August 10, 2023

Introduction

The truth of Romans 8:28 is that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. This means that God is at work not only in the major parts of life we observe, but in all the hidden and minute details we don't see. In all these things, God fulfills His perfect plan to do good to us, whom He called according to His perfect purpose.

Big Idea

Moses had to learn that God would bless Him despite His own unworthiness. God would also bless Israel, as He promised, despite their unworthiness.

Opening Question

When it comes to life, we all have strengths and weaknesses. What is one of your biggest weaknesses? Do you think God could ever use that for good? How?

Read Exodus 2:16-25

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 Then some shepherds arrived and drove them away, but Moses came to their rescue and watered their flock. 

18 When they returned to their father Reuel, he asked, “Why have you come back so quickly today?” 19 They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock.” 20 “So where is he?” he asked his daughters. “Why then did you leave the man behind? Invite him to eat dinner.” 21 Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. 22 She gave birth to a son whom he named Gershom, for he said, “I have been a resident alien in a foreign land.”

23 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, they cried out, and their cry for help because of the difficult labor ascended to God. 24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the Israelites, and God knew.

Questions

1. Look at verses 16-17. Moses meeting Reuel's daughters at the well is an echo of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac at a well in Genesis 24 and Jacob finding Rachel at a well in Genesis 29. What are the reasons a well would be important to ancient people?

2. What does it say about Moses, in verse 17, that he not only "rescued" the 7 shepherd-daughters, but "watered their flock" as well?

3. In verses 18-22, Reuel, the father of the seven shepherd-daughters, asks them why they didn't invite Moses to dinner. Why do you think they didn't do this? And why do you think Reuel insists that they should?

4. In verse 22, Moses names his first son Gershom because it means being "a resident alien in a foreign land". Do you think Moses knew he was referencing to a promise of God made centuries before to Abram in Genesis 15:13? Think about his upbringing in Exodus 2:9-10. How might Moses have learned about this promise to Abram? 

5. If you love God, you can know He has a plan for you and your life just as much as he did for Moses. What do you think are the 3 most important things God wants you to do for him in this life?

6. Now, try to think of three major promises in the Bible that God makes to all believers. If you can't think of any, do a Google search and find some. What are they?

7. The final section, verses 23-25, is about God fulfilling his promise to Abram in Genesis 15:14-21. What promise did He make?

8. Just like God responded to the Israelites' groaning, what does Philippians 4:6-7 make to us when we pray?

9. What promise does God fulfill when we confess Him as Lord in Romans 10:9?

10. What promises does God fulfill when we confess our sins to Him in 1 John 1:9?

July 27, 2023

Introduction

The story of Shiphrah and Puah shines God's light in a dark chapter. Pharaoh orders the killing of all male babies as they are born. These two midwives boldly defy his order. Then God showers them with blessing. 

Big Idea

When we live for God, He blesses us.

Opening Question

If a Christian is resisting temptation and seeking to please God in all he or she does, can you think of 3 blessings you would expect that person to experience? Can you find any Bible verses to support your answer?

Read Exodus 1:15-22

15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives—the first, whose name was Shiphrah, and the second, whose name was Puah— 16 “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him, but if it’s a daughter, she may live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live. 18 So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live?”

19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them.”

20 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very numerous. 21 Since the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Pharaoh then commanded all his people, “You must throw every son born to the Hebrews into the Nile, but let every daughter live.”

Questions

1. God could have just said "two Hebrew midwives" in verse 15. Why do you think He decided to write their names in His word?

2. Why do you think Pharaoh wanted to kill only the sons in verse 16 and not the daughters as well? If you can't answer, see if you can read the rest of Exodus 1 to help you find the answer.

3. Verse 17 says the midwives "feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them". What does the Bible mean when it says they "feared God"?

4. What would your response have been to the king's question in verse 18? Why?

5. Have you ever had someone in authority ask you to do something that went against your morals or beliefs? How did you respond?

6. Why do you think the midwives lied in verse 19, rather than telling the truth to the king of Egypt? 

7. Look at verses 20-21, what does this teach about God's response to the midwives' behavior and speech?

8. Can you imagine a similar situation in our current day when an authority might insist that you do something that violates God's law? What might that be? How would you respond?

9. What kind of blessing would you hope to experience from God as you honored His will in a hard situation?

Once you finished answer the last question, look at Matthew 5:3-12 and see if any of your expectations for God's blessing line up with the promises of Jesus.

June 22, 2023

Introduction

As a boy, I always looked forward to Summer vacation because it meant playing baseball, watching TV in the morning, and hanging out with my friends outside of school. As an adult Christian looking back on that, I realize God never factored into those plans.

It didn't occur to me to read the Bible or pray more with all that extra time. I had a selfish attitude that put my own wishes first. I really thought it was "my" Summer break. It's not that any of my desires were wrong; it's that my plans weren't made with God in mind.

Opening Question

Think about the next three months of your life. If you could ask God to change you in any way, and He would change you, what would you ask Him for?

Read

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. 

15 Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.

(James 4:13-17)

Questions

1. James 4 is all about attitude. In verses 1-12, God warns us about the consequence of an attitude focused on our desires. What attitude do verses 13-17 focus on?

2. What's wrong with the quote in verse 13? 

3. Try to think of a time when things turned out completely differently than planned. What was it? How difficult was it for you to accept the change in plans?

4. A key concept in this section, which isn't specifically named, is humility. How do verses 14-15 cause us to think about our future with more humility?

5. Why do you think God wants us to say "If the Lord wills, we will do this or that"?

6. In verse 16, it says that leaving God out of your plans "is evil". Why do you think it's evil and not just "inadequate" or "not the best"? Why evil? What harm does it do?

7. When someone asks about our Summer plans, we often say things like, "Our family is going to Oregon in July to hang out in Ocean Shores for a week". How could you rephrase this in a way that obeys what James 4:15 says?

8. Verse 17 says "So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it." As you think ahead about the Summer, take a moment to pray and ask God to give you a desire to do the good things He calls you to do.

June 8, 2023

Introduction

The Bible often uses "fruit" terminology to describe the actions of people or groups. Good fruit refers to actions that please God and reflect Jesus Christ. Bad fruit refers to sin. 

The church can produce good or bad fruit. What makes the difference is whether its members seek Christ's will or their own. At the end of James 3, he warns church-goers of this and directs them back to God's wisdom if they have gone off-course. If they live by their own wisdom, they can make the church a chaotic disaster. If they follow Christ, the church can be a peaceful reflection of His love.

Big Idea

A church full of godly wisdom is shown by its harmony; a church full of worldly wisdom is shown by its sin and disorder.

Opening Question

Think of a time when you experienced the church showing Christ's love. In what way did the church reflect Christ to you?

Read James 3:13-18

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Questions

1. Verse 13 says that a wise person will act "in the gentleness that comes from wisdom". How does wisdom cause someone to be gentle?

2. In verses 14-15, James warns about another kind of wisdom, one that is "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic". What does verse 14 say this kind of wisdom produces?

3. Now, verse 16 gets to the heart of the issue. If a church is full the second kind of demonic wisdom, what does James say this causes the church to be like?

4. Have you ever been in a church that seemed to be disordered (v 16)? Why do you think an orderly church is important to God?

5. Verse 17 gives us 7 fruits that wisdom produces. Which one would you like to have more of? 

6. If you want more of that fruit, you need more wisdom. How does James 1:5 teach us we can get more wisdom?

7. The final evidence of a person having God's wisdom is that they cultivate peace (v 17). What are some of the ways in your life where there could be conflict? How can you bring peace in those situations? I encourage you to pray for the opportunity to do so.

May 10, 2023

Introduction

At times, the Bible is underestimated as just a book of stories and claims which we can accept or reject. But this is what the Bible says about itself: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). Today we're going to look at three ways God uses the Bible to do surgery on our hearts.

Big Idea

Because our hearts are sinful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), God uses the Bible as His surgical tool to convict and change us.

Opening Question

The Bible is filled with teachings, stories, and prophecies. Think about all the Bible and try to pinpoint the part of it that's least attractive for you to study. What might it be for you? Is there something this preference might say about you?

Read

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:18)

Therefore, laying aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in gentleness receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)

But become doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (James 1:22) (LSB)

Questions

1. According to James 1:18, whose will brought us forth to become spiritually alive? Was it our will or His will? 

2. The same verse says that He brought us forth "by the word of truth". What Bible verses are often crucial for salvation? Try to find or think of 5.

3. You are not born again merely to avoid hell. What does the second half of James 1:18 mean about God's purpose in saving you?

4. James 1:21 says that once we are saved, we must "in gentleness receive the implanted word". If you have already believed in Christ, what more does this verse expect you to receive?

5. How can even the hearts of Christians resist aspects of God's word?

6. Why do you think James tells us to receive God's word "in gentleness"? And what do you think is the opposite of this?

7. God brings us forth by His word to be His spiritual fruit. Then He commands us to receive His implanted word constantly as Christians. Last, He tells us to "be doers of the word, and not merely hearers". 

Try to think a time when you were being more of a "hearer" than a "doer". What did that period of your life look like?

8. Are you a doer of His word now? If you are, take time to thank God for working on your heart. If not, ask Him to bring His word deeply into your heart and mind to change you from within.

April 13, 2023

Introduction

This week we begin discussing the book of James. In his little letter, he emphasizes humility repeatedly:

- "Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation" (1:9)

- "Humbly receive the implanted word" (1:21)

- "God...gives grace to the humble" (4:6)

- "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you" (4:10)

On the other hand, James sternly rebukes pride:



- "Though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things." (3:5)

- "God opposes the proud" (4:6)

- "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring." (4:14)

- "But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil." (4:16)

Big Idea

God blesses those who live humbly with Him.

Opening Question

What circumstances of life may tempt you to become boastful?

Read James 1:1-4

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings.

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Questions

1. Humility can be shown in how we identify ourselves. In verse 1, how does James describe himself and what does it mean?

2. James says he is writing "to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad". Deuteronomy 28 had warned Israel that God would punish its sin by dispersing its people throughout the nations. Look at Deuteronomy 28:47-48. What does it say about the attitude that would lead to this punishment?

3. How does humility naturally lead people to have gratitude in their hearts?

4. What do verses 2-4 say that God has in store for Christians?

5. When people talk about others having an attitude of "entitlement", what does this mean?

6. How can an attitude of entitlement keep us from "letting endurance have its full effect"?

7. What is God's ultimate goal in letting Christians go through hard times?

8. What do verses 2-4 imply about how much control God has over our lives and the entire world?

9. If trials don't feel joyous, how can you "consider" them to be a great joy?

March 7, 2023

Introduction

Proverbs often warns about the dangers of pride. Proud people boast about themselves and their knowledge, but they don't take advice from anyone. On the other hand, Proverbs extols the virtue of humility. What does a humble person think about? Here we see the answer in a proverb by Agur. He meditates on all the things he doesn't understand.

Big Idea

Wonder is not just daydreaming; it is humbly meditating on God's design of any aspect of His creation.

Opening Question

If you were given one day in a library of books containing all the information in the universe, what topic would you go to read about first? Why?

Read Proverbs 30:18-19

Three things are too wondrous for me;

four I can’t understand:

the way of an eagle in the sky,

the way of a snake on a rock,

the way of a ship at sea,

and the way of a man with a young woman.

Questions

1. This author knows what he doesn't understand and isn't ashamed of admitting it. What are some areas of academics or life which are difficult for you to understand?

2. Why is it hard for us to admit the things we aren't gifted in?

3. Beginning in verse 19, Agur says he can't understand "an eagle in the sky". What is distinct about the way eagles fly?

4. Second, he is in wonder about "the way of a snake on a rock". What is unique about snakes and how they move and lie on rocks?

5. Third, he wonders about "the way of a ship at sea". Think about the three topics he has mentioned so far. What is similar about all three?

6. The final thing Agur can't understand is "the way of a man with a young woman". God has designed men and women to naturally be attracted to each other and express romantic love in a marriage. What do you think is His underlying purpose for this attraction?

7. Sometimes we need to get away from normal life in order to let our minds wonder. What is one way you can switch off all your distractions and spend time with Him?

February 23, 2023

Introduction

As citizens of a nation that formed itself in pursuit of independence, we can always use a refresher course on how God wants us to depend on Him.

Big Idea

We can trust in human beings or God; but only He deserves our unconditional trust.

Opening Question

What was a time when you were in trouble and someone showed up who was willing and able to help you? Explain how it affected you.

Read Proverbs 29

(25) The fear of mankind is a snare,

but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.

(26) Many desire a ruler’s favor,

but a person receives justice from the LORD.

Questions

1. Verse 25 refers to "the fear of mankind". What does that mean? What is a way you are tempted to fear other people?

2. God calls the fear of other people "a snare". How could the fear of others stop a person from living in obedience to God?

3. The second line of verse 25 offers us the alternative to fearing mankind: trusting in the Lord to protect us. Think about your present life and tell one way He has protected you.

4. Think about your weaknesses and fears. What is a fear that you could take to Him in prayer more often?

5. Verse 26 tell us the human beings who are often depended upon the most: our rulers. What are the main promises our political leaders give us? How often have you seen them deliver on these promises?

6. The end of this proverb teaches that justice comes from the LORD, Yahweh. What are some sins that come from people seeking justice apart from God?

7. What does the Bible teach about when and how God brings justice? 

January 26, 2023

Introduction

God rewards parents with joy for raising wise children. Several proverbs emphasize this aspect of His design of the family: 

• A wise son makes a father glad (10:1)
• A wise son makes a father glad (15:20)
• And the father of a wicked fool is not glad (17:21)
• My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad (23:15)
• The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
  And he who begets a wise son will be glad in him. (23:24)
• Let your father and your mother be glad, 
  And let her rejoice who gave birth to you. (23:25)
• Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, 
  That I may respond with a word to him who reproaches me. (27:11)

January 19, 2023

Introduction

Proverbs is full of encouragement to work hard, make money, and accumulate enough to support yourself, your family, and those in need. But Proverbs also puts boundaries on the pursuit of money. 

Specifically, Proverbs calls greed the "evil eye", which defines it as a lust, an unhealthy desire, for money. The evil eye isn't limited to the poor or the rich, but to all descendants of Adam and Eve. Proverbs tells us that this obsession with money leads us to try to make money quickly, which leads to losing money quickly.

Main Idea

Lust for money always has negative consequences.

Opening Question

What makes money so attractive to people? What do you personally think you could do to improve your life if you had more money?

Read Proverbs 28:20, 22, 25

(20) A faithful person will have many blessings,
 but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.

(22) A greedy one is in a hurry for wealth;
 he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him.

(25) A greedy person stirs up conflict,
 but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.

Questions

1. In verse 20, "faithful" could also be translated "steadfast" "trustworthy" or "honest". Why do you think such a person will gain "many blessings" in this life?

2. The person "in a hurry to get rich" is given as the opposite from the "faithful" person. In what ways are those in a hurry to get rich untrustworthy or unfaithful?

3. What kind of crimes do people commit to get money quickly?

4. In verse 22, the greedy person is predicted to have "poverty come to him". Do you know anyone who became poor as they sought after riches? What are some ways this could happen?

5. Humans are easily attracted to offers to make lots of money quickly. Why do these schemes often fail? Do you think they ever work?

6. Chapter 28's final warning about greed is in verse 25. What does it say greed causes? Why?

7. Has money ever brought caused a relational conflict in your life? Describe what do you think was at the root of the problem.

8. Reflect again on your answer to question 7. How might either person in this conflict have resolved it by having greater trust in God?

December 29, 2022

Introduction

Moral courage is the willingness to act based on what's right, regardless of the consequences. Those of us who grew up in public school may have heard teachers praise the moral courage of social leaders like Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela. But without knowing God and his moral law, teachers can only identify moral courage, they can't teach it. Proverbs 28 fills that gap. It teaches moral courage. 

Big Idea

Moral courage starts with knowing God. Through His word, we can know Him, stand up for what's right, and endure any negative consequences we face. 

Opening Question

Are you familiar with the history of the Anabaptists? Click here to watch a four minute video on the persecution they faced.

If you had lived in this place and time, and you had a small child, how would you have responded to the mandate discussed in the video?

Read Proverbs 28

(1) The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, 

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

(28) When the wicked come to power, people hide,

but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.

Question

1. Do you think of yourself as someone with moral courage? Why or why not?

2. Before we get into courage, verse 1 begins with cowardice. What do you think makes the wicked "flee" when no one pursues them?

3. The second half of verse 1 says that the "righteous" are bold like lions. What is the connection between a righteous lifestyle and a bold attitude toward adversity?

4. Verse 28 states the natural response of people to a wicked ruler. What is it?

5. The second half of verse 28 refers to the time when the wicked are "destroyed". Can you think of an example in history when the wicked were destroyed?

6. When do you think it is necessary to stand up to a wicked ruler? And when should you "hide"?

7. Note in the end of the second line that "the righteous" survive the wicked and flourish when they are gone. In what way are Christians "surviving" today and in what way will they "flourish" in the future?

8. Why do you think God allows some Christians to die for Christ and chooses to have others live through times of persecution?

9. If America started persecuting Christians tomorrow, how do you think it might happen?

When it comes to serving Him, God wants us to be as bold as lions. As we reflect on this, let's thank God for strengthening us through these verses so that we can be ready to stand for Jesus Christ no matter what the future brings.

December 15, 2022

Introduction

The following verses are all taken from Proverbs 28, which speaks often about the poor. Poverty and wealth are major themes in the book of Proverbs. Some people become poor as a consequence of foolish living (Proverbs 6:10). But as we see today, some poor people have "integrity" and "discernment". One of the lessons of Proverbs is that every person is different and can't be judged merely on the state of their lives.

Big Idea

Righteousness isn't shown by income; but it may be shown in our response to those in need.

Opening Question

Try to think of someone you know who is or was poor. Do you think they had fallen on hard times and needed financial help? Or that they had lived irresponsibly and needed wisdom? Explain your answer.

Read from Proverbs 28

(3) A destitute leader who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

(6) Better the poor person who lives with integrity

than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.

(8) Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest

collects it for one who is kind to the poor.

(11) A rich person is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.

(28) The one who gives to the poor will not be in need,

but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.

Questions

Verse 3

1. The "destitute leader" refers to a powerful man without much money who oppresses others who are weaker than he is. This oppression leaves everyone hungry. What does it say about humanity that we would oppress others to our own detriment?

2. How do you think a poor man with strength or influence might oppress weaker people?

Verse 6

3. What are some key ways poor people need to guard their integrity?

4. What are some key ways wealthy people need to guard their integrity?

5. Are you aware of any rich people who distort right and wrong today? Do you know any poor who live with integrity? If so, who are they?

Verse 8

6. In this verse, God teaches about the immorality of excessive interest. What is interest and how do you think it can become a path of sinful behavior?

7. What do you think causes ill-gotten gains to be "collected for one who is kind to the poor"? How could that happen?

Verse 11

8. What does it mean to be wise in your own eyes? Have you ever been that way? Tell how.

9. What is "discernment" and how does it empower someone to see through someone who is being fake?

Verse 28

10. The one who turns his eyes away from the poor doesn't want to help or even make eye contact with a poor person. Have you ever felt that way? What causes that?
If not, why do you think someone would?

11. Can you think of a time Jesus encouraged believers to care about the poor? What was it and how should we practice that teaching?

November 16, 2022

Introduction

Throughout Proverbs, we have teaching about our relationship with those those we know and those we don't. Neighbors are the people in our daily lives; strangers are those we have never seen before. God has a plan for both relationships. 

Opening Question

Some years ago, I cleaned my gutters using my Little Giant ladder. Tired afterward, I left my ladder outside. A few days later it was gone. I felt surprised and guilty. Surprised, because I expected those who live near me to respect my property; guilty, because I knew I had been naive to expect that. 

We can approach decision-making in a way that errs on the side of caution or on the side of hope. We can be pessimistic or optimistic. Which do you tend to be? Has your tendency ever resulted in something bad happening unintentionally? If so, what was it?

Read the Word

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—

a stranger, and not your own lips. (27:2)

Don’t abandon your friend or your father’s friend,

and don’t go to your brother’s house in your time of calamity; 

better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. (27:10)

Take his garment,

for he has put up security for a stranger;

get collateral if it is for foreigners. (27:13)

If one blesses his neighbor

with a loud voice early in the morning,

it will be counted as a curse to him. (27:14)

Big Idea

Don't treat neighbors like strangers; don't treat strangers as neighbors.

Questions

1. Our first verse (2) tells us we should live in such a way that strangers should praise us. Have you ever been praised by a stranger? Tell when and what happened.

2. What kind of an attitude and lifestyle will lead to strangers praising us? What kind won't?

3. The ultimate purpose of our lives isn't to get praise from strangers. Turn to Matthew 5:16 and read it. What does this verse tell about the ultimate purpose of having a proper attitude and lifestyle?

4. In the second verse (10), it's understandable why God would tell us not to abandon our friends in a time of calamity. But why do you think God tells us to not abandon our father's friend?

5. Have you ever depended on a next-door-neighbor for help? What was the response?

6. The third verse (13) challenges our willingness to give a loan to a stranger. What is collateral and why is it beneficial in these kinds of situations?

7. Why does God expect us to be careful with how we loan money? Won't He just take care of us if we accidentally make a bad deal? Explain why you think what you do. Try to find a Bible verses that support your answer.

8. The final verse (14) tells about the way we bless our neighbor. A blessing can be as simple as "Have a good day" or as serious as "I pray that God will bless you and give you what you need to make it through your situation." Why do you think this verse warns us against blessing our neighbor "with a loud voice early in the morning"?

9. How does our tone of voice and timing of speech have an impact on its effectiveness?

November 9, 2022

Introduction

If you try to find out what friendship is through Google, it recommends this quote, “A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” This is a clever metaphor for friendship; but the Bible has a very different angle on this topic. 

Big Idea

Today we are going to see that good friends don't ignore your broken fence. They tell you about it so you can have a good fence that keeps you and your garden safe.

Opening Question

Who is someone in your life that makes you want to be a better person? Share how you have changed because of this person's impact.

Read Proverbs 27:5, 6, 17

5 Better is reproof that is revealed than love that is hidden.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Questions

1. Verse 5 refers to a "reproof" which is the act of someone correcting or rebuking something that another has said or done. How is that loving?

2. Verse 5 contrasts a revealed reproof with "hidden love". What do you think "hidden love" is? How is that worse than an open rebuke?

3. Verse 6 seems to be a partner passage with verse 5. If so, how could a stern rebuke "bruise" another person?

4. Have you ever had a time when you had to tell a friend a truth that was painful? What was that like?

Historical Note

Verse 17 compares friendship to iron. How exactly does iron sharpen iron? When Solomon was alive (900s BC), the land of the Bible was in a period known as "Iron Age II". At the time, iron and steel were replacing bronze as the most effective metal for creating tools and weapons. The process of adding carbon to iron, or "carburizing" iron, made it stronger and kept it sharper than bronze. To do this requires four basic steps: 1) heating the iron, 2) submerging it in coals to harden it by gaining carbon, 3) pounding the hot metal with an iron hammer, and 4) quenching the iron in water or oil. Click here to view the same process as it is done today.

5. Knowing what you do about how iron is strengthened and sharpened, how do you think verse 17 can be compared to Christian friends making each other more mature in their faith in Christ?

6. In the background of all these verses is the reality that all people, even the closest of Christian friends, have sin in their lives (Romans 3:23). How has God used your friendships to help you get rid of sin in your life?

October 26, 2022

Introduction

Growing up in the church, I heard Christians talk about the future two different ways. Some spoke as if God had personally revealed all their future to them. Others seemed much less confident and would pepper their speech with phrases like "Lord willing" or "At least that's the plan." 

Often, Christians and non-Christians sound the same when talking about the future. But God used King Solomon and, 900 years later, James, the brother of Jesus, to teach us how we should sound different from the world when we talk about our plans.

Read Proverbs 27:1 and James 4:13-17

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows to do the right thing and does not do it, to him it is sin."

Big Idea

Christians need to trust in God for the future and speak in a way that shows others they are doing so.

Opening Question

Sometimes our plans get put on hold. Sometimes our schedules are completely different than what we expect. Think of the last time God gave you a day that didn't match your expectations at all. What happened? How well did you respond to it? 

Questions

1. Look up the word "boast" for a dictionary definition. What does it say?

2. Use your answer to number one to make a definition for "boasting about tomorrow".

3. In James 4, God declares that boasting about tomorrow is "evil". Evil things harm people or disrespect God. What is evil about boasting about tomorrow?

4. Imagine a Christian who likes to brag to other people about the certainty of his or her plans for the future. How do you think this attitude might affect their daily Bible-reading and prayer time?

5. In James 4:15, God tells us "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'" Practically speaking, how should this verse change the way Christians talk?

6. Christians practice two good kinds of evangelism: passive and active. Active evangelism is when we tell an unbeliever the gospel and the other unbeliever knows we are trying to do so. Passive evangelism is when a Christian intentionally speaks truths in normal speech which identify some or all of the gospel without directly compelling an unbeliever to respond.

Try to come up with a phrase which a) you would actually say to an unbeliever, b) that acknowledges your dependance on God for the future, and c) that would help them to see that God alone controls the future.

7. I would encourage you and your discussion partner to take a moment to pray for God to sanctify our speech and use it to bring people to Christ by letting others know that He is at the center of our plans.

October 4, 2022

Introduction

In Proverbs, those who ignore God (1:7), His wisdom (8:5), His word (13:13), and His law (28:9) are called "fools". 

How should Christians respond to fools? What should you do if one is bothering you? What if one wants to debate with you?

Proverbs 26:4-5 gives us two puzzling answers: "Don't answer a fool" (4) and "Answer a fool" (5). Though these verses seem paradoxical, they challenge us to think wisely before communicating with fools. 

Big Idea

Wisdom customizes speech to respond to the other person's error.

Opening Question

Think of a time when you disagreed with a non-Christian about a spiritual issue. What was the issue? What were the main points you both made? Did you make any positive progress or did the discussion end in disagreement?

Read Proverbs 26:4-5

Discussion Questions

1. Talking about spiritual things with an unbeliever can be difficult. If you could have a re-do of that discussion, what might you choose to change about what you said or how you said it?

2. Read Proverbs 26:4. What danger does it warn us about when we speak to a fool "according to his foolishness"? How do you think this temptation take hold of us?

3. Now read Proverbs 26:5. What danger does it warn us about when we don't speak to a fool "according to his foolishness"? 

4. In both verses, the word "according to" is used. But that phrase means two different things in these two different verses. What different meanings does it have in these two verses?

5. This video is a discussion between four people: two evangelical pastors and two political activists who are gay: https://youtu.be/tXEXqMzLX1Y. As you watch, try to identify the different approaches these pastors take to the debate.

6. What is similar about what the pastors believe? What is different about how they apply and communicate it? 

7. In your view, which pastor was more effective at communicating the gospel? Why do you think he was more effective?

8. What can you learn from this interaction about how to speak about controversial issues with non-Christians?

Sept 7, 2022

Introduction

Psalm 54 is a Maskil, likely a wisdom-oriented Psalm. 

David gives an introductory note to this Psalm. It says it was written "When the Ziphites came and said to Saul, 'Is not David hiding himself among us?"

Who were the Ziphites? 1 Chronicles 2 teaches that they were a family from one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of a Judah. Through his daughter-in-law, Tamar, Judah gave birth to a son, Perez. Perez gave birth to Hezron. Hezron fathered Caleb. Caleb was the other courageous spy with Joshua who agreed Israel should take the land from the Canaanites. Ziph was Caleb's grandson.

Now David was also a Judahite who was from Hezron. David came from Hezron's descendants through Ram, a brother of Caleb. This means that David and the people of Ziph were relatives who lived in the same region of southern Israel.

This is very important because when King Saul began to track down and try to kill David, the Bible tells us that David, "remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph" (1 Samuel 23:14). David was staying in a region he knew around people he expected to be loyal. But some Ziphites betrayed David and reported his presence to Saul (1 Samuel 23:15-19).

Big Idea

That betrayal was the basis of this Psalm. It teaches us how to respond to betrayal.

Opening Questions

1. In confidence, share a time with the other person when you perceived that others may be betraying you. 

Parents, if you are speaking with your child, I encourage you to find something important to you that your child can understand. Seeing your honesty will help them.

2. Share what kind of prayers you offer to God in these times. What do you ask Him for? 

Read the Psalm

Questions for Discussion

3. The Psalm begins "Save me, O God, by your name". God's name is His reputation. In what way does it match God's reputation to help us when we are being attacked by others?

4. What is David's description of these betrayers in verse 3? Why is it important that David speak about their character in this way?

5. Note that, in verses 1, 2, and 4, David repeats his dependance on God for help. When people undergo personal attacks, we are often tempted to depend on something, including ourselves, substances like alcohol, medication, video games, or other people to provide relief. What alternatives to God tempt you?

6. What solution does the Psalmist seek for his problem in verse 6?

7. Verses 6-7 have a very different tone than the rest of the psalm. What do you think is going on in these last two verses?

August 8, 2022

Introduction

Psalm 56 is a Maskil Psalm that teaches wisdom about life following God. Its historical heading records that it was composed during David's retreat to the Philistine city of Gath (described in 1 Samuel 21:10-14). When Saul was chasing David, he was in such danger that he briefly fled to Goliath's hometown for safety.

Big Idea

Imprecatory psalms call for God's wrath to fall on God's enemies. Because of this, it takes careful consideration to properly apply them for use in the church.

In the Old Testament, God's enemies were groups who opposed Israel such as the Philistines, the Amalekites, and the Jebusites. In the New Testament, Jesus called God's enemies "the world". He taught that the world, deceived and led by Satan, hates Christ's followers because it hates Christ himself (John 15:18-19). This Psalm gives us a model for how to respond to the world's hatred.

Read the Psalm

Questions to Discuss

1. Do you think Christians in America experience persecution? Explain your reasoning.

2. Based on verses 1-2 and 5-7 what do you imagine David's daily experience in Gath was like?

3. Have you ever been oppressed or treated with suspicion because of your faith in Christ? If so, describe what happened.

4. Rather than fight back or flee to another city, how does David's respond to opposition in verses 3-4?

5. In verse 7, David prays, "God, bring down the nations in wrath." Why do you think it was ok for David to pray that way? Jesus teaches us to pray for our enemies and to do good to those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Is it possible to do this and also pray like David does here?

6. Find the two verses which are repeated in this Psalm. What can we learn from this about enduring oppression?

7. In the final two verses, David says, "You have delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living." How can this be true if he is still uncertain about whether he will survive in Gath?

8. What Biblical verses give you assurance when others may dislike, suspect, or attack you?

July 19, 2022

Introduction

There's just one verse this week:

Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.

Proverbs 24:27

The first line is one idea stated two ways: outdoor work and preparing your field. It refers to field preparation so that crops can be grown. But the second line is different: building a house.

What does that teach us about this man? He doesn't have a house! So if you don't have a field or a house (but you do have land for both) which should you prepare first?

Big idea

This is about prioritizing first things first. 

Parent

When you had children, your life changed dramatically. Think of the way you used to live before kids; and think of how you lived after. Tell your child any specifics you can think of about how your time management and/or priorities shifted.

Youth

1. Summer break is a great opportunity to do things you want to do. How do you spend your time differently during summer vacation versus your time during the school year?

2. What does a person's field give them? (Hint: this guy is a farmer)

3. What does your house give you?

Both

This proverb had to be written because people don't naturally prioritize correctly. So imagine you have to take a wild field and turn it into a field that you can grow and harvest crops on. 

1. What work do you have to do to get that field ready for growing crops?

Hint: have you ever had a garden? The preparation issues are similar, but for acres rather than square feet.

2. What work do you have to do to build a house?

3. Take a guess on this one: why would someone rather build a house than prepare a field?

Final Question

Try to think of something you put off, procrastinate, or ignore, but you know (either from life experience or God's word) that it is more important than you have made it. How can you prioritize it more effectively?