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Lectionary Bible StudyYear B, Lesson 40 Today's Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:1-9, Psalm 15, Ephesians 6:10-20, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Opening Prayer: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. "The Book of Common Prayer," Proper 28, page 236. Review of Last Week's Lesson: Last week's lesson stressed that there is only one God. In Joshua 24, Joshua met with the Hebrew people to establish a covenant between them and God. Psalm 34 offered comfort, reassurance and forgiveness to those who believed in God. In Ephesians 5, the author used the relationship of a loving husband and wife to describe the respect, love, nurturing and sacrifice that exemplified Christ's relationship with those who believed in him. In John 6, Peter spoke on behalf of the disciples declaring that they understood and believed that Jesus is the bread of life. Which verse or lesson from last week stands out in your mind as one you want to apply to your life? Today's theme: Follow the laws of God and not the useless traditions of man. Background Notes: Deuteronomy 4:1-9: Moses was talking to the Hebrew people who had been wandering in the Wilderness of Sinai for forty years. God did not allow Moses to cross into the Promised Land with the Hebrew people. Therefore, Moses had to give all his advice while he was still with his people in the Wilderness. Today's verses recall a past sinful act of the Hebrews and God's subsequent punishment. Moses exhorted the people to obey the written law very strictly and to pass these laws from one generation to the next. Questions: 1. What did Moses tell the people to do? (Deut. 4:1a) 2. What would be the outcome of their obedience? (Deut. 4:1b) 3. What restriction did Moses include in verse 2? 4. Read and summarize the story of Baal of Peor (Deut. 4:3-4) which is found in Numbers 25:1-9. 5. What effect would obedience of the Hebrews to the decrees and laws of God have on the people in the land of Canaan? (Deut. 4:5-6) 6. What two advantages did the Hebrew nation have over other nations? (Deut. 4:7-8) 7. What were the final commands in verse 9? 8. How do you apply this advice of Moses to your life? Background Notes: Psalm 15: In the first verse the psalmist asked about eligibility for worship in the temple. In ancient times it was not unusual for a pilgrim to ask the priest who stood at the gate of the temple for advice on the requirements for admission. The priest at the gate would give advice on the type of behavior expected of the worshiper. The pilgrim would have to decide for himself whether he was eligible to enter. In verse 5, there is the admonition not to charge interest on money lent to fellow Israelites. Keep in mind that the going rate among the local pagans was 33 1/3 % to 50%. Questions: 1. What kind of behavior did the psalmist recommend to those who wished to worship God in the holy temple? (Ps. 15:2-5) 2. Which of these behaviors do you expect of yourself and fellow Christians? 3. Which are the most difficult for you to obey? Background Notes: Ephesians 6:10-20: These verses sound like a call to battle. The author warns us to be strong in the Lord and to put on the armor of God so that we are always prepared for the "wiles of the devil." After advising us on how to prepare and protect ourselves, the author advises us to pray in the Spirit at all times. Questions: 1. What did the author advise us to do in order to stand against "the wiles of the devil"? (Eph. 6:10- 11, 13) 2. How did the author describe the enemy? (Eph. 6:12) 3. List the five ways recommended for preparing and protecting yourself. (Eph. 6:14-17) 4. What continuous protective action should you employ? (Eph. 6:18) Background Notes: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23: At the beginning of these scriptures, the Pharisees and scribes were trying to gather evidence against Jesus in order to prove that he was disobeying Jewish laws. The difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law was something the Pharisees and scribes did not understand. Jesus answered their accusations by stating that evil did come from outside a person, but from within. Questions: 1. What action on the part of the disciples upset the Pharisees and the scribes? (Mk. 7:1-2) 2. What were some additional Jewish traditions involving cleanliness? (Mk. 7:3-4) 3. How did Jesus answer the complaint of the Pharisees and scribes? (Mk. 7:5-8) 4. Can you think of a situation that is parallel to our modern religious traditions? 5. What traditions do you need to drop or modify in order to act more Christlike? 6. Do you agree or disagree with verses 14-15? Why? 7. What are some of the evil things which come from within a person? (Mk. 7:21-23) Application: When Jesus explained that evil comes from within us, he made us personally accountable for the disobedient, dishonest and immoral choices that we make. Jesus told us that no one is responsible for our behavior except our very own selves. What a shock! Jesus will not let us blame our parents, our position in the sibling lineup, our teachers, our friends, our boss, or the friend who "talked me into it." We are responsible for our actions. If we feel that someone might have a bad influence on us what should we do? Change friends? This is more easily said than done. None the less, it may come to that. What changes do you need to make so that you will be able and willing to make choices that are in line with the laws of God? As you pray this week, ask the Lord to give you the courage, strength and wisdom to make the changes that you need to make. Closing Prayer: Lord, we praise you for your majesty. We thank you for the laws you have given us to guide our lives. We ask you to give us the desire to study your word so that we are aware of these laws. Give us the strength of character and the will to be obedient to your laws. Help us to accept full responsibility for our actions. Please give us the wisdom and ability to make the changes that we need to make in order to more perfectly follow in your ways. Amen. © Elizabeth C. Chapman May, 2006
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Lectionary Bible Study |
