Bible Study 1711

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 15 – Luke 15.1-10

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 14 – Matthew 6.19-34

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 13 – Matthew 6.1-18

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 12 – Matthew 5.38-48

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 11 – Matthew 5:21-37

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 10 – Matthew 5:13-20

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 9 – Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 8 – Mark 9:30-50

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 7 – Mark 9:1-29

Mark 1.21-45Driving Out an Unclean Spirit“Right away” - Mark is a fast-paced, to-the-point Gospel. He often uses phrases like right away or immediately. “Began to teach” - The core of Jesus’ earthly ministry was to teach, not to perform miracles or cast out demons. These actions were used to show the authority of His teaching. Often times crowds would want to signs and miracles but miss what Jesus was teaching. It makes me think of the same things happening today - people want miracles more than the message of Jesus!“Astounded” - We saw the same reaction from the teachers and scribes when Jesus talked with them when He was a 12-year-old boy. Even in His youth, Jesus had a command of the Scripture. This would be a common reaction as Jesus taught throughout His life. “Authority” - When we share God’s Word, we share His message, not ours. The Bible isn’t an opinion, a view point, or just another religious outlook. It’s God’s Word given to mankind. It’s His revelation of who He is, who we are, and how we should live. The unclean spirits recognized who Jesus was, the Holy One of God.They recognized His authority by asking, “Have You come to destroy us?” Theywere aware of Jesus being the Lord and the Judge. Healings at Capernaum“Took her by the hand” - In the previous section, we see Jesus cast out anunclean spirit using only His voice. Here, we see Jesus heal Peter’smother-in-law from a serious fever! He took her by the hand and herfever left her. “She began to serve them” - This showed the power and completeness ofJesus’ healing power. Once she was healed, she was able to resume her normallife activities.Preaching in Galilee“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up” - Jesus got away from the crowd and prayed, spending personal time with God the Father.A Man CleansedLeprosy was mostly noticed as a skin disease, and people with leprosy were outcasts. Touching them was forbidden. “If You are willing” - The man with leprosy acknowledged Jesus’ power to choose healing, and asked Him for it. He didn’t order or command Jesus to heal him, he asked for healing as Jesus willed. God’s not a genie granting wishes or vending machine that gives uswhat we want. We pray to God, then submit our requests to His will. He sees more than we do and we can trust in His leading. Meme from Facebook: Fear is “What if.” Faith is “Even if.” No matter what we face, God is bigger. His love is bigger. His work is bigger. Our future with Him is bigger! (See Romans 8:17 and 2 Corinthians 4:17)“Jesus reached out His hand and touched him” - Jesus touched the man to heal him, something that was not in the custom. Instead of the leprosy making Jesus unclean, His touch made the man clean. (Bigger picture = The Son of God comes into the sinful world. Man’s sin doesn’t infect Jesus; Jesus’ holiness cleanses the sin!)“Immediately the leprosy left him” – Accounts of healing in the New Testament (whether from Jesus or the disciples) have immediate results and impacts. Some in the modern deliverance ministry will say things like, “You’re healed in the spiritual realm, it just hasn’t made it to the physical realm yet.” This isn’t how we see healing work in the Bible! Be aware of false teachers and as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Test all things. Hold on to what is good.” How do we test all things? By holding teachings and practices up to the Bible. Does it fit the context of Scripture? Does it fit the nature of God? We have to be careful and not accept every teaching that crosses our path. “Say nothing to anyone” – People would flock to the source of a healing. At this time, people would go to pools or hot springs that they thought would bring healing. By knowing that Jesus can heal, He would be mobbed by people.“Go and show yourself to the priest” - This is a command from the OT (Lev. 14:2). The healed person would be declared ceremonially clean and would be restored socially. 

Mark 1:1-20·V 1:1 - Gospel means “good news.” In the context of the Isaiah quote, the “good news” refers to a restoration. It’s God’s salvation made available for sinners, to bring the lost back home. ·V 1:1 “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” – Mark begins his Gospel by revealing who Jesus is, the Christ (or Messiah) and the Son of God. Mark frequently refers to Jesus as the Son of God. ·V.1:2 “As it is written” – This refers to Jesus being prophesied in the Old Testament. Mark quotes two Old Testament prophets who wrote of the Messiah. · The Jewish people hadn’t heard from God in 400years. John was the first prophet since the OT concluded. ·V.1:3 “Prepare the way of the Lord” – Lord in this verse means God (Yahweh). Mark is stating that Jesus is God.·Wilderness – A place of hardship, but also the safest place to draw crowds. John was separated from distractions so that hecould focus more on God, he had people’s undivided attention, he was separated from the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, he fulfilled the OT prophecy of “one crying out in the wilderness.”·Wilderness – Also associated with Israel’s disobedience (Joshua 5:6). The Israelites wandered the wilderness forty years due to their disobedience to the LORD. John theBaptist called for a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness. Repentance means “to change one’s mind,” which also leads to a change in behavior. ·V.1:4 “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” – During this time, a Gentile would be baptized if heconverted to Judaism but for a Jewish person to be baptized as a sign of repentance and forgiveness was a radical teaching! The custom of repentance and forgiveness required a sacrifice. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he called Him the Lamb of God (John 1:29). This is setting up the new structure for repentance and forgiveness. ·V.1:5 “The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him” – People from the country and the city were drawn to hear from John the Baptist. This points the message being for all walks of life. ·V.1:6 – John the Baptist was clothed in camel’s hair – This is similar to an Old Testament prophet. His clothes and diet shows that he lived in the desert, a lifestyle of simplicity and free from hypocrisy. ·  Assisting someone with their sandals was a job for a low-level servant. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest prophet (Matthew 11:11), but John doesn’t count himself even worthy for the role of lowly servant.· “Baptize you with the Holy Spirit” – This is linked to an Old Testament prophecy, that God will pour out His Spirit. This isa work that only God can do, showing that Jesus is a member of the Godhead (the Trinity). The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11)·V.1:9 “Nazareth” – This was a small town in Galilee, located on a trade route. Many Jews despised and avoided this area, thinking it was a sinful place. · Jesus was baptized, not because He had sin but because He identifies with the sin of His people. · In this scene, we see all three Members of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Spirit.The Temptation of Jesus (Mark 1:12-13)· Forty days – Israel faced testing in thewilderness for forty years, and they fell short. Jesus didn’t fall for the temptations thrown His way.· Matthew (4:1-11) and Luke (4:1-13) give longer accounts of this event.Ministry in Galilee (Mark 1:14-15)·V.1:14 “John was arrested” – John the Baptist was arrested (and executed) for opposed the political leaders of the day.The First Disciples (Mark 1:16-20)·V.1:17 “Follow Me” – This call from Jesus is the foundation of discipleship, to follow Jesus’ teachings and lifestyle. · V.1:17 “Fishers of people” – Calling peopleback from idols to God, the share the Good News with others. · James and John – Left their father’s boat, thusleaving the family business. This was a big deal in the culture.

Luke 2:21-52The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus·  V.21-24 – Jewish families had certainceremonies following the birth of a child: 1) Circumcision – Every boy was circumcised and named on the his eighth day, this symbolized their separation from the Gentiles and their unique relationship with God; 2) Presented to the Lord – A firstborn son was presented to the Lord, this showed that the child belongs to God, the only One able to bring life.· V.2:21 “He was named Jesus” – Just like Johnthe Baptists, Jesus’ name was given by the angel, Gabriel. Jesus means “The Lord Saves.”· V.2:24 “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” – The normal sacrifice would be a lamb, but if the family couldn’tafford a lamb they could offer these birds. This again shows the lowly beginnings of Jesus’ life on earth. o  *The wise men likely visited Joseph and Mary a year or two after Jesus was born. Mary and Joseph used the gift from the wise men to escape to Egypt until Herod died, then they moved to Nazareth, a remote town far from the authority. (See Matthew’s account.)Simeon’s Prophetic Praise· V.2:25 “looking forward to Israel’sconsolation” – Israel had a hope in God’s plan for His people, specifically that a Messiah would save them. *Limited view to earthly status vs. Jesus’ true mission. · V.2:25 “the Holy Spirit was upon him” – In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit worked through individuals at select times for select purposes. As the New Testament unfolds we see a new role of the Holy Spirit – indwelling all believers! In this scene we see the Holy Spirit confirming a promise made to Simeon.· V.2:32 “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to Your people Israel” – Luke’s theme throughout his writing is that salvation through Jesus is available for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles. · V.2:33 “His father and mother were amazed” – The Jews knew about the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Simeon prophesied that Jesus is the Messiah and that He would be a light to the whole world (to Jews and Gentiles). · V.2:34-35 – Simeon prophesied that Jesus would have two effects on Israel, some would fall (reject Him) and some would rise (accept Him). Simeon also said that Mary would be grieved at the rejection of her Son. Anna’s Testimony· V.2:36 “well along in years” – Though Simeonand Anna were older in age, they never gave up hope for the arrival of the Messiah. Anna could’ve been anywhere from 84 to well over 100 years old. The Family’s Return to Nazareth·  Several years had passes between verse 38 and39. Matthew gives the account of the family fleeing to Egypt for a time before returning to Nazareth.· V.2:40 “became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him” – This is a similar description of John the Baptist growing up. In His Father’s House· V.2:43 “the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it” - When large families travelled,sometimes the older kids were with extended family, which may be why Mary and Joseph didn’t realize Jesus wasn’t with them.· V.2:47 “Astounded by His understanding and His answers” – The rabbis (teachers/scholars) would meet in the temple, teaching and having conversations. Jesus was 12 years old (not yet 13, which would be the age of an adult in the Jewish culture) and amazed the rabbis with His understanding of Scripture. · V.2:48 - When Joseph and Mary questionedwhere Jesus was, He asked, “Why were you looking for Me?” This probably means, “Didn’t you  know I would be in thetemple?” In Favor with God and with People· V.2:52 “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people” – In this passage, wisdom is intellect and practical holiness, stature is physicallygrowing to adult size, favor with God is a spiritual closeness to the Father, and favor with people is having social respect. At age 12 Jesus amazed the rabbis; imagine how much He grew by the time He started his earthly ministry (around age 30).

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 3 – Luke 2:1-20The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)·       Caesar Augustus and the birth of Jesus – A contrast from Luke 2 (Note – Augustus meansexalted)o  Augustus ruled from a palace / Jesus was placed in an animal feeding trough shortly after being born.o  Earthly choirs sang praise to Augustus on his birthday / Heavenly choirs praised Jesus at his birth.o  Augustus was hailed as the bringer of the Pax Romana (Roman peace) / Heaven’s choir hailed Jesus as the bringer of true peace.o  Augustus was hailed as savior and lord / The Angel of the Lord announces Jesus as Savior and Lord.o  Augustus enjoyed the praise of the powerful / Angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, who were considered lowly and often were despised.·  Verse 1 “In those days” – We’re not given the exact date of Jesus’ birth.·  Verse 4 “Bethlehem” – In Micah 5:2, this city was prophesized to be the birth place ofthe Messiah. ·   Verses 4-5 – We see Joseph and Mary living obedient lives to God, yet their lives weren’t without difficulties. God didn’t soften the bumpy road to Bethlehem, but He provided strength for the couple. He didn’t provide a luxurious inn for Mary and Joseph, but provided a humble surrounding for the birth of Jesus. Following God’s will doesn’t guarantee a comfortablelife, but we can trust Him to guide us and to provide all that we need.· Verse 7 “in a manger” – In this time, stables were usually caves with a stone feeding trough (manger) carved into the rock walls. They were dingy, dark, and dirty. This isn’t the place the Jewish nation would imagine the Messiah being born, they would expect an extravagant palace. We shouldn’t limit our expectations of God – He is at work wherever is needed in our sin-darkened and dirty world.· In this scene we see Jesus as a baby, helpless and meek. But let’s keep Him there. Thislittle Baby lived an amazing life, died for us, rose from the grave, ascended into Heaven, and will one day return as the King of kings.  The Shepherds and the Angels (Luke 2:8-20)· Verse 8 “shepherds were staying out in the fields” – This shows the season could’ve been in the warmer months. The original Christmas may not have been in December!· Verse 9 “an angel of the Lord stood before them” – Why did shepherds receive the message of the Christ’s birth? They may have been more receptive to the message than the religious leaders. Shepherds were seen as dirty and low-class. This shows that message is for us all.· Verses 9-10 – The greatest event in history had just happened – the birth of the Messiah!The Jews had waited ages for this event, and when it happened it was announced to humble shepherds. The gospel (good news) is that Jesus comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He looks for a humble heart, not for extraordinary qualifications!· Verse 11 “the Messiah” – The Jews were anticipating a leader to save them from the Romangovernment or to deliver them from their physical ailments. Jesus, even though He did bring healings and established a spiritual kingdom, did a much greater work – He delivers from sin. He provides something beyond their expectations. People can often set their own agenda on Jesus and thus expect way too little. His work is much greater than anyone expected – He paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers much more than temporary political or physical changes, He offers us a new heart which will be ours for eternity.· Verse 11 – Some translations use “Christ” instead of “Messiah” in this verse. Christ is the Greek word for Messiah.

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 2 – Luke 1:39-80Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)·       Verse 1:42 Elizabeth said to Mary - “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed!”o Through the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth knew the importance of Mary and her Baby. o She says that Mary is the mother of her Lord, noting the importance of Mary’s Baby.o Elizabeth had a miracle pregnancy herself but didn’t compare or have jealousy over Mary’s Baby. Rather, she rejoiced! ·       Verse 1:44 “the baby leaped with joyinside me”o Even in the womb, John the Baptist was able to experience the emotion of joy! Mary’s Praise (Luke 1:46-56) ·       Mary’s song is similar to an Old Testament psalm. o Shows a balance of God’s greatness/holiness and His grace/favor·       Verse 1:48 Mary says - “all generationswill call me blessed”o This wasn’t pride from Mary, she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her. ·       Verse 1:50 The phrase -  “those who fear Him”o This a reverence for God.o Fear of God is having faith in God.·       Verses 1:50-53 From Mary’s song wesee a contrast in people’s view toward the Lord o God is against the proud/mighty/rich, who imagine themselves as being self-sufficient and not needing God. o He is close to the lowly/hungry, they acknowledge their need for Him.·       Verse 1:56 “Mary stayed with her for about three months”o Mary would be a big help to Elizabeth during the later stages of pregnancy.o She was likely there until John the Baptist was born, then she returned home. The Birth and Naming of John (Luke 1:57-66)·       Verse 1:58 Elizabeth’s “neighbors andrelatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy”o Elizabeth likely was secluded o Her community rejoiced at the great blessing·       Verses 1:59-63 – The baby is namedJohno Usually a boy would be given a family nameo Zechariah confirmed the name John by writing it down·       Verse 1:64 – Zechariah gets his voiceback!o He delivers a great prophecy when he’s able to speak again… Zechariah’s Prophecy (Luke 1:67-80)·       Like Mary’s song, Zechariah pulls from Old Testament imager and focuses on God’s redeeming work.·       He prophesized that his son, John the Baptist, would be a prophet like in the Old Testament.o Irony – John was born into a priestly family, but he would live and minister in thewilderness.o He would preach forgiveness through repentance.o He goes before the Messiah (Jesus), who the priests themselves would reject.·       Verse 1:69 “a horn of salvation”o The horn symbolizes an animal’s strength – think of a bull or oxo  Jesus is the strength of our salvation!·       Verse 1:76 – John the Baptist will be “a prophet of the Most High”o John is called a prophet of the Most Higho Jesus is referred to as the Son of the MostHigho God’s final step in salvation begins at this time – concluding with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.·       Verse 1:79 Zechariah talks about a light “to guide our feet into the way of peace” o The way of peace we have with God is through Jesus!·       Verses 1:77-79 - Zechariah gave a beautiful summary of the life and ministry of Jesus: o You are forgiveno You no longer sit in darknesso You have been given the path of peace!·       Verse 1:80 “The child grew up andbecame strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness”o OT prophets used the wilderness to grow spiritually and to focus on the message they had from God.o John the Baptist in the wilderness-§  Separated from the political andeconomic system§  Separated from the hypocriticalreligious leaders of his day§  His message was different and hislife displayed it.

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 1 – Luke 1:1-38The Dedication to Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4)·       Christianity doesn’t say, “Close your eyes and believe,” but rather, “Check it out for yourself.” *C.S. Lewis / Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ)·       Luke visited many sites where Jesus was and interviewed many eyewitnesses, including the apostles, Mary, and Jesus’ brothers James and Jude.·       He wanted to provide a thorough written account of Jesus. “So that you may know with certainty”Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth (Luke 1:5-25)·       For over 400 years, the Lord hadn’t spoken directly to Israel. Now the silence was broken!·       Luke emphasizes the important role woman had in the life of Jesus, rare for this time.·       Zechariah and Elizabeth were older and didn’t have kids – seen as a sin issue or a disgrace. Luke points out they were “righteous in God’s sight.”·       In the OT, angels were often sent to share God’s message. People typically responded by being afraid.·       Zechariah’s prayer was going to be answered in two ways – he was going to have a son and the Messiah was coming.·       The name John means “the Lord is gracious.”·       Zechariah answered the angel with doubt, he was mildly rebuked by not being able to speak.Gabriel Predicts Jesus’ Birth (Luke 1:26-38)·       Luke gives this story from Mary’s perspective, Matthew gives it from Joseph’s.·       The virgin Mary – Refers to a prophecy from Isaiah (7:14). Mary and Joseph were betrothed (engaged), but kept themselves pure.·       “Favored woman” – Unusual high greeting due to Mary’s status. She was likely 13-16 years old (average age of a bride during this time). She was from a small town, didn’t have wealth or a high social status. ·       God’s favor doesn’t automatically mean success or fame. Mary was chosen among all women of all time to bear the Messiah, but she had difficulties – 1) being ridiculed by her peers, 2) almost cut off by her fiancé, 3) seeing her Son rejected and killed.·       The name Jesus means “Yahweh is salvation.” *Yeshua / Joshua·       “The Son of the Most High / throne of His father David” – Son of the Most High means that He is the Son of God. Jesus was in the lineage of King David through Joseph’s line – David had a prophecy that his kingdom would last forever. King Jesus fulfills this!·       Like Zechariah, Mary questioned how this miracle could happen. But unlike Zechariah’s lack of faith, Mary trusted the Lord. She had humble commitment and willing obedience.·       Why is the virgin birth important? Jesus didn’t have an earthly father, so He wasn’t born out of the sinful nature of Adam. He was born holy. Adam was created holy, but fell into sin. Jesus was born holy, and remained sinless. By being born of a woman, He was a human being. He was fully human and fully divine. He understands the human experience and He has the power and authority to deliver people from their sins. *Trinity·       The angel told Mary, “For nothing is impossible with God.” This is a promise that Mary could fall back on throughout her life.

Psalm 139: The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God·       This psalm celebrates the various attributes ofGod. The key word in the Psalm is “know.” God knows us and we know Him (see verse 14).·       David addresses God as LORD. “LORD”  in all capitals stands for God’s personal name, Yahweh (or Jehovah). This comes from Exodus 3, when Moses encounters the burning bush. God speaks to Moses and gives him His personal name – Yahweh. This was a symbol of knowing someone in a personal way. God isn’t some distant deity, He has made Himself known to His creation!  ·       One commentary puts it this way – Big picture: God knows everything. Personal picture: He knows me. Big picture: God is everywhere. Personal picture: He is everywhere with me. Big picture: God created everything. Personal picture: He created me.·       139:1-4 – The verbs “know,… understand… observe… and are aware” can be read as a timeless truth. It speaks of God’s eternal nature; He’s outside of time. ·       139:1 – God knows our hearts, our minds, and everything about us. ·       139:5 – God hemmed David in, and he was grateful for God’s close contact. Wherever he turned, he found God. He was comforted and awestruck by God’s care and protection.·       139:5 “You have encircled me” – This phrase literally means “back and front, You enclosed me.” God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere. He surrounds us.·       139:5 “Lay Your hand on me” – Refers to a gentle gesture, giving reassurance.·       139:6 “I am unable to reach it.” – God’s attributes of omnipresence and omniscience are beyond human comprehension. *Scene from Bruce Almighty when he hears everyone praying at once.·       139:7-12 – This section makes it clear that there’s nowhere in the universe that God will not be present. There is nowhere too dark. God will lead and hold the believer. ·       139:7 “Where can I go? Where can I flee?” – God’s presence is everywhere. This is a comfort to some and sobering to others.·       139:8 – Sheol means “place of the dead.” It doesn’t imply reward or punishment. David was saying that God’s sovereignty extends even to the grave and beyond. ·       139:8-9 – David uses opposites (heaven/Sheol and east/west [wings of the morning = east; the sea refers to the far of the Mediterranean = west of Israel] that show that everything in creation is included in God’s reach. ·       139:10 “Even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me” – God’s authority stretches beyond the cosmos and His rule doesn’t have a limit. All of humanity is under His rule.·       139:11 “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me…” – Evildoers can’t hide their actions from an all-present God.·       139:12 – Light and dark are artificial distinctions for the Lord. He transcends creation. ·       139:13 – Inward parts is literally translated as kidneys. The Hebrews thought of the kidneys as the center of a person’s emotions and conscience, similar to how we see the heart.·       139:14 “wondrously made” – God’s creation testifies to His power and majesty. ·       139:15 “Depths of the earth” – This phrase is usually associated with death, but here it refers to a mother’s womb.·       139:17-18 – God’s thoughts of us are vast, even more than we can count! ·       139:17 “God, how precious Your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is!” – God’s thoughts toward us are precious and more than we can think. ·       139:18 “when I wake up, I am still with You” – God’s presence and relationship with us are never-ending. ·       139:19-22 – Why did David’s tone change from praise to vengeance? In essence, he was saying, “I hate evil just as You do Lord.” ·       139:23-24 – A prayer for God to search us and us being open to Him, for Him to lead us in the everlasting way (i.e. the way that He loves).

Psalm 23 Study Notes:Psalm 23 portrays God in two ways: a Shepherd and a Host·       Sheep are social animals and rely on their flock for protection and guidance. Without a shepherd or human caretaker, they canbecome stressed and disoriented. They are also vulnerable to predators and disease without the leading of shepherd. ·       “The LORD is my shepherd” – In this culture, kings were commonly seen as the shepherd (leader) of their people. Since the Lord is the true King, the title shepherd is appropriate. ·       The Lord is the Shepherd of His people as a whole, as well as to each individual. ·       “I shall not want” – Want means to lack. Verse 23:2 “Green pastures… still waters” – These arepeaceful places for feeding and rest. o  Following the Lord leads to these places. Notfollowing the Lord leads to peril.Verse 23:3 “He restores my soul” – At the start of thepsalm, David paints a picture of sheep receiving food and water. Like with physical needs, the Lord provides for our spiritual and emotional needs. He restores (strengthens) our souls. Soulhere means life. ·       “Paths of righteousness” – Keeping with the shepherd/sheep theme, this can refer to safe paths that are free from danger. ·       “For His name’s sake” – God is glorified in being true to His revealed character. *Our lives ultimately not about us, butto glorify God! Verse 23:4 “The valley of the shadow of death” – Impliesintense darkness and extreme danger. In the darkness, one cannot see who (bandits) or what (animals, flash floods) might be lurking. But even in the danger, God is with His people and they can be comforted. ·       “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” – A shepherd’s rod was used to protect the sheep against predators. The staff was used to guide the sheep into safe places. The sheep can be comforted by the shepherd’s protection and guidance!Verse 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presenceof my enemies” – Two possible ideas: 1) God’s protection and power kept David safe while he ate, though he was surrounded by his enemies; 2) a celebration feast in which David celebrated his victory while his enemies were prisoners without weapons and were no longer a threat.·       “You anoint my head with oil” – In the Jewish culture, oil was a symbol of rejoicing and was also used in the welcoming ofguests. Verse 23:6 “Goodness and mercy” – Can also be read as steadfast love. Steadfast = firm determination; not shakable. ·       “Dwell in the house of the LORD” – Dwell here is similar to the word return. The idea could be to return to the sanctuary of the Lord throughout one’s life. John 10:11: (Jesus speaking) “I am the good shepherd. Thegood shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”·       Seeing Christians not as frightened, passive animals, but as obedient followers following the One who will lead us the rightway and to the right places.  The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)In these parables, Jesus is teaching about the “lost and found” – sinners coming back to God. In this parable, a shepherd leaves his flock of 99 sheep to find the one that is lost.·       Verse 15:4 “Leave the ninety-nine”o  The 99 were in a safe place, but the lost sheep was in danger.·       Verse 15:5 “He joyfully puts it on his shoulders”o  The sheep is too weak to return on its own.·       Verse 15:6 “Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep”o  There is great rejoicing in heaven when someone comes back to God!

Psalm 1The Two Ways (Psalm 1:1-6)·       Verse 1 “happy” – Having a sense of joy and satisfaction in our circumstances. It usually comes from having a trust in and being obedient to the Lord. It speaks of a joy that a person has knowing that they’re in good standing with God. · Verse 1 – Some translations use “blessed is the one.” It means to be happy or full of joy. It’s much more than a feeling, it’s a joy that comes from a right relationship with God. o  Jesus uses the Greek equivalent to this word in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11).o  The same Greek equivalent work is used in James1:2 – “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials.”· Verse 1 “advice of the wicked” – The advice in this section refers to spiritual matters like ethics and morality, and views on being faithful to God. ·  Verse 1 “in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers” – This is referring to those refusing to follow God’s lead, those who reject His covenant. · Verse 2 “the LORD’s instruction” – This word can also be translated as law, but it’s better understood as teaching or instruction. It speaks of the revelation of God’s will for His people rather than a list of rules or judicial decisions. · Verse 2 “he meditates on it day and night” – The word meditating here has a literal translation of mumbling to oneself, which indicates concentrating on something in order to understand it.· Verse 2 “he meditates on it day and night” –Here the word meditation describes pondering on God’s Word. When we wrap our hearts and minds around God’s revelations about Himself through His Word, we become more spiritually stable and develop more depth of character. This same phrase is used in Joshua 1:8. The call is to integrate the Lord’s instructions into who Joshua is and what he does, for Joshua to have the Lord’s instructions on his mind so much that they influence his actions. · Verse 2 “day and night” – Believers should face every situation, big or small, with a view that is pleasing to the Lord by knowing and following His Word. o  “If you want to follow God more closely, you must take time to know what He says.”· Verse 3 “like a tree planted beside flowing streams” – Even in a dry climate, a tree will thrive if it has a constant supply of water. A tree bears fruit for others, not itself. When the faithful prospers, he succeeds in bringing benefit to others. (Theology vs. Meology)· Verse 3 “Whatever he does prospers” – This psalms lays out a principle, not a guarantee of success. The ancient Hebrews didn’t limit their definition of success to financial gain, they also valued a positive reputation and community respect. For the righteous, success wasn’t measured in the accumulation of things, but in the experience of God’s blessings on their words and deeds.·  Verse 4 “the wicked” – The translation of this word is a general term for an unbeliever, someone who is outside of the covenant. It’s someone who is living outside of obedience to God. · Verse 4 “like the chaff that the wind blows away” – Chaff is the leftover parts of wheat once it’s been harvested (the stems, leaves, husks, etc.) Chaff is blown away by the wind, cleansing the field.· Verse 5 “the wicked will not stand” – To stand is idea of being able to remain (or survive) during the time of judgment. Some limit this to only the final judgment, but it can read as being God’s judgment in this life or in the future. · Verse 5 “the righteous” – This word translated refers to someone within the covenant and who seeks to be faithful to God. They’re not sinless, but their goal is to keep a right relationship with God. · Verse 6 – This shows the outcome of the two ways of life: 1) God’s protection for the righteous; 2) disaster (or ruin) for the wicked.

Bible Study 1711 IntroductionBible Study 1711 is modeled after the Bereans in Acts 17:11. They received Paul’s message with readiness and searched the Scriptures daily. The goal for this Bible study is to not only read the Bible, but to dive deeper into the context of the Scriptures with the hope to better understand and practice God’s Word!