Life In Christ Bible Study Presents Pray Like This Matthew 6:5-15 April 1, 2023 Presented by Michael Webb
Open It
What images or thoughts spring to mind when you hear the word “prayer”?
*What role did prayer play in your family’s life when you were growing up?
Explore It
According to Jesus, what wrong motivation prompts some individuals to pray? (6:5)
*What name did Jesus call people who pray for show? Why? (6:5)
Where do hypocrites prefer to do their praying? (6:5)
What type of reward will religious showmanship bring? (6:5)
*How did Jesus command His followers to pray? (6:6)
Where did Jesus suggest we talk to God? (6:6)
*What type of reward will humility in prayer bring? (6:6)
What did Jesus have to say about repetitive or long, windy prayers? (6:7)
What insights or facts about God are revealed in this passage? (6:6, 8, 9)
To whom did Jesus tell us to pray? (6:9)
What should be our attitude toward God? (6:9)
What should be our attitude toward God’s kingdom and will? (6:10)
What should be our attitude toward life’s necessities? (6:11)
What should be our attitude toward those who have wronged us? (6:12)
What should be our attitude toward temptation? (6:13)
Why is it crucial for us to forgive those who wrong us? (6:14-15)
Get It
What common or overused phrases do you hear frequently repeated in people’s prayers?
If God knows what we need before we ask, why should we pray?
*If Jesus commands us to pray in secret, what is the value of public prayer?
Why do many Christians feel uncomfortable praying out loud?
*When you pray in front of a group, how can you concentrate fully on what you are saying to God rather than how your prayers sound to others?
Why do we often use special language or words for talking to God?
What sins or offenses by others do we find especially difficult to forgive?
Apply It
*What changes do you need to make in your prayer life?
What strained relationship will you seek to repair this week by forgiving an offense?
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 6:1-4 (KJV) Mt 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:5-6 (KJV) Mt 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:7-8 (KJV) Mt 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV) Mt 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV) Mt 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Believers Life Style Bible Study February 4, 2023 Children of God 1st John 2:28- 3:10 Presented by Michael Webb
Open It
What kind of bread do you like most?
*How do people attempt to satisfy their need to feel secure and significant in life?
What needs do you spend the majority of your time trying to satisfy?
Explore It
*Why did the crowd seek Jesus? (6:26)
What did Jesus say the Son of Man would give to these people? (6:27)
What did Jesus say was the work of God? (6:28-29)
What did the crowd ask Jesus to do? (6:30-31)
Who did Jesus say was the true bread of life? (6:32-33)
*What did Jesus say would be the result of coming to Him? (6:35)
What did Jesus say He would never do to those who came to Him? (6:37)
Why did Jesus come down from heaven? (6:38)
What did Jesus say is the Father’s will? (6:39-40)
Why did the Jews begin to grumble? (6:41-42)
Who did Jesus say could come to Him? (6:43-44)
What did Jesus say would be the result of believing? (6:47)
*What contrast does Jesus make between manna and the bread of life? (6:48-51, 58)
What did Jesus say about His flesh and His blood? (6:53-57)
Get It
*What things do we seek from Jesus?
In what ways do you have a demanding attitude toward God?
When and why did you come to Jesus?
*In what way has Jesus satisfied your hunger and thirst for acceptance and meaning in life?
In what ways do you still feel empty?
What situations cause you to feel insecure?
When do you feel secure in your relationship with God? Why?
How has the Christian life turned out to be different from what you expected?
In what way is Jesus an example for us to follow?
Apply It
*What can you do today to rely on God, rather than on things or people, to satisfy your needs?
What demanding attitudes do you need to ask God to help you change?
The Bible Scripture for the Lesson:
1 John 2:28–3:9 (NKJV)
The Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Sin and the Child of God
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
What is the relationship between loving God and loving one’s brother? (4:20-21)
Get It
*How can we demonstrate our love for God?
What example has Jesus set for us to follow?
How should God’s love motivate you to love others?
How do you know that God lives in you?
What does it mean to live in God?
Why is it be easier to love God than other Christians?
*When you have difficulty loving other believers, what is it that makes it difficult?
*How can we demonstrate our love for others?
What are you afraid of?
How can we overcome our fears?
How does love drive out fear?
Apply It
Who is someone that you have a difficult time getting along with that you need to ask God to help you love this week?
What fear will you ask God to help you overcome?
*What specific steps will you take this week to demonstrate your love for another believer?
Scripture:
1 John 4:7-21 (KJV) 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
Life In Christ Bible Study
Power of Love
Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:5-14
October 1, 2022
Presented by Michael Webb
Open It
*What do you consider to be the most powerful emotion? Why?
What kinds of problems crop up in a relationship sooner or later?
When does romantic love tend to fade from a relationship? Why?
Explore It
What question did the Friends ask? (Song 8:5)
What events happened under the apple tree? (Song 8:5)
*What did the Beloved ask the Lover to do? ( Song 8:6)
*How did the Beloved describe love? ( Song 8:6-7)
What question did the Friends ask about their sister? ( Song 8:8-9)
Who helped the Beloved prepare for the day of her marriage? ( Song 8:8-9)
What had the Beloved become like to Solomon? ( Song 8:10)
What did the Beloved say that Solomon had? ( Song 8:11)
What did the Beloved say she had? ( Song 8:12)
What did the Lover say he wanted to hear? ( Song 8:13)
*What did the Beloved invite her Lover to do? ( Song 8:14)
Get It
*In what way is love strong and unyielding?
How is love like a blazing fire?
In what way is love unquenchable?
How does the Beloved reflect upon her childhood and her courtship?
What do the words of the Lover and Beloved in 8:13-14 recall about their relationship?
*What do the verses and this book say about physical love between a husband and his wife?
In what ways do we take love for granted?
How can we keep the passion and commitment in our marriage?
Apply It
What can you do this week to rekindle the flame of romantic love in your marriage?
*What commitment will you make to honor love and sex within marriage and not to abuse it?
Scripture:
Song of Songs 8:5-14 (KJV) 5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. 8 We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? 9 If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar. 10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour. 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred. 13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it. 14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.
Life In Christ Bible Study
The Fig Tree Withers
Scripture Matthew 21:18-22
September 3, 2022
Presented by Michael Webb
Open It
What is the worst case of false advertising you’ve ever seen?
Why do you think there are so many religious hypocrites?
*When in your life were you the most disappointed?
Explore It
Where was Jesus going? When? (21:18)
What was Jesus feeling? When? (21:18)
*What caught Jesus’ attention? Why? (21:19)
What did Jesus discover when he made a closer inspection of the fig tree? (21:19)
What did Jesus do to the fig tree? (21:19)
What happened immediately after Jesus cursed the fig tree? (21:19)
How did the withered fig tree incident affect the disciples? (21:20)
*What did the disciples ask Jesus? (21:20)
What did Jesus cite as the necessary ingredient to doing “impossible” things? (21:21)
What even more amazing feat than causing a fig tree to wither did Jesus claim was possible? (21:21)
*What attitude did Jesus encourage us to have in prayer? (21:22)
Get It
How is religious legalism like a barren fig tree?
What types of “fruit” should appear in our lives as we grow as Christians?
What fruit has your life borne in the last couple of months?
What are some ways Christians can look good to others from a distance and yet still be fruitless?
*Why is the invitation to pray at the end of this passage not a blank check to ask for anything?
*What requirements must our prayers meet?
In what ways might you be giving others a false idea of what the Christian life is all about?
Apply It
What is one specific request that you want to commit yourself to pray for regularly this week?
*What can you do today to let go of a grudge or feeling of offense?
Scripture for the Lesson:
Matthew 21:18-22 (KJV) 18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Believers Life Style Bible Study May 7, 2022 The Fall of Man: The Knowledge of Good and Evil Genesis 2:4 – 3:24 Presented by Michael Webb
Open It
What makes forbidden things so tempting?
What are some of the joys and frustrations of marriage?
When was the first time you stole a cookie?
Explore It
What are the main events described in these verses? (2:4-3:24)
When and how did God create man? (2:4-7)
What did God put in the middle of the Garden of Eden? (2:9)
For what purpose did God put man in the Garden of Eden? (2:8, 15)
What command did God give man? (2:16-17)
What did God say was not good? (2:18)
How did God create woman, and what was Adam’s response to her? (2:21-23)
What would be the result of man becoming united with his wife? (2:24)
What did the serpent ask the woman, and how did she respond? (3:1-3)
Why did the serpent say that God did not want the woman to eat the forbidden fruit? (3:4-5)
What happened when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (3:6-7)
What did Adam and Eve do when they heard God? Why? (3:8-10)
How did Adam and Eve respond when God asked them why they disobeyed? (3:11-13)
How did God punish the serpent, the man, and the woman? (3:14-19)
Why did God drive Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden? (3:22-24)
Get It
How is it significant that God created man and “breathed into him the breath of life”?
What does the fact that it was not good for man to be alone tell us about the importance of relationships?
What is the significance of the fact that Adam felt no shame at being naked?
What does it mean to become one flesh?
What difference does it make what we think about Satan and his attempts to deceive us?
What’s the problem with having “knowledge of good and evil”?
Why are we attracted to do what God has forbidden?
How does this original sin affect us on a daily basis?
What do these verses tell us about temptation and how to resist it?
What lies do people tend to believe these days?
What does the fact that Adam and Eve felt no shame before their sin and that they felt shame after their sin tell us about the effects of sin?
Apply It
What is one thing you can do to improve your relationship with your spouse or a good friend?
What can you do to help you remember God’s truth this week?
*How can you become wiser about the schemes of the devil?
Lesson Scripture:
Genesis 2:4-3:24 (KJV) 4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. 6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. 11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; 12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone. 13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. 14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. 15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. 1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Life In Christ Bible Study Topic: Trials and Temptations Presented by Michael Webb Scripture References: James 1:1-18 April 2, 2022
Open It
Why would you agree or disagree with the statement, “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to what happens to you”?
*How would you respond to someone who tells you that good can come from the trials which you are experiencing?
What doubts about God and prayer does the average person usually experience?
Explore It
Who wrote this letter? (1:1)
To whom was this letter written? (1:1)
*What attitude did James tell people to exhibit when they are facing trials? (1:2)
*What is produced when our faith is tested? (1:3-4)
What is God’s response when we ask for wisdom? (1:5)
What effect does doubt have on a person when he or she prays? (1:6-8)
What will eventually happen to the wealth of a rich person? (1:10-11)
*What reward awaits the person who perseveres under trial? (1:12)
From where does temptation come? (1:13-15)
How does sin start and end? (1:13-15)
From where do all good and perfect gifts come? (1:16-17)
How did James describe God’s relationship with the people He created? (1:17-18)
Get It
What trials and difficulties have you experienced during your life?
Why does God allow people to go through trials and difficulties?
*What good has ever come out of a difficult situation in your life?
How does a person’s relationship with God change as he or she goes through trials and problems?
When do you find it hardest to pray?
With what doubts have you struggled concerning God and prayer?
How can doubting affect a person’s prayer life?
How can a person who pursues wealth and riches be disappointed?
In what way have material possessions disappointed you once you possessed them?
*How would you explain to a ten-year-old why a person does something wrong or evil?
Why do we often blame God for tempting us when we sin?
What can a person do to stop an evil desire from becoming an actual evil act?
Apply It
*What do you believe God is trying to teach you this week through the trials and situations you are experiencing?
In what specific areas do you need to ask God for His wisdom this week?
What temptations do you need God’s help to resist this week?
James 1:1-18 (NKJV) 1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Life In Christ Bible Study
March 5, 2022 Topic: Life Through the Son Presented by Michael Webb Scripture References: John 5:16-30
Open It
What different groups of people have suffered persecution throughout history?
*What are some of the positive aspects of your relationship with your parents?
Explore It
Why did the Jews persecute Jesus? (5:16)
Whose work did Jesus do? (5:17)
Why did certain Jews want to kill Jesus? (5:18)
*What did Jesus say that the Son could do? (5:19)
What did Jesus tell the Jews that He would show them? (5:20)
What did Jesus say He was able to do? (5:21)
To whom did God entrust all judgment? (5:22)
*Why did God entrust judgment to Christ? (5:23)
How did Jesus say a person can gain eternal life? (5:24)
What time did Jesus say had already come? (5:25)
*What did Jesus say the Father has in Himself that He has granted to the Son? (5:26)
What time did Jesus say was coming? (5:28-29)
Whom did Jesus say He desires to please? (5:30)
Get It
In what way does the world persecute Christians today?
How have you been persecuted as a believer?
When have you experienced pressure not to practice or share your faith in Christ?
Why does the world persecute Christians?
*How can we honor the Son and the Father with our lives?
How can we know for sure that we have eternal life?
*Why should we feel secure in our relationship with God?
How should we prepare ourselves for Jesus’ judgment?
In what way are we like Jesus with respect to our relationship with God the Father?
In what way is Jesus an example for us to follow?
Apply It
*What steps can you take this week to enjoy more fully your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
What can you do today to bring honor to God?
How will you allow Jesus’ example in this passage of Scripture to influence your life this week?
John 5:16-30 (NKJV) 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth–those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
What barriers keep us from talking to other people about Christ?
How does spending time talking to Jesus affect your life?
*What tasks in life tend to consume your attention?
What are some of the sayings of Jesus that surprise you?
In what way has God surprised you by what He’s done in your life?
What unique work has God given you to do?
*How would you describe today the fields Jesus described to His disciples?
What role can you play in the reaping and harvesting of lives for Christ?
Apply It
What obstacle will you ask God to remove so you can help bring someone to Christ?
*In what way can you be involved in reaping and harvesting for God’s kingdom today?
Lesson Scripture:
John 4:27-38 (NKJV) 27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?” 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”
