Posts filed under: Believers Bible Study

The Fall of Man – The Knowledge of Good and Evil

Believers Life Style Bible Study
June 5, 2021
The Fall
Genesis 2:4 – 3:24
Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What makes forbidden things so tempting?
  2. What are some of the joys and frustrations of marriage?
  3. When was the first time you stole a cookie?

Explore It

  1. What are the main events described in these verses? (2:4-3:24)
  2. When and how did God create man? (2:4-7)
  3. What did God put in the middle of the Garden of Eden? (2:9)
  4. For what purpose did God put man in the Garden of Eden? (2:8, 15)
  5. What command did God give man? (2:16-17)
  6. What did God say was not good? (2:18)
  7. How did God create woman, and what was Adam’s response to her? (2:21-23)
  8. What would be the result of man becoming united with his wife? (2:24)
  9. What did the serpent ask the woman, and how did she respond? (3:1-3)
  10. Why did the serpent say that God did not want the woman to eat the forbidden fruit? (3:4-5)
  11. What happened when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (3:6-7)
  12. What did Adam and Eve do when they heard God? Why? (3:8-10)
  13. How did Adam and Eve respond when God asked them why they disobeyed? (3:11-13)
  14. How did God punish the serpent, the man, and the woman? (3:14-19)
  15. Why did God drive Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden? (3:22-24)

Get It

  1. How is it significant that God created man and “breathed into him the breath of life”?
  2. What does the fact that it was not good for man to be alone tell us about the importance of relationships?
  3. What is the significance of the fact that Adam felt no shame at being naked?
  4. What does it mean to become one flesh?
  5. What difference does it make what we think about Satan and his attempts to deceive us?
  6. What’s the problem with having “knowledge of good and evil”?
  7. Why are we attracted to do what God has forbidden?
  8. How does this original sin affect us on a daily basis?
  9. What do these verses tell us about temptation and how to resist it?
  10. What lies do people tend to believe these days?
  11. 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

  1. What is one thing you can do to improve your relationship with your spouse or a good friend?
  2. What can you do to help you remember God’s truth this week?
  3. *How can you become wiser about the schemes of the devil?

 

A Tree and Its Fruit

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
A Tree and Its Fruit
Scripture References:

Matthew 7:15-23
November 21, 2020

Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. *What do you know about vegetable gardening?
  2. What kind of inner alarm (if any) alerts you to the fact that a person is a phony?
  3. What is your favorite fruit?

Explore It

  1. Against whom did Jesus warn us? Why? (7:15)
  2. What do false prophets look like on the outside? (7:15)
  3. What are false prophets like inwardly? (7:15)
  4. How did Christ say we could recognize false prophets? (7:16, 20)
  5. *What does nature reveal about a tree and its fruit? (7:16)
  6. What kind of fruit do good trees bear? Why? (7:17-18)
  7. What type of produce grows on bad trees? Why? (7:17-18)
  8. *What happens to trees that fail to produce good fruit? (7:18)
  9. *Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? (7:21)
  10. How will some people try to talk their way into heaven? (7:22)
  11. What credentials or accomplishments will some people claim? (7:22)
  12. How will Jesus respond to these impostors? (7:23)
  13. What is necessary for entry into heaven? (7:23)

Get It

  1. Why do we continue to sin if we have Christ in our heart and the Holy Spirit in our lives?
  2. *What does this passage tell us about the importance of doing good works?
  3. How do good works and salvation fit together?
  4. *How can people be “religious” yet not follow Christ?
  5. What kind of good works have you been producing lately?
  6. What evidence in your life points to your relationship with Jesus?

Apply It

  1. What spiritual disciplines can you use to cultivate your soul this week?
  2. *In what area of your life can you place more emphasis on doing good works each day this week?

 

Scripture References:

Matthew 7:15-23 (NKJV)
15  “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
16  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?
17  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20  Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
21  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

 

The Little Children and Jesus

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
The Little Children and Jesus
Scripture References:

Matthew 19:13-15
November 7, 2020

Presented by all the Students of Bible Study

Open It

  1. What are some ways people abuse positions of authority?
  2. Where do we draw the line between being productive and being rushed, or between being dedicated and being driven?
  3. What are the most exciting and the most frightening aspects of parenthood?
  4. *What would you do differently if you could live your childhood over again?

Explore It

  1. What people were being brought to Jesus? Why? (19:13)
  2. *Why were children being brought to Jesus? (19:13)
  3. To whom did some parents bring their children? Why? (19:13)
  4. How did the disciples react to the fact that children were being brought to Jesus? (19:13)
  5. On whom did the disciples vent their displeasure? (19:13)
  6. *How did Jesus correct the disciples? (19:14)
  7. Why did Jesus command the disciples to allow the children to come to Him? (19:14)
  8. According to Jesus, what kind of people will possess the kingdom of heaven? (19:14)
  9. *What did Jesus do for the little children? (19:15)
  10. What did Jesus do after He spent time with the children? (19:15)

Get It

  1. *Why do you think the disciples got irritated about the children being brought to Jesus?
  2. What are some ways you get so caught up in your schedule or “to do” list that you are insensitive or even rude to the people around you?
  3. What is the purpose behind the church practice of “baby dedication”?
  4. What are some ways we might hinder children from coming to Christ?
  5. *What did Jesus mean by saying that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”?
  6. What are the advantages to trusting in Christ at an early age?
  7. How early can a child truly comprehend the gospel?

Apply It

  1. What are some specific ways you could bless a child today?
  2. *How can you become more childlike in your faith over the next month?

Scripture References:

Matthew 19:13-15 (NKJV)
13  Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.
14  But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
15  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

A Dead Girl and Sick Woman

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
A Dead Girl and Sick Woman
Scripture References:

Matthew 9:18-26
October 17, 2020

Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What epitaph would you like on your tombstone?
  2. *What punishment should be meted out to those who prey on weak or defenseless individuals?
  3. What do you think about people who claim to have died and then come back to life?

Explore It

  1. Who approached Jesus? (9:18)
  2. What did the man do? (9:18)
  3. With what startling situation and request did the man present Jesus? (9:18)
  4. How did Jesus react? (9:19)
  5. Who accompanied Jesus? (9:19)
  6. *While Jesus and the others made their way to the man’s house, who touched Jesus’ cloak? (9:20)
  7. From what kind of ailment did the woman suffer? (9:20)
  8. *What was the woman’s reasoning for touching Jesus’ cloak? (9:21)
  9. What happened as the woman made contact with Jesus? (9:22)
  10. What did Jesus do for the woman? (9:22)
  11. *Why was the woman healed? (9:22)
  12. Upon arriving at the ruler’s house, what did Jesus say to the crowd? (9:24)
  13. What was the crowd’s response to Jesus’ unexpected statement? (9:24)
  14. What did Christ do after He put the crowd outside? (9:25)
  15. What happened after Christ left? (9:26)

Get It

  1. What personal encouragement and comfort do you find in Christ’s ability to heal the sick and raise the dead?
  2. *How is your faith challenged by the people in this story?
  3. What are some ways we “laugh at Jesus” in our beliefs and behavior?
  4. How do you think a twelve-year illness would affect your faith in God?
  5. What does this passage teach you about Jesus’ sensitivity to the needs of a lonely, hurting individual?
  6. *What impossible situation are you facing?
  7. How can we follow Jesus’ example?

Apply It

  1. *How can you trust God today to work in the impossible situation you are facing?
  2. What act of kindness can you show this week to someone who is ill or grieving?

 Scripture References:

Matthew 9:18-26 (NKJV)
18  While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”
19  So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.
20  And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.
21  For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”
22  But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
23  When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,
24  He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him.
25  But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
26  And the report of this went out into all that land.

Knowing How to Pray

The Believers Life Style Bible Study
Presents
Prayer
Scripture References:

Matthew 6:5-15
October 3, 2020

Presented by Michael Webb

Open It

  1. What images or thoughts spring to mind when you hear the word “prayer”?
  2. *What role did prayer play in your family’s life when you were growing up?

Explore It

  1. According to Jesus, what wrong motivation prompts some individuals to pray? (6:5)
  2. *What name did Jesus call people who pray for show? Why? (6:5)
  3. Where do hypocrites prefer to do their praying? (6:5)
  4. What type of reward will religious showmanship bring? (6:5)
  5. *How did Jesus command His followers to pray? (6:6)
  6. Where did Jesus suggest we talk to God? (6:6)
  7. *What type of reward will humility in prayer bring? (6:6)
  8. What did Jesus have to say about repetitive or long, windy prayers? (6:7)
  9. What insights or facts about God are revealed in this passage? (6:6, 8, 9)
  10. To whom did Jesus tell us to pray? (6:9)
  11. What should be our attitude toward God? (6:9)
  12. What should be our attitude toward God’s kingdom and will? (6:10)
  13. What should be our attitude toward life’s necessities? (6:11)
  14. What should be our attitude toward those who have wronged us? (6:12)
  15. What should be our attitude toward temptation? (6:13)
  16. Why is it crucial for us to forgive those who wrong us? (6:14-15)

Get It

  1. What common or overused phrases do you hear frequently repeated in people’s prayers?
  2. If God knows what we need before we ask, why should we pray?
  3. *If Jesus commands us to pray in secret, what is the value of public prayer?
  4. Why do many Christians feel uncomfortable praying out loud?
  5. *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?
  6. Why do we often use special language or words for talking to God?
  7. What sins or offenses by others do we find especially difficult to forgive?

Apply It

  1. *What changes do you need to make in your prayer life?
  2. What strained relationship will you seek to repair this week by forgiving an offense?

 

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:5-15 (NKJV)
5  “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6  But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7  And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8  Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name
10  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On 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 do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14  “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

What Kind of Baggage Do You Carry?

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: What kind of Baggage Do you Carry?
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 4:13
September 19, 2020

 Summary

Have you ever considered how the intangible baggage of past experiences and personal sin hinder your journey with Christ?  Hebrews 12:1-3 compares the Christian life to a race and encourages believers to “lay aside” those things that impede their progress. The baggage in our spiritual lives isn’t

always easy to recognize, even though it leads to unhappiness and feelings of inadequacy and defeat. Oftentimes, our efforts to change fail, and after confessing the same sins, we find ourselves falling right back into them. In order to victoriously run the course God has planned, we must identify what hinders us and lay it down with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Identifying Our Baggage

There are two different words in Hebrews 12:1 that describe the things that slow us down and create obstacles in our lives. They are:

Encumbrance. This is anything that keeps us from effectively living the Christian life. An encumbrance can come in many forms, but the most common ones that cause believers to falter are:

  • A poor self-image. Negative comments can cause us to doubt our value, especially if we experience stern criticism when we’re young.
  • A defeatist attitude. If we feel we’re beaten down by our circumstances, we’ll never try.
  • Feelings of rejection. Being devalued by others hurts and leaves us feeling unwanted.
  • Perfectionism. If we think everything must be done flawlessly, we won’t try anything we
  • can’t do well.
  • A fear of failure. We’ll miss wonderful opportunities from God if we let anxiety
  • hinder us.
  • Procrastination. Putting off tasks keeps us from accomplishing what needs to be done.
  • A lack of self-control. If we can’t restrain our impulses, we’re easily led off track.
  • A lack of concentration. When our minds drift from one activity to another, we won’t accomplish much in life.
  • A negative attitude. Pessimism hinders our thinking and has a negative impact on our work and relationships.
  • A suspicious attitude. Being mistrustful of others’ motives keeps us from accepting love and friendship.
  • Indecision. An inability to make decisions prevents us from moving forward.
  • Sin. The second hindrance is “the sin which so easily entangles us” (Heb. 12:1). This does not mean sin in the general sense of the word but instead refers to a specific one, an area of weakness that:
      • Requires us to be continually on guard.
      • Often snares us because it’s tempting and difficult to resist.
      • Divides our minds when we think about it.
      • Hinders our relationships with others
      • Surfaces when we pray
      • Strikes at our self-respect
      • Breaks our fellowship with God

All believers have certain sins that weigh them down more than others. they include:

  • Unforgiveness. When we can’t let go of past hurts, it damages us and hinders us
  • A critical spirit. If all we do is criticize, we hurt others and ourselves.
  • A jealous spirit. Craving what others have often leads to unhappiness.
  • Greed. A desire for more leads us to take advantage of others to get what we want.
  • Pride. God hates it when we are conceited about our social standing, possessions, or physical appearance.
  • Deceit. habitually lying or telling half-truths makes us deceptive.
  • Lust. When love is replaced by lust, our desire is out of control.
  • Unbelief. Although we may claim to believe the Bible, we’re often unwilling to trust in God to provide for our needs.
  • Anger. Perpetual anger robs us of happiness and destroys our relationships.
  • Bitterness. This poison infiltrates our thinking and prevents us from giving
    and receiving love.
  • Slander. Spreading lies about others makes us malicious and destructive.
  • Love of Money. A continuous desire for wealth easily trips us up
  • Idolatry. Whatever we place before our heavenly Father is a false idol.

CONCLUSION:

The Lord has planned the best race for each of us. However, we can’t win and fulfill His plan until every hindrance is laid aside. We don’t have to carry heavy spiritual burdens and continue failing in our efforts to overcome the sin in our lives because God is ready to set us free if we’ll believe in Him. By faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must make a conscious choice to do away with whatever is displeasing to Him. It’s only when we finally unload it all and fix our eyes on Jesus that we will truly be able to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1)

 

Scripture References: The Race of Faith

Hebrews 12:1-3, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through [a]Christ who strengthens me.

No One Is Righteous

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: No One Is Righteous
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Romans 3:9-20
September 5, 2020

Open It

  1. *In what ways are all people the same?
  2. If you were on trial in front of God, what are some of the things He would judge you on?
  3. Do you consider yourself to be a good person?  Why?

Explore It

  1. How did Paul compare himself to others? (3:9)
  2. *How are Jews and Gentiles alike? (3:9)
  3. Who is righteous? (3:10)
  4. What is our natural tendency toward God? (3:11)
  5. What is the result of turning away from God? (3:12)
  6. *What is human nature? (3:12)
  7. How do our conversations and speech reflect our sinful nature? (3:13-14)
  8. *What are the characteristics of people who stand condemned before God? (3:13-18)
  9. What does God’s law show us about ourselves? (3:19)
  10. What is the purpose of having God’s law? (3:19-20)
  11. What reward does a person receive for observing the Law? (3:20)

Get It

  1. How do you feel when the Bible describes you as standing guilty before God?
  2. How can Christianity be described as “good news” when it teaches that all people are guilty before God?
  3. *What reasons would you give for describing people as either basically good or basically evil?
  4. *How would you explain this passage to a person who believes that he or she is good and not guilty of any serious sins?
  5. How will God judge His chosen people, the Jews?
  6. How can we sin with our mouth?
  7. For what are we accountable to God?
  8. What misinformation about God’s judgment have you believed at one point in your life?

Apply It

  1. *What “laws” do you need to put aside in your life in favor of the true righteousness God offers?
  2. With what believer could you meet and spend time in prayer and confession? When?

 

 

Romans 3:9-20 (NKJV)
9  What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10  As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;
11  There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.
12  They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13  “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14  “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15  “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16  Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17  And the way of peace they have not known.”
18  “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19  Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20  Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 

Wives and Husbands

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: Wives and Husbands
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:22-33
August 15, 2020

 

Open It

  1. What husband-and-wife team do you greatly admire?
  2. *In your view, what one quality or ability sustains a marriage relationship?

Explore It

  1. What service should wives render to the Lord? (5:22)
  2. What is the relationship of the husband to the wife? (5:23)
  3. How is Christ’s headship of the church an example to the husband? (5:23)
  4. *How is the relationship of the church to Christ an example to wives? (5:24)
  5. How are husbands commanded to love their wives? (5:25)
  6. How did Christ prepare a bride for Himself? (5:26-27)
  7. *How should husbands love their wives? (5:28-30)
  8. How is the bond between husband and wife greater than the bond between parent and child? (5:31)
  9. *How does the bond between Christ and the church illustrate the love of a husband for his wife? (5:32)
  10. In sum, what are the responsibilities of the husband and wife toward each other? (5:33)

Get It

  1. *How should both husband and wife model themselves on Christ?
  2. *Why would unselfishness be an essential part of a Christian marriage?
  3. What should a Christian wife give her husband?
  4. How should a Christian husband care for his wife?
  5. How does a healthy Christian marriage relationship honor the Lord?
  6. What are some ways local churches can help Christian couples strengthen their marriages?

Apply It

  1. *What is something you can do to help a Christian couple strengthen their marriage?
  2. How can you treat your spouse with more respect and love this week?
  3. How can you express your thankfulness to Christ today for making you His bride?

 

 

Ephesians 5:22-33 (NKJV)
22  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
24  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26  that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27  that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
28  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
29  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
30  For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
31  “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32  This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33  Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Love

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: Love
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

August 1, 2020

 

Open It

  1. What, to you is an unmistakable demonstration of love?
  2. *Who is the most loving person you know? Why do you think so?
  3. What qualities do you associate with love?

Explore It

  1. What makes speaking in tongues, faith, generosity, and even martyrdom worthless? (13:1-3)
  2. How could a person use spiritual gifts in a useless manner? (13:1-3)
  3. *What do we gain if we don’t have love? (13:3)
  4. Why is love important? (13:3)
  5. *What qualities does love have? (13:4-8)
  6. Why will prophecy, tongues, and knowledge pass away? (13:8-9)
  7. How will we be different when we see Christ? (13:10-12)
  8. What is our spiritual imperfection like? (13:11)
  9. How do adults and children act and reason differently? (13:11)
  10. How will our knowledge of God change when we see Christ? (13:12)
  11. *What is the greatest of all gifts? (13:13)

Get It

  1. Why do you think Paul wrote about love to the Corinthians?
  2. Why might it be easy to use a spiritual gift without love?
  3. How can a person demonstrate love?
  4. How should Christians demonstrate love for each other?
  5. *In what practical ways can you show a love that never fails?
  6. How did Jesus exemplify love?
  7. Why won’t prophecy, knowledge, and tongues be necessary when Jesus returns?
  8. *When have you received the love described in this passage?
  9. What is difficult about loving?
  10. What expectations do you have, knowing you will see Jesus face to face one day?

Apply It

  1. What will help you to remember to use your gifts in a loving way?
  2. *How could you show love to a difficult person this week?

 

 Scripture for Lesson:

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NKJV)
1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8  Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

Spiritual Blessing In Christ

Life In Christ Bible Study
Topic: Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Presented by Michael Webb
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:1-14
July 25, 2020

Words to Understand:

  1. Salvation – deliverance from the power of sin; The salvation that comes through Christ may be described in three tenses: past, present, and future. When people believe in Christ, they are saved (Acts 16:31). But we are also in the process of being saved from the power of sin (Rom. 8:13; Phil. 2:12). Finally, we shall be saved from the very presence of sin (Rom. 13:11; Titus 2:12–13) Salvation is a free gift from God. It is by grace alone man is saved. Man can do nothing whatsoever to save himself.  Man cannot earn, win, or merit salvation. All man can do is accept the fact that God says He will save him; Every aspect of Salvation is born out of the purpose and the will and the plan of God that when it is accomplished it may be solely and only to the praise and the glory of God. God has saved us in order that He might be glorified; therefore, all our salvation belongs to His credit.
    Salvation is received by faith.  Faith comes through your belief in Jesus Christ.
    Read:( Ro 3:27, 4:2, 5: 1 Cor 1:31) Free offer of Salvation (Ro 11:6)
  2. Grace — Undeserved favor, unearned blessing, unmerited goodness and kindness. grace is giving us something we don’t deserve or could not obtain for ourselves.  Means all the favors and gifts of God, all good and perfect gifts.
    Read: Titus 2:11-14, Titus 3:6-7 
  3. Holy – means to be set apart and consecrated to God. Same word used for Saints.
    Read: 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Cor 7:1, Eph 4:24 
  4. Blameless — means to be free from sin, dirt, and filth; means to be without blemish; to be without fault and defilement.
    Read: Ph 2:15, Col 1:21-22
  5. Foreordained –  To know beforehand. It does not mean that God chooses some persons for salvation and everyone else for eternal punishment.  Scripture teaches the exact opposite.
    Read: Jn 3:16, Ro 10:13, 1 Tim 2:3-4 
  6. Predestination — means to destine or appoint before, to foreordain, to predetermine, to mark off or to set off.  Read: Jn 6:37, Jn 6:39 
  7. Adoption – To place as a son. Adoption is by Jesus Christ.  God accepts us because we believe and trust His Son. Gods purpose of adoption is that we might live forever
    Read: Ro 8:28
  8. Glory – beauty, power, or honor; a quality of God’s character that emphasizes His greatness and authority. God’s moral beauty and perfection of character. This divine quality is beyond human understanding (Ps. 113:4). All people “fall short” of it (Rom. 3:23) Magnificence of God, Light of Gods Character
  9. Redemption — To buy back.  Deliverance or setting a man free by paying ransom. God redeems man because of the riches of His grace.  He loves man with an unbelievable love – a love that spurs Him to save man no matter what. God redeems man once and for all, purchases and removes him from further sale.  Redeemed eternally
    Read: Gal 3:13, 4:5, Col 4:5
    Redeemed through the Blood of Jesus Christ; Mt 20;28, Ro 3:24;7:23: Heb 9:15 
  10. Forgiveness — means to send off, to send away, to release, to let go.
     
  11.  Sin — means transgression, trespass, a falling by the way, deviating form the way.
    Read: Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18 
  12. Wisdom — means seeing and knowing the truth. It is seeing and knowing what to do. Wisdom is found in Jesus Christ and promised to those who search after Him.
    Read: 1 Cor 1:30, 2:10-16, Eph 1:8, James 1:5 
  13. Prudence – good judgment, and common sense. Means seeing how to use and do the truth. It is seeing the direction to take. Understanding, insight.
    Read: Eph 1:17-18, Col 1:9, 2 Tim 2:7, 1 John 5:20
  14. Inheritance – means heritage.  God takes the believer and makes him is own heritage and possession.  The believer is made the inheritance of God. The believer receives his inheritance by hearing the word of God and believing and trusting in Jesus Christ.
    Read: Dt. 9:29, Dt 32:9, Is 43:1, Mal 3:17, 1 Peter 2:9 
  15. Sealed: You are sealed with the Holy Spirit for a lifetime once you become a true believer. 
  16. Earnest means pledge, guarantee, a down payment. The Holy Spirit is given to the believer to give the believer perfect assurance of his salvation.

 

Open It

  1. How often do you compliment others?
  2. How do you usually respond when someone compliments you?
  3. *What blessings have you received recently?

Explore It

  1. How was Paul made an apostle? (1:1)
  2. To whom was the letter addressed? (1:1)
  3. What greetings did Paul extend to the believers at Ephesus? (1:2)
  4. *How has God blessed believers? (1:3)
  5. When did God’s work of election take place? (1:4)
  6. What is the purpose of God’s election? (1:4)
  7. What did God determine beforehand for those who believe in Christ? (1:5)
  8. What is the goal of God’s election? (1:6)
  9. What is redemption? (1:7)
  10. *What does the work of Christ do for the believer? (1:7)
  11. What has God given the believer? (1:8-10)
  12. When will everything be brought together? (1:10)
  13. How did God’s plan include people of different cultures? (1:11-12)
  14. *What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those called to receive spiritual blessings in Christ? (1:13-14)

Get It

  1. What are spiritual blessings?
  2. *In everyday language, how would you describe the spiritual blessings given to you?
  3. How do you picture the persons of the Trinity at work in your life?
  4. How should knowing that you were chosen to be in the family of God affect your involvement in evangelism?
  5. What has Christ done on our behalf?
  6. How have you benefited from the grace of God?
  7. *For what work of God on your behalf are you most thankful? Why?
  8. Why did God do this amazing work for us?

Apply It

  1. *How can you say thank you to God this week for what He has done for you?
  2. What do you need to do differently to live for the praise of God’s glory this week?

 

Ephesians 1:1-14 (NKJV)
1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5  having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6  to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
7  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8  which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9  having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10  that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him.
11  In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12  that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.