actual or fictional woman? How old was she? We often think of her as a young woman, but could she have been a senior adult?
Make note of what Bible translation are you using. Why have you chosen this translation? ( I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS. For serious study never use a paraphrase such as the NLT)
Read the verses at one sitting. This is the familiar story of the “virtuous” or ‘excellent’ wife. Read it with fresh eyes and spirit. Slow down and look at each word.
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language). For instance, do you know what ‘distaff’ means in vs 19. Why ‘scarlet’ in vs. 21? Of what importance are ‘the gates’ mentioned in vs 23 and 31? Research any word that you really do not understand, using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource.
b. Mark any words or phrases that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?)
LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding verses affect this story? You might want to know wrote the book of Proverbs? Who might have been the model for this women?
Geography is important to each story. There might not be a specific geographical location for this story, but what about the fact that the story takes place in a village/or city? What does the reference to ‘gates’ signify?
This woman seemed to be a ‘working mom.’ We hear reference that women should stay at home – how is this reflected in our story of the Proverbs woman? Despite the fact that she does seem to work outside the home, what is her main focus? How does that apply to our understanding of the role of woman in 2010?
This is her story, but look at the men in her life, and her interaction with them. She is respected. Is she 'submissive'?
How old is she? Could she have been a young woman? How about a grandmother type?
How are women today, like, or unlike this woman? As we teach this we often say, “I want to be like the Proverbs 31 woman.”… How does this look like you, your daughters, your daughters-in-law? My own opinion is that, for most of us, we are not like this woman, in that our level of commitment to work is lacking. For most of us we do not work from sunrise to sunset…we spend much time watching TV, playing games on the computer, reading, etc... These are all good things, but even in my own life, I could be more productive in our service to not only the Lord, but to my family, and my ‘church family.’
Work…taking the kids to soccer games and dance classes is work! Volunteering at church is work! For those stay-at-home, senior adult ladies, praying is work! And, yes, cooking, cleaning and taking care of family is work.
Pick out one verse and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
Anr interesting side study – several resources suggest that Prov. 31:10-31 was adapted from Psalm 111, read this Psalm for comparisons.
LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time. This poem may indeed not be about a specific woman, but about wisdom in general. No matter…there is a storehouse of great truth and instruction from the Lord.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
What would we have missed if this story had not been written?
What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!
I am not a wife. I do not have children nor grandchildren. I am a senior adult woman. How does this all pertain to me? My life and ‘work’ is for the Lord, through my local church. That is my family. I can do better of taking care of my “family.”
Who is the woman in your life that is a role-model for the concept of the Proverbs 31woman? There is a senior adult woman in Knoxville who collects aluminum cans, in order to be able to tithe at her church, and to donate to charities. Over the past twenty years she has given over $50,000.00 to help others!!! Years ago she knew that on her limited income she did not have the finances to “serve the Lord,” as she says. She goes out looking for aluminum, and her friends save their cans for her. Now that is a Proverbs 31 woman!!
I think of three of my senior adult friends, each over 75, who keep busy. They are involved with local mission work, feeding the hungry, praying, working at the church office, etc….I am not quite in my 70’s, but these are my Proverbs 31 women!! They are my role models….thank you Lois, Wilodene and Francis.!!
I would like to hear your comments on this study. If you have any questions or would like some help with a study you are working on contact me. Send me an e-mail jpsant3@live.net.
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! Bible Study
Twenty one verses. Not very lengthy, but this still requires time and dedication. “Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work. We do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. With help of the Holy Spirit, some time, a few study techniques, and diligence, even a layperson can understand Scripture.
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word
What do you already know about this these verses/this story? Who was this woman? Was her story based on an actual or fictional woman? How old was she? We often think of her as a young woman, but could she have been a senior adult?
Make note of what Bible translation are you using. Why have you chosen this translation? ( I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS. For serious study never use a paraphrase such as the NLT)
Read the verses at one sitting. This is the familiar story of the “virtuous” or ‘excellent’ wife. Read it with fresh eyes and spirit. Slow down and look at each word.
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language). For instance, do you know what ‘distaff’ means in vs 19. Why ‘scarlet’ in vs. 21? Of what importance are ‘the gates’ mentioned in vs 23 and 31? Research any word that you really do not understand, using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource.
b. Mark any words or phrases that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?)
LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding verses affect this story? You might want to know wrote the book of Proverbs? Who might have been the model for this women?
Geography is important to each story. There might not be a specific geographical location for this story, but what about the fact that the story takes place in a village/or city? What does the reference to ‘gates’ signify?
This woman seemed to be a ‘working mom.’ We hear reference that women should stay at home – how is this reflected in our story of the Proverbs woman? Despite the fact that she does seem to work outside the home, what is her main focus? How does that apply to our understanding of the role of woman in 2010?
This is her story, but look at the men in her life, and her interaction with them. She is respected. Is she 'submissive'?
How old is she? Could she have been a young woman? How about a grandmother type?
How are women today, like, or unlike this woman? As we teach this we often say, “I want to be like the Proverbs 31 woman.”… How does this look like you, your daughters, your daughters-in-law? My own opinion is that, for most of us, we are not like this woman, in that our level of commitment to work is lacking. For most of us we do not work from sunrise to sunset…we spend much time watching TV, playing games on the computer, reading, etc... These are all good things, but even in my own life, I could be more productive in our service to not only the Lord, but to my family, and my ‘church family.’
Work…taking the kids to soccer games and dance classes is work! Volunteering at church is work! For those stay-at-home, senior adult ladies, praying is work! And, yes, cooking, cleaning and taking care of family is work.
Pick out one verse and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
Anr interesting side study – several resources suggest that Prov. 31:10-31 was adapted from Psalm 111, read this Psalm for comparisons.
LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time. This poem may indeed not be about a specific woman, but about wisdom in general. No matter…there is a storehouse of great truth and instruction from the Lord.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
What would we have missed if this story had not been written?
What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!
I am not a wife. I do not have children nor grandchildren. I am a senior adult woman. How does this all pertain to me? My life and ‘work’ is for the Lord, through my local church. That is my family. I can do better of taking care of my “family.”
Who is the woman in your life that is a role-model for the concept of the Proverbs 31woman? There is a senior adult woman in Knoxville who collects aluminum cans, in order to be able to tithe at her church, and to donate to charities. Over the past twenty years she has given over $50,000.00 to help others!!! Years ago she knew that on her limited income she did not have the finances to “serve the Lord,” as she says. She goes out looking for aluminum, and her friends save their cans for her. Now that is a Proverbs 31 woman!!
I think of three of my senior adult friends, each over 75, who keep busy. They are involved with local mission work, feeding the hungry, praying, working at the church office, etc….I am not quite in my 70’s, but these are my Proverbs 31 women!! They are my role models….thank you Lois, Wilodene and Francis.!!
I would like to hear your comments on this study. If you have any questions or would like some help with a study you are working on contact me. Send me an e-mail jpsant3@live.net.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
EVE
Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study Technique
Eve – Genesis 1-3; 4:1-2; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim.2:13-15
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions. What do you already know about Eve?
Get your Bible. Make note of what Bible translation are you using? Why have you chosen this translation? ( I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS)
Read the verses at one sitting (if possible). Slow down and look at each word.
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. This might include geographical locations. (For instance some versions say she was the ‘helpmet’ of Adam – what does that mean). I don’t stress this enough. My first step is to actually make a print out of all the verses with the Strong’s number included. Then when I find a word that I want to research, I use that number to find definitions. Not everyone will want to go into this depth…but for the serious student this is very important.
b. Mark any words that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is Prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?)
Write out by hand these important verses - Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim.2:13-15.
LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
Research these words you marked in the STOP! section using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource. Do not study a commentary until your personal study is complete.
One of the important themes in the study of Adam and Eve is the role of men and women that God intended. What do you see? Remember to Keep It Sacred Scripture (KISS).
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Can we locate Eden on a map? What about ‘east of Eden’? “Look right”…this story impacts every story that follows in Scripture. God gave the man and the woman a perfect place and perfect lives. The two chose to disobey God…as it goes on today.
Remember to look for your four “P’s. The story of Eve is the “beginning of it all.”
1. Practice what is the ongoing custom or tradition that is repeated –or started? What can we learn from this that will influence our understanding of the story?
2. Precept- a specific rule, command, instruction. Are any given? Note who gives the command and to whom the command is given. “Do not eat…” “Go forth and multiply.”
3. Principle- a belief, a standard. A general truth. A fundamental assumption. A generally acceptable rule of action or behavior, i.e. moral principles. Husband relationship? Husband as leader? Wife as helper? What is started in the ‘beinning’?
4. Progressive Revelation- information that is unveiled a little at a time. Do we see the beginning of a theme…what is revealed? What about the ‘curse’ to the serpent, Eve, and Adam?
What men were important in the life of Eve besides Adam?
Note to whom God speaks. To whom does God give the commands? Does God speak directly to Eve? What words did Eve say that we have recorded?
How do God’s ‘curses’ on Adam, Eve and the serpent impact us today? Who or what is the ‘Seed’?
One of the most familiar verses in Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How do these two verses apply to the study of this woman - for Christians in general, and you in particular.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for
a. doctrine(teaching)…(what do we see in these verses?)
b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction)…. (what do we see in these verses?)
c. for correction(correction of error)… (what do we see in these verses?)
d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings)… (what do we see in these verses?)
e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete(having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands)… (what do we see in these verses?)
f. thoroughly equipped for every good work….(what do we see in these verses?)
I love this…..Scripture says that men are made out of dirt….women are not!!
LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
What would we have missed if this story had not been written?
What can I apply to my life today? (This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!)
Pick out one verse that ‘speaks to you,” and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
Have some fun with the study of this woman. This will help you absorb the contents:
a. Write a poem or song about the woman and her story
b. Draw a picture that represents this story
c. Write other verses of Scripture that remind you of the message of this woman…..for instance…wives are to be submissive to husbands, family
Eve – Genesis 1-3; 4:1-2; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim.2:13-15
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions. What do you already know about Eve?
Get your Bible. Make note of what Bible translation are you using? Why have you chosen this translation? ( I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS)
Read the verses at one sitting (if possible). Slow down and look at each word.
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. This might include geographical locations. (For instance some versions say she was the ‘helpmet’ of Adam – what does that mean). I don’t stress this enough. My first step is to actually make a print out of all the verses with the Strong’s number included. Then when I find a word that I want to research, I use that number to find definitions. Not everyone will want to go into this depth…but for the serious student this is very important.
b. Mark any words that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is Prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?)
Write out by hand these important verses - Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim.2:13-15.
LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
Research these words you marked in the STOP! section using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource. Do not study a commentary until your personal study is complete.
One of the important themes in the study of Adam and Eve is the role of men and women that God intended. What do you see? Remember to Keep It Sacred Scripture (KISS).
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Can we locate Eden on a map? What about ‘east of Eden’? “Look right”…this story impacts every story that follows in Scripture. God gave the man and the woman a perfect place and perfect lives. The two chose to disobey God…as it goes on today.
Remember to look for your four “P’s. The story of Eve is the “beginning of it all.”
1. Practice what is the ongoing custom or tradition that is repeated –or started? What can we learn from this that will influence our understanding of the story?
2. Precept- a specific rule, command, instruction. Are any given? Note who gives the command and to whom the command is given. “Do not eat…” “Go forth and multiply.”
3. Principle- a belief, a standard. A general truth. A fundamental assumption. A generally acceptable rule of action or behavior, i.e. moral principles. Husband relationship? Husband as leader? Wife as helper? What is started in the ‘beinning’?
4. Progressive Revelation- information that is unveiled a little at a time. Do we see the beginning of a theme…what is revealed? What about the ‘curse’ to the serpent, Eve, and Adam?
What men were important in the life of Eve besides Adam?
Note to whom God speaks. To whom does God give the commands? Does God speak directly to Eve? What words did Eve say that we have recorded?
How do God’s ‘curses’ on Adam, Eve and the serpent impact us today? Who or what is the ‘Seed’?
One of the most familiar verses in Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How do these two verses apply to the study of this woman - for Christians in general, and you in particular.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for
a. doctrine(teaching)…(what do we see in these verses?)
b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction)…. (what do we see in these verses?)
c. for correction(correction of error)… (what do we see in these verses?)
d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings)… (what do we see in these verses?)
e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete(having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands)… (what do we see in these verses?)
f. thoroughly equipped for every good work….(what do we see in these verses?)
I love this…..Scripture says that men are made out of dirt….women are not!!
LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
What would we have missed if this story had not been written?
What can I apply to my life today? (This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!)
Pick out one verse that ‘speaks to you,” and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
Have some fun with the study of this woman. This will help you absorb the contents:
a. Write a poem or song about the woman and her story
b. Draw a picture that represents this story
c. Write other verses of Scripture that remind you of the message of this woman…..for instance…wives are to be submissive to husbands, family
Sunday, January 24, 2010
ABIGAIL
Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study Technique
1 Samuel 25; 2 Sam. 2:2-3; 1 Chron 3:1-9
“Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work. We do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. With help of the Holy Spirit, some time, a few study techniques, and diligence, even a layperson can understand Scripture.
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions. Get your Bible. Make note of what Bible translation are you using? Why have you chosen this translation? (I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS)
Read the verses at one sitting (if possible). Slow down and look at each word.
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language). Research these words using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource. Do not study a commentary until your personal study is complete.
For example: What is LORD? What is the difference between LORD and Lord?
b. Mark any words that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is Prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?)
c. As you study the women of the Old Testament be sure to search a concordance to see if the woman is mentioned in the New Testament, and read those verses also. There is no mention of Abigail in the NT, but there is another Abigail in 1 Chro 2:16-17- but a different Abigail.
LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
(This is a great story) This a study of Abigail, but list the men associated with her life, and note how they interact with her.
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding events affect this story? How does this story affect the events that follow? Also….”scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Find it on a map. Geography is important.
She is from Carmel. Is the Mt. Carmel, like Elijah, or another Carmel?
If God speaks, note to whom God speaks. If this is a study about a person(s), what is recorded that they said?
Now just look at her speech. What did she say? What was her attitude?
Abigail and the beginning of the monarchy - think about what history/miracles that she witnessed or was part of during her life that might not be mentioned specifically in these verses, What might Abigail have thought about the later Bathsheba situation? David was not king when they got married. She was witness to his coronation….and his running in the desert.
Did she have any children? I wonder what she thought of Bathsheebas son becoming the next king…why not hers? What other women might she have known in the palace?
She might have witnessed David’s dancing in the streets as Miriam did…there is no record of her reaction…….what else…..is there any indication if there was romantic love between Abigail and Nabal or David? She was respectful and submissive to both husbands. What can her actions teach us about marriage?
One of the most important things about Abigail is that she saved David from a very bad mistake. I call it ‘saving the seed.’ She kept David ‘right’ with God. What did she do and say that changed David’s mind about his plan to kill Nabal? How did this have eternal consequences?
For the story of Abigail – is it important to read about the other wives of David, and the sons?
One of the most familiar verses in Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How do these two verses apply to the study of this woman - for Christians in general, and you in particular?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for
a. doctrine(teaching),
b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction),
c. for correction(correction of error),
d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings),
e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete(having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands) ,
f. thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
SEE THE JAN 15 POST FOR DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 2 TIM. 3:16-16
LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses? What would we have missed if this story had not been written? What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!
Pick out one verse and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
Have some fun with the study of this woman. This will help you absorb the contents:
a. Write a poem or song about the woman and her story
b. Draw a picture that represents this story
c. List verses in other books that remind you of the message of this woman.
Also...I have just finished writing an article.... "Israel A-Z" that I have been sending out to my
list for Moriah Christian Tours newsletter. You are not on that list. (If you would like
to be on the list let me know.) jpsant3@live.com
We are going to Israel in June and I want to give people an idea of what they will
experience on the trip. Thought you might like to see it, or pass it on to someone else.
Go to our web site for more info. Deposits are due by June 30.
1 Samuel 25; 2 Sam. 2:2-3; 1 Chron 3:1-9
“Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work. We do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. With help of the Holy Spirit, some time, a few study techniques, and diligence, even a layperson can understand Scripture.
STOP!
Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions. Get your Bible. Make note of what Bible translation are you using? Why have you chosen this translation? (I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS)
Read the verses at one sitting (if possible). Slow down and look at each word.
a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language). Research these words using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource. Do not study a commentary until your personal study is complete.
For example: What is LORD? What is the difference between LORD and Lord?
b. Mark any words that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is Prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?)
c. As you study the women of the Old Testament be sure to search a concordance to see if the woman is mentioned in the New Testament, and read those verses also. There is no mention of Abigail in the NT, but there is another Abigail in 1 Chro 2:16-17- but a different Abigail.
LOOK!
This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again.
(This is a great story) This a study of Abigail, but list the men associated with her life, and note how they interact with her.
Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding events affect this story? How does this story affect the events that follow? Also….”scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Find it on a map. Geography is important.
She is from Carmel. Is the Mt. Carmel, like Elijah, or another Carmel?
If God speaks, note to whom God speaks. If this is a study about a person(s), what is recorded that they said?
Now just look at her speech. What did she say? What was her attitude?
Abigail and the beginning of the monarchy - think about what history/miracles that she witnessed or was part of during her life that might not be mentioned specifically in these verses, What might Abigail have thought about the later Bathsheba situation? David was not king when they got married. She was witness to his coronation….and his running in the desert.
Did she have any children? I wonder what she thought of Bathsheebas son becoming the next king…why not hers? What other women might she have known in the palace?
She might have witnessed David’s dancing in the streets as Miriam did…there is no record of her reaction…….what else…..is there any indication if there was romantic love between Abigail and Nabal or David? She was respectful and submissive to both husbands. What can her actions teach us about marriage?
One of the most important things about Abigail is that she saved David from a very bad mistake. I call it ‘saving the seed.’ She kept David ‘right’ with God. What did she do and say that changed David’s mind about his plan to kill Nabal? How did this have eternal consequences?
For the story of Abigail – is it important to read about the other wives of David, and the sons?
One of the most familiar verses in Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How do these two verses apply to the study of this woman - for Christians in general, and you in particular?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for
a. doctrine(teaching),
b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction),
c. for correction(correction of error),
d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings),
e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete(having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands) ,
f. thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
SEE THE JAN 15 POST FOR DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 2 TIM. 3:16-16
LISTEN!
Read the verses one last time.
What is God trying to teach us in these verses? What would we have missed if this story had not been written? What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study!
Pick out one verse and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
Have some fun with the study of this woman. This will help you absorb the contents:
a. Write a poem or song about the woman and her story
b. Draw a picture that represents this story
c. List verses in other books that remind you of the message of this woman.
Also...I have just finished writing an article.... "Israel A-Z" that I have been sending out to my
list for Moriah Christian Tours newsletter. You are not on that list. (If you would like
to be on the list let me know.) jpsant3@live.com
We are going to Israel in June and I want to give people an idea of what they will
experience on the trip. Thought you might like to see it, or pass it on to someone else.
Go to our web site for more info. Deposits are due by June 30.
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