Posts filed under: 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 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.