November 1, 2009
Monday_ Romans 5:6-11 (NIV) – 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
For Class Discussion
1. Survival—we are all born with this instinct or desire. (Ecclesiates 3:11) In our right mind, not one of us would willingly chose to die. Rather, we would go to any expense or put our bodies, minds and souls through any number of medical horrors just to hold on to a few more precious weeks or months of life. So, what would motivate someone to “take the bullet,” so to speak for another?
2. We might “take the bullet” for another, but can we do that for ourselves? No! That’s why we are utterly powerless to save ourselves. Jesus “took the bullet” in our stead. Only the “bullet” that Jesus took was the full portion or outpouring of God’s wrath. Any thoughts on exactly what all that might have entailed?
a. The Sinless One became our sin—how?
b. The Holy One became our curse—how?
c. The Righteous One suffered our wrath—how?
d. The Eternal One endured our spiritual death—separation from the Father—how?
3. Jesus was fully Man and fully God. He did not deserve what He received. What possibly could have been/is His motivation (Remember, He is still doing this today!)?
4. According to the scripture above was there anything lovely about us that would compel Christ to endure such sorrow for us? What are/were we to God without Christ’s substitution?
a. Ungodly
b. Sinners
c. enemies
5. Look what Christ Jesus’ suffering wrought for God and for us:
a. Justified sinners through His blood atonement—what does this mean?
b. Gave Eternal life through His death and resurrection—how so?
c. Reconciled sinners to God—why do we need to be reconciled to God?
6. Which of Christ’s afflictions do you believe may have effected Him more severely? Why?
Tuesday_ Romans 12:17-21 (NIV) – 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
For Class Discussion
1. Does Jesus ever repay evil for evil in our lives as believers? How about unbelievers?
2. Why do you suppose we are to live in peace with others and do good unto our enemies?
3. Have you ever “heaped burning coals on a person’s head?” What was the result? for them? for you?
4. Christ—our Role Model—how did He overcome evil with good?
Wednesday_ Galatians 6:1-5 (NIV) – 1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.
For Class Discussion
1. Remember Jesus telling us to take the “log” out of our eye so we can see clearly the “splinter” in someone elses’? (Matthew 7:5) How can this be applied when dealing with sin in others’ lives?
2. Trying to restore others can be riskly. What are some was we may be tempted to sin also?
3. What does it mean to “carry each other’s burdens?”
4. What role does accountability and responsibility play in “carrying each other’s burden?”
5. Do you feel the American churches are doing a good job at this? Why or why not?
6. Motivation is everything! Whatever we do should be motivated by love—that is the supreme test. Judge each action to see if what you are doing lines up with love.
7. Just a thought—why do you feel Jesus may allow suffering in our lives?
Thursday_ Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV) – 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
For Class Discussion
1. Oh, I pray that you find comfort in verse 13—God has brought us up from the dead life of our sinful nature into glorious, eternal life by forgiving all our sins—past, present and future. That is why we can live fearless lives! We are no longer under a written code that brings only death (because no one but Christ Jesus could keep it!) but have been marvelously and wondrously entered into the law of love!
2. Now, satan and his coherts are NOT going to help us believe this great truth. No, remember, satan is the accuser of the brethern. So whenever we break the law—and, we will dear ones, satan is right there to pound us over the head with it! Ask forgiveness and move on—no looking back! Next time, let love always spur us on!
3. Did/does the world recognized that satan has already been made spectacle of? How did Jesus do so?
4. One day, we will witness this with our own eyes. (Isaiah 14:12-17) Oh, happy day! Frankly, I can’t wait to see Jesus repay him for the things he has tricked me with, or the stumbling blocks he has placed in my path, but mostly, for his lies!
Friday_ Hebrews 12:14-17 (NIV) – 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
For Class Discussion
1. Are we always going to be able to live peaceably with the world? with each other?
2. Can we ever forsake holiness to pursue peace?
3. How can our personal pursuit of “holiness” actually cause strife, anger and bitterness from others?
4. What is our responsibility in pursuing holiness—often referred to as sanctification? (2 Peter 3:14)
5. What does Philippians 1:9-10 say we must grow in to discern what is “best”?
6. Who is ultimately working in our lives to ensure that we are presented to the Father holy and blameless? (1 Corinthians 1:8-9, Ephesians 1:3-12; 5:25-26, 1 Thessalonians 3:13)
7. Esau was in line to receive the promised birthright—one that would make him prophet, priest and king over his family. Yet, despising it, he sold it for a pot of red stew! Quietly think about what it is that “besets” you and causes you to forfeit or tread upon the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior?
a. Is it immediate gratification—your own bowl of “red stew”?
b. Is it continual lust—the need for more and more?
c. Is it lack of contentment?
d. Is it “I deserve this”?
e. Is it “gotta haves”?
f. Is It “wanna dos”?
i. Is it worth the cost of losing your reward in Christ Jesus a—joint heir with him to all that is the Father’s?
