Good-bye for now...

Dear fellow students of God's word,
Today we draw our Online Bible Study to a close. The combination of a reorganization of BOCC's Ladies Class on Wednesday mornings and a dwindling response to this online method of outreach made it clear that it was time to take a break.

We have enjoyed learning alongside of you as we made out way through 1 Peter, Ruth and Esther, and our study of prayer. We encourage you to continue your at-home studies and know that you will be blessed as you learn more about our loving and all powerful God.

For and because of Him,
Kay Scott, Megan Drennon and Amanda Pollard

Session IX, Day 3

There are many ways in which we can be tempted…many areas where we need deliverance. In the New Testament, we find lessons encouraging us to pray for deliverance from the temptation of anxiety, marital infidelity, and the temptations that come through persecutions – just to name a few. Today we will begin our study by looking at Paul’s encouragement to pray instead of worry.


ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read Phil. 4:4-7.
Have you ever thought of anxiety as a temptation? Most of us worry – some of us more than others. We may worry over our health, our finances, a possible terrorist attack, etc. Anxiety can grow into chronic worry; and worry can paralyze to the point that we are of little use to our families or God’s kingdom.

2. Paul tells us that, instead of worrying, we should _________.

3. He tells us not to be anxious about _______________, but to pray about ____________ (each blank can be answered with a single word).

4. What does Paul assure will be the outcome of such prayers?


It is interesting that Paul describes God’s peace using military language – as a sentry at his post. Essentially, he is telling us that, instead of worry, we must pray and ask and thank God about/for everything that is on our hearts. Then we are promised God’s peace – a peace we can’t even explain using human reasoning. This peace will stand guard over our hearts and minds. The NIV study notes for verse 7 describe peace as: “Not merely a psychological state of mind, but an inner tranquility based on peace with God; the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven; the opposite of anxiety; and it is the tranquility that comes when believers commit all their cares to God in prayer and no longer worry about them.

Concluding thoughts: Tony Ash believes the last petition of the Lord’s prayer could be understood this way: “Don’t let us get in where the water is over our heads and we can’t swim.” This interpretation allows for the human situation of trials and temptations. However, it also teaches us to depend upon God Who responds to our prayers and delivers us from temptations we are not strong enough to withstand.


Lord, teach us to pray….lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. And all God’s people say Amen!

Session IX, Day 2

Today you will be asked some introspective questions.  I encourage you to write your ideas down on paper and not just keep them milling around in your mind.  For me this helps bring clarity to my thoughts.  Let's get started...

The petition, lead us not into temptation has raised some questions for most of us.  What is one that you can think of?

1.  Whenever we have discussions on trials, temptations, and God’s role in all of this, we usually turn to James 1.

            a.  Read James 1:2-4 and :12.  What do these verses tell us about the purpose of our    trials?

            b.  Read James 1:13-16.  What does James say is the source of man’s temptations?

            c.  What does he say about God’s role in man’s temptations?

Note:  Tony Ash, Pray Always, tells us that the Greek term for temptations in Matt 6:13 can be rendered either “temptations” or “trials.”

            d.  James appears to differentiate between trials and temptations.  According to James, what do you think is the difference?

2.  As we are confronted with the temptation to sin, do we always recognize, right away, that we are being tempted?

3.  Peter says in I Peter 4:12, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

4.  Since trials and temptations are a part of the human experience – why do we ask God not to lead us into temptation?   Do we expect Him to eliminate all trials and temptations?  What are we really asking for?

Something to think about:  could it be that we are actually praying for God to protect us from temptation that would be more than we could bear?

Dr. Warren Wiersbe makes the following interesting comments in The Wiersbe Bible Study Series- on James, pg 47.

“No temptation appears as temptation; it always seems more alluring than it really is.  James used two illustrations from the world of sports to prove his point.  Drawn away (or dragged away - James 1:14) carries with it the idea of the baiting of a trap; and enticed in the original Greek means ‘to bait a hook.’  The hunter and the fisherman have to use bait to attract and catch their prey.  No animal is deliberately going to step into a trap and no fish will knowingly bite at a naked hook.  The idea is to hide the trap and hook.

Temptation always carries some bait that appeals to our natural desires.” 

Session IX, Day 1

One petition at a time, we have worked our way through the Lord’s Prayer.  This week’s focus will be on the final petition:  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matt. 6:13).  Luke 11:4b reads, and lead us not into temptation. 

Take a minute and consider the connection between the petition of Matt. 6:12:  forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors and the prayer’s last petition of 6:13.  As we are blessed with God’s forgiveness and  grow more mature in our willingness to forgive others, the last thing we want - is to be enticed into those same old sins again. 

Do you see any similarities in the petitions, Your kingdom come and deliver us from evil?

In an earlier lesson, we shared some ideas from Andrew Murray’s, With Christ in the School of Prayer regarding God’s kingdom. 

The following is a summary of some of his comments:

Our Father is king of His kingdom, we are His children and heirs of all His riches.  However, we are still living in enemy territory.  During time of war and danger, the thing we want most is for His kingdom to come in all its’ glory.  We can think of nothing else.  “Your kingdom come” becomes the battle cry of the redeemed here on earth!  AND… “deliver us from evil” could serve as the second line of that battle cry.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Genesis 3.  It is interesting that the first account in the Bible that describes an actual encounter and conversation between humans (Adam & Eve), and between that first couple and their God …also describes an encounter with ____________,  Why do you think God want us to hear that story so early in creation history?

In Genesis 3, we learn about:

            Temptation

            Sin

            Blaming others

            Sin’s consequences 

2.  There is something else we learn in 3:15, what is it?

It is interesting that God provides Adam and Eve with their first glimpse of the remedy for their (and our) sin before he explains the consequences.  The wording of this verse may be a little confusing – but essentially, God is describing the struggle that will go on between Satan and mankind - all through history.  He also introduces His plan for man’s redemption –that  Jesus Christ would eventually crush the serpent’s head and provide hope for the world. 

3.  Read Deuteronomy 8:1-19.  What does Moses say is the reason that God led the Israelites around in the desert for 40 years? 

4.  Moses is preparing Israel for what lies ahead as they go in and live in the Promised Land.  He issues a warning, what is it?  In what ways is this warning applicable for us today?

5.  What does Moses say Israel can expect if/when they forget and disobey the Lord God?

As we conclude our study today, look at the list below and circle possible areas that you think would most likely cause temptation/sin in your own life.  You may think of others you could add. 

Gossip                                    An unforgiving heart                             

Pride                                       Bitterness                                             

Sexual temptation                  Laziness                                               

Indifference to others            Selfishness 

Discouragement                    Unwholesome talk

Self-pity/worry                        Anger

It can be helpful if we are able to identify our vulnerabilities and ask our Father for courage in resisting Satan’s pull in those areas. 

Lord, teach us to pray…Your kingdom come… deliver us from evil.

Session VIII, Day 3

Today, we will be focusing more on our own sin.  We suggest that the joy that accompanies our acknowledgement, confession, and repentance of sins - and is followed by God’s forgiveness - brings a freedom and peace that are without comparison!  

On the other hand, we can acknowledge, confess, and repent of our sins, be forgiven by our Father…and continue to lug around a ton of guilt.  When we refuse to trust in and accept God’s promised forgiveness we rob ourselves of so many spiritual blessings.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read I John 1:5-10 – notice what John says about walking, purifying, deceiving, confessing, forgiving.

a.  Notice all the if statements in these verses and what they describe.

b.  What are the promises?

c.  What do these verses say about God/Christ Jesus?

2.  Read Hebrews 4:14, 7:25, 10:19-22 and consider the following questions:

a.  Do you think Jesus understands your difficulty in extending and/or accepting forgiveness?

b.  As forgiven children of God, how can we approach His throne?

c.  What occupies our Lord Jesus as He sits at God’s right hand?

d.  Note all the words in these passages which describe those of us who have had our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…  Using these, or similar words, write a 1 or 2 sentence description of yourself.

A personal note from one of the authors:  You and I may have had similar experiences regarding confession and repentance of sins.  In my younger years, I kept the sins of my past locked away – some were too painful to think about.  AND, after all, they were sins that were no longer a problem!  I regularly prayed, Father forgive my sins – but seldom asked forgiveness for specific sins.  When I began praying more and seeking a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father, I began to be more aware of those old sins of days gone by.  I felt my Father was calling me to deal with them.

I believe there is a direct correlation between increased, mindful praying and God’s revelation of sin in our lives.

Now…the good part!  Without a doubt, the acknowledgement and confession of sins (no matter how long ago they occurred), and the acceptance of our Father’s forgiveness bring such blessing!  We may not even have been aware of the weight of our burden of guilt – but I am convinced it is something we lug it around until confession is made.

On the other hand, some of us may have asked for forgiveness umpteen times for the same offense of long ago.  Read I John 1:9 again…especially the part that says our God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

BELIEVE IT, DEAR SISTER!

Sometimes our plea for forgiveness may not be accompanied with feelings of relief and/or forgiveness.  We need to remember that “forgiveness is a thing that takes place in the heart of God – not in our emotions.” (Tony Ash, Pray Always).

Holy Father, Lord God, we praise You for Your gift of forgiveness and eternal life.  We ask that You impress that great truth on each of our hearts and bless us with freedom from our burdensome guilt.

Lord Jesus, teach us to pray…and teach us to forgive.

Session VIII, Day 2

In Monday’s lesson we read one of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians and were reminded that God’s power (resurrection power) is ours through Jesus.   Refusal/inability to forgive another can take over so much room in our hearts that there is no room for personal spiritual growth. 

An unforgiving heart toward just one individual/event can

 “interrupt the flow of the Spirit.”

• The first step in forgiving another could be to mindfully prayYour will be done and pray for His strength to empower us as we commit our will to His.
•  Then we set about to obey Jesus’ command to forgive others and to trust that He will empower us to do just that.

We would all do well to heed what Jon Walker wrote in Costly Grace (devotionals inspired by Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship):  he reminds us of Jesus’ call, Come unto Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden…  Walker says that Jesus (in essence) is calling us to “walk with Him…and watch how He does it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace….Instead of trying harder, let’s trust more.” 

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Mark 11:22-26.  What did Jesus say in this passage about our attitude/actions as they relate to prayer?  To forgiveness?

2.  Read Mark 11:25 again.  It is possible that we can hold bitterness toward another -  without grounds for that bitterness.  An individual could have made an innocent comment, (with no offense intended) that we misconstrued.  When we harbor bitterness toward anyone – this passage calls us to let that go and extend forgiveness (to the individual directly… or in our hearts – whichever is needed) before we go to God in prayer.

3.  Read Luke 17:3-4.  What instructions did Jesus give to His disciples?  There are several different concepts in these verses that we’ve not encountered in our previous readings, what are they?  What would you say is the bottom-line principle here?

4.   Read Matthew 5:23-24 and answer the questions below:

            a.  In your own life, what could be considered an altar gift?

            b.  Can you recall an example when a brother held something against you or another          brother?  Perhaps you/they were innocent of any wrongdoing …or perhaps guilty.

            c.  Consider a possible reconciliation scenario where one asks for forgiveness and   forgiveness is denied.  What then?

When we have difficulty forgiving others, we might envision our Lord and Savior suffering on the cross – a victim of a barbaric execution.  He did this to redeem you and me!  As He suffered, He cried out, Father, forgive them…  He was asking God to forgive you and me!

Our Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done …How can we express our gratitude for the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus?  We praise You for all the provisions You’ve made for our salvation.  We ask that You work in our lives and lead us to forgive others as You have forgiven us.  We praise You through Jesus – the One Who suffered, died, rose again and is now interceding on the throne for us.   Amen 

Session VIII, Day 1

Our study this week will focus on the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:12, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."  One of our greatest physical needs is for daily bread, and one of our greatest spiritual needs is for forgiveness of sins.   As we work our way through the week’s assigned New Testament passages, we will see that our horizontal relationships with each other affect our vertical relationship with God. 

There are 2 aspects of the issue of our own personal forgiveness: 

1)  the initial cleansing of the alien sinner when he comes to Christ and is baptized

2)  the need of the believer for daily forgiveness

In this fifth petition, Jesus is teaching His disciples (and believers on the other side of the cross) to ask for the daily forgiveness we all need.

ASSIGNMENT:

1.  Read Matthew 6:12 and Luke 11:4 and compare the language.  How are they similar/different?  What are the two words that appear to be interchangeable?

2.  Read Matthew 6:14-15.  What does Jesus teach in this passage? 

3.  The fifth petition is the only one that comes with “extra instructions” (in 6:14-15).  Why do you think this is necessary? 

• We are called upon to forgive others in simple ways every day; such as: forgiving the driver of the car who pulled out in front of us on the freeway; or forgiving our husbands when they forget to take out the trash.  When we are unable to forgive simple offenses such as these, we are opening ourselves up to unnecessary stress in our lives.  
•  Then there are the more difficult offenses that some must deal with - offenses that leave life-time scars and are not easily forgiven and never forgotten. 
•  Another difficult aspect of forgiveness may be our own inability to accept God’s forgiveness of our personal sins.  We will address that particular issue in our Friday study.

Jesus taught His disciples in Matt 6:14-15 that their own forgiveness by God was related to their forgiveness of others; He did not provide for exclusions.  He didn’t tell us to “forgive when you can.”  

Read Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians in Eph. 1:15-23 and notice what he writes about the incomparably great power for us who believe.  He goes on to say that this power is similar to the power God exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.  Whenever you feel inadequate – in any situation – whether in forgiving another or in accepting God’s forgiveness for yourself, spend some time in this passage and call upon our Father in heaven to empower and equip you for that task.

Lord, teach us to pray…and teach us to forgive.